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The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - 2013

REGULATE:NPDES STORMWATER

GROUP: NPDES STORMWATER
MEASURE: INSPECTION TRENDS
MESSAGE:  Uptrend in the number of inspections conducted in the NPDES Stormwater program.

 

MEASUREMENTS last updated: 

NPDES Stormwater Construction

Region 2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013
Grand
Total

NPDES Stormwater Industrial

Region 2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013
Grand
Total

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data show an uptrend in the number of inspections conducted since Fiscal year 2000-2001. This uptrend is not equal in every region.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

Inspections are a primary tool used in determining and documenting compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and waste discharge requirements. The US EPA 2007 Compliance Monitoring Strategy (http://www.epa.gov/oecaerth/resources/policies/monitoring/cwa/npdescms.pdf) provides inspection frequency goals for NPDES regulated facilities. It is the policy of the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to ensure compliance with Water Quality Control Plans, NPDES permits, and Waste Discharge Requirements through Regional Board implementation of a comprehensive self- monitoring and compliance inspection program. Comparing the number of inspections by fiscal year may help improving the performance of the Water Boards, if the trends are moving in the wrong direction, it would assist management in early detection and correction of problems.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

GLOSSARY

Construction Stormwater Program
Dischargers whose projects disturb 1 or more acres of soil or are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs 1 or more acres, are required to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activity (Construction General Permit, 2009-0009-DWQ).

Industrial Stormwater Program
Discharges associated with 10 broad categories of industrial activities are regulated under the Industrial Storm Water General Permit Order 97-03-DWQ (General Industrial Permit), which is an NPDES permit.

General Permit
An NPDES permit issued under 40 CFR 122.28 that authorizes a category of discharges within a geographical area. A general permit is not specifically tailored for an individual discharger.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The NPDES permit program (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act ) controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.  US EPA has approved the Water Board’s program to issue NPDES permits.


Inspection (Compliance and Non Compliance)
The Regional Board or State Board may inspect the facilities of any discharger at any time pursuant to Water Code, Section 13267. Compliance activities include all activities necessary to determine if discharges are in compliance with waste discharge requirements, NPDES permits, and related enforcement orders. Compliance inspections are classified as either Level A or Level B, with Level A being more thorough.

( Page last updated:  9/16/13 )

 
 

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