North Coast Water Board Program Priorities
In advance of each fiscal year (July 1 through June 30), the North Coast Water Board’s program staff conduct annual work planning to identify priorities, assess available resources, and set expectations regarding the scope and timing of work products. In addition to its importance as a planning tool, this process is also intended to provide transparency to the Board and interested public regarding planned priorities.
This page provides a brief overview of each program, key staff contact(s) for that program, and a list of the program’s priorities/planned work for fiscal year 2025-26.
The North Coast Water Board reports program performance via the California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report. This report, produced in late summer/early fall for the recently-concluded fiscal year, is an interactive web-based platform. The most recent report can be found here: 2023-24 Performance Report | California State Water Resources Control Board.
Strategic Initiatives
Program Contact
For more information visit the Racial Equity Action Plan web page.
Kason Grady / 707-576-2682 / Kason.Grady@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
On February 2, 2023, the North Coast Water Board adopted Resolution No. R1-2023-0001 (aka the Racial Equity Resolution) Condemning Racism, Xenophobia, Bigotry, and Racial Injustice and Strengthening Commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Access and Anti-Racism in the North Coast Region, which required staff to draft a Racial Equity Action Plan (the Action Plan). On April 1, 2025, staff presented the Action Plan to the Board and public. This project to implement the Action Plan is a commitment that the North Coast Water Board made within its Racial Equity Resolution and is intended to complement the Action Plan for the State Water Board by articulating a vision for racial equity and outlining specific actions to address North Coast Water Board systems that perpetuate racial inequities while establishing new, equitable, and resilient systems.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Engage staff at the North Coast Water Board to begin implementation of the Action Plan.
- Continue to build relationships with Native American Tribes, their staff, and Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and other people of color communities.
- Incorporate relevant Action Plan items into each North Coast Water Board program’s activities, and include in future work planning and priority setting.
Program Contact
Matt St. John / 707-570-3762 / Matt.St.John@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
Climate change is intensifying rainfall and floods, lengthening periods of drought, and shifting weather patterns across the globe, causing profound effects on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, water supplies and water quality. The North Coast of California is no exception, having experienced precipitation whiplash in recent years – dramatic swings from prolonged drought causing strained water supplies and contributing to catastrophic wildfires, to atmospheric rivers and extensive flooding. Climate instability and extremes are causing an increasing frequency of water-related disasters around the world and in the North Coast. While these events are primarily related to water quantity – either too little (leading to diminished water supply for humans and wildlife) or too much (leading to flooding and sea level rise) – impacts related to water quality are increasing as well. Temperature increases, sea level rise, and changes in precipitation are causing degradation of water quality objectives and stressing beneficial use support.
In January 2023 the North Coast Water Board created a Climate Specialist position in order to advance our agency’s strategic initiatives addressing climate change. Working with North Coast Water Board colleagues from multiple programs and with outside agencies and partners, the Climate Specialist is working to advance priority climate change adaptation and resilience strategic initiatives. Informed by and aligned with various strategies and policies of the state of California, these initiatives reflect a combination of projects that utilize the North Coast Water Board’s existing regulatory authorities, projects that explore the development of new regulations aimed at leveraging partnerships to achieve common climate resilience goals, and projects that provide technical and policy support for regional and local planning aimed at promoting climate resilience.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Provide technical and policy support for local initiatives:
- Sea level rise adaptation planning for Humboldt Bay
- Russian River Watershed Resilience Pilot Study; Russian River Regional Monitoring Program; Russian River Confluence
- Grant reviews for nutrient reduction projects in the Upper Klamath Basin; Lower Klamath-Lost River Stewardship Planning
- Provide technical and policy support for statewide or regional initiatives:
- Updated Climate Resolution for the State Water Board
- North Coast Report of California’s Fifth Climate Assessment
- Provide technical and policy support for North Coast Water Board permits and Basin Planning projects:
- Outstanding National Resource Waters project to consider designating Cedar and Elder Creeks as ONRWs
- Narrative Flow Objective project
- Scott and Shasta agricultural permits
- Laguna de Santa Rosa Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature TMDLs or Advance Restoration Plan
- Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project
- Eel River dams decommissioning / Potter Valley Project (permitting and CEAQ development led by State Water Board)
- Update RB1 Climate Change webpage
Program Contacts
Humboldt Bay Steward – Program Lead:
Elizabeth Pope / 707-445-6131 / Elizabeth.Pope@waterboards.ca.gov
Scott River and Shasta River Steward – Program Lead:
Eli Scott / 707-576-2610 / Elias.Scott@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The Watershed Stewardship Approach (WSA) enhances the Regional Board’s capacity to develop comprehensive and collaborative water quality improvement measures that support all program areas and increase coordination with other agencies, entities, and programs. The effort is based on defined watershed management areas and is intended to promote collaboration among participants. This approach is consistent with that recommended by U.S. EPA in the Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters (U.S. EPA, March 2008), and a nine-element watershed-based plan is very similar to a watershed stewardship plan.
While the WSA is being implemented, to varying degrees, in many watersheds in the North Coast region, the Region has two Senior Environmental Scientists who are dedicated “Watershed Stewards” focusing on the Scott River, Shasta River, Elk River, and Humboldt Bay. The purpose of the Watershed Stewards' work is to implement the WSA, adaptive management, and lead efforts to improve water quality conditions in the watersheds that are under their purview.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25-26
Humboldt Bay Steward
- Lead watershed stewardship efforts in the Elk River watershed including partner engagement, landowner outreach, grants and funding, and regional cross-program coordination.
- Manage the contract for the Elk River watershed Science and Coordinated Monitoring (SCM) Workgroup. Coordinate with North Coast Water Board technical staff participating in the SCM workgroup.
- Provide an update on Upper Elk River Sediment TMDL implementation efforts at a North Coast Water Board Meeting during Summer 2026.
- Support Humboldt County (contractor) in the development of a Project Study Report for flooding on Elk River Road.
- Lead stewardship efforts in Humboldt Bay including partner engagement and regional cross-program coordination.
- Assist the Climate Change Specialist in developing and implementing Climate Resilient Initiatives relevant to Humboldt Bay.
- Participate in reviews and workgroups for the Humboldt Bay Offshore Wind Heavy Lift Marine Terminal Project (Humboldt Wind Energy Project).
Scott River and Shasta River Steward
- Lead watershed stewardship efforts in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds including partner engagement, landowner outreach, grants and funding, and regional cross-program coordination.
- Implement the TMDL Action Plans for the Scott and Shasta River Watersheds.
- Implement the existing Scott and Shasta TMDL Conditional Waivers of Waste Discharge Requirements.
- Develop Scott and Shasta Waste Discharge Requirements to supersede the existing Waivers of Waste Discharge Requirements, to be considered for Adoption in April 2026.
- Manage the Scott River Biostimulatory Conditions monitoring program.
- Analyze existing data for status and trends assessment to guide adaptive management of North Coast Water Board programs.
For more information visit the Restoration Program web page.
Program Contacts
Restoration Specialist
Jake Shannon / 707-576-2673 / Jacob.Shannon@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Jonathan Warmerdam / 707-576-2468 / Jonathan.Warmerdam@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
Many of the North Coast Region's aquatic ecosystems - rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, enclosed bays, and estuaries - are home to sensitive beneficial uses and at-risk species. The structure, function, and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to disruption, and often require proactive, restorative measures to correct impairment, prevent further degradation, or increase resilience.
The North Coast Water Board supports the implementation of projects that are designed to restore, protect, and enhance the waters of the state. In January 2015, the North Coast Water Board adopted the Policy in Support of Restoration in the North Coast Region – Resolution No. R1-2015-0001. The Policy describes in detail: (1) the importance of restoration projects for the protection, enhancement and recovery of beneficial uses, (2) the obstacles that slow or preclude restoration actions, (3) the legal and procedural requirements for permitting restoration projects, (4) the ongoing North Coast Water Board effort to provide support towards the implementation of restoration projects, and (5) direction to staff to continue to support restoration in the future.
The permitting of restoration projects can vary in complexity depending on the specific circumstances of the project, its setting, and the associated resources in the area. North Coast Water Board staff are available to assist practitioners who are considering implementation of a restoration project that is designed to protect, enhance, and recover the conditions of waters of the state. Additionally, the North Coast Water Board administers state and federal grants and loans that may be available for restoration projects.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Support restoration practitioners during the planning, permitting, and implementation of beneficial restoration projects.
- Engage with partner agencies to support the State’s Cutting Green Tape Initiative.
- Facilitate the implementation of the Statewide Restoration General Order, Small Habitat Restoration Permit, and CDFW’s Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Act.
- Work with Tribal Governments implementing restoration and remediation actions in response to catastrophic wildfire events and support Tribal large-scale aquatic restoration efforts.
- Renew the General 401 Water Quality Certification for the Bureau of Reclamation - Trinity River Restoration Program’s Restoration Activities
- Provide an update on the Restoration Program at a North Coast Water Board Meeting
- Coordinate with Division of Water Quality staff on updates to the General 401 Certification for Small Habitat Restoration Projects
- Provide training on the Statewide Restoration General Order and Programmatic EIR processes to North Coast Water Board staff
- Work with the Klamath River Renewal Corporation and other agency partners to restore conditions within the four lower Klamath River dam project sites.
Program Contact
Bryan McFadin / 707-576-2751 / Bryan.McFadin@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
Flow and riparian protection work in the North Coast Region is supported by a Senior Water Resource Control Engineer acting as the region’s Flow and Riparian Specialist. The Specialist supports collaboration and coordination across programs and agencies to promote watershed recovery goals, particularly those related to instream flows and riparian shade. The purpose of the Specialist’s work is to support the development and implementation of regulatory and non-regulatory actions related to stream flow and temperature to support watershed health, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and restore and maintain beneficial uses of water in the North Coast Region.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Lead development of the Narrative Flow Objective for the North Coast Region (see Planning Program information for a description of this work).
- Support Scott River and Shasta River permit development.
- Support and advise on flow and riparian related topics for regional permitting, enforcement, and TMDL development efforts.
- Coordinate with external partners, agencies, Tribes, and non-governmental organizations on flow temperature and riparian related topics and issues in watersheds of the North Coast Region.
- Coordinate with the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights on regional flow matters.
North Coast Water Board staff work to be responsive to new legislative mandates, public and Board Member requests, and changes in the social, environmental, and technological landscape. Below are some examples of emerging issues that are anticipated to require cross-program exploration and coordination during fiscal year 2025-26.
Emerging Issues for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Turbidity issues at the outlet of Coyote Valley Dam
- Regulatory oversight of mining and suction dredging
- Wastewater monitoring for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- Potential changes to the inclusion of receiving water limitations and end-result permit requirements in NPDES permits
- Potential use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to achieve work efficiencies
Planning, Monitoring & Assessment Programs
For more information visit the Basin Planning Program web page.
Program Contact
Lisa Bernard / 707-576-2667 / Lisa.Bernard@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region (Basin Plan) provides the foundation for all North Coast Water Board regulatory and restoration actions. The Basin Plan identifies the beneficial uses of surface and ground waters, water quality objectives to protect those uses (including an anti-degradation policy), policies and action plans to achieve objectives, waste discharge prohibitions, and a monitoring and surveillance program to ensure implementation actions are effective. The Purpose of the Basin Planning Program is to review the Basin Plan on a triennial basis, to establish new water quality standards and to amend existing standards as needed to ensure their effectiveness.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
Basin Plan Remediation
- State Water Resources Control Board and OAL review and approval of Basin Plan editorial Updates identified through the 2023 Triennial Review.
Native American Culture Beneficial Use
Michelle Fuller / 707-576-2350 / Michelle.Fuller@waterboards.ca.gov
- Continue Tribal outreach and consultations
- Develop a draft Designations Template.
Narrative Flow Objective*
Bryan McFadin / 707-576-2751 / Bryan.McFadin@waterboards.ca.gov
- Conduct Tribal consultation and CEQA Scoping
- Complete a peer review draft Staff Report and conduct the peer review process
- Develop a public review draft Staff Report.
Outstanding National Resource Waters*
Matt St. John / 707-570-3762 / Matt.St.John@waterboards.ca.gov
- Coordinate with NGO partners in developing a draft technical report to support the scientific basis for ONRW designation of Cedar and Elder Creeks.
Trinity River Temperature Objective*
Bryan McFadin / 707-576-2751 / Bryan.McFadin@waterboards.ca.gov
- Conduct intra-agency coordination with Division of Water Rights.
Lower Eel River Eel River Exception to Seasonal Discharge Prohibition*
Justin McSmith / 707-576-2082 / Justin.McSmith@waterboards.ca.gov
- Develop a project alternatives memorandum
For more information visit the TMDL Program web page.
Program Contact
Lisa Bernard / 707-576-2667 / Lisa.Bernard@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are the calculation of the maximum amount of a pollutant allowed to enter a waterbody so that the waterbody will meet and continue to meet water quality standards for that particular pollutant. Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires that states identify water bodies that do not meet water quality standards and the pollutants that impair them. When an impairment is identified, TMDL studies are conducted to examine the water quality problem, identify pollutant sources, and specify actions necessary to restore water quality. TMDL Implementation Policies and Action Plans are developed to implement the TMDL and are often adopted by the Regional Water Board as amendments to our Region's Basin Plan. The purpose of the TMDL Program is to restore and maintain impaired surface waters through conducting water quality assessments and developing implementation plans to address impairments.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
Russian River Pathogen TMDL Action Plan
Prachi Kulkarni / 707-576-2650 / Prachi.Kulkarni@waterboards.ca.gov
- Propose the Action Plan for State Water Board Approval, then submit the Action Plan to the Office of Administrative Law and for U. S. EPA Approval
Gualala Sediment TMDL Action Plan
Lance Le / 707-576-6727 / Lance.Le@waterboards.ca.gov
- Release a Public Review draft Staff Report and Action Plan for the Gualala Sediment TMDL
- Conduct a public workshop before the North Coast Water Board on the Public Review Draft of the Gualala Sediment TMDL Staff Report and Action Plan
- Develop a final draft Staff Report and Action Plan for the Gualala Sediment TMDL
- Bring the Gualala Sediment TMDL Action Plan before the North Coast Water Board for consideration of adoption
Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature TMDLs
Lisa Bernard / 707-576-2667 / Lisa.Bernard@waterboards.ca.gov
- Conduct extensive outreach and coordination with interested Tribes, local agencies, organizations, and the public
- Build a watershed activities summary to inform the implementation plan
- Manage contract for Laguna work
- Support and participate in technical advisory group to inform development of an implementation plan.
Integrated Report Program
For more information visit the Integrated Report Program web page.
Program Contact
Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature TMDLs
Lisa Bernard / 707-576-2667 / Lisa.Bernard@waterboards.ca.gov
- Remove current bullet and add the below:
- Conduct extensive outreach and coordination with interested Tribes, local agencies, organizations, and the public
- Build a watershed activities summary to inform the implementation plan
- Manage contract for Laguna work
- Support and participate in technical advisory group to inform development of an implementation plan.
For more information visit the Integrated Report Program web page.
Program Contact
Mary Bartholomew / 707-576-2662 / Mary.Bartholomew@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
Section 305(b) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to assess the condition of its surface waters and report its findings. Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act requires states to identify water bodies that do not meet water quality objectives and are not supporting their beneficial uses; these waters are placed on the Section 303(d) List of Water Quality Limited Segments (also known as the list of Impaired water bodies or 303(d) List). California has integrated the 303(d) List of Impaired Waters and the 305(b) Water Quality Assessment Report into a single report (Integrated Report). The Integrated Report satisfies the requirements of both Clean Water Act Sections 303(d) and 305(b). The State Water Board is responsible for producing an Integrated Report every 2 years. Each report compiles and assesses data for three regions at a time, such that each region is on a 6-year cycle. Regional Board staff work closely with State Water Board staff to perform the comprehensive assessment of water quality data collected in the North Coast region.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25
- Respond to public comments received for the draft 2026 Integrated Report.
- Finalize revisions to North Coast Water Board’s 2026 Integrated Report as informed by public comments.
- Complete Klamath River resegmentation mapping.
- Begin review of water body-pollutant pair assessments for 2028 Integrated Report decision development.
- Work with State Water Board staff to incorporate the outcome of the Coastal Pathogens Project 4b Assessment into the 2028 Integrated Report
For more information visit the SWAMP Program web page.
Program Contact
Mike Thomas / 707-576-2553 / Michael.Thomas@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) is a statewide monitoring program designed to assess the conditions of surface waters throughout the state of California. The SWAMP program conducts water quality monitoring directly and through collaborative partnerships, while also providing numerous reports, fact sheets and tools that are designed to support water resource management in California. SWAMP monitoring projects assess overall water quality status and trends, identify water quality problems and potential sources, and evaluate program effectiveness.
The program is administered by the State Water Board and implemented at the regional level. To support the regions’ monitoring activities, the statewide SWAMP Program has created a Quality Assurance (QA) program, developed a standardized data storage system, created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sampling, generates peer reviewed monitoring plans for each project, and regularly updates a list of key water quality indicators for surface water monitoring.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Participate in statewide efforts to develop/test SWAMP SOPs.
- Provide review, guidance, and recommendations for developing and maintaining statewide monitoring programs and research efforts.
- Work with other Agencies, NGOs, Tribal Governments, and the public to foster collaborations and support monitoring and data collection efforts.
- Integrate SWAMP program elements into permit monitoring requirements and coordinate with staff to support programmatic monitoring and assessment.
- Develop a Long-Term Monitoring Framework to identify future North Coast Water Board monitoring priorities and efforts.
- Provide training to field staff.
- Develop regional monitoring program workplans and status reports.
- Communicate data results and findings with internal and external stakeholders.
For more information visit the FHAB Program web page.
Program Contact
Mike Thomas / 707-576-2553 / Michael.Thomas@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
Over the last decade, there has been an increased frequency and severity of freshwater harmful algal blooms (FHABs) around the world. The North Coast Water Board has observed and received reports of FHABs and other nuisance algae in the North Coast Region, including toxin-producing cyanobacteria that are associated with human and animal illnesses. The risk factors that contribute to FHABs and nuisance algae include nutrient enrichment (phosphorus and nitrogen), warming climate, reduced riparian shade, channel aggradation, and lower flows. The North Coast Water Board is working to reduce risk factors through its water quality improvement programs. The FHAB program tracks and responds to FHABs through monitoring, data assessment, partner coordination, and increased educational outreach.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Conduct FHAB virtual and field trainings for tribal, county, and other partners.
- Conduct pre-holiday assessments (Labor Day, Independence Day, Memorial Day, post-season).
- Prepare FHAB program end-of-year summary report.
- Coordinate partner monitoring for benthic cyanobacterial blooms in the Klamath Basin
- Coordinate with California Cyanobacteria HAB Network to complete revised benthic monitoring guidelines.
- Develop monitoring plans for 2025/2026 FHAB special study and partner monitoring projects.
- Continue and/or expand coordination with Tribes, counties, and other partners.
- Conduct emergency and incident FHAB monitoring and response.
- Maintain and update the FHAB report and monitoring system.
- Engage with and assist regional and statewide FHAB coordinators.
Permitting Programs
For more information visit the Forest Activities Program web page.
Program Contacts
Counties: Del Norte, Modoc, Northern Humboldt, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity
Forest Fortescue / 707-576-2595 / Forest.Fortescue@waterboards.ca.gov
Counties: Sonoma, Mendocino, Southern Humboldt, Trinity, Glenn, Lake
Jim Burke / 707-576-2289 / James.Burke@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Jonathan Warmerdam / 707-576-2468 / Jonathan.Warmerdam@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The North Coast Water Board’s Forest Activities Program regulates activities on forested landscapes that can result in nonpoint source (NPS) discharges of waste to streams and other waterbodies. These discharges are addressed through individual and general permits that cover activities being conducted on private and federal lands. Potential impacts from land disturbing activities in our forests include sediment discharges from felling trees; yarding and hauling of logs; road construction and reconstruction; watercourse crossing construction, reconstruction, or removal; livestock grazing on federal lands; herbicide applications; vegetation management; and road use and maintenance. Impacts to streams can result from the removal of vegetation that provides shade and organic materials to streams.
Some forest activities have the potential to positively affect the beneficial uses of our surface waters. Timber harvesting and fuels reduction operations provide an opportunity to decommission, replace, or reconstruct legacy roads which are frequent sources of chronic sediment inputs to surface waters. Fuels reduction projects can assist in reducing wildfire severity and thus can reduce post-fire sediment discharges. Mitigation and restoration work can provide opportunities for addressing legacy erosion sites and removal of fish migration barriers.Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Review forest management activities for conformance with existing individual and general permits for private, state, and federal lands. Conduct compliance and review inspections on 175 projects.
- Implement the Federal Lands Permit for the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service and review activities for conformance. Work with the federal agencies to continue seeking regulatory efficiencies and conformance with agency priorities.
- Support the liaison from the Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit (WARU) in conducting outreach regarding the new Rural Roads General Order.
- Engage with the CAL FIRE and Board of Forestry to improve oversight and regulation of post-wildfire timber salvage operations.
- Implement the new Statewide Electrical Utility General Order once adopted by the State Water Board.
- Support the implementation of the Governor’s State of Emergency Proclamation on Wildfire.
For more information visit the Surface Water Protection Program web page.
Program Contacts
Counties: Del Norte, Modoc, Humboldt, Shasta, Siskiyou, Trinity
Ryan Bey / 707-576-2679 / Ryan.Bey@waterboards.ca.gov
Counties: Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake
Gil Falcone / 707-576-2830 / Gil.Falcone@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Jonathan Warmerdam / 707-576-2468 / Jonathan.Warmerdam@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The North Coast Water Board’s Surface Water Protection Program is responsible for protecting the quality of surface waters of the state, including rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, enclosed bays, and estuaries. These aquatic ecosystems are home to sensitive beneficial uses and at-risk species, therefore any project activities that may affect their quality or condition must be regulated to prevent their net loss or degradation.
The Program regulates a range of different project types within waters of the state, including but not limited to development projects, gravel mining, harbor and bay dredging, utility corridor maintenance, aquatic habitat restoration, bank stabilization, and emergency infrastructure repair. The Surface Water Protection Program also permits watercourse crossing construction and repair activities that are not otherwise being regulated by other North Coast Water Board programs, such as the Forest Activities Program and/or Cannabis Regulatory Program.
Surface Water Protection Program staff routinely assist applicants before they submit an application to identify whether a proposed activity may qualify for permitting based on its design, objectives, and environmental analysis for conformance with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act). Once staff deem an application complete and the application fees have been received, staff will permit the project by issuing either (1) waste discharge requirements or waivers under the State’s Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act authority, or (2) water quality certifications under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. These permits authorize applicants to conduct dredge, fill, or excavation activities within waters of the state, or Waters of the United States. Staff condition these authorizations to first avoid, then minimize, and last to mitigate temporary or permanent impacts, and include post-project monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure permit compliance.
Additionally, the Surface Water Protection Program conducts complaint investigations, violation notifications, compliance assistance and advanced enforcement actions to landowners conducting impactful or unpermitted activities.
Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Support project applicants for regulatory compliance during the planning, permitting, implementation and post-project monitoring for projects that could impact surface waters.
- Meet program performance targets and regulatory timelines for permit processing while ensuring applicants adhere to water regulations.
- Conduct complaint investigations and enforcement actions for unpermitted or impactful activities that are degrading or threatening to degrade water quality.
- Provide regulatory oversight for the ongoing restoration of the four lower-Klamath River dam sites and support development of permitting and environmental review for the decommissioning of the Potter Valley Project.
- Engage with the development of the Humboldt Bay Wind Port and offshore Wind Farms.
- Implement the new Statewide Electrical Utility General Order once adopted by the State Water Board.
- Support program staff now making state jurisdictional determinations for non-federal wetlands due to the Supreme Court Sackett decision through hiring new staff, training new and existing staff, and developing decisions support materials and tools.
For more information visit the Cannabis Program web page.
Program Contact
Kason Grady / 707-576-2676 / northcoast.cannabis@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
In October 2017, the State Water Board adopted the Cannabis Cultivation Policy – Principles and Guidelines for Cannabis Cultivation (Cannabis Cultivation Policy), along with General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) and Waiver of WDRs for Discharges of Waste Associated with Cannabis Cultivation (Cannabis General Order). The Cannabis General Order was most recently renewed in 2023 as Order WQ 2023-0102-DWQ. The geographic scope of the Cannabis Cultivation Policy and Cannabis General Order covers the entire state with priority regions established for areas with streams bearing anadromous fish habitat. The Cannabis Cultivation Policy establishes principles and guidelines to ensure that water diversions and discharges of waste associated with cannabis cultivation do not negatively affect water quality, aquatic habitat, riparian habitat, wetlands and springs.
The Cannabis Program staff’s primary duties include implementation and enforcement of the Cannabis Cultivation Policy and Cannabis General Order, the Water Quality Control Plan for the North Coast Region (Basin Plan), the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (California Water Code), and the federal Clean Water Act to ensure protection of water quality and to address violations associated with cannabis cultivation.
Cannabis Program enforcement staff have encountered various challenges while trying to deter cannabis cultivation activities that impact water quality. The primary challenge facing the program is the combination of a large number of illegal cultivation sites and resource-intensive enforcement processes. To mitigate for these factors and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of enforcement actions in the Cannabis Program, North Coast Water Board staff have embraced the use of alternative enforcement tools and developed a program-specific enforcement strategy, which staff presented to the North Coast Water Board during its December 2024 Meeting.
The North Coast Region’s Cannabis Enforcement Strategy includes:
- Conducting expedited enforcement where cultivation is unregulated;
- Issuing Time Schedule Orders, if appropriate, when a cultivator has violated an existing enforcement order;
- Terminating Cannabis General Order enrollment for cause; and
- Continuing to conduct enrollment enforcement only in permissive counties.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Inspect illegal cannabis cultivation sites and conduct enforcement, as necessary, to protect water quality and provide a level playing field for legal cannabis cultivators.
- Implement the North Coast Region’s Cannabis Enforcement Strategy.
- Provide assistance to cannabis cultivators to maintain compliance with the Cannabis Cultivation Policy and Cannabis General Order.
- Coordinate with partners at the State Water Board Divisions and Offices, other Regional Water Boards, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), tribes, and local agencies to implement a consistent and effective program (e.g. participate in warrant inspections led by law enforcement agencies; support other agency actions by providing technical and legal assessments and testifying at hearing; and collaborate on joint enforcement actions).
- Develop technology and enterprise tools that will improve the North Coast Water Board’s ability to implement the Cannabis Program effectively and efficiently.
- Provide education and outreach to the public, media, and industry and watershed groups on Cannabis General Order and Cannabis Cultivation Policy requirements.
For more information visit the Dairy Program web page.
Program Contacts
Program Manager
David Kuszmar / 707-576-2693 / David.Kuszmar@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff
Joshua Luders / 707-576-2551 / Joshua.Luders@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The North Coast Region is home to approximately 100 dairy facilities regulated by the General Waste Discharge Requirements for Dairies Order No. R1-2019-0001 (Dairy GWDR). The Dairy GWDR applies to existing, new, and expanding cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo dairies. Any dairy facilities that do not meet the conditions of the Dairy GWDR must apply for an individual permit.
Dairies generate wastes that include but are not limited to manure, process wastewater, animal wash water, and any water, precipitation, or rainfall runoff that contacts animal confinement areas and/or raw materials, products, or byproducts such as from milk processing, manure, compost piles, feed, bedding materials, silage, animal tissue or animal mortality. Water quality constituents of concern in these discharges include nitrogen, sediment, dissolved solids, oxygen-depleting organic matter, and pathogens. The Dairy GWDR includes requirements for the proper management and operation of animal housing, production areas, ponds or lagoons, riparian areas, and land application areas to reduce and/or eliminate the discharge of waste to waters of the state.
Many of the dairies in the North Coast Region are pasture-based operations, which means they operate with an animal population density low enough to allow for sustainable, seasonal grazing as a primary source of feeding. However, because dairies occasionally concentrate their animals in production areas for purposes such as milking, housing, and supplemental feeding, the Dairy GWDR includes provisions to ensure that consolidated dairy wastes in these areas are properly managed to protect water quality.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 24/25
- Continue to conduct education and outreach to dairy operators to foster collaborative relationships and to ensure ongoing and improved implementation of Dairy GWDR requirements.
- Conduct compliance inspections at roughly one quarter of all dairies enrolled under the Dairy GWDR.
- Assist dairy operators in complying with Dairy GWDR groundwater monitoring requirements as implementation deadlines approach .
- Continue to foster relationships and work collaboratively with expert partners such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of California Cooperative Extension, Resource Conservation Districts, County Departments of Agriculture, the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and other industry stakeholders in support of permitted dairy facilities.
- Continue to work with agency partners, academic institutions, and dairy industry experts to develop safe and sustainable carcass disposal methods, especially when rendering services are not readily available or when environmentally preferrable alternatives exist.
- Continue to support dairy operators participating in the California Department of Food and Agriculture's grant program for installing digesters and alternative manure management technologies at permitted dairies.
- Explore and promote alternative funding opportunities for dairies, so they can sustainably optimize compliance with Dairy GWDR requirements and other environmental protection regulations.
For more information visit the Vineyard Program web page.
Program Contacts
Program Manager
David Kuszmar / 707-576-2693 / David.Kuszmar@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff
Brenna Sullivan / 707-576-2699 / Brenna.Sullivan@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
There are approximately 65,000 acres of commercial vineyards in the North Coast Region, which have the potential to discharge pollutants to surface water and groundwater through the application and storage of pesticides and fertilizer, erosion of sediment, removal and suppression of riparian vegetation, and rainfall and irrigation runoff. The Navarro and Russian Rivers, where the majority of the North Coast Region’s vineyards are located, are listed as impaired under Clean Water Act section 303(d) for excessive sediment and temperature. A Total Maximum Daily Load developed for sediment in the Navarro River identifies vineyards as a significant source of impairment and calls for sediment load reductions from vineyards.
Under the North Coast Water Board’s direction, staff have been engaged in a years-long process to develop a regulatory program for protecting beneficial uses from discharges related to vineyard operations, finally settling on the development of regionwide order in the form of general waste discharge requirements. In August 2023, the North Coast Water Board held a public workshop to review and discuss the Draft Vineyard Order, to identify next steps for revising that order based on public comments received, and for ultimately bringing the revised version back to the North Coast Water Board for an adoption hearing, which began in December 2024 and was continued to June 2025.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Upon adoption of the Vineyard Order and certification of the Environmental Impact Report associated with the Order, implement the following actions:
- Initiate the process of establishing third-party grower coalitions and vetting voluntary certification programs to support enrollees under the Vineyard Order.
- Initiate a public outreach campaign to inform and support potential enrollees ahead of key implementation deadlines in the Vineyard Order.
- Develop the administrative framework for implementing Vineyard Order provisions and initiate the process of establishing the necessary forms, templates, procedures, and database operations to support staff, enrollees, and members of the interested public as implementation of the Vineyard Order commences.
For more information visit the Lily Bulb Program web page.
Program Contacts
Program Manager
David Kuszmar / 707-576-2693 / David.Kuszmar@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff
Ben Zabinsky / 707-576-6750 / Ben.Zabinsky@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
There are approximately 1,000 acres under rotating production of lily bulbs in the Smith River Plain, with about 250 acres of active cultivation per annual cycle, currently farmed by three commercial operators. Lily bulb farming activities pose unique threats to water quality in the Smith River Plain, including but not limited to pesticide exposures, as evidenced by the results of surface water sampling by North Coast Water Board staff between 2013-2017 and 2021-2024. To address these threats, the North Coast Water Board Executive Officer approved the Smith River Plain Water Quality Management Plan in November 2021. The Plan was developed by North Coast Water Board staff working collaboratively with the Smith River Plain Watershed Stewardship Team, which consists of agency and government partners, local agricultural support staff, restoration groups, and lily bulb growers. The purpose of the Plan is to guide the voluntary implementation of best management practices by growers to protect beneficial uses in the Smith River Plain within an adaptive management framework. While Plan implementation proceeds, North Coast Water Board staff are working to develop general waste discharge requirements for lily bulb farming activities (a.k.a. Lily Bulb Order) to be brought to the North Coast Water Board for adoption in Fall 2026.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Implement the next annual cycle of on-farm inspections and annual grower reporting, as called for in the Smith River Plain Water Quality Management Plan.
- Release a final report summarizing the results of surface water quality monitoring and data collection efforts from 2021-2024 in the Smith River Plain. The data will be used to assess current water quality conditions, inform permit development, and support the use of the biotic ligand model to establish adaptive management thresholds for dissolved copper concentrations in Smith River Plain tributaries.
- Continue to engage in formal consultations with Tribes who wish to discuss the potential impacts of the North Coast Water Board’s upcoming consideration of the Lily Bulb Order.
- Continue to meet with a Technical Advisory Group that is providing input to North Coast Water Board staff on an administrative draft of the Lily Bulb Order.
- At a North Coast Water Board Meeting in Crescent City in October 2025, present the results from the aforementioned water quality monitoring report and provide an informational update on the development of the Lily Bulb Order.
- Release a public review draft of the Lily Bulb Order, including the accompanying draft California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document. The CEQA document will assess the potential environmental impacts and propose mitigations for actions anticipated to be taken to comply with the Lily Bulb Order.
- Hold a public workshop in February 2026 to receive oral comments on the draft Lily Bulb Order and CEQA document, prepare written responses to public comments, and revise the draft Order as appropriate.
For more information visit the Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit webpage.
Program Contacts
Program Manager
Devon Rabellino / 707-576-2701 / Devon.Rabellino@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff - Gualala Roads Permit
Matthew Graves / 707-576-2831 / Matt.Graves@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff - Rural Roads General Order
Randy Lew / 707-576-2224 / Randy.Lew@waterboards.ca.gov
Lead Staff - Five Counties (5C) Waiver
Maggie Robinson / 707-576-2292 / Maggie.Robinson@waterboards.ca.gov
Note: In addition to the permits identified above, road- and watercourse crossing-related work associated with dredge and fill activities may otherwise be permitted through a Clean Water Act section 401 Water Quality Certification. Please see the Surface Water Protection section above for more details and contact information.
Overview and Purpose
Around 61% of streams and rivers in the North Coast Region are impacted by high amounts of sediment; the greatest contributor to this sediment pollution is unpaved, rural roads. The North Coast Water Board regulates various activities that involve road work, such as timber harvest, construction, cannabis cultivation, and more, but until recently has not had a program focused exclusively on improving rural road conditions throughout the North Coast Region to protect water quality. The purpose of the Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit is to support the recovery of sediment and temperature impaired watersheds in the North Coast Region through addressing sediment pollution from county and rural roads.
The Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit’s initial focus is the development of a permit to reduce sediment pollution from rural roads in the Gualala River Watershed, referred to as the Gualala Roads Permit (for more information, please see the linked informational flyer). WARU staff also oversee other permits that prevent and minimize pollution from county and rural roads, including the Five Counties (5C) Waiver and Rural Roads General Order.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
Gualala Roads Permit
- Develop a draft permit and supporting California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for public review by spring 2026.
- At a North Coast Water Board Meeting, hold a public workshop on the draft permit and supporting CEQA analysis by spring 2026.
- Develop and manage contracts to support the development and implementation of components of the Gualala Roads Permit.
- Engage with landowners, Tribes, environmental groups, local, state, and federal agencies, and the public to inform permit development and requirements.
Rural Roads General Order
- Implement the Rural Roads General Order. Assist applicants by informing them of the order’s intended use, requirements, and application process.
5C Waiver
- Review road management activities for compliance with the 5C Waiver.
- Conduct compliance inspections on eligible projects.
For more information visit the NPDES Stormwater web page.
Program Contact
Heaven Moore / 707-576-2753 / Heaven.Moore@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program regulates point source discharges to surface waters through the implementation of both federal and state water quality regulation. The regulated stormwater discharges include 1) municipal stormwater from large cities and counties (Phase 1 MS4) and small cities and counties (Phase 2 MS4), as well as Caltrans; 2) industrial stormwater from facilities under the statewide Industrial General Permit (IGP); and construction stormwater from sites under the statewide Construction General Permit (CGP). The IGP covers facilities such as auto wreckers, wineries, lumber mills, quarries, and many other industrial operations that discharge stormwater to surface waters. The CGP applies to public and private construction sites that disturb one or more acres of soil, or smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development.
The NPDES Stormwater team implements these statewide permits for regulated MS4s, facilities, and sites, oversees compliance, conducts inspections and audits, provides compliance support, reviews monitoring data and other reports, and carries out enforcement actions. The team also drafts the MS4 Phase 1 Permit for adoption by the Board and participates in the drafting process of the statewide permits.
The team coordinates with staff across all programs within the North Coast Water Board and works closely with State Water Board, US EPA, as well as regulated entities to stay up to date on new policies and requirements, challenges to implementation, and to represent the needs of the region.
To implement the federal program mandates of the NPDES regulations, the Regional and State Water Board must meet the metrics set by US EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control Program Grant Workplan which sets performance targets for permitting and compliance inspections for the wastewater and stormwater programs. All NPDES permits must be renewed every five years in order to be considered current.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Develop the revised Phase 1 MS4 permit for Board adoption in 2026/2027
- Audit 3 MS4 permittees to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan MS4 Audit/Inspection Target.
- Inspect at least 50 CGP regulated facilities to CWA §106 Work Plan Construction Inspection Target.
- Inspect at least 56 IGP regulated facilities to CWA §106 Work Plan Industrial Inspection Target.
- Enhance outreach, education, and compliance assistance to regulated entities through inspection, trainings, email notifications, web resources, and direct communication. Work to make these efforts more accessible to small and disadvantaged communities (DACs).
- Ensure timely inspection report production and use of informal and formal enforcement tools.
- Enhancement of work task tracking (including inspections, report writing, submittal reviews, etc.) and delivery tools (such as templates, tablets, GIS interface, etc.).
- Develop a comprehensive stormwater enforcement strategy to be presented to the Board as an informational item.
- Onboard and train new stormwater program staff.
For more information visit the NPDES Wastewater web page.
Program Contact
Mona Dougherty / 707-445-6129 / Mona.Dougherty@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program regulates point source discharges to surface waters through the implementation of both federal and state water quality regulation. The regulated discharges include treated wastewater and stormwater. Program staff write individual permits for wastewater treatment plants and industrial dischargers that discharge treated wastewater, region specific general orders for categories of dischargers, municipal stormwater permits, and implement statewide general orders adopted by the State Water Board.
The NPDES Wastewater team drafts these permits for adoption by the Board, acts as case managers for the facilities, oversees compliance, conducts inspections and audits, provides compliance support, reviews monitoring data and other discharge reports, and carries out enforcement actions.
The team coordinates with staff across all programs within the North Coast Water Board and works closely with State Water Board, US EPA, as well as operators and regulated communities to stay up to date on new policies and requirements, challenges to implementation, and to represent the needs of the region.
To implement the federal program mandates of the NPDES regulations, the Regional and State Water Board must meet the metrics set by US EPA’s Clean Water Act Section 106 Water Pollution Control Program Grant Workplan which sets performance targets for permitting and compliance inspections for the wastewater and stormwater programs. All NPDES permits must be renewed every five years in order to be considered current.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
- Renew 6 permits and reduce the permit backlog to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Permitting Target.
- Inspect 8 NPDES permittees to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Inspection Target.
- Inspect at least 1 sanitary sewage collection system to meet performance targets for the statewide Sanitary Sewer System General Order.
- Conduct 1 pretreatment compliance audit and 1 pretreatment compliance inspection to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Pretreatment Target.
- Develop for Board consideration a new Region-Specific General Order for Minor Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants to streamline permitting, reduce the total number of individual permits managed by staff, and make performance targets more achievable.
- Coordinate with Permittees and the Enforcement Team to evaluate submitted data and resolve violations subject to mandatory minimum penalties (MMPs), discretionary enforcement, and issued Notices of Violations.
For more information visit the Water Recycling section of our website.
Program Contacts
Lead Staff
Tina Low / 707-576-2653 / Tina.Low@waterboards.ca.gov
Supervisor
Mona Dougherty / 707-445-6129 / Mona.Dougherty@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The North Coast Water Board's recycled water team is focused on expanding the region's water supply through increased use of recycled water. The team’s primary objectives include efficiently planning and permitting new recycled water projects throughout the region. This work involves careful oversight, which is essential to protect the quality and safety of these new water sources.
The team is committed to streamlining regulatory processes and providing technical assistance to local agencies to expedite the development of recycled water infrastructure. They strive to address any obstacles to the expansion of recycled water use and ensure that all projects comply with stringent water quality standards.
Ultimately, the recycled water team’s efforts directly contribute to the region's water resilience. By promoting the safe and effective use of recycled water, the team aims to lessen reliance on traditional water sources, advance water conservation, and help the region adapt to the challenges of climate change and aridification.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
- Promote increased recycled water use by collaborating with internal and external workgroups and stakeholders to advance recycled water production and use.
- Provide technical assistance to regulated facilities in seeking and securing funding for recycled water projects.
- Permit new or expanded recycled water projects.
- Implement prioritized case management of recycled water facilities and use sites.
- Complete 3 enrollments in Order WQ-2016-0068-DDW Water Reclamation Requirements for Recycled Water Use.
- Conduct 5 inspections of water recycling facilities and projects.
- Inform the North Coast Water Board and the public of the current state of water recycling in the North Coast Region, and future plans to expand water recycling in a Board Meeting information item.
- Develop a webpage describing the water recycling program in the North Coast Region.
For more information visit the Waste Discharge to Land Program web page.
Program Contact
Kelsey C. Cody, Ph.D. / 707-576-2347 / Kelsey.Cody@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The Waste Discharge to Land Program protects groundwater quality by regulating point source discharges of wastewater that do not fall within the jurisdiction of the federal NPDES Program or other special permitting programs, such as clean ups. The Waste Discharge to Land Program covers wastewater (sewage) treatment facilities, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS, e.g. septic systems), food processing industries (including wineries), lumber mills, and other industries that discharge non-hazardous wastes. The Program currently regulates over 250 facilities in the North Coast region.
The Program’s core permitting activities include completing new or revised individual waste discharge requirements (WDRs), the identification and enrollment of dischargers under existing general WDRs or waivers, and the development of additional general WDRs to regulate classes of dischargers in a consistent manner. Program staff conduct routine compliance inspections, complaint response, and review of monitoring reports and special studies. The Program also coordinates with and supports 401 Water Quality Certification staff, Industrial General Stormwater Permit staff, and NPDES wastewater staff to facilitate efficient permitting of facilities that require multiple types of permits, such as recycled water facilities.
Program staff also provide support for the region’s disadvantaged communities by coordinating with the State Water Board’s Division of Financial Assistance and other funding partners to help secure technical assistance and public funding for needed wastewater infrastructure improvements, such as wastewater treatment plant upgrades, sewer system repairs, and recycled water capabilities.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
- Implement the State Water Board’s general WDRs for winery process water.
- Assist in the development of the Russian River Watershed Pathogen TMDL’s Program of Implementation for OWTS and continue early implementation of same.
- Engage in progressive enforcement and prioritization of enforcement actions.
- Ensure that compliance assistance is an integral part of our customer service, helping regulated facilities and communities adhere to permit requirements and environmental standards.
- Maintain a high level of compliance assessment, including site inspections and monitoring report reviews.
- Develop and implement a project to prioritize facility files for digitization.
- Increase coordination on OWTS regulation with counties and other local agencies in the region.
- Engage with Division of Financial Assistance and the North Coast Resource Partnership to secure funds for the purpose of providing technical assistance to small, disadvantaged communities and eligible Tribes in the North Coast Region to develop, fund, and implement capital improvement projects for wastewater.
- Meet the following Program performance targets:
- Renew the Wine Beverage Food Processor Waiver
- Conduct 36 facility compliance inspections
- Complete 12 general WDR or waiver enrollments
- Review 180 facility self-monitoring reports
For more information visit the Land Disposal Program web page.
Program Contact
Kelsey C. Cody, Ph.D. / 707-576-2347 / Kelsey.Cody@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The Land Disposal Program regulates the land discharge of solid and liquid wastes to prevent water quality impacts. These wastes include municipal solid waste, hazardous wastes, designated wastes (such as petroleum-impacted soils), and nonhazardous and inert solid wastes. In general, these wastes cannot be discharged directly to the ground surface without impacting groundwater or surface water and, therefore, they must be contained at facilities that prevent the wastes from migrating to groundwater. The facilities in the Land Disposal Program are regulated pursuant to Title 27 (nonhazardous wastes) or Chapter 15 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations (hazardous wastes).There are no hazardous waste facilities in Region 1. There is only one municipal landfill currently accepting waste in the North Coast region, Sonoma County’s Central Solid Waste Disposal Site.
The primary purpose of the program is to protect groundwater and surface water quality from contaminants associated with landfills, liquid waste surface impoundments and other waste containment units, such as compost facilities. The program achieves this goal by ensuring permits are kept up to date with applicable regulations and by implementing timely enforcement where necessary.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Provide excellent customer service to regulated facilities, partner agencies, complainants, and the public including timely review and response to special studies and other permit deliverables.
- Maintain efforts in compliance assessment, including site inspections.
- Remove: “Better tracking of reports required by permits and…”
- Maintain application of progressive enforcement and prioritization of enforcement actions.
- Continue to manage the growth of the only municipal landfill currently accepting waste in the North Coast region, Sonoma County’s Central Solid Waste Disposal Site.
- Develop and implement a project to prioritize facility files for digitization.
- Meet the following performance targets:
- Prepare for Board consideration revision of closure WDRs for each of the following facilities:
- Sonoma County’s Guerneville Solid Waste Disposal Site
- Mendocino County’s Laytonville Landfill – Recapping Project
- Conduct eight compliance inspections
- Review eight self monitoring reports
Other Programs
For more information visit the Cleanup Programs web page.
Program Contact
Heidi M. Bauer, P.G. / 707-570-3769 / Heidi.M.Bauer@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The primary mission of the Site Cleanup Program (SCP) and the Department of Defense programs is to oversee and regulate sites that have the potential to impact groundwater, human health or sensitive receptors, such as waters of the state. We accomplish this by using state and federal laws and policies.
The SCP program regulates and oversees the investigation and cleanup of ‘non-federally owned or used’ sites where recent or historical unauthorized releases of pollutants to the environment, including soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment, have occurred. Most of these sites in the north coast region are located in urban areas, and some are located in environmental justice communities. The SCP program also includes a grant funding program managed by the State Water Board called the Site Cleanup Subaccount Program, which is used to issue grants for reasonable and necessary costs associated with projects where the responsible party lacks the financial resources to complete the site investigation and/or remediation.
The Underground Storage Tank (UST) program addresses leak prevention, oversight of leaking underground tank cleanups, and reimbursement to responsible parties conducting cleanups. This work focuses on the investigation and cleanup of contaminated groundwater and the protection of public health from contaminated groundwater, soil and soil vapor. The program is actively directing the cleanup work at approximately 98 leaking underground tank sites throughout the region.
Cleanups unit staff continue to monitor perfluorinated chemicals (collectively known as PFAS) in groundwater in our region from airports, bulk fuel facilities and metal plating facilities.
The goals of the Site Cleanup Program are the following:
- Ensure that sites with groundwater contamination continue to be investigated so that the extent of contamination is known.
- Ensure that sites with known groundwater contamination that pose a risk to human health and the environment are remediated to the extent that they no longer pose a significant risk.
- Protect sensitive receptors, such as the public, schools, residential occupants, and surface water bodies, from the impacts of contamination from cleanup sites.
- Promptly respond to public information requests about the sites we oversee and work with the public on sites of interest to them.
- Coordinate with the State Water Board, other regulatory agencies, industry professionals and members of the public to develop new standards and procedures for more effective and efficient regulatory oversight of contaminated sites.
- Assist property owners and responsible parties seeking project funding to acquire adequate funds through grants, loans or other funding programs to help to investigate and mitigate subsurface contamination discharged on their property.
- Close UST sites that meet the case closure criteria under the Low Threat Closure Policy and SCP sites under Resolution No. 92-49.
- Ensure that our closed and open sites do not pose an additional risk to public health and the environment from the effects of sea level rise.
- Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26Continue to reduce response time when reviewing soil vapor and water supply data.
- Continue to work in the statewide effort to develop new and useful metrics to better manage the SCP and UST programs.
- Continue to concentrate on brownfield redevelopment projects by overseeing the investigation and cleanup of these sites and by helping responsible parties acquire grants to clean up their sites.
- Continue annual letters to responsible parties of sites needing ongoing investigation or cleanup but posing no immediate health threat.
- Annually, in July, update the Low Threat Closure Policy checklist in GeoTracker for all open cases so that all responsible parties, and interested parties are aware of the steps remaining for case closure.
- Continue to move sites towards being fully investigated, remediated, and ultimately closed.
- Continue meeting with local planning departments to prevent new housing being developed on contaminated plumes from open and closed sites.
- Performance targets for this program are difficult to estimate, and it is unpredictable precisely how many sites will move into remediation or be closed. The most valuable metric used by the State Board is “cases closed” and this metric will be met or exceeded. The closed case target for FY 25/26 is 15 total for the combined UST and SCP programs.
For more information visit the Enforcement Program web page.
Program Contact
Jeremiah Puget / 707-576-2835 / Jeremiah.Puget@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The role of the Enforcement program is to ensure that violations of orders and permits result in firm, fair, and consistent enforcement through direct actions; to develop policies and guidance for efficient and effective enforcement; to identify enforcement goals, priorities and performance metrics that ensure program transparency; and to evaluate enforcement capabilities to address program improvements.
The Enforcement Unit is comprised of technical and investigative staff. These staff coordinate with attorneys and technical staff with the North Coast Water Board regulatory programs and State Water Board Office of Enforcement in developing informal and formal enforcement actions including notices of violation, cleanup and investigative orders, and administrative liability actions. This unit serves all regulatory programs of the North Coast Water Board and coordinates with local, state, and federal agencies on enforcement actions and referrals to local and state prosecutors. Additionally, the Enforcement Unit works with non-profit organizations, Resource Conservation Districts, and other local agencies to develop and implement Compliance Projects, Enhanced Compliance Actions, and Supplemental Environmental Projects, which are environmentally beneficial projects that a settling party agrees to undertake in the settlement of an action to offset a portion of a civil penalty.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Meet the following performance targets:
- 80% of Class A priority violations identified in 2024 will result in formal enforcement or an investigative order pursuant to California Water Code section 13267 within 18 Months of Discovery.
- Issue enforcement actions to impose Minimum Mandatory Penalties (MMPs) for NPDES wastewater facilities within 18 months from the date of violation (80% of all violations).
- Update the North Coast Water Board on Enforcement Priorities and Formal Enforcement Case Screening Criteria at its August 2025 Board Meeting. Current North Coast discretionary enforcement priorities:
- Waste discharge violations associated with site development and use for cannabis cultivation without applicable permits.
- Waste discharge violations associated with agricultural activities other than cannabis cultivation.
- Individuals/entities conducting unauthorized dredge/fill activities in surface waters.
- Timely enforcement on missed deadlines in existing enforcement orders.
- Regulatory oversight and enforcement for violations of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permits.
- Develop and manage complex, long-term enforcement cases. In addition to the Class A priority violations and MMPs from 2024, the North Coast Water Board will continue to engage in compliance assistance and formal enforcement in programs including NPDES Wastewater and Stormwater, Discharge to Land, Nonpoint Source and Forest Activities, Irrigated Lands, Scott River and Shasta River Waivers, Cannabis, and Groundwater Cleanups.
- Coordinate officewide complaint response. CalEPA is committed to responding to all environmental complaints received by the agency. The Water Boards receive from CalEPA approximately five to ten complaints per week that need to be tracked, investigated, and responded to in a timely manner by the respective Regional Water Board. North Coast Water Board staff will continue to respond to complaints as they are received and assign to staff to triage and investigate.
- For each Board Meeting’s Executive Officer’s report, provide a summary of recent and ongoing enforcement actions. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/northcoast/board_info/board_meetings/
- Pursue collections, property liens, and monetary judgments on delinquent administrative liabilities.
- Participate in the USEPA NPDES & Enforcement programs State Review Framework, which is a focused audit process that is a key mechanism for USEPA oversight, providing a nationally consistent process for reviewing the performance of state delegated compliance and enforcement programs under core federal statutes.
For more information visit the Grants and Funding Program web page.
Program Contact
Carrieann Lopez / 707-576-6745 / Carrieann.Lopez@waterboards.ca.gov
Michele Fortner / 707-576-6706 / Michele.Fortner@waterboards.ca.gov
Overview and Purpose
The State Water Board, Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program, administers grant money it receives from United States Environmental Protection Agency through Section 319(h) of the Federal Clean Water Act. These funds are allocated to third party grantees on a competitive basis to plan and implement projects associated with nonpoint source pollution control, remediation, and restoration. These NPS 319(h) Grants are managed by Regional Water Board staff, across multiple programs. For each 319(h) funding cycle, Regional Water Board staff identify watersheds that are eligible to submit projects for funding consideration. These “Program Preferences” represent the Region’s highest priority watersheds for third party pollution control, remediation, and restoration. Program Preference watersheds are informed by applicant outreach to the regional 319(h) program lead and through internal solicitation from other regional program staff.
The grants cycle involves helping applicants to develop grant applications, reviewing and ranking applications statewide, and participating in the development and execution of grant agreements. North Coast Water Board staff manage individual grants and coordinate across programs on issues such as technical project review and permitting.
Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26
- Cultivate grant projects to address water quality impairments and/or beneficial use restoration needs.
- Establish Regional 2026 319(h) Grant Program Preferences.
- Participate in updating the 2026 319(h) Grant Guidelines for project solicitation.
- Assist organizations, agencies, and Tribes with grant application development.
- Participate in the 2026 state-wide 319(h) project selection process.
- Develop and Manage 319(h) grant agreements.