Third-Party Programs

Growers may choose to comply with portions of Ag Order 4.0 by participating in third-party groups or programs (e.g., certification program, watershed group, water quality coalition, monitoring coalition, or other cooperative effort). In this case, the third-party can assist individual growers in achieving compliance with Ag Order 4.0, including implementing water quality improvement projects, and required monitoring and reporting as described in the Monitoring and Reporting Program. Ag Order 4.0 outlines minimum criteria for Third-Party Programs such as effectiveness of scale and scope, clearly stated goals, objectives, and roles as well as planning, coordination, data management, and documentation (see pages 15-19 of the Order).

The Central Coast Water Board encourages Dischargers to participate in third-party monitoring programs to comply with monitoring and reporting requirements. Dischargers not participating in a third-party monitoring program must conduct required monitoring and reporting individually. Participation in a third-party monitoring program does not relieve Dischargers of the responsibility to comply with these requirements or of the requirement to have their ranch-level data reported to the Central Coast Water Board.

Executive Officer Approval of Third-Party Program’s Surface Water Quality Trends Work Plan on December 15, 2025

Interested persons may request the SWQ Trends Work Plan by submitting a written request electronically to Paula Richter (paula.richter@waterboards.ca.gov). Pursuant to the Ag Order, Part 2, section A, paragraphs 24 and 35, interested persons may seek discretionary review by the Central Coast Water Board of the Executive Officer’s approval of the SWQ Trends Work Plan by submitting a written request electronically no later than 30 days from the date of this letter to the Executive Officer (ryan.lodge@waterboards.ca.gov). Because any such review is discretionary, any person seeking such review may also elect to file a petition for review simultaneously with the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) pursuant to California Water Code section 13320 and Title 23 Cal. Code Regs., section 2050 et seq. Failure to file a simultaneous petition for review with the State Water Board may result in a waiver of additional rights to review by the State Water Board or a court.

Instructions for Filing Water Quality Petitions, State Water Resources Control Board