California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year  2017-18 

REGULATE: NPDES STORMWATER

MEASUREMENTS  - Data Last Updated on: 

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

The Construction Storm Water Program is unique in that the industrial activity (e.g., construction or land disturbance) is temporary in nature. The Construction Storm Water Program is highly dynamic, receiving many new applications under the construction general order (2009-0009-DWQ, as amended by 2010-0014-DWQ and 2012-0006-DWQ) every year. As construction activities begin, construction projects must enroll under the general order, and when construction activities are completed, enrollees must submit a notice of termination. Due to the high turnover of construction projects, the processing of all new applications and permit rescissions represent a significant portion of the program's workload.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: SMARTS  Period July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 .
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities and terminated under the program during FY 17-18 .
• Data Definitions: Facilities enrolled under a general construction storm water permit.
• References: Information on the Water Boards’ NPDES Storm Water program
  Public Reports and Data
  Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Information

GLOSSARY

Construction Storm Water 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).

General Permit

An NPDES permit issued under 40 CFR 122.28 that authorizes a category of discharges under the Clean Water Act (CWA) 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.