The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2008-09

REGULATE: NPDES WASTEWATER

MEASUREMENTS

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

The data shows that two regional boards were able to inspect every NPDES major facility during the year in accordance with Clean Water Act requirements.  Overall 80% of the facilities were inspected statewide. For compliance purposes, some facilities are inspected more than once a year, which is why the total number of inspections is greater than the total number of facilities inspected.

WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT

Inspections are a primary tool used in determining and documenting compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and waste discharge requirements. Because of their size, major facilities represent a higher threat to water quality and receive a higher degree of compliance assurance activities. The Water Board’s Memorandum of Agreement with US EPA specifies that major facilities be inspected annually. 

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: CIWQS.  Period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. Extracted on August 15, 2009.
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities inspected annually during FY 08-09.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA.
• References: More information on the Water Boards’ NPDES program is available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/npdes/
• Public reports and data are available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ciwqs/publicreports.shtml
• Enforcement and compliance assurance information is available at: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/enforcement/ 

GLOSSARY

Major Facility

Major municipal dischargers include all facilities with design flows of greater than one million gallons per day and facilities with approved industrial pretreatment programs. Major industrial facilities are determined based on specific ratings criteria developed by US EPA/State.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

The NPDES permit program (Section 402 of the Clean Water Act ) controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.  US EPA has approved the Water Board’s program to issue NPDES permits.

(Updated 9/20/11)