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 forested watersheds of California’s North Coast Region are of significant economic and environmental importance, providing a source of water supply, timber, fisheries, and recreational use, while supporting a diverse array of both terrestrial and aquatic species.

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.

Additionally, the Forest Activities Program conducts complaint investigations, violation notifications, compliance assistance and advanced enforcement actions to landowners conducting impactful or unpermitted activities.

Priorities for Fiscal Year 26/27

• 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 in the development and implementation of a new regionwide program to address sediment pollution from roads.
• 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.
• Participate in the AB 1492 Timber Regulation and Forest Restoration Leadership Team
• Support the 5-year update to California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan

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, parts of Lake, Glenn, Marin
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 submit draft permits for review and approval by the Executive Officer. Permits issued are 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 to meet all water quality regulatory requirements. 

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 26/27

• 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. 
• 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.
• Engage in the design, planning, and regulatory authorization for dredging activities in harbors and estuaries, including the beneficial reuse of dredge materials for climate adaptation, beach replenishment, and other objectives. 
• 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.
• Support the development and implementation of a new regionwide program to address sediment pollution from roads.
• Support development of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature Reconciliation Project.
• Support the implementation of the Governor’s State of Emergency Proclamation on Wildfire.
• Coordinate with other Regional Water Board programs to facilitate the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) compliance with regulatory programs, including Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification, construction stormwater, Total Maximum Daily Load compliance, monitoring compliance, pollution remediation, and aquatic habitat restoration projects.

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:

1. Conducting expedited enforcement where cultivation is unregulated;
2. Issuing Time Schedule Orders, if appropriate, when a cultivator has violated an existing enforcement order;
3. Terminating Cannabis General Order enrollment for cause; and
4. Continuing to conduct enrollment enforcement only in permissive counties.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 25/26

• Onboard new staff: two Water Resource Control Engineers and one Engineering Geologist.
• 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 anindividual waste discharge 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 26/27

• 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.
• Continue to assist dairy operators in complying with Dairy GWDR groundwater monitoring requirements as implementation deadlines approach, including by organizing and analyzing groundwater sampling results submitted to date, by vetting any proposals under consideration for group groundwater monitoring programs, and by working with operators and partner organizations to develop individual or group Work Plans for addressing exceedances of nitrate benchmarks listed in the Dairy GWDR.
• 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 and livestock industry experts to develop safe and sustainable carcass disposal methods, including but not limited to those authorized under 2025 California Assembly Bill 411, also known as the C.A.T.T.L.E. Act.
• 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 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 a regionwide order in the form of general waste discharge requirements.  In June 2025, the North Coast Water Board adopted Order No. R1-2024-0056, General Waste Discharge Requirements for Commercial Vineyards in the North Coast Region (a.k.a. the Vineyard Order). Vineyard operators are expected to begin enrolling for coverage under the Vineyard Order beginning in July 2028, after which additional implementation deadlines will follow.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 26/27

• Continue outreach efforts for establishing third-party grower coalitions and vetting voluntary certification programs to support enrollees under the Vineyard Order.
• Begin reviewing proposals and applications for voluntary certification programs in October 2026.
• 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 begin establishing the necessary forms, templates, procedures, and database operations to support staff, grower enrollees, and members of the interested public.

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 purpose of the Plan was to guide the voluntary implementation of best management practices by growers to protect beneficial uses in the Smith River Plain while a regulatory order to replace the voluntary framework (a.k.a. the Lily Bulb Order) was developed by staff.

Following an intensive public outreach campaign and engagement with a Technical Advisory Group comprised of growers, agency partners, non-governmental organizations and interested citizens, staff released a Draft Lily Bulb Order and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for public comment in January 2026, followed by a public workshop in February 2026. After consideration of public comments, updated versions of both documents (Proposed Order and Final EIR) will be considered by the North Coast Water Board for adoption and certification during a public hearing in August 2026.

Program Priorities for Fiscal Year 26/27

• 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 engage with lily bulb growers ahead of the upcoming consideration of the Lily Bulb Order.
• Publicly release responses to written public comments, the Proposed Lily Bulb Order and Final EIR in July 2026.
• Hold a North Coast Water Board public hearing for the consideration of adoption of the Proposed Lily Bulb Order and certification of the Final EIR in August 2026.
• Upon adoption of the Lily Bulb Order:
• Initiate the process of establishing and approving third-party grower coalitions, if desired by the growers and as allowed under the Lily Bulb Order,
• Develop the administrative framework for implementing Lily Bulb Order provisions, and begin establishing the necessary forms, templates, procedures, and database operations to support staff, grower enrollees, and members of the interested public, and
• Provide educational support and compliance assistance to grower enrollees subject to Lily Bulb Order requirements.
• While awaiting the occurrence of implementation deadlines in the Lily Bulb Order, carry out the next annual cycle of on-farm inspections and annual grower reporting, as called for in the Smith River Plain Water Quality Management Plan.

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

Note: In addition to the permits identified below, 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, vineyard management, and cannabis cultivation, but until recently has not had a program that comprehensively improves rural road conditions throughout the Region to protect water quality. The purpose of the Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit (a group of staff within the North Coast Water Board) is to support the recovery of sediment and temperature impaired watersheds in the North Coast Region by reducing sediment pollution from county and rural roads through a combination of new and existing programs.

The Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit is developing two new orders: the Gualala Roads Assessment Order and North Coast Roads Order. The Gualala Roads Assessment Order will require applicable landowners in the Gualala River Watershed to inventory, assess, and prioritize their roads for improvements. The North Coast Roads Order will require landowners across the North Coast Region to maintain their roads to reduce sediment pollution, and applicable landowners to inventory, assess, prioritize, and treat their roads. Development of these orders and their requirements will undergo separate and distinct public processes, including opportunities for public review and comment on draft order language and North Coast Water Board adoption hearings.
Watershed Assessment and Recovery Unit 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 26/27

Gualala Roads Assessment Order
Matthew Graves / 707-576-2831 / Matt.Graves@waterboards.ca.gov

• Continue to engage with landowners, Tribes, environmental groups, local, state, and federal agencies, and the public to inform order development and requirements.
• Develop a draft order and supporting California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for public review by summer 2026 and conduct a Board workshop during the public review period.
• Execute and continue to manage contracts to support the development and implementation of components of the Gualala Roads Assessment Order.
• Present a proposed order to the North Coast Water Board for consideration of adoption by December 2026.

North Coast Roads Order
Randy Lew / 707-576-2224 / Randy.Lew@waterboards.ca.gov

• Develop clear and accessible public information, including a dedicated webpage and outreach materials, that explain the purpose of the order and how people can stay informed, by summer 2026.
• Begin government-to-government consultations and informal engagement with Tribes regarding order development by summer 2026.
• Begin engaging with landowners, interested parties, local, state, and federal agencies, and the public to solicit early feedback on order development and requirements by summer 2026.
• In compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, prepare an Initial Study to evaluate the potential environmental effects of issuing the order and hold public scoping meetings by fall 2026.

Rural Roads General Order
Randy Lew / 707-576-2224 / Randy.Lew@waterboards.ca.gov

• The Regional Water Board developed the Rural Roads General Order to expedite the planning, consultation, and permitting of projects that include rural road and watercourse crossing construction or reconstruction activities. The staff liaison helps facilitate implementation of the Order, including directing project applicants to pertinent staff.

5C Waiver
Maggie Robinson / 707-576-2292 / Maggie.Robinson@waterboards.ca.gov

• 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 26/27

• Develop the revised Phase 1 MS4 permit for Board consideration in 2026/2027
• Audit 2 MS4 permittees to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan MS4 Audit/Inspection Target.
• Inspect at least 25 CGP regulated facilities to meet the CWA §106 Work Plan Construction Inspection Target.
• Inspect at least 35 IGP regulated facilities to meet the 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 and implement the strategy.
• Support development of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature Reconciliation Project.
• Coordinate with other Regional Water Board programs to facilitate the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) compliance with regulatory programs, including Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification, construction stormwater, Total Maximum Daily Load compliance, monitoring compliance, pollution remediation, and aquatic habitat restoration projects.

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 26/27

• 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 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.
• Support development of the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed Sediment, Phosphorus, Nitrogen, and Temperature Reconciliation Project
• Support development of the Phase I MS4 Permit, to support stormwater staff assisting with the Laguna de Santa Rosa TMDL.
• Evaluate whether a limited seasonal discharge prohibition Basin Plan Amendment is needed.
• Coordinate with other Regional Water Board programs to facilitate the California Department of Transportation’s (CalTrans) compliance with regulatory programs, including Clean Water Act 401 Water Quality Certification, construction stormwater, Total Maximum Daily Load compliance, monitoring compliance, pollution remediation, and aquatic habitat restoration projects.

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 26/27

• 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.
• 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, the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Program web page, and the Wine Beverage and Food Processor Program webpage.

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 270 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, including Recycled Water Program staff, to facilitate efficient permitting of facilities that require multiple types of permits.

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 26/27

• 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.
• Begin implementation of the Action Plan for Pathogens in the Russian River Watershed   for OWTS.
• 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.
• Identify and notify dischargers with late or missing monitoring reports and special studies.
• Engage with Division of Financial Assistance to secure funds for the purpose of providing funding 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 and modify the Low Threat Conditional 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 Program currently regulates over 30 facilities in the North Coast region.

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 26/27

• 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.
• 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.
• Continue to partner with relevant agencies on the development of a new County composting site near the Sonoma County Airport.
• Begin development of General WDRs for closed landfills
• Meet the following performance targets:
• Prepare for Board consideration revision or adoption of closure WDRs for each of the following facilities:
• The City of Ukiah’s Solid Waste Disposal Site
• Mendocino County’s Laytonville Landfill – Recapping Project
• Conduct four compliance inspections
• Review 12 self monitoring reports