The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2013-14
REGULATE: CONFINED ANIMAL FACILITIES |
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MEASUREMENTS
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WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING
The percentage and number of facilities inspected varies among the Regional Board offices. The data show a high percentage of facilities being inspected across all regions. Region 5 conducted almost 77% of all the inspections in this category of dischargers and R8, with 7% of facilities, conducted 17% of inspections. Although the percentage of facilities inspected varies among the different Regional Boards, approximately 32% 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
- Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014.
- Unit of Measure: Number of regulated dairies and other confined animal facilities under the NPDES and WDR programs (including waivers of WDRs).
- References: SWRCB CAFO program site
R5 CAFO program
R8 Dairy program
R1 Dairy and CAFO program
Additional information on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Final CAFO Rule
GLOSSARY
- CAF
- (Confined Animal Facility) is defined in California regulations as "any place where cattle, calves, sheep, swine, horses, mules, goats, fowl, or other domestic animals are corralled, penned, tethered, or otherwise enclosed or held and where feeding is by means other than grazing."
- Dairy
- An establishment for processing or selling milk and milk products.
- 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.