The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 2014-15
REGULATE: LAND DISPOSAL
GROUP:
LAND DISPOSAL-WASTE MANAGEMENT UNITS
MEASURE: INSPECTION TRENDS
MESSAGE:
The number of inspections performed annually has remained at a similar level since FY 2008-09.
MEASUREMENTS updated
11-18-2015 (1:24 pm)
Land Disposal. Open Landfill Inspections
Region
2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013
2013
2014
2014
2015
Grand
Total
Land Disposal. Closed Landfill Inspections
Region
2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013
2013
2014
2014
2015
Grand
Total
Land Disposal. All Other Landfill Inspections
Region
2000
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2008
2008
2009
2009
2010
2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013
2013
2014
2014
2015
Grand
Total
WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING
The data show that the number of inspections performed annually has remained consistent since fiscal year (FY) 2010-2011, with approximately 552 inspections performed annually. Inspections of closed landfills continue to make up the majority of inspections, as they have for the last seven years. Since 2000, the number of inspections performed at "all other" land disposal facilities declines annually. However, inspection trends are not equal in every region. For compliance purposes, some facilities are inspected more than once a year, so the total number of inspections performed may be greater than the total number of facilities inspected.
WHY THIS MEASURE IS IMPORTANT
It is the Water Boards' policy to ensure that facilities comply with Water Quality Control Plans, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, and waste discharge requirements (WDR). This policy is implemented through the Regional Water Board comprehensive self-monitoring and compliance inspection programs. Inspections are a primary tool used in determining and documenting compliance with WDRs. Inspection frequencies for WDR facilities are based on threats to water quality, with high risk sites and registered complaints receiving more attention. In addition to inspections, the Regional Water Boards assess facility compliance by reviewing self-monitoring reports submitted by the discharger and responding to complaints. The conditions described by self-monitoring data are validated through periodic inspections, which are the Water Boards' only means to evaluate system maintenance and observe unreported activities.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2015.
Unit of Measure: Number of inspections.
Data Definitions: Inspections: Include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA contractors.
The Land Disposal program regulates of waste discharge to land for treatment, storage and disposal in waste management units. Waste management units include waste piles, surface impoundments, and landfills. California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 23, (Chapter 15) contains the regulatory requirements for hazardous waste. CCR Title 27, contains the regulatory requirements for wastes other than hazardous waste.
Inspection (Compliance and Non Compliance)
The Regional Board or State Board may inspect the facilities of any discharger at any time pursuant to Water Code, Section 13267. Compliance activities include all activities necessary to determine if discharges are in compliance with waste discharge requirements, NPDES permits, and related enforcement orders. Compliance inspections are classified as either Level A or Level B, with Level A being more thorough.
