The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year  2016-17 

REGULATE: NPDES WASTEWATER

MEASUREMENTS  - Data Last Updated on: 03-26-2018 (10:23 am)

WHAT THE MEASURE IS SHOWING

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17, 45 percent of NPDES Major 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 (WDR). Because of their size, major facilities represent a higher threat to water quality and receive a higher degree of compliance assurance activities. The Water Boards-US EPA Memorandum of Agreement specifies that major facilities be inspected annually. It is the Water Boards' policy to ensure that facilities comply with Water Quality Control Plans, NPDES permits, and WDRs. This policy is implemented through the Regional Water Board comprehensive self-monitoring and compliance inspection programs.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Data Source: CIWQS. Period July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.
• Unit of Measure: Number of facilities inspected annually, including all inspection types, during FY 15-16.
• Data Definitions: Inspections: include inspections conducted by Regional or State Water Board staff, or US EPA contractors. Facilities Inspected: Count of facilities inspected one or more times during a fiscal year.
• References: Information on the Water Boards' NPDES program
  Public Reports and Data
  Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Information

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 (CWA Section 402) 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.

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.

( Page last updated:  11/1/17 )