Storm Water – Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Permit

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and authorized states such as California regulate stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), industrial activities, and construction sites. Per section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act, these stormwater discharges that drain to waters of the U.S. must be regulated by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. In addition, USEPA can use its "residual designation" authority under 40 CFR 122.26(a)(9)(i)(C) and (D) to require NPDES permits for other stormwater discharges or category of discharges on a case-by-case basis. The Los Angeles Regional Water Board and USEPA are considering potential regulatory requirements for stormwater runoff from certain commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) facilities in the Dominguez Channel/Greater Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Watershed and the Los Cerritos Channel/Alamitos Bay Watershed to reduce pollutant levels in stormwater runoff that flows from these facilities. These waterbodies are currently polluted by numerous chemicals, including copper and zinc, which can harm aquatic life, ecosystems, and human health. Impervious surfaces such as streets, parking lots, rooftops, and sidewalks collect a variety of pollutants. In order to address the water quality issues in these two watersheds, USEPA is considering requiring certain CII facilities in the Dominguez Channel/Greater Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbor Watershed and the Los Cerritos Channel/Alamitos Bay Watershed to obtain the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage for stormwater discharges. To review and comment on USEPA’s preliminary residual designation, please see USEPA's Draft Residual Designation here In order to provide permit coverage for these facilities, the Los Angeles Regional Water Board (LA Water Board) is considering the issuance of a single NPDES permit for all applicable CII sites in these watersheds.