The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2012-13
REGULATE: WASTE DISCHARGES TO LAND - ALL OTHER INSPECTIONS WDR |
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GROUP: |
ALL OTHER WASTE WASTE DISCHARGE TO LAND-WDR FACILITIES |
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MEASURE: |
NUMBER OF INSPECTIONS
NUMBER OF FACILITIES INSPECTED |
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MESSAGE: |
Significant variation in inspection frequency across the regions. |
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MEASUREMENTS
WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING
The percentage and number of facilities inspected varies among the Regional Board offices. The data show a low percentage of facilities being inspected across all regions. Region 5 conducted almost 50% of all the inspections in this category of dischargers. Although the percentage of facilities inspected varies among the different Regional Boards, approximately 6% of the facilities were inspected. Some facilities are inspected more than once a year, that is why the total number of inspections is greater than the total number of facilities inspected.
WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT
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. Inspections are a primary tool used in the WDR program to assess compliance with requirements. Inspection frequencies for WDR facilities are based on threats to water quality. In addition, the Regional Boards assess compliance by reviewing self-monitoring reports submitted by the discharger and responding to complaints. Validation of conditions described by self-monitoring data must be done through periodic inspection, and inspection is the only means to evaluate system maintenance and to observe unreported activities. Inspections are performed by priority, with high-risk sites and registered complaints receiving more attention.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
GLOSSARY
- All other facilities
- All facilities that treat and/or dispose of wastes that do not fall into one of the Municipal, Industrial and Agricultural Waste categories. It does not include Dairies or other Confined Animal facilities.
- Waste Discharge Requirements Program
- The Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) Program regulates all point source discharges of waste to land that do not require full containment (which falls under the Land Discharge Program), or are not subject to the NPDES Program.
- 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.