Utility Wildfire General Order

The State Water Board is requesting public comment on the draft Utility Wildfire General Order that would provide an expedited process for permit coverage of related utility activities and support essential wildfire prevention and mitigation activities. The Utility Wildfire General Order also proposes to cover similar activities that may be performed outside high-fire threat areas and/or unrelated to wildfire prevention. Pursuant to CEQA, the State Water Board is the Lead Agency and has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Utility Wildfire General Order.

Key Dates:

• Public Comment Period – June 28 to August 30, 2024 September 13, 2024
• Staff Workshop – July 23, 2024
  • Staff Workshop Presentation Slides
  • Staff Workshop Recorded Meeting
• Board Hearing – August 20, 2024

Document Links:

• Revised Public Notice
• Draft Utility General Order (Main Body)
  • Attachment A1: Notice of Intent Form
  • Attachment A2: Notice of Intent Instructions
  • Attachment B: Regional Water Board Map
  • Attachment C: Controllable Sediment Discharge Sources Monitoring Form
  • Attachment D: Reporting and Notification Requirements
  • Attachment E: Signatory Requirements
  • Attachment F: Glossary
• Draft Environmental Impact Report (Main Body)
  • Appendix A: Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Considerations
  • Appendix B: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
  • Appendix C: General Order

Notice of Preparation and CEQA Scoping – February 18, 2022:

• Notice of Preparation and California Environmental Quality Act Scoping Meeting
• CEQA Scoping Meeting
• CEQA Scoping Meeting Presentation Slides