4. The Executive Director of the State Water Board (statewide permits) or Executive Officer of the Regional Water Board (Regional Water Board permits) may reduce or suspend core monitoring once the storm runoff is fully characterized. This determination may be made at any point after the discharge is fully characterized, but is best made after the monitoring results from the first permit cycle are assessed.
B. Ocean Receiving Water and Reference Area Monitoring Program In addition to performing the Core Discharge Monitoring Program in Section II.A above, all applicants having authorized discharges must perform ocean receiving water monitoring. In order to fulfill the requirements for monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the ocean receiving waters within their ASBS, dischargers may choose either (1) an individual monitoring program, or (2) participation in a regional integrated monitoring program.
1. Individual Monitoring Program: The requirements listed below are for those dischargers who elect to perform an individual monitoring program to fulfill the requirements for monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the ocean receiving waters within the affected ASBS. In addition to Core Discharge Monitoring, the following additional monitoring requirements shall be met:
a. Three times annually, during wet weather (storm events), the receiving water at the point of discharge from the outfalls described in section (IV)(A)(3)(c) above shall be sampled and analyzed for Ocean Plan Table A constituents, Table B constituents for marine aquatic life, DDT, PCBs, Ocean Plan PAHs, OP pesticides, pyrethroids, nitrates, phosphates, salinity, chronic toxicity (three species), and Ocean Plan indicator bacteria.
The sample location for the ocean receiving water shall be in the surf zone at the point of discharges; this must be at the same location where storm water runoff is sampled.
Receiving water shall be sampled prior to (pre-storm) and during (or immediately after) the same storm (post storm). Post storm sampling shall be during the same storm and at approximately the same time as when the runoff is sampled. Reference water quality shall also be sampled three times annually and analyzed for the same constituents prestorm and post-storm, during the same storm seasons when receiving water is sampled.
Reference stations will be determined by the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality and the applicable Regional Water Board(s).
b. Sediment sampling shall occur at least three times during every five (5) year period. The subtidal sediment (sand or finer, if present) at the discharge shall be sampled and analyzed for Ocean Plan Table B constituents for marine aquatic life, DDT, PCBs, PAHs, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 17
pyrethroids, and OP pesticides. For sediment toxicity testing, only an acute toxicity test using the amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius must be performed. c. A quantitative survey of intertidal benthic marine life shall be performed at the discharge and at a reference site. The survey shall be performed at least once every five (5) year period. The survey design is subject to approval by the Regional Water Board and the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality. The results of the survey shall be completed and submitted to the State Water Board and Regional Water Board at least six months prior to the end of the permit cycle.
d. Once during each five (5) year period, a bioaccumulation study shall be conducted to determine the concentrations of metals and synthetic organic pollutants at representative discharge sites and at representative reference sites. The study design is subject to approval by the Regional Water Board and the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality. The bioaccumulation study may include California mussels (Mytilus californianus) and/or sand crabs (Emerita analoga or Blepharipoda occidentalis). Based on the study results, the Regional Water Board and the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality, may adjust the study design in subsequent permits, or add or modify additional test organisms (such as shore crabs or fish), or modify the study design appropriate for the area and best available sensitive measures of contaminant exposure. e. Marine Debris: Representative quantitative observations for trash by type and source shall be performed along the coast of the ASBS within the influence of the discharger’s outfalls. The design, including locations and frequency, of the marine debris observations is subject to approval by the Regional Water Board and State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality.
f. The monitoring requirements of the Individual Monitoring Program in this section are minimum requirements. After a minimum of one (1) year of continuous water quality monitoring of the discharges and ocean receiving waters, the Executive Director of the State Water Board (statewide permits) or Executive Officer of the Regional Water Board (Regional Water Board permits) may require additional monitoring, or adjust, reduce or suspend receiving water and reference station monitoring. This determination may be made at any point after the discharge and receiving water is fully characterized, but is best made after the monitoring results from the first permit cycle are assessed.
2. Regional Integrated Monitoring Program: Dischargers may elect to participate in a regional integrated monitoring program, in lieu of an individual monitoring program, to fulfill the requirements for monitoring the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the ocean receiving waters within their ASBS. This regional approach shall characterize natural water quality, pre- and post-storm, in ocean reference areas near the mouths of identified open space watersheds and the effects of the discharges on natural water quality (physical, chemical, and toxicity) in the ASBS receiving waters, and should include benthic marine aquatic life and bioaccumulation components. The design of the ASBS stratum of a regional integrated monitoring program may deviate from the otherwise prescribed individual monitoring approach (in Section IV.B.1) if approved by the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality and the Regional Water Boards.
a. Ocean reference areas shall be located at the drainages of flowing watersheds with minimal development (in no instance more than 10% development), and shall not be located in CWA Section 303(d) listed waterbodies or have tributaries that are 303(d) Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 18
listed. Reference areas shall be free of wastewater discharges and anthropogenic nonstorm water runoff. A minimum of low threat storm runoff discharges (e.g. stream highway overpasses and campgrounds) may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
Reference areas shall be located in the same region as the ASBS receiving water monitoring occurs. The reference areas for each Region are subject to approval by the participants in the regional monitoring program and the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality and the applicable Regional Water Board(s). A minimum of three ocean reference water samples must be collected from each station, each from a separate storm during the same storm season that receiving water is sampled. A minimum of one reference location shall be sampled for each ASBS receiving water site sampled per responsible party. For parties discharging to ASBS in more than one Regional Water Board region, at a minimum, one reference station and one receiving water station shall be sampled in each region.
b. ASBS ocean receiving water must be sampled in the surf zone at the location where the runoff makes contact with ocean water (i.e. at “point zero”). Ocean receiving water stations must be representative of worst-case discharge conditions (i.e. co-located at a large drain greater than 36 inches, or if drains greater than 36 inches are not present in the ASBS then the largest drain greater than18 inches.) Ocean receiving water stations are subject to approval by the participants in the regional monitoring program and the State Water Board’s Division of Water Quality and the applicable Regional Water Board(s). A minimum of three ocean receiving water samples must be collected during each storm season from each station, each from a separate storm. A minimum of one receiving water location shall be sampled in each ASBS per responsible party in that ASBS. For parties discharging to ASBS in more than one Regional Water Board region, at a minimum, one reference station and one receiving water station shall be sampled in each region.
c. Reference and receiving water sampling shall commence during the first full storm season following the adoption of these special conditions, and post-storm samples shall be collected during the same storm event when storm water runoff is sampled.
Sampling shall occur in a minimum of two storm seasons. For those ASBS dischargers that have already participated in the Southern California Bight 2008 ASBS regional monitoring effort, sampling may be limited to only one storm season. d. Receiving water and reference samples shall be analyzed for the same constituents as storm water runoff samples. At a minimum, constituents to be sampled and analyzed in reference and discharge receiving waters must include oil and grease, total suspended solids, Ocean Plan Table B metals for protection of marine life, Ocean Plan PAHs, pyrethroids, OP pesticides, ammonia, nitrate, phosphates, and critical life stage chronic toxicity for three species. In addition, within the range of the southern sea otter, indicator bacteria or some other measure of fecal contamination shall be analyzed.
3. Waterfront and Marine Operations: In addition to the above requirements for ocean receiving water monitoring, additional monitoring must be performed for marinas and boat launch and pier facilities:
a. For all marina or mooring field operators, in mooring fields with 10 or more occupied moorings, the ocean receiving water must be sampled for Ocean Plan indicator bacteria, residual chlorine, copper, zinc, grease and oil, methylene blue active substances (MBAS), and ammonia nitrogen.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 19
(1) For mooring field operators opting for an individual monitoring program (Section IV.B.1 above), this sampling must occur weekly (on the weekend) from May through October.
(2) For mooring field operators opting to participate in a regional integrated monitoring program (Section IV.B.2 above), this sampling must occur monthly from May through October on a high use weekend in each month. The Water Boards may allow a reduction in the frequency of sampling, through the regional monitoring program, after the first year of monitoring.
b. For all mooring field operators, the subtidal sediment (sand or finer, if present) within mooring fields and below piers shall be sampled and analyzed for Ocean Plan Table B metals (for marine aquatic life beneficial use), acute toxicity, PAHs, and tributyltin. For sediment toxicity testing, only an acute toxicity test using the amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius must be performed. This sampling shall occur at least three times during a five (5) year period. For mooring field operators opting to participate in a regional integrated monitoring program, the Water Boards may allow a reduction in the frequency of sampling after the first sampling effort’s results are assessed.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 20
Glossary
At the point of discharge(s) – Means in the surf zone immediately where runoff from an outfall meets the ocean water (a.k.a., at point zero).
Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS) – Those areas designated by the State Water Board as ocean areas requiring protection of species or biological communities to the extent that alteration of natural water quality is undesirable. All Areas of Special Biological Significance are also classified as a subset of State Water Quality Protection Areas.
Design storm – For purposes of these Special Protections, a design storm is defined as the volume of runoff produced from one inch of precipitation per day or, if this definition is inconsistent with the discharger’s applicable storm water permit, then the design storm shall be the definition included in the discharger’s applicable storm water permit.
Development – Relevant to reference monitoring sites, means urban, industrial, agricultural, grazing, mining, and timber harvesting land uses.
Higher threat discharges - Permitted storm drains discharging equal to or greater than 18 inches, industrial storm drains, agricultural runoff discharged through an MS4, discharges associated with waterfront and marina operations (e.g., piers, launch ramps, mooring fields, and associated vessel support activities, except for passive discharges defined below), and direct discharges associated with commercial or industrial activities to ASBS.
Low Impact Development (LID) – A sustainable practice that benefits water supply and contributes to water quality protection. Unlike traditional storm water management, which entails collecting and conveying storm water runoff through storm drains, pipes, or other conveyances to a centralized storm water facility, LID focuses on using site design and storm water management to maintain the site’s pre-development runoff rates and volumes.
The goal of LID is to mimic a site’s predevelopment hydrology by using design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to the source of rainfall.
Marine Operations – Marinas or mooring fields that contain slips or mooring locations for 10 or more vessels.
Management Measure (MM) - Economically achievable measures for the control of the addition of pollutants from various classes of nonpoint sources of pollution, which reflect the greatest degree of pollutant reduction achievable through the application of the best available nonpoint pollution control practices, technologies, processes, siting criteria, operating methods, or other alternatives. For example, in the “marinas and recreational boating” landuse category specified in the Plan for California’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program (NPS Program Plan) (SWRCB, 1999), “boat cleaning and maintenance” is considered a MM or the source of a specific class or type of NPS pollution.
Management Practice (MP) - The practices (e.g., structural, non-structural, operational, or other alternatives) that can be used either individually or in combination to address a specific MM class or classes of NPS pollution. For example, for the “boat cleaning and maintenance” MM, specific MPs can include, but are not limited to, methods for the selection of environmentally sensitive hull paints or methods for cleaning/removal of hull copper antifouling paints.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 21
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) – A municipally-owned storm sewer system regulated under the Phase I or Phase II storm water program implemented in compliance with Clean Water Act section 402(p). Note that an MS4 program’s boundaries are not necessarily congruent with the permittee’s political boundaries.
Natural Ocean Water Quality - The water quality (based on selected physical, chemical and biological characteristics) that is required to sustain marine ecosystems, and which is without apparent human influence, i.e., an absence of significant amounts of: (a) man-made constituents (e.g., DDT); (b) other chemical (e.g., trace metals), physical (temperature/thermal pollution, sediment burial), and biological (e.g., bacteria) constituents at concentrations that have been elevated due to man’s activities above those resulting from the naturally occurring processes that affect the area in question; and (c) non-indigenous biota (e.g., invasive algal bloom species) that have been introduced either deliberately or accidentally by man. Discharges “shall not alter natural ocean water quality” as determined by a comparison to the range of constituent concentrations in reference areas agreed upon via the regional monitoring program(s). If monitoring information indicates that natural ocean water quality is not maintained, but there is sufficient evidence that a discharge is not contributing to the alteration of natural water quality, then the Regional Water Board may make that determination. In this case, sufficient information must include runoff sample data that has equal or lower concentrations for the range of constituents at the applicable reference area(s).
Nonpoint source – Nonpoint pollution sources generally are sources that do not meet the definition of a point source. Nonpoint source pollution typically results from land runoff, precipitation, atmospheric deposition, agricultural drainage, marine/boating operations or hydrologic modification. Nonpoint sources, for purposes of these Special Protections, include discharges that are not required to be regulated under an NPDES permit.
Non-storm water discharge – Any runoff that is not the result of a precipitation event. This is often referred to as “dry weather flow.”
Non-structural control – A Best Management Practice that involves operational, maintenance, regulatory (e.g., ordinances) or educational activities designed to reduce or eliminate pollutants in runoff, and that are not structural controls (i.e. there are no physical structures involved).
Physical impossibility - Means any act of God, war, fire, earthquake, windstorm, flood or natural catastrophe; unexpected and unintended accidents not caused by discharger or its employees’ negligence; civil disturbance, vandalism, sabotage or terrorism; restrain by court order or public authority or agency; or action or non-action by, or inability to obtain the necessary authorizations or approvals from any governmental agency other than the permittee.
Representative sites and monitoring procedures – Are to be proposed by the discharger, with appropriate rationale, and subject to approval by Water Board staff.
Sheet-flow – Runoff that flows across land surfaces at a shallow depth relative to the crosssectional width of the flow. These types of flow may or may not enter a storm drain system before discharge to receiving waters.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 22
Storm Season – Also referred to as rainy season, means the months of the year from the onset of rainfall during autumn until the cessation of rainfall in the spring.
Structural control – A Best Management Practice that involves the installation of engineering solutions to the physical treatment or infiltration of runoff.
Surf Zone - The surf zone is defined as the submerged area between the breaking waves and the shoreline at any one time.
Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) comparable – Means that the monitoring program must 1) meet or exceed 2008 SWAMP Quality Assurance Program Management Plan (QAPP) Measurement Quality Objectives, or 2) have a Quality Assurance Project Plan that has been approved by SWAMP; in addition data must be formatted to match the database requirements of the SWAMP Information Management System. Adherence to the measurement quality objectives in the Southern California Bight 2008 ASBS Regional Monitoring Program QAPP and data base management comprises being SWAMP comparable.
Waterfront Operations - Piers, launch ramps, and cleaning stations in the water or on the adjacent shoreline.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment F
Attachment F - 23
Compare receiving water post-storm sample concentration to the 85% threshold of reference sample concentrations
Compare receiving water post-storm to pre-storm sample
concentration
Is post storm
receiving water
sample > prestorm
concentration?
no
Receiving Water sample similar to local
background - No Action
Exceedance of natural water quality*
no
yes
yes
yes
no
yes
* When an exceedance of natural water quality occurs, the discharger must comply with section I.A.2.h (for permitted storm water) or section I.B.2.c (for nonpoint sources). Note, when sampling data is available, end-of-pipe effluent concentrations will be considered by the Water Boards in making this determination.
Compliance with natural water quality
Resample receiving water pre- and post-storm (during the next feasible storm event) and analyze per Water Board approval Is post storm resample(s)
concentration
>85% threshold? no
Attachment 1
Special Protections Sections I(A)(3)(e) and I(B)(3)(e)
Flowchart to Deteremine Compliance with natural Water Quality Is post-storm Compliance with natural water quality
concentration >
85% threshold?
Is post storm
receiving water
sample > prestorm
concentration?
Receiving Water sample similar to local
background - No Action
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 1
ATTACHMENT G
Standard NPDES Stormwater Permit Provisions
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 2
CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
SAN FRANCISCO BAY REGION
Standard Provisions and Reporting Requirements
for
NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permits
I. STANDARD PROVISIONS – PERMIT COMPLIANCE
A. Duty to Comply
1. The Permittees (hereinafter individually referred to as Discharger) must comply with all of the terms, requirements, and conditions of this Order.
Any noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the California Water Code and is grounds for enforcement action; permit termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; denial of a permit renewal application; or a combination thereof. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(a); California Water Code, §§ 13261, 13263, 13265, 13000, 13001, 13304, 13350, 13385.)
2. The Discharger shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under Section 307(a) of the CWA for toxic pollutants within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions, even if this Order has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(a)(1).)
B. Need to Halt or Reduce Activity Not a Defense
It shall not be a defense for a Discharger in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the conditions of this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(c).)
C. Duty to Mitigate
The Discharger shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge in violation of this Order that has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(d).)
D. Proper Operation and Maintenance
The Discharger shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the Discharger to achieve compliance with the conditions of this Order. Proper operation and maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of backup or auxiliary facilities or similar Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 3
systems that are installed by a Discharger only when necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(e).) E. Property Rights
1. This Order does not convey any property rights of any sort or any exclusive privileges. (40
C.F.R. § 122.41(g).)
2. The issuance of this Order does not authorize any injury to persons or property or invasion of other private rights, or any infringement of state or local law or regulations. (40 C.F.R. § 122.5(c).)
F. Inspection and Entry
The Discharger shall allow the Water Board, State Water Board, U.S. EPA, and/or their authorized representatives (including an authorized contractor acting as their representative), upon the presentation of credentials and other documents, as may be required by law, to (33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(4)(B); 40 C.F.R. § 122.41(i); California Water Code, § 13383):
1. Enter upon the Discharger's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records are kept under the conditions of this Order (33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(4)(B)(i); 40 C.F.R. § 122.41(i)(1); California Water Code, § 13383);
2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this Order (33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(4)(B)(ii); 40 C.F.R. § 122.41(i)(2); California Water Code, §13383);
3. Inspect and photograph, at reasonable times, any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this Order (33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(4)(B)(ii); 40 C.F.R. § 122.41(i)(3); California Water Code, § 13383); and
4. Sample or monitor, at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring Order compliance or as otherwise authorized by the CWA or the Water Code, any substances or parameters at any location. (33 U.S.C. § 1318(a)(4)(B); 40 C.F.R. § 122.41(i)(4); California Water Code, § 13383.) G. Bypass
1. Definitions
a. “Bypass” means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(1)(i).) b. “Severe property damage” means substantial physical damage to property, damage to the treatment facilities, which causes them to become inoperable, or substantial and permanent loss of natural resources that can reasonably be expected to occur in the absence of a bypass. Severe property damage does not mean economic loss Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 4
caused by delays in production. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(1)(ii).)
2. Bypass not exceeding limitations. The Discharger may allow any bypass to occur which does not cause exceedances of effluent limitations, but only if it is for essential maintenance to assure efficient operation. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(2).)
3. Prohibition of bypass. Bypass is prohibited, and the Water Board may take enforcement action against a Discharger for bypass, unless (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(4)(i)):
a. Bypass was unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(4)(i)(A)); b. There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary treatment facilities, retention of untreated wastes, or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime. This condition is not satisfied if adequate back-up equipment should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgment to prevent a bypass that occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventive maintenance (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(4)(i)(B)); and
c. The Discharger submitted notice to the Water Board as required under Standard Provisions notice requirements. (40 C.F.R.§ 122.41(m)(4)(i)(C).)
4. The Water Board may approve an anticipated bypass, after considering its adverse effects, if the Water Board determines that it will meet the three conditions listed in Standard Provisions – Permit Compliance Part I.G.3 above. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(4)(ii).)
H. Notice
a. Anticipated bypass. If the Discharger knows in advance of the need for a bypass, it shall submit prior notice, if possible at least 10 days before the date of the bypass. The notice shall be sent to the Water Board. As of December 21, 2020, all notices must be submitted electronically to the initial recipient defined in Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.J of this Attachment G. Notices shall comply with 40 C.F.R. part 3, 40 C.F.R. section 122.22, and 40 C.F.R. part 127. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(3)(ii).)
b. Unanticipated bypass. The Discharger shall submit notice of an unanticipated bypass as required in Standard Provisions - Reporting Part V.E of this Attachment G (24-hour notice). The notice shall be sent to the Water Board. As of December 21, 2020, all notices must be submitted electronically to the initial recipient defined in Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.J of this Attachment G. Notices shall comply with 40 C.F.R. part 3, 40 C.F.R. section 122.22, and 40 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 5
C.F.R. part 127. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(m)(3)(ii).)
I. Upset
Upset means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology based permit effluent limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the Discharger. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment facilities, inadequate treatment facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(1).)
1. Effect of an upset. An upset constitutes an affirmative defense to an action brought for noncompliance with such technology based permit effluent limitations if the requirements of Standard Provisions – Permit Compliance Part I.H.2 below are met. No determination made during administrative review of claims that noncompliance was caused by upset, and before an action for noncompliance, is final administrative action subject to judicial review. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(2).)
2. Conditions necessary for a demonstration of upset. A Discharger who wishes to establish the affirmative defense of upset shall demonstrate, through properly signed, contemporaneous operating logs or other relevant evidence that (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(3)):
a. An upset occurred and that the Discharger can identify the cause(s) of the upset (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(3)(i));
b. The permitted facility was, at the time, being properly operated (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(3)(ii));
c. The Discharger submitted notice of the upset as required in Standard Provisions –
Reporting V.E.2.b below (24-hour notice) (40 C.F.R. §
122.41(n)(3)(iii)); and
d. The Discharger complied with any remedial measures required under Standard Provisions – Permit Compliance I.C above. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(3)(iv).)
3. Burden of proof. In any enforcement proceeding, the Discharger seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(n)(4).)
II. STANDARD PROVISIONS – PERMIT ACTION
A. General
This Order may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause.
The filing of a request by the Discharger for modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any Order condition. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(f).) B. Duty to Reapply
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 6
If the Discharger wishes to continue an activity regulated by this Order after the expiration date of this Order, the Discharger must apply for and obtain a new permit. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(b).)
C. Transfers
This Order is not transferable to any person except after notice to the Water Board. The Water Board may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the Order to change the name of the Discharger and incorporate such other requirements as may be necessary under the CWA and the Water Code. (40 C.F.R. §§ 122.41(l)(3), 122.61.) III. STANDARD PROVISIONS – MONITORING
A. Samples and measurements taken for the purpose of monitoring shall be representative of the monitored activity. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(1).) B. Monitoring must be conducted according to test procedures approved under 40 C.F.R. part 136 for the analyses of pollutants unless another method is required under 40 C.F.R. chapter 1, subchapter N. Monitoring must be conducted according to sufficiently sensitive test methods approved under 40 C.F.R. part 136 for the analysis of pollutants or pollutant parameters or as required under 40 C.F.R. chapter 1, subchapter N. For the purposes of this paragraph, a method is sufficiently sensitive when:
1. The method minimum level (ML) is at or below the level of the most stringent effluent limitation established in the permit for the measured pollutant or pollutant parameter, and either the method ML is at or below the level of the most stringent applicable water quality criterion for the measured pollutant or pollutant parameter or the method ML is above the applicable water quality criterion but the amount of the pollutant or pollutant parameter in the facility’s discharge is high enough that the method detects and quantifies the level of the pollutant or pollutant parameter in the discharge; or
2. The method has the lowest ML of the analytical methods approved under 40 C.F.R. part 136 or required under 40 C.F.R. chapter 1, subchapter N for the measured pollutant or pollutant parameter.
In the case of pollutants or pollutant parameters for which there are no approved methods under 40 C.F.R. part 136 or otherwise required under 40 C.F.R. chapter 1, subchapter N, monitoring must be conducted according to a test procedure specified in this Order for such pollutants or pollutant parameters. (40 C.F.R. §§ 122.21(e)(3), 122.41(j)(4), 122.44(i)(1)(iv).) IV. STANDARD PROVISIONS – RECORDS
A. The Discharger shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and all original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies of all reports required by this Order, and records of all data used to complete the application for this Order, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 7
for a period of at least three (3) years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or application. This period may be extended by request of the Water Board Executive Officer or U.S. EPA at any time. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(2); California Water Code § 13383(a))
B. Records of monitoring information shall include:
1. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(3)(i));
2. The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(3)(ii));
3. The date(s) analyses were performed (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(3)(iii));
4. The individual(s) who performed the analyses (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(3)(iv));
5. The analytical techniques or methods used (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(3)(v)); and
6. The results of such analyses. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(j)(3)(vi).) C. Claims of confidentiality for the following information will be denied (40 C.F.R. § 122.7(b)):
1. The name and address of any permit applicant or Discharger (40 C.F.R. § 122.7(b)(1)); and
2. Permit applications and attachments, permits and effluent data. (40 C.F.R. § 122.7(b)(2).)
V. STANDARD PROVISIONS – REPORTING
A. Duty to Provide Information
The Discharger shall furnish to the Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S.
EPA within a reasonable time, any information which the Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S. EPA may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating this Order or to determine compliance with this Order. Upon request, the Discharger shall also furnish to the Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S. EPA copies of records required to be kept by this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(h); California Water Code, §13383.)
B. Signatory and Certification Requirements
1. All applications, reports, or information submitted to the Water Board, State Water Board, and/or U.S. EPA shall be signed and certified in accordance with Standard Provisions – Reporting Parts V.B.2, V.B.3, V.B.4, V.B.5, and V.B.6 below. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(k).)
2. All permit applications shall be signed by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official. For purposes of this provision, a principal executive officer of a federal agency includes: (i) the chief executive officer of the agency, or (ii) a senior executive officer having Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 8
responsibility for the overall operations of a principal geographic unit of the agency (e.g., Regional Administrators of U.S. EPA). (40 C.F.R. § 122.22(a)(3)).
3. All reports required by this Order and other information requested by the Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S. EPA shall be signed by a person described in Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.B.2 above, or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if:
e. The authorization is made in writing by a person described in Standard Provisions – Reporting V.B.2 above (40 C.F.R. § 122.22(b)(1));
f. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity such as the position of plant manager, operator of a well or a well field, superintendent, position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company. (A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position.) (40
C.F.R. § 122.22(b)(2)); and
g. The written authorization is submitted to the Water Board and State Water Board. (40 C.F.R. § 122.22(b)(3).)
4. If an authorization under Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.B.3 above is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.B.3 above must be submitted to the Water Board and State Water Board prior to or together with any reports, information, or applications, to be signed by an authorized representative. (40 C.F.R. § 122.22(c).)
5. Any person signing a document under Standard Provisions – Reporting Parts V.B.2 or
V.B.3 above shall make the following certification:
“I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations.” (40 C.F.R. § 122.22(d).)
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 9
6. Any person providing the electronic signature for documents described in Standard Provisions – Parts V.B.1, V.B.2, or V.B.3 above that are submitted electronically shall meet all relevant requirements of this Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.B, and shall ensure that all relevant requirements of 40 C.F.R. part 3 (Cross-Media Electronic Reporting) and 40 C.F.R. part 127 (NPDES Electronic Reporting Requirements) are met for that submission. (40 C.F.R § 122.22(e).) C. Monitoring Reports
1. Monitoring results shall be reported at the intervals specified in the this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(4).)
2. Monitoring results must be reported on a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) form or forms provided or specified by the Water Board or State Water Board. As of December 21, 2020, all reports and forms must be submitted electronically to the initial recipient defined in Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.J of this Attachment G and comply with 40 C.F.R. part 3, 40 C.F.R. section 122.22, and 40 C.F.R. part 127. (40 C.F.R.
§ 122.41(l)(4)(i).)
3. If the Discharger monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by this Order using test procedures approved under 40 C.F.R. part 136, or another method required for an industry-specific waste stream under 40 C.F.R. subchapter N, the results of such monitoring shall be included in the calculation and reporting of the data submitted in the DMR or reporting form specified by the Water Board or State Water Board. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(4)(ii).)
4. Calculations for all limitations, which require averaging of measurements, shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified in this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(4)(iii).) D. Compliance Schedules
Reports of compliance or noncompliance with, or any progress reports on, interim and final requirements contained in any compliance schedule of this Order, shall be submitted no later than 14 days following each schedule date. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(5).)
E. Twenty-Four Hour Reporting
1. The Discharger shall report any noncompliance that may endanger health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24 hours from the time the Discharger becomes aware of the circumstances. A written report shall also be provided within five (5) days of the time the Discharger becomes aware of the circumstances. The written report shall contain a description of the noncompliance and its cause; the period of noncompliance, including exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, the anticipated time it is Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 10
expected to continue; and steps taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the noncompliance. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(6)(i).)
For noncompliance events related to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or bypass events, these reports must include the data described above (with the exception of time of discovery) as well as the type of event (i.e., combined sewer overflow, sanitary sewer overflow, or bypass event), type of overflow structure (e.g., manhole, combined sewer overflow outfall), discharge volume untreated by the treatment works treating domestic sewage, types of human health and environmental impacts of the event, and whether the noncompliance was related to wet weather.
As of December 21, 2020, all reports related to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or bypass events must be submitted to the Water Board and must be submitted electronically to the initial recipient defined in Standard Provisions – Reporting Part V.J of this Attachment G. The reports shall comply with 40 C.F.R. part 3, 40 C.F.R. section 122.22, and 40 C.F.R. part 127. The Water Board may also require the Discharger to electronically submit reports not related to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or bypass events under this section. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(6)(i).)
2. The following shall be included as information that must be reported within 24 hours under this paragraph (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(6)(ii)):
a. Any unanticipated bypass that exceeds any effluent limitation in this Order. (40 C.F.R.
§ 122.41(l)(6)(ii)(A).)
b. Any upset that exceeds any effluent limitation in this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(6)(ii)(B).)
c. Violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any of the pollutants listed by the Water Board in this Order [40 CFR Section (l)(6)(ii)(C) and 122.44(g)].
3. The Water Board may waive the above-required written report under this provision on a case by case basis if an oral report has been received within 24 hours. (40
C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(6)(iii).)
F. Planned Changes
The Discharger shall give notice to the Water Board as soon as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted facility. Notice is required under this provision only when (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(1)):
1. The alteration or addition to a permitted facility may meet one of the criteria for determining whether a facility is a new source in 40 CFR section 122.29(b) (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(1)(i)); or
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 11
2. The alteration or addition could significantly change the nature or increase the quantity of pollutants discharged. This notification applies to pollutants that are not subject to effluent limitations in this Order. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(1)(ii).)
G. Anticipated Noncompliance
The Discharger shall give advance notice to the Water Board of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity that may result in noncompliance with this Order’s requirements. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(2).) H. Other Noncompliance
The Discharger shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under Standard Provisions – Reporting Parts V.C, V.D, and V.E above at the time monitoring reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Standard Provision – Reporting
V.E above. For noncompliance events related to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or bypass events, these reports shall contain the information described in Standard Provision – Reporting Part V.E above and the applicable required data in appendix A to 40
C.F.R. part 127. The Water Board may also require the Discharger to electronically submit reports not related to combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, or bypass events under this section. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(7).)
I. Other Information
When the Discharger becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a permit application, or submitted incorrect information in a permit application or in any report to the Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S.
EPA, the Discharger shall promptly submit such facts or information. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(8).)
J. Initial Recipient for Electronic Reporting Data
The owner, operator, or the duly authorized representative is required to electronically submit NPDES information specified in appendix A to 40 C.F.R. part 127 to the initial recipient defined in 40 C.F.R. section 127.2(b). U.S. EPA will identify and publish the list of initial recipients on its website and in the Federal Register, by state and by NPDES data group [see 40 C.F.R. section 127.2(c)]. U.S. EPA will update and maintain this listing. (40 C.F.R. § 122.41(l)(9).)
VI. STANDARD PROVISIONS – ENFORCEMENT
A. The Water Board is authorized to enforce the terms of this permit under several provisions of the Water Code, including, but not limited to, sections 13385, 13386, and 13387.
B. The CWA provides that any person who violates Section 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of the CWA, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any such Sections in a permit issued under Section 402, or any Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 12
requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved under Sections 402(a)(3) or 402(b)(8) of the CWA is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed
$25,000 per day for each violation. The CWA provides that any person who negligently violates Sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the CWA, or any condition or limitation implementing any of such Sections in a permit issued under Section 402 of the CWA, or any requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved under Section 402(a)(3) or 402(b)(8) of the CWA, is subject to criminal penalties of $2,500 to $25,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment of not more than one (1) year, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a negligent violation, a person shall be subject to criminal penalties of not more
than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than two (2) years, or both. Any person who knowingly violates such Sections, or such conditions or limitations is subject to criminal penalties of $5,000 to $50,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment for not more than three (3) years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing violation, a person shall be subject to criminal penalties of not more than $100,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment of not more than six (6) years, or both. Any person who knowingly violates Section 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of the CWA, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any of such Sections in a permit issued under Section 402 of the CWA, and who knows at that time that he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than
$250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing endangerment violation, a person shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500,000 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 years, or both. An organization, as defined in Section 309(c)(3)(B)(iii) of the CWA, shall, upon conviction of violating the imminent danger provision, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 and can be fined up to $2,000,000 for second or subsequent convictions [40 CFR Section 122.41(a)(2)] [California Water Code Sections 13385 and 13387].
C. Any person may be assessed an administrative penalty by the Water Board for violating Section 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of the CWA, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any of such Sections in a permit issued under Section 402 of the CWA. Administrative penalties for Class I violations are not to exceed $10,000 per violation, with the maximum amount of any Class I penalty assessed not to exceed $25,000. Penalties for Class II violations are not to exceed $10,000 per day for each day during which the violation continues, with the maximum amount of any Class II penalty not to exceed $125,000 [40 CFR Section 122.41(a)(3)].
D. The CWA provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required to be Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment G
Attachment G - 13
maintained under this permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000, or by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, or both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fine of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than four (4) years, or both [40 CFR Section 122.41(j)(5)].
E. The CWA provides that any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any record or other document submitted or required to be maintained under this Order, including monitoring reports or reports of compliance or noncompliance shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than six months per violation, or by both [40 CFR Section 122.41(k)(2)].
IV. CONTINUATION OF EXPIRED PERMIT
A. This Order continues in force and effect until the effective date of a new permit or the Water Board rescinds this Order. (40 C.F.R. section 122.6(d).) Only those dischargers authorized to discharge under the expiring Order are covered by the continued Order.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment H
Attachment H - 1
ATTACHMENT H
Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)
Numeric Implementation Retrofit Requirements
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment H
Attachment H - 2
Table H-1. Numeric Retrofit Requirements
County Permittee 2019 US
Census
Bureau
Population
Estimate
MRP 3
Provision
C.3.j
Retrofit
Assignment
(acres)
County
Total
(acres)
Alameda Alameda
77,624
4.66 58.42
Alameda Alameda County
147,218
5.00 Alameda Albany
19,696
1.18 Alameda Berkeley
121,363
5.00 Alameda Dublin
64,826
3.89 Alameda Emeryville
12,086
0.73 Alameda Fremont
241,110
5.00 Alameda Hayward
159,203
5.00 Alameda Livermore
90,189
5.41 Alameda Newark
49,149
2.95 Alameda Oakland
433,031
5.00 Alameda Piedmont
11,135
0.67 Alameda Pleasanton
81,777
4.91 Alameda San Leandro
88,815
5.00 Alameda Union City
74,107
4.45 Contra Costa Antioch
111,502
5.00 57.32
Contra Costa Brentwood
64,474
3.87 Contra Costa Clayton
12,265
0.74 Contra Costa Concord
129,295
5.00 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment H
Attachment H - 3
Contra Costa Contra Costa
County
185,589
5.00 Contra Costa Danville
44,510
2.67 Contra Costa El Cerrito
25,508
1.53 Contra Costa Hercules
26,276
1.58 Contra Costa Lafayette
26,638
1.60 Contra Costa Martinez
38,297
2.30 Contra Costa Moraga
17,783
1.07 Contra Costa Oakley
42,543
2.55 Contra Costa Orinda
19,926
1.20 Contra Costa Pinole
19,250
1.16 Contra Costa Pittsburg
72,588
4.36 Contra Costa Pleasant Hill
34,839
2.09 Contra Costa Richmond
110,567
5.00 Contra Costa San Pablo
30,990
1.86 Contra Costa San Ramon
75,995
4.56 Contra Costa Walnut Creek
70,166
4.21 Santa Clara Campbell
41,793
2.51 46.09
Santa Clara Cupertino
59,276
3.56 Santa Clara Los Altos
30,089
1.81 Santa Clara Los Altos Hills
8,423
0.51 Santa Clara Los Gatos
30,222
1.81 Santa Clara Milpitas
84,196
5.00 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment H
Attachment H - 4
Santa Clara Monte Sereno
3,427
0.21 Santa Clara Mountain View
82,739
4.96 Santa Clara Palo Alto
65,364
3.92 Santa Clara San Jose
1,021,795
5.00 Santa Clara Santa Clara
130,365
5.00 Santa Clara Santa Clara County
98,110
5.00 Santa Clara Saratoga
30,153
1.81 Santa Clara Sunnyvale
152,703
5.00 San Mateo Atherton
7,137
0.43 43.31
San Mateo Belmont
26,941
1.62 San Mateo Brisbane
4,671
0.28 San Mateo Burlingame
30,889
1.85 San Mateo Colma
1,489
0.20 San Mateo Daly City
106,280
5.00 San Mateo East Palo Alto
29,314
1.76 San Mateo Foster City
33,901
2.03 San Mateo Half Moon Bay
12,932
0.78 San Mateo Hillsborough
11,387
0.68 San Mateo Menlo Park
34,698
2.08 San Mateo Millbrae
22,394
1.34 San Mateo Pacifica
38,546
2.31 San Mateo Portola Valley
4,568
0.27 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Attachment H
Attachment H - 5
San Mateo Redwood City
85,925
5.00 San Mateo San Bruno
42,807
2.57 San Mateo San Carlos
30,185
1.81 San Mateo San Mateo
104,430
5.00 San Mateo San Mateo County
64,832
3.89 San Mateo South San
Francisco
67,789
4.07 San Mateo Woodside
5,458
0.33 Solano Fairfield
117,133
5.00 11.78
Solano Suisun City
29,663
1.78 Solano Vallejo
121,692
5.00 Total
5,917,090.00
216.92
Table H-1. The retrofit assignment is three acres per 50,000 population, prorated, with a minimum expectation of 0.20 acres and a maximum expectation of five acres. The population data in this table is from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimate.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 1
ATTACHMENT I
Applicable C.3 Requirements from
Previous Permit, Order No. R2-2015-0049
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 2
C.3. New Development and Redevelopment
C.3.b. Regulated Projects
ii. Regulated Projects are defined in the following categories:
(1) Special Land Use Categories
(a) New Development or redevelopment projects that fall into one of the categories listed below and that create and/or replace 5000 square feet or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site). This category includes development projects of the following four types on public or private land that fall under the planning and building authority of a Permittee:
(i) Auto service facilities, described by the following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes: 5013, 5014, 5541, 7532- 7534, and 7536-7539;
(ii) Retail gasoline outlets;
(iii) Restaurants (SIC Code 5812); or
(iv) Stand-alone uncovered parking lots and uncovered parking lots that are part of a development project if the parking lot creates and/or replaces 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface.
This category includes the top uncovered portion of parking structures, unless drainage from the uncovered portion is connected to the sanitary sewer along with the covered portions of the parking structure.
(b) For redevelopment projects in the categories specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(a)(i)-(iv), specific exclusions are:
(i) Interior remodels; and
(ii) Routine maintenance or repair such as:
roof or exterior wall surface replacement, and/or
pavement resurfacing within the existing footprint.
(c) Where a redevelopment project in the categories specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(a)(i)-(iv) results in an alteration of 50 percent or more of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire redevelopment project).
(d) Where a redevelopment project in the categories specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(a)(i)-(iv) results in an alteration of less than 50 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 3
percent of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project).
(2) Other Development Projects
New development projects that create 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site) including commercial, industrial, residential housing subdivisions (i.e., detached single-family home subdivisions, multi-family attached subdivisions (town homes), condominiums, and apartments), mixed-use, and public projects. This category includes development projects on public or private land that fall under the planning and building authority of a Permittee.
Detached single-family home projects that are not part of a larger plan of development are specifically excluded.
(3) Other Redevelopment Projects
Redevelopment projects that create and/or replace 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site) including commercial, industrial, residential housing subdivisions (i.e., detached single-family home subdivisions, multi-family attached subdivisions (town homes), condominiums, and apartments), mixed-use, and public projects. Redevelopment is any land-disturbing activity that results in the creation, addition, or replacement of exterior impervious surface area on a site on which some past development has occurred. This category includes redevelopment projects on public or private land that fall under the planning and building authority of a Permittee.
Specific exclusions to this category are:
Interior remodels; and
Routine maintenance or repair such as:
roof or exterior wall surface replacement, and/or
pavement resurfacing within the existing footprint.
(a) Where a redevelopment project results in an alteration of 50 percent or more of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire redevelopment project).
(b) Where a redevelopment results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of a previously existing Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 4
development that was not subject to Provision C.3., only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project).
(4) Road Projects
Any of the following types of road projects that create 10,000 square feet or more of newly constructed contiguous impervious surface and that fall under the building and planning authority of a Permittee:
(a) Construction of new streets or roads, including sidewalks and bicycle lanes built as part of the new streets or roads.
(b) Widening of existing streets or roads with additional traffic lanes. (i) Where the addition of traffic lanes results in an alteration of more than 50 percent of the impervious surface of an existing street or road within the project that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, shall be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire street or road that had additional traffic lanes added). (ii) Where the addition of traffic lanes results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of an existing street or road within the project that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e.,
stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from only the new traffic lanes).
However, if the stormwater runoff from the existing traffic lanes and the added traffic lanes cannot be separated, any onsite treatment system shall be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire street or road. If an offsite treatment system is installed or in-lieu fees paid in accordance with Provision C.3.e, the offsite treatment system or in-lieu fees must address only the stormwater runoff from the added traffic lanes. (c) Construction of impervious trails that are greater than 10 feet wide or are creek-side (within 50 feet of the top of bank).
(d) Specific exclusions to Provisions C.3.b.ii.(4)(a)-(c) include the following:
Sidewalks built as part of new streets or roads and built to direct stormwater runoff to adjacent vegetated areas.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 5
Bicycle lanes built as part of new streets or roads but are not hydraulically connected to the new streets or roads and that direct stormwater runoff to adjacent vegetated areas.
Impervious trails built to direct stormwater runoff to adjacent vegetated areas, or other non-erodible permeable areas, preferably away from creeks or towards the outboard side of levees. Sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or trails constructed with permeable surfaces.1
Caltrans highway projects and associated facilities.
C.3.e. Alternative or In-Lieu Compliance with Provision C.3.b. ii. Special Projects
(1) When considered at the watershed scale, certain land development projects characterized as smart growth, high density, or transit-oriented development can either reduce existing impervious surfaces, or create less “accessory” impervious areas and automobile-related pollutant impacts.
Incentive LID Treatment Reduction Credits approved by the Water Board may be applied to these Special Projects, which are Regulated Projects that meet the specific criteria listed below in Provision C.3.e.ii.(2). For any Special Project, the allowable incentive LID Treatment Reduction Credit is the maximum percentage of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Special Project’s drainage area, that may be treated with one or a combination of the following two types of non-LID treatment systems:
Tree-box-type high flowrate biofilters
Vault-based high flowrate media filters
The allowed LID Treatment Reduction Credit recognizes that density and space limitations for the Special Projects identified herein may make 100% LID treatment infeasible.
(2) Prior to granting any LID Treatment Reduction Credits, Permittees must first establish all the following:
(a) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite;
(b) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures offsite or paying in-lieu fees to treat 100% of the 1 Permeable surfaces include pervious concrete, porous asphalt, unit pavers, and granular materials.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 6
Provision C.3.d runoff with LID treatment measures at an offsite or Regional Project; and
(c) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with some combination of LID treatment measures onsite, offsite, and/or paying in-lieu fees towards at an offsite or Regional Project.
For each Special Project, a Permittee shall document the basis of infeasibility used to establish technical and/or economic infeasibility.
Under Provision C.3.e.vi, each Permittee is required to report on the infeasibility of 100% LID treatment in each scenario described in Provision C.3.e.ii.(2)(a)-(c) above, for each of the Special Projects for which LID Treatment Reduction Credit was applied.
(3) Category A Special Project Criteria
(a) To be considered a Category A Special Project, a Regulated Project must meet all of the following criteria:
(i) Be built as part of a Permittee’s stated objective to preserve or enhance a pedestrian-oriented type of urban design.
(ii) Be located in a Permittee’s designated central business district, downtown core area or downtown core zoning district,
neighborhood business district or comparable pedestrianoriented commercial district, or historic preservation site and/or district.
(iii) Create and/or replace one half acre or less of impervious surface area.
(iv) Include no surface parking, except for incidental surface parking.
Incidental surface parking is allowed only for emergency vehicle access, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
accessibility, and passenger and freight loading zones. (v) Have at least 85% coverage for the entire project site by permanent structures. The remaining 15% portion of the site is to be used for safety access, parking structure entrances, trash and recycling service, utility access, pedestrian connections, public uses, landscaping, and stormwater treatment.
(b) Any Category A Special Project may qualify for 100% LID Treatment Reduction Credit, which would allow the Category A Special Project to treat up to 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(4) Category B Special Project Criteria
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 7
(a) To be considered a Category B Special Project, a Regulated Project must meet all of the following criteria:
(i) Be built as part of a Permittee’s stated objective to preserve or enhance a pedestrian-oriented type of urban design.
(ii) Be located in a Permittee’s designated central business district, downtown core area or downtown core zoning district,
neighborhood business district or comparable pedestrianoriented commercial district, or historic preservation site and/or district.
(iii) Create and/or replace greater than one-half acre but no more than 2 acres of impervious surface area.
(iv) Include no surface parking, except for incidental surface parking.
Incidental surface parking is allowed only for emergency vehicle access, ADA accessibility, and passenger and freight loading zones.
(v) Have at least 85% coverage for the entire project site by permanent structures. The remaining 15% portion of the site is to be used for safety access, parking structure entrances, trash and recycling service, utility access, pedestrian connections, public uses, landscaping, and stormwater treatment.
(b) For any Category B Special Project, the maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed is determined based on the density achieved by the Project in accordance with the criteria listed below. Density is expressed in Floor Area Ratios (FARs2
) for commercial development
projects, in Dwelling Units per Acre (DU/Ac) for residential development projects, and in FARs and DU/Ac for mixed-use development projects.
(i) 50% Maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit
For any commercial Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 2:1, up to 50% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above. For any residential Category B Special Project with a gross density3 of at least 50 DU/Ac, up to 50% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the 2 Floor Area Ratio – The ratio of the total floor area on all floors of all buildings at a project site (except structures, floors, or floor areas dedicated to parking) to the total project site area. 3 Gross Density – The total number of residential units divided by the acreage of the entire site area, including land occupied by public right-of-ways, recreational, civic, commercial and other non-residential uses.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 8
two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
For any mixed use Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 2:1 or a gross density of at least 50 DU/Ac, up to 50% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(ii) 75% Maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit
For any commercial Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 3:1, up to 75% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above. For any residential Category B Special Project with a gross density of at least 75 DU/Ac, up to 75% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
For any mixed use Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 3:1 or a gross density of at least 75 DU/Ac, up to 75% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(iii) 100% Maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit
For any commercial Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 4:1, up to 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
For any residential Category B Special Project with a gross density of at least 100 DU/Ac, up to 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
For any mixed use Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 4:1 or a gross density of at least 100 DU/Ac, up to Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 9
100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment
systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(5) Category C Special Project Criteria (Transit-Oriented Development) (a) Transit-Oriented Development refers to the clustering of homes, jobs, shops and services in close proximity to rail stations, ferry terminals or bus stops offering access to frequent, high-quality transit services.
This pattern typically involves compact development and a mixing of different land uses, along with amenities like pedestrian-friendly streets. To be considered a Category C Special Project, a Regulated Project must meet all of the following criteria:
(i) Be characterized as a non-auto-related land use project. That is, Category C specifically excludes any Regulated Project that is a stand-alone surface parking lot; car dealership; auto and truck rental facility with onsite surface storage; fast-food restaurant, bank or pharmacy with drive-through lanes; gas station, car wash, auto repair and service facility; or other auto-related project unrelated to the concept of Transit-Oriented
Development.
(ii) If a commercial development project, achieve at least an FAR of 2:1.
(iii) If a residential development project, achieve at least a gross density of 25 DU/Ac.
(iv) If a mixed use development project, achieve at least an FAR of 2:1 or a gross density of 25 DU/Ac.
(b) For any Category C Special Project, the total maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed is the sum of three different types of credits that the Category C Special Project may qualify for, namely: Location, Density and Minimized Surface Parking Credits. (c) Location Credits
(i) A Category C Special Project may qualify for the following Location Credits:
a. 50% Location Credit: Located within a ¼ mile radius of an existing or planned transit hub.
b. 25% Location Credit: Located within a ½ mile radius of an existing or planned transit hub.
c. 25% Location Credit: Located within a planned Priority Development Area (PDA), which is an infill development
area formally designated by the Association of Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 10
Government’s / Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s FOCUS regional planning program. FOCUS is a regional
incentive-based development and conservation strategy for the San Francisco Bay Area.
(ii) Only one Location Credit may be used by an individual Category C Special Project, even if the project qualifies for multiple Location Credits.
(iii) At least 50% or more of a Category C Special Project’s site must be located within the ¼ or ½ mile radius of an existing or planned transit hub to qualify for the corresponding Location Credits listed above. One hundred percent of a Category C Special Project’s site must be located within a PDA to qualify for the corresponding Location Credit listed above.
(iv) Transit hub is defined as a rail, light rail, or commuter rail station, ferry terminal, or bus transfer station served by three or more bus routes (i.e., a bus stop with no supporting services does not qualify). A planned transit hub is a station on the MTC’s Regional Transit Expansion Program list, per MTC’s Resolution 3434 (revised April 2006), which is a regional priority funding plan for future transit stations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
(d) Density Credits: To qualify for any Density Credits, a Category C Special Project must first qualify for one of the Location Credits listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(5)(c) above.
(i) A Category C Special Project that is a commercial or mixed-use development project may qualify for the following Density Credits:
a. 10% Density Credit: Achieve an FAR of at least 2:1.
b. 20% Density Credit: Achieve an FAR of at least 4:1.
c. 30% Density Credit: Achieve an FAR of at least 6:1.
(ii) A Category C Special Project that is a residential or mixed-use development project may qualify for the following Density Credits:
a. 10% Density Credit: Achieve a gross density of at least 30 DU/Ac.
b. 20% Density Credit: Achieve a gross density of at least 60 DU/Ac.
c. 30% Density Credit: Achieve a gross density of at least 100 DU/Ac.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 11
(iii) Commercial Category C Projects do not qualify for Density Credits based on DU/Ac and residential Category C Projects do not qualify for Density Credits based on FAR. Mixed use Category C Projects may use Density Credits based on either DU/Ac or FAR, but not both.
(iv) Only one Density Credit may be used by an individual Category C Special Project, even if the project qualifies for multiple Density Credits.
(e) Minimized Surface Parking Credits: To qualify for any Minimized Surface Parking Credits, a Category C Special Project must first qualify for one of the Location Credits listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(5)(c) above.
(i) A Category C Special Project may qualify for the following Minimized Surface Parking Credits:
a. 10% Minimized Surface Parking Credit: Have 10% or less of the total post-project impervious surface area dedicated to at-grade surface parking. The at-grade surface parking must be treated with LID treatment measures.
b. 20% Minimized Surface Parking Credit: Have no surface parking except for incidental surface parking. Incidental surface parking is allowed only for emergency vehicle
access, ADA accessibility, and passenger and freight
loading zones.
(ii) Only one Minimized Surface Parking Credit may be used by an individual Category C Special Project, even if the project qualifies for multiple Minimized Surface Parking Credits. (6) Any Regulated Project that meets all the criteria for multiple Special Projects Categories (i.e., a Regulated Project that may be characterized as a Category B or C Special Project) may only use the LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed under one of the Special Projects Categories (i.e., a Regulated Project that may be characterized as a Category B or C Special Project may use the LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed under Category B or Category C, but not the sum of both.). iii. Implementation Level
(1) Provisions C.3.e.i-ii supersede any Alternative Compliance Policies previously approved by the Executive Officer.
(2) The definitions of FAR and gross density applicable to Provisions C.3.e.ii.(4) and (5) are effective July 1, 2022, and shall apply to all Special Projects granted final discretionary approval on or after July 1, 2022.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 12
(3) For all offsite projects and Regional Projects installed in accordance with Provision C.3.e.i-ii, the Permittees shall meet the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) requirements of Provision C.3.h.
iv. Reporting – Annual reporting shall be done in conjunction with reporting requirements under Provision C.3.b.iv.(2).
Any Permittee choosing to require 100% LID treatment onsite for all Regulated Projects and not allow alternative compliance under Provision C.3.e, shall include a statement to that effect in each Annual Report. v. Reporting on Special Projects
(1) Permittees shall track any identified potential Special Projects, including those projects that have submitted planning applications but that have not received final discretionary approval.
(2) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall report to the Water Board on these tracked potential Special Projects using Table 3.1 found at the end of Provision C.3. All the required column entry information listed in Table
3.1 shall be reported for each potential Special Project. Any Permittee with no Special Projects shall so state.
For each Special Project listed in Table 3.1, Permittees shall include a narrative discussion of the feasibility or infeasibility of 100% LID treatment onsite, offsite, and at a Regional Project. The narrative discussion shall address each of the following:
(a) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite.
(b) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures offsite or paying in-lieu fees to treat 100% of the Provision C.3.d runoff with LID treatment measures at a Regional Project.
(c) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with some combination of LID treatment measures onsite, offsite, and/or paying in-lieu fees towards a Regional Project.
Both technical and economic feasibility or infeasibility shall be discussed, as applicable. The discussion shall also contain enough technical and/or economic detail to document the basis of infeasibility used. (3) Once a Special Project has final discretionary approval, it shall be reported in the Provision C.3.b. Reporting Table in the same reporting year that the project was approved. In addition to the column entries contained in the Provision C.3.b. Reporting Table, the Permittees shall provide the following supplemental information for each approved Special Project:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 13
(a) Submittal Date: Date that a planning application for the Special Project was submitted.
(b) Description: Type of project, number of floors, number of units (commercial, mixed-use, residential), type of parking, and other relevant information.
(c) Site Acreage: Total site area in acres.
(d) Gross Density in DU/Ac: Number of dwelling units per acre. (e) Density in FAR: Floor Area Ratio.
(f) Special Project Category: For each applicable Special Project Category, list the specific criteria applied to determine applicability.
For each non-applicable Special Project Category, indicate n/a. (g) LID Treatment Reduction Credit: For each applicable Special Project Category, state the maximum total LID Treatment Reduction Credit applied. For Category C Special Projects also list the individual Location, Density, and Minimized Surface Parking Credits applied. (h) Stormwater Treatment Systems: List all proposed stormwater treatment systems and the corresponding percentage of the total amount of runoff runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area that will be treated by each treatment system. (i) List of Non-LID Stormwater Treatment Systems: List all non-LID stormwater treatment systems approved. For each type of non-LID treatment system, indicate: (1) the percentage of the total amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Special Project's drainage area, and (2) whether the treatment system either meets minimum design criteria published by a government agency or received certification issued by a government agency, and reference the applicable criteria or certification.
C.3.i. Required Site Design Measures for Small Projects and Detached Single-Family Home Projects
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall require all development projects, which create and/or replace > 2,500 ft2
to < 10,000 ft2 of impervious surface,
and detached single-family home projects,4 which create and/or replace 2,500 square feet or more of impervious surface, to install one or more of the following site design measures:
Direct roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels for reuse. 4 Detached single-family home project – The building of one single new house or the addition and/or replacement of impervious surface to one single existing house, which is not part of a larger plan of development.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-2018 Attachment I
Attachment I - 14
Direct roof runoff onto vegetated areas.
Direct runoff from sidewalks, walkways, and/or patios onto vegetated areas. Direct runoff from driveways and/or uncovered parking lots onto vegetated areas.
Construct sidewalks, walkways, and/or patios with permeable surfaces.1 Construct bike lanes, driveways, and/or uncovered parking lots with permeable surfaces.1
This provision applies to all development projects that require approvals and/or permits issued under the Permittees’ planning, building, or other comparable authority.
ii. Reporting – On an annual basis, discuss the implementation of the requirements of Provision C.3.i, including ordinance revisions, permit conditions, development of standard specifications and/or guidance materials, and staff training.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 1 of 15
CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF NEWARK
AND
WSP USA INC.
FOR STORMWATER INSPECTION SERVICES
This Agreement for consulting services (“Agreement”) is made by and between the City of Newark, a municipal corporation, (“City”) and WSP USA Inc., a corporation, with offices located at 555 12th Street Suite 215, Oakland CA 94607, (“Consultant”), (together referred to as the “Parties”) as of ____________, 2026 (the “Effective Date”).
Section 1. Services. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, Consultant shall provide to City the services described in the Scope of Work attached as Exhibit A and incorporated herein, at the time and place and in the manner specified therein. In the event of a conflict in or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and Exhibit A, the Agreement shall prevail.
1.1 Term of Services. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date and shall end on June 30, 2028, and Consultant shall complete the work described in Exhibit A on or before that date, unless the term of the Agreement is otherwise terminated or extended, as provided for in Section 8. The time provided to Consultant to complete the services required by this Agreement shall not affect the City’s right to terminate the Agreement, as referenced in Section 8. Funding for services beyond the current fiscal year will be included in future City budgets but is subject to City Council approval of annual appropriations.]
1.2 Standard of Performance. Consultant shall perform all services required pursuant to this Agreement according to the standards observed by a competent practitioner of the profession in which Consultant is engaged and in the geographical area in which Consultant practices its profession.
1.3 Assignment of Personnel. Consultant shall assign only competent personnel to perform services pursuant to this Agreement. In the event that City, in its sole discretion, at any time during the term of this Agreement, desires the reassignment of any such persons, Consultant shall, immediately upon receiving notice from City of such desire of City, reassign such person or persons.
1.4 Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence. Consultant shall devote such time to the performance of services pursuant to this Agreement as may be reasonably necessary to timely finish the Scope of Work, to meet the standard of performance provided in Section 1.1 and 1.2 above and to satisfy Consultant’s obligations hereunder.
Section 2. COMPENSATION. City hereby agrees to pay Consultant a sum not to exceed onehundred sixty-two thousand dollars, ($162,000) notwithstanding any contrary indications that may be contained in Consultant’s proposal for services to be performed and reimbursable costs incurred under this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement and Consultant’s proposal, attached as Exhibit A, regarding the amount of compensation, the Agreement shall prevail. City shall pay Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement at the time and in the manner set forth herein. The payments specified below shall be the only payments from City to Consultant for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Consultant shall submit all invoices to City in the manner Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 2 of 15
specified herein. Except as specifically authorized by City in writing, Consultant shall not bill City for duplicate services performed by more than one person.
Consultant and City acknowledge and agree that compensation paid by City to Consultant under this Agreement is based upon Consultant’s estimated costs of providing the services required hereunder, including salaries and benefits of employees and subcontractors of Consultant. Consequently, the parties further agree that compensation hereunder is intended to include the costs of contributions to any pensions and/or annuities to which Consultant and its employees, agents, and subcontractors may be eligible. City therefore has no responsibility for such contributions beyond compensation required under this Agreement.
2.1 Invoices. Consultant shall submit invoices, not more often than once a month during the term of this Agreement, based on the cost for services performed and reimbursable costs incurred prior to the invoice date. Invoices shall contain the following information, unless waived by the Contract Administrator:
Serial identifications of progress bills; i.e., Progress Bill No. 1 for the first invoice, etc.; Project name & number if applicable;
Purchase Order number to expedite payment;
The beginning and ending dates of the billing period; A task summary containing the original contract amount, the amount of prior billings, the total due this period, the balance available under the Agreement, and the percentage of completion;
At City’s option, for each work item in each task, a copy of the applicable time entries or time sheets shall be submitted showing the name of the person doing the work, the hours spent by each person, a brief description of the work, and each reimbursable expense;
The total number of hours of work performed under the Agreement by Consultant and each employee, agent, and subcontractor of Consultant performing services hereunder; The Consultant’s signature;
Consultant shall give separate notice to the City when the total number of hours worked by Consultant and any individual employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant reaches or exceeds 800 hours within a 12-month period.
2.2 Monthly Payment. City shall make monthly payments, based on invoices received, for services satisfactorily performed, and for authorized reimbursable costs incurred. City shall have 30 days from the receipt of an invoice that complies with all of the requirements above to pay Consultant.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 3 of 15
2.3 Final Payment. City shall pay the last 10% of the total sum due pursuant to this Agreement within 60 days after completion of the services and submittal to City of a final invoice, if all services required have been satisfactorily performed.
2.4 Total Payment. City shall pay for the services to be rendered by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement. City shall not pay any additional sum for any expense or cost whatsoever incurred by Consultant in rendering services pursuant to this Agreement. City shall make no payment for any extra, further, or additional service pursuant to this Agreement.
In no event shall Consultant submit any invoice for an amount in excess of the maximum amount of compensation provided above either for a task or for the entire Agreement, unless the Agreement is modified prior to the submission of such an invoice by a properly executed change order or amendment.
2.5 Hourly Rate/Fees. Unless the services provided are for a lump sum or flat fee, fees for work performed by Consultant on an hourly basis shall not exceed the amounts shown on the compensation cost proposal attached hereto as Exhibit B. In the event of a conflict in or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and Exhibit B, the Agreement shall prevail.
2.6 Reimbursable Expenses. Reimbursable expenses are specified in Exhibit B, attached hereto and incorporated herein. Reimbursable expenses not listed in Exhibit B are not chargeable to City. Reimbursable expenses shall not include a mark-up and are billed as a direct costs. In no event shall expenses be advanced by the City to the Consultant. Reimbursable expenses are included in the total amount of compensation provided under this Agreement that shall not be exceeded.
2.7 Payment of Taxes. Consultant is solely responsible for the payment of employment taxes incurred under this Agreement and any similar federal or state taxes.
2.8 Payment upon Termination. In the event that the City or Consultant terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 8, the City shall compensate the Consultant for all outstanding costs and reimbursable expenses incurred for work satisfactorily completed as of the date of written notice of termination. Consultant shall maintain adequate logs and timesheets to verify costs incurred to that date.
2.9 Authorization to Perform Services. The Consultant is not authorized to perform any services or incur any costs whatsoever under the terms of this Agreement until receipt of authorization from the Contract Administrator.
2.10. Business License. The Consultant is not authorized to perform services or incur costs whatsoever under the terms of this Agreement until Consultant applies for and has been issued a business license from the City pursuant to Title 5 of the Newark Municipal Code.
Section 3. FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT. Except as set forth herein, Consultant shall, at its sole cost and expense, provide all facilities and equipment that may be necessary to perform the services required by this Agreement. City shall make available to Consultant only the facilities and equipment listed in this section, and only under the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 4 of 15
City shall furnish physical facilities such as desks, filing cabinets, and conference space, as may be reasonably necessary for Consultant’s use while consulting with City employees and reviewing records and the information in possession of the City. The location, quantity, and time of furnishing those facilities shall be in the sole discretion of City. In no event shall City be obligated to furnish any facility that may involve incurring any direct expense, including but not limited to computer, long-distance telephone or other communication charges, vehicles, and reproduction facilities.
Section 4. INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS. Before beginning any work under this Agreement, Consultant, at its own cost and expense, unless otherwise specified below, shall procure the types and amounts of insurance listed below against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property that may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by the Consultant and its agents, representatives, employees, and subcontractors. Consistent with the following provisions, Consultant shall provide proof satisfactory to City of such insurance that meets the requirements of this section and under forms of insurance satisfactory in all respects, and that such insurance is in effect prior to beginning work to the City. Consultant shall maintain the insurance policies required by this section throughout the term of this Agreement. The cost of such insurance shall be included in the Consultant's bid. Consultant shall not allow any subcontractor to commence work on any subcontract until Consultant has obtained all insurance required herein for the subcontractor(s) and provided evidence that such insurance is in effect to City. Verification of the required insurance shall be submitted and made part of this Agreement prior to execution.
4.1 Required Coverage. Consultant shall maintain all required insurance listed herein for the duration of this Agreement.
COVERAGE TYPE OF INSURANCE MINIMUM LIMITS
A Commercial General
Liability
Premises Liability; Products
and Completed Operations;
Contractual Liability; Personal
Injury and Advertising Liability
$2,000,000 per occurrence;
Bodily Injury and Property
Damage
$4,000,000 in the aggregate;
Commercial general coverage
shall be at least as broad as
Insurance Services Office
Commercial General Liability
occurrence form CG 0001
(most recent edition) covering
comprehensive General
Liability on an “occurrence”
basis
B Commercial or Business
Automobile Liability
All owned vehicles, hired or
leased vehicles, non-owned,
borrowed and permissive uses.
Personal Automobile Liability
$1,000,000 per occurrence;
Any Auto; Bodily Injury and
Property Damage. Automobile
coverage shall be at least as
broad as Insurance Services
Office Automobile Liability
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 5 of 15
is acceptable for individual
contractors with no
transportation or hauling
related activities
form CA 0001 (most recent
edition), Code 1 (any auto). No
endorsement shall be attached
limiting the coverage.
C Workers’ Compensation
(WC) and Employers
Liability (EL)
Required for all contractors
with employees
WC: Statutory Limits
EL: $100,000 per accident for
bodily injury or disease.
Consultant may rely on a selfinsurance program to meet those requirements, but only if
the program of self-insurance
complies fully with the
provisions of the California
Labor Code. The insurer shall
waive all rights of subrogation
against the City and its officers,
officials, employees, and
volunteers for loss arising from
work performed under this
Agreement
D Professional Liability/Errors
& Omissions
Includes endorsements of
contractual liability
$2,000,000 per occurrence
$4,000,000 policy aggregate;
Any deductible or self-insured
retention shall not exceed
$150,000 per claim
4.2 Additional requirements. Each of the following shall be included in the insurance coverage or added as a certified endorsement to the policy:
a. All required insurance shall be maintained during the entire term of the Agreement with the following exception: Insurance policies and coverage(s) written on a claims-made basis shall be maintained during the entire term of the Agreement and until three (3) years following termination and acceptance of all work provided under the Agreement, with the retroactive date of said insurance (as may be applicable) concurrent with the commencement of activities pursuant to this Agreement b. All insurance required above with the exception of Professional Liability, Personal Automobile Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Employers Liability, shall be endorsed to name as additional insured: City of Newark, its City Council, and all City officers, agents, employees, volunteers and representatives.
c. For any claims related to this Agreement or the work hereunder, the Consultant’s insurance covered shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 6 of 15
d. Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be canceled by either party, except after 30 days’ prior written notice has been provided to the City.
e. Certificates of Insurance: Before commencing operations under this Agreement, Consultant shall provide Certificate(s) of Insurance and applicable insurance endorsements, in form and satisfactory to City, evidencing that all required insurance coverage is in effect. The City reserves the rights to require the Consultant to provide complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies.
f. Subcontractors: Consultant shall include all subcontractors as an insured (covered party) under its policies or shall furnish separate certificates and endorsements for each subcontractor.
All coverages for subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements stated herein. g. Claims-made limitations. The following provisions shall apply if the professional liability coverage is written on a claims-made form:
i. The retroactive date of the policy must be shown and must be before the date of the Agreement.
ii. Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five years after completion of the Agreement or the work, so long as commercially available at reasonable rates.
iii. If coverage is canceled or not renewed and it is not replaced with another claimsmade policy form with a retroactive date that precedes the date of this Agreement, Consultant must purchase an extended period coverage for a minimum of three (3) years after completion of work under this Agreement.
iv. A copy of the claim reporting requirements must be submitted to the City for review prior to the commencement of any work under this Agreement.
4.3 All Policies Requirements.
a. Acceptability of insurers. All insurance required by this section is to be placed with insurers with a Bests' rating of no less than A:VII. Insurance shall be maintained through an insurer with a minimum A.M. Best Rating of A- or better, with deductible amounts acceptable to the City. Acceptance of Consultant’s insurance by City shall not relieve or decrease the liability of Consultant hereunder. Any deductible or self-insured retention amount or other similar obligation under the policies shall be the sole responsibility of the Consultant. b. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions. Consultant shall disclose to and obtain the written approval of City for the self-insured retentions and deductibles before beginning any of the services or work called for by any term of this Agreement. At the option of the City, either: the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self-insured retentions as respects the City, its officers, employees, and volunteers; or the Consultant shall provide a financial guarantee satisfactory Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 7 of 15
to the City guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.
c. Wasting Policies. No policy required by this Section 4 shall include a “wasting” policy limit (i.e. limit that is eroded by the cost of defense). d. Waiver of Subrogation. Consultant hereby agrees to waive subrogation which any insurer or contractor may require from vendor by virtue of the payment of any loss.
Consultant agrees to obtain any endorsements that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation. The Workers’ Compensation policy shall be endorsed with a waiver of subrogation in favor of the entity for all work performed by the consultant, its employees, agents, and subcontractors.
4.4 Remedies. In addition to any other remedies City may have if Consultant fails to provide or maintain any insurance policies or policy endorsements to the extent and within the time herein required, City may, at its sole option exercise any of the following remedies, which are alternatives to other remedies City may have and are not the exclusive remedy for Consultant’s breach:
Obtain such insurance and deduct and retain the amount of the premiums for such insurance from any sums due under the Agreement;
Order Consultant to stop work under this Agreement or withhold any payment that becomes due to Consultant hereunder, or both stop work and withhold any payment, until Consultant demonstrates compliance with the requirements hereof; and/or Terminate this Agreement.
Section 5. INDEMNIFICATION AND CONSULTANT’S RESPONSIBILITIES.
Consultant shall indemnify, defend with counsel acceptable to City, and hold harmless City and its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers from and against any and all liability, loss, damage, claims, expenses, and costs (including without limitation, attorney’s fees and costs and fees of litigation) (collectively, “Liability”) of every nature arising out of or in connection with Consultant’s performance of the Services or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement, except such Liability caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of City.
The Consultant’s obligation to defend and indemnify shall not be excused because of the Consultant’s inability to evaluate Liability or because the Consultant evaluates Liability and determines that the Consultant is not liable to the claimant. The Consultant must respond within 30 days, to the tender of any claim for defense and indemnity by the City, unless this time has been extended by the City. If the Consultant fails to accept or reject a tender of defense and indemnity within 30 days, in addition to any other remedy authorized by law, so much of the money due the Consultant under and by virtue of this Agreement as shall reasonably be considered necessary by the City, may be retained by the City until disposition has been made of the claim or suit for damages, or until the Consultant accepts or rejects the tender of defense, whichever occurs first.
With respect to third party claims against the Consultant, the Consultant waives any and all rights of any type to express or implied indemnity against the Indemnitees.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 8 of 15
Notwithstanding the forgoing, to the extent this Agreement is a “construction contract” as defined by California Civil Code Section 2782, as may be amended from time to time, such duties of consultant to indemnify shall not apply when to do so would be prohibited by California Civil Code Section 2782.
In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant providing services under this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS as an employee of City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.
Section 6. STATUS OF CONSULTANT.
6.1 Independent Contractor. At all times during the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall be an independent contractor and shall not be an employee of City. City shall have the right to control Consultant only insofar as the results of Consultant's services rendered pursuant to this Agreement and assignment of personnel pursuant to Subparagraph 1.3; however, otherwise City shall not have the right to control the means by which Consultant accomplishes services rendered pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding any other City, state, or federal policy, rule, regulation, law, or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subcontractors providing services under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any and all claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contributions and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.
6.2 Consultant Not an Agent. Except as City may specify in writing, Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, to act on behalf of City in any capacity whatsoever as an agent.
Consultant shall have no authority, express or implied, pursuant to this Agreement to bind City to any obligation whatsoever.
Section 7. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
7.1 Governing Law. The laws of the State of California shall govern this Agreement.
7.2 Compliance with Applicable Laws. Consultant and any subcontractors shall comply with all laws applicable to the performance of the work hereunder.
7.3 Other Governmental Regulations. To the extent that this Agreement may be funded by fiscal assistance from another governmental entity, Consultant and any subcontractors shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations to which City is bound by the terms of such fiscal assistance program.
7.4 Licenses and Permits. Consultant represents and warrants to City that Consultant and its employees, agents, and any subcontractors have all licenses, permits, qualifications, and approvals Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 9 of 15
of whatsoever nature that are legally required to practice their respective professions. Consultant represents and warrants to City that Consultant and its employees, agents, any subcontractors shall, at their sole cost and expense, keep in effect at all times during the term of this Agreement any licenses, permits, and approvals that are legally required to practice their respective professions. In addition to the foregoing, Consultant and any subcontractors shall obtain and maintain during the term of this Agreement valid Business Licenses from City.
7.5 Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity. Consultant shall not discriminate, on the basis of a person’s race, religion, color, national origin, age, physical or mental handicap or disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, against any employee, applicant for employment, subcontractor, bidder for a subcontract, or participant in, recipient of, or applicant for any services or programs provided by Consultant under this Agreement. Consultant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, policies, rules, and requirements related to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment, contracting, and the provision of any services that are the subject of this Agreement, including but not limited to the satisfaction of any positive obligations required of Consultant thereby.
Consultant shall include the provisions of this Subsection in any subcontract approved by the Contract Administrator or this Agreement.
Section 8. TERMINATION AND MODIFICATION.
8.1 Termination. City may cancel this Agreement at any time and without cause upon written notification to Consultant. Consultant may cancel this Agreement upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to City and shall include in such notice the reasons for cancellation.
In the event of termination, Consultant shall be entitled to compensation for services performed to the effective date of termination; City, however, may condition payment of such compensation upon Consultant delivering to City any or all work product, including, but not limited to documents, photographs, computer software, video and audio tapes, and other materials provided to Consultant or prepared by or for Consultant or the City in connection with this Agreement.
8.2 Extension. City may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, extend the end date of this Agreement beyond that provided for in Subsection 1.1. Any such extension shall require a written amendment to this Agreement, as provided for herein. Consultant understands and agrees that, if City grants such an extension, City shall have no obligation to provide Consultant with compensation beyond the maximum amount provided for in this Agreement. Similarly, unless authorized by the Contract Administrator, City shall have no obligation to reimburse Consultant for any otherwise reimbursable expenses incurred during the extension period.
8.3 Amendments. The Parties may amend this Agreement only by a writing signed by all the Parties.
8.4 Assignment and Subcontracting. City and Consultant recognize and agree that this Agreement contemplates personal performance by Consultant and is based upon a determination of Consultant’s unique personal competence, experience, and specialized personal knowledge.
Moreover, a substantial inducement to City for entering into this Agreement was and is the professional Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 10 of 15
reputation and competence of Consultant. Consultant may not assign this Agreement or any interest therein without the prior written approval of the Contract Administrator. Consultant shall not subcontract any portion of the performance contemplated and provided for herein, other than to the subcontractors noted in the proposal, without prior written approval of the Contract Administrator.
8.5 Survival. All obligations arising prior to the termination of this Agreement and all provisions of this Agreement allocating liability between City and Consultant shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
8.6 Options upon Breach by Consultant. If Consultant materially breaches any of the terms of this Agreement, City’s remedies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
8.6.1 Immediately terminate the Agreement;
8.6.2 Retain the plans, specifications, drawings, reports, design documents, and any other work product prepared by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement;
8.6.3 Retain a different consultant to complete the work described in Exhibit A not finished by Consultant; or
8.6.4 Charge Consultant the difference between the cost to complete the work described in Exhibit A that is unfinished at the time of breach and the amount that City would have paid Consultant pursuant to Section 2 if Consultant had completed the work.
8.6.5 No remedy mentioned in this Agreement is intended to be exclusive of any other right, power, or remedy, permitted by law. Neither the failure nor the delay on the part of the City to exercise any such rights and remedies shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise by the City of any such right or remedy preclude any other or further exercise of any such right or remedy.
Section 9. KEEPING AND STATUS OF RECORDS.
9.1 Records Created as Part of Consultant’s Performance. All reports, data, maps, models, charts, studies, surveys, photographs, memoranda, plans, studies, specifications, records, files, or any other documents or materials, in electronic or any other form, that Consultant prepares or obtains pursuant to this Agreement and that relate to the matters covered hereunder shall be the property of the City. Consultant hereby agrees to deliver those documents to the City upon termination of the Agreement and City may use, reuse or otherwise dispose of the documents without Consultant’s permission. It is understood and agreed that the documents and other materials, including but not limited to those described above, prepared pursuant to this Agreement are prepared specifically for the City and are not necessarily suitable for any future or other use. City and Consultant agree that, until final approval by City, all data, plans, specifications, reports and other documents are confidential and will not be released to third parties without prior written consent of both parties.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 11 of 15
9.2 Consultant’s Books and Records. Consultant shall maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to the City under this Agreement for a minimum of 3 years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final payment to the Consultant to this Agreement. All such records should be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and shall be clearly identified and readily accessible.
9.3 Inspection and Audit of Records. Any records or documents that Section 9.2 of this Agreement requires Consultant to maintain shall be made available for inspection, audit, and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of the City. Under California Government Code Section 8546.7, if the amount of public funds expended under this Agreement exceeds $10,000.00, the Agreement shall be subject to the examination and audit of the State Auditor, at the request of City or as part of any audit of the City, for a period of 3 years after final payment under the Agreement.
Section 10 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
10.1 Attorneys’ Fees. If a party to this Agreement brings any action, including an action for declaratory relief, to enforce or interpret the provision of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys’ fees in addition to any other relief to which that party may be entitled. The court may set such fees in the same action or in a separate action brought for that purpose.
10.2 Venue. In the event that either party brings any action against the other under this Agreement, the parties agree that trial of such action shall be vested exclusively in the state courts of California in the County of Alameda or in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
10.3 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds or rules that any provision of this Agreement is invalid, void, or unenforceable, the provisions of this Agreement not so adjudged shall remain in full force and effect. The invalidity in whole or in part of any provision of this Agreement shall not void or affect the validity of any other provision of this Agreement.
10.4 No Implied Waiver of Breach. The waiver of any breach of a specific provision of this Agreement does not constitute a waiver of any other breach of that term or any other term of this Agreement.
10.5 Successors and Assigns. The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall apply to and bind the successors and assigns of the parties.
10.6 Use of Recycled Products. Consultant shall prepare and submit all reports, written studies and other printed material on recycled paper to the extent it is available at equal or less cost than virgin paper.
10.7 Conflict of Interest. Consultant may serve other clients, but none whose activities within the corporate limits of City or whose business, regardless of location, would place Consultant in a “conflict of interest,” as that term is defined in the Political Reform Act, codified at California Government Code Section 81000 et seq.
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 12 of 15
Consultant shall not employ any City official in the work performed pursuant to this Agreement. No officer or employee of City shall have any financial interest in this Agreement that would violate California Government Code Sections 1090 et seq. Consultant hereby warrants that it is not now, nor has it been in the previous 12 months, an employee, agent, appointee, or official of the City. If Consultant was an employee, agent, appointee, or official of the City in the previous twelve months, Consultant warrants that it did not participate in any manner in the forming of this Agreement.
Consultant understands that, if this Agreement is made in violation of Government Code § 1090 et seq., the entire Agreement is void and Consultant will not be entitled to any compensation for services performed pursuant to this Agreement, including reimbursement of expenses, and Consultant will be required to reimburse the City for any sums paid to the Consultant. Consultant understands that, in addition to the foregoing, it may be subject to criminal prosecution for a violation of Government Code § 1090 and, if applicable, will be disqualified from holding public office in the State of California.
10.8 Solicitation. Consultant agrees not to solicit business at any meeting, focus group, or interview related to this Agreement, either orally or through any written materials.
10.9 Contract Administration. This Agreement shall be administered by the City Manager, or his designee, identified as City of Newark Public Works Director ("Contract Administrator"). All correspondence, meeting documentation, invoices and project deliverables shall be directed to or through the Contract Administrator.
10.10 Notices. Any notice, demand, request, consent or approval that either party is required to give the other pursuant to this Agreement, shall be in writing and may be given by either (i) personal service, (ii) delivery by reputable overnight delivery service (e.g. Federal Express) which provides a receipt showing date and time of delivery, (iii) certified United States mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (iv) by email transmission . Notice shall be effective upon personal delivery or delivery to the addresses specified below, as reflected on the receipt of delivery or return receipt, as applicable.
Any written notice to Consultant shall be sent to:
WSP USA Inc.
555 12th Street Suite 215
Oakland, CA 94607
Attn: Jim Honniball
All other written notices to City shall be sent to:
Kristopher J. Kokotaylo,
Public Works Director City Attorney
City of Newark City of Newark
37101 Newark Blvd. with a copy to 37101 Newark Blvd.
Newark, CA 94560 Newark, CA 94560
10.12 Professional Seal. Where applicable in the determination of the contract administrator, the first page of a technical report, first page of design specifications, and each page of Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 13 of 15
construction drawings shall be stamped/sealed and signed by the licensed professional responsible for the report/design preparation. The stamp/seal shall be in a block entitled "Seal and Signature of Registered Professional with report/design responsibility," as in the following example. _________________________________________
Seal and Signature of Registered Professional with
report/design responsibility.
10.13 Integration. This Agreement, including the scope of work attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibits A and B represent the entire and integrated agreement between City and Consultant and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, either written or oral.
Exhibit A Scope of Services
Exhibit B Cost Proposal
10.14 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which together shall constitute one agreement.
SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 14 of 15
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and WSP USA Inc. Page 15 of 15
The Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
CITY OF NEWARK WSP USA Inc.
____________________________ ______________________________ DAVID J. BENOUN, CITY MANAGER BRENT SMITH, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENTIST
ATTEST:
___________________________
NEETU SALWAN, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
KRISTOPHER J. KOKOTAYLO
CITY ATTORNEY
5638310.1
Version 3.2.21
EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
.
EXHIBIT B
COMPENSATION SCHEDULE
Consulting Services Agreement between
City of Newark and _________
WSP USA Inc.
555 12th Street, Suite 215
Oakland, California 94607
USA
T: 1-510-663-4100
wsp.com
Subject: Proposal to Provide Professional Consulting Services for Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit Inspections
Dear Ms. Javier-Rosales:
Per your request on April 2, 2026, WSP USA Inc. (WSP) has updated the initial proposal to Mr. James Scanlan (retired) dated February 19, 2026, to include services through June 30, 2028. WSP presents to the City of Newark (City) this Scope of Services to perform business stormwater inspections in support of state mandated water quality programs. Your project manager (PM) and point of contact for this work will be Mr. Jim Honniball.
Attachment 1 presents our proposed scope of services to the City through June 30, 2028.
WSP looks forward to supporting you and the City with this important project.
Sincerely,
WSP USA Inc
Jim Honniball, CPESC, IGP/CGP ToR, QISP,
QSD/QSP
Project Manager
(415) 515-3182
[email protected]
Brent Smith, CPESC, IGP, TofR, QISP,
QSD/QSP
Principle-In-Charge
(949) 526-3170
[email protected]
https://wsponline.sharepoint.com/sites/wds-bayarea/shared documents/temp projects drive/city of newark/01_projmgmt/proposal and budget/2026 proposal/inspections newark_fy2025_2026_021826_.docx Attachments: Attachment 1: Scope of Services
Attachment 2: Professional Rate Schedule, WSP Earth & Environment US California Region, Effective through December 31, 2026
April 3, 2026
Reference: 2025US496753
Maria Javier-Rosales
Interim Environmental Services Manager
City of Newark
Department of Public Works
37101 Newark Boulevard
Newark, CA 94560
April 3, 2026
Reference: 2025US496753 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
On May 11, 2022, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (“Water Board”) issued the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (“MRP”), Order R2-2022-0018 to the San Francisco Bay area Co-permittees which includes the City. To comply with the stormwater regulations set forth in MRP Section C.4 Industrial and Commercial Site Control, the City needs to inspect businesses with the following functions that, when exposed to stormwater, may contribute to stormwater pollution: outdoor process and manufacturing; material storage; waste storage and disposal; drainage from indoors; vehicle and equipment storage and maintenance; rooftop equipment; and wash areas.
2.0 SCOPE OF WORK
WSP is familiar with The City’s requirements to comply with C.4 Industrial and Commercial Site Control with the City’s Program Manager regarding project priorities, below are proposed tasks for Compliance Year (CY) 2025-2026. WSP will complete the business inspections from April 1 to June 30, 2026, and subsequent compliance years by June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028.
Task 1: Business Inspection
This task includes 100 facility inspections each compliance year at businesses that include food service, grocery, and automotive service (i.e., repairs, service, oil change, painting, retail) facilities at various locations in the City. Food service facilities include those located within the various shopping centers (the 99 Ranch Center, Courtyard by Mariott Hotel, CVS Center, Grocery Outlet Center, Haley at Jarvis, Newark Square, Safeway Center, and Sprouts Center). This proposal assumes the thirty-three (33) industrial general permit (IGP) facility inspections will be completed by the City similar to past compliance years.
WSP will collect data using the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program (ACCWP) AGOL C4 Inspection Field Maps application and will acquire ESRI ArcGIS licenses. WSP expects the application will be similar to the existing ACCWP Standard Stormwater Facility Inspection Report Form and that the City will give WSP access to the City’s account. The City will inform businesses about upcoming inspections and provide WSP with a list of commercial establishments to check for compliance with current and future ordinances regarding single-use plastic reduction policies and stormwater quality improvements required for MRP compliance. Data will be collected electronically from the application from iPhone or iPad. Depending on the input parameters on the application, data will be recorded for trash/recycling (i.e., separation of compostables, recyclables, and non-recyclables), fat oil and grease (FOG), polystyrene, single use plastic bags, plastic straws, combined foodware packaging, biodegradable foodware, trash containment, wash water, and housekeeping for applicable facilities (food service).
Photographs will be taken during inspections to document compliance or non-compliance if allowed by the business owner.
WSP will distribute food or automotive service brochures in either English, Spanish, Chinese or Vietnamese. General stormwater best management practices (BMP) information will be distributed if necessary. Similarly, WSP understands that the City will provide access to private property by giving WSP a letter on City letterhead that authorizes WSP to inspect these facilities. We plan to consult with April 3, 2026
Reference: 2025US496753 3
Ms. Javier-Rosales in the event that any business owner refuses access to the property and WSP is not able to perform the inspection as required by this scope of work.
Task 2: Business Re-Inspection
This task assumes 10 re-inspections. Re-inspections are performed, as necessary. In cases where the change of ownership, or unable to perform inspections due to the unavailability of facility representative or serious deficiencies of BMPs observed during the first inspection, and incidents of active nonauthorized non stormwater discharges. For the first re-inspection, WSP will contact the City to determine which entity will perform the re-inspection. If WSP is to perform the re-inspection, WSP will schedule inspection within 10 days, if rain is forecasted or imminent, the inspection will be performed before the rain event. If a second re-inspection is required due to serious deficiencies, WSP will notify the City to coordinate and determine which party will conduct the inspection. If WSP is to perform the inspection, it will be done as soon as possible and work with City staff to determine action to address BMP deficiencies.
Task 3: Post Inspection Reporting and Deliverables
The task is to create electronic weekly reports on business inspections, including outstanding businesses, re-inspections, Excel spreadsheets, and PDFs via the AGOL form, due by the third business day of the following week.
Task 4: Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) of Inspections WSP conducts weekly QA/QC checks in the ACCWP AGOL application whenever inspections occur.
The inspector prepares and compiles the reports, which are then reviewed by another individual to ensure they are thorough and consistent. This frequency assures that missing or incomplete information is caught quickly before final PDFs are prepared for each inspection. This task also includes internal training of the ACCWP AGOL application by WSP inspectors and QA/QC manager.
Task 5: Project Management
This task covers WSP’s day-to-day management of the technical work needed to complete the scope of work described in Tasks 1 – 4 including administration of the contract and monthly invoicing The PM will be responsible for all reporting aspects of the contract, including coordination/communication with the City, and progress update meetings by email or TEAMS, if necessary.
3.0 ESTIMATED BUDGET
The total estimated budget for this scope of work is $53,740 for tasks 1 and 5 for each compliance year, ending June 30, 2026, 2027 and 2028. WSP will perform the work described in this proposal on a timeand-materials basis in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Professional Services Agreement between the City and WSP, dated July 28, 2022, Contract C22046. Actual invoice amounts will be based on actual labor hours and expenses associated with this work, and the total invoice amount may be less than the budgeted amount.
April 3, 2026
Reference: 2025US496753 4
Estimated Budget for Scope of Services per Compliance Year 2026, 2027 and 2028 The budgeted amounts summarized above are estimates for each compliance year ending June 30, 2026, 2027 and 2028. If during the project period, the assumptions change for the scopes of work described above, we will contact you and request a modification to the fee accordingly.
4.0 SCHEDULE
WSP work for this scope of services is anticipated to begin immediately upon receipt of a written Notice to Proceed from Ms. Javier-Rosales or his appointed representative. The period of performance for this work covers the time period from April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028. The schedule may be modified by amendment with concurrence of the proposed changes by the City and WSP.
Task Description Amount
Task 1: Business Inspection $27,844
Task 2: Business Re-Inspection $3,312
Task 3: Post Inspection Reporting and Deliverables $9,344 Task 4: QA/QC of Inspections $10,534
Task 5: Project Management $2,750
Total per Compliance Year $53,784
Total for 3 Compliance Years $161,352
CONSULTANTS & DIRECTORS RATE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT RATE P0 - Intern $93 S1 – Assistant Coordinator $83
P1 - Assistant Consultant $130 S2 - Project Coordinator $102 P2 - Associate Consultant $135 S3 - Sr. Project Coordinator $120 P3 - Consultant $155 S4 - Administrative Specialist $138 P4 - Sr. Consultant $170 TECHNICIANS RATE
P5 - Lead Consultant $185 T0 - Technician Assistant $90 P6 - Sr. Lead Consultant $250 T1 - Coordinator, Technician $113 P7 - Director $295 T2 - Sr. Coordinator, Technician $135 P8 - Sr. Director $333 T3 - Specialist $156
L1 - Manager $216 T4 - Sr. Technician $166
L2 - Senior Manager $251 T5 - Lead Technician $185
L3 - Director $307
L4/E1 - Senior/Executive Director $339
Professional Rate Schedule
FOR WSP Earth & Environment
US Pacific West Region (CA,WA,AK)
Effective through June 30, 2028
Invoices include all labor charges, other direct costs, and costs associated with in-house services. Charges include only those services directly attributable to the execution of the work. Time spent when traveling in the interest of the work will be charged in accordance with the hourly rates.
Labor charges are based upon standard hourly billing rates for each category of staff. The billing rates include costs for salary, payroll taxes, insurance associated with employment, benefits (including holiday, sick leave, and vacation), administrative overheads, and profit. Rates by labor category are as follows:
Notes:
The above rates are subject to revision.
Rates are in US Dollars ($US)
1 A 10% carrying charge will be added to all other disbursements including materials, subcontractor costs, drilling or excavation services and use of external laboratory services.
2 Rates for specialist services, including but not limited to litigation support; expert witness, including time spent in depositions and the preparation and presentations of testimony; and/or senior level consultation, and priority emergency level services are available upon request.
3 Rates for laboratory services and use of company owned equipment will be provided upon request. 4 The rates and charges listed above exclude applicable local and federal taxes. Taxes will appear as a separate line item on each invoice.
5 The rates noted herein do not contemplate prevailing wage law requirements. A separate rate sheet will be provided if and to the extent prevailing wage applies.
Item D. 7.
DATE 04/23/2026
TO Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM Maria Javier-Rosales, Environmental Compliance Specialist Consultant
SUBJECT Adopt a resolution approving a Contractual Services Agreement with Verdantas Inc. to conduct stormwater inspection services as required by the City's stormwater discharge permit
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contractual services agreement with Verdantas Inc. to conduct stormwater inspection services to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit.
BACKGROUND
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) issues the City a permit to discharge stormwater. This permit requires the City to conduct inspections of stormwater treatment systems and commercial and industrial facilities to ensure that the treatment systems are operating properly and that the facilities are implementing "best management practices" to prevent pollutants from contaminating stormwater discharges. The City had a contract for these services that expired on June 30, 2025. Staff released a request for proposal and received proposals from five firms.
Staff recommends that the City contract for services with Verdantas Inc. with a not to exceed amount for Fiscal Years 2026-2028 of $405,500.
As the City's requirements have increased under the reissued Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP), staff recommends that the City retain the services of two firms to assist the City in meeting current and future MRP requirements. Staff notes that this is one of two contracts on the Council agenda for stormwater-related services.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS
The City, along with the other cities, unincorporated areas, and flood control districts in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Mateo counties, is issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit from the Water Board for discharges from its storm sewer system. This permit is referred to as the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit or MRP (attached). The Water Board adopted a revised MRP on May 11, 2022 which went into effect on July 1, 2022. The MRP requires the City to implement numerous activities to prevent pollutants from contaminating its stormwater discharges. Staff recommends that the City enter into contracts to assist with meeting four of these requirements:
1) Provision C.3.h. Operation and Maintenance of Stormwater Treatment Systems: The City is required to inspect all the installed stormwater treatment systems to ensure that they are operating properly and to require additional maintenance if needed. 2) Provision C.4. Industrial and Commercial Site Controls: The City is required to inspect all industrial and commercial sites that could cause or contribute to pollution of stormwater discharges to ensure that proper best management practices (BMPs) are being implemented and to require corrective action as needed. 3) Provision C.5. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination: The City is required to effectively prohibit non-stormwater discharges from entering the storm drain system and to respond to any discharges or complaints of discharges, and to ensure the discharges cease and are cleaned up.
4) Provision C.10 Trash Load Reduction: The City is required to reduce the discharge of trash to its storm drain system by 90% (from 2009 levels) by June 30, 2023, and 100% by June 30, 2025. To meet this target, the discharge of trash/litter from commercial properties will need to be significantly reduced.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City has had a contract with Verdantas Inc. (previously known as Surf to Snow Environmental Resource Management, Inc.) for the past three years. Under this contract, Verdantas Inc. has conducted inspections of stormwater treatment systems and industrial/commercial facilities and has provided on-call spill/illicit discharge response. That contract ended on June 30, 2025. Staff released a request for proposals for these services. Bidders could bid on specific items they had experience with and not all items, resulting in varying qualifications and bids. Five proposals were received. Although not the lowest or highest proposals for items, Verdantas Inc. and WSP USA Inc. were the top two ranked firms based on criteria of understanding, submittal quality, experience, qualification of staff, references, budget, and rate schedule. Both of these firms are being recommended by staff currently on separate staff reports on the Council agenda. City Council approval is required for the proposed agreement with Verdantas Inc. due to the proposed contract amount of $405,500, which covers services for the total contract term of 3 years.
As the City's requirements have increased under the reissued Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP), staff recommends that the City retain the services of both firms to assist the City in meeting current and future MRP requirements. Examples of increasing requirements include:
(1) Provision C.3.h. Inspection of Stormwater Treatment Facilities: All development projects with over 5,000 square feet of impervious surface are required to install stormwater treatment facilities to treat stormwater prior to discharge to the municipal storm drain system. As additional projects are completed, there are more facilities that need to be inspected.
(2) Provision C.4. Inspection of Commercial and Industrial Facilities: The previous permit did not require inspections of restaurants for compliance with stormwater discharge regulations. The reissued permit now requires inspections of restaurants and other food service businesses.
(3) Provision C.10. Trash Load Reduction: The reissued permit now requires a 90% reduction in the discharge of trash (from 2009 levels) by June 30, 2023, and a 100% reduction by June 30, 2025. Meeting these targets will require significant reductions in the trash discharge from private commercial properties that discharge directly into the municipal storm drain system.
Funding is available within the adopted FY 2024-2026 Biennial Budget to cover $119,000 for FY 2025-26. Similar funding is proposed as part of the upcoming 2026-2028 Biennial Budget to cover $286,500 for the following 2 years, FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. If additional funds are required, staff will return to City Council with a budget amendment request.
ENVIRONMENTAL/PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW
REVIEW AND APPROVAL
Prepared by - James Scanlin, Environmental Services Manager Reviewed by – Howard Young, Public Works Director
Reviewed by - Krysten Lee, Finance Director
Reviewed by - Kristopher J. Kokotaylo, City Attorney
Approved by: David J. Benoun, City Manager
Attachments
Verdantas Resolution
Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit
Consultant Services Agreement- Verdantas Inc.
Exhibit A - Scope of Services_Verdantas
Exhibit B - Cost Proposal Verdantas
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEWARK AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
ENTER INTO A CONTRACTUAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
WITH VERDANTAS INC., FOR MUNICIPAL
STORMWATER INSPECTION SERVICES
WHEREAS, the State of California has issued to the City of Newark Waste Discharge Requirements and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (No.
CAS612008) for the discharge of stormwater runoff from the municipal separate stormwater system; and
WHEREAS, the City is required by the terms of the Permit to conduct inspections of stormwater treatment systems and industrial and commercial facilities to ensure that the systems are operating properly and that the facilities are implementing appropriate best management practices; and
WHEREAS, the City issued Requests for Proposals (“RFP”) for Municipal Stormwater Inspection Services; and
WHEREAS, a total of five responses to the RFP were received and based on staff’s evaluation, WSP USA Inc. and Verdantas Inc. were determined to be the most qualified firms and provided the two highest ranking proposals; and
WHEREAS, both firms have demonstrated the ability to successfully fulfill the City’s needs;
WHEREAS, an agreement with WSP USA Inc. is separately being provided to the City Council for review and approval.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Newark hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute an agreement with Verdantas Inc. in an amount not to exceed $405,500 in a form approved by the City Attorney.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager is authorized to take all actions necessary to effectuate the intent of this Resolution.
California Regional Water Quality Control Board
San Francisco Bay Region
Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit
Order No. R2-2022-0018
NPDES Permit No. CAS612008
May 11, 2022
California Regional Water Quality Control Board
San Francisco Bay Region
Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit
ORDER No. R2-2022-0018
NPDES PERMIT No. CAS612008
Issuing Waste Discharge Requirements and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for the discharge of stormwater runoff from the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) of the following jurisdictions and entities, which are permitted under this San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP):
The cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, and Union City, Alameda County, the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and Zone 7 of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, which have joined together to form the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program (Alameda Permittees)
The cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek, the towns of Danville and Moraga, Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, which have joined together to form the Contra Costa Clean Water Program (Contra Costa Permittees)
The cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale, the towns of Los Altos Hills and Los Gatos, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Santa Clara County, which have joined together to form the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (Santa Clara Permittees) The cities of Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, and South San Francisco, the towns of Atherton, Colma, Hillsborough, Portola Valley, and Woodside, the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, and San Mateo County, which have joined together to form the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (San Mateo Permittees)
The cities of Fairfield, Suisun City, Vallejo, and the Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District, which have joined together to form the Solano Stormwater Alliance (Solano Permittees)
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
FINDINGS ................................................................................................................ 1 A. Discharge Prohibitions ................................................................................... 6 B. Receiving Water Limitations ........................................................................... 6 C.1. Compliance with Discharge Prohibitions and Receiving Waters Limitations ............................................................................................. C.1 - 1 C.2. Municipal Operations ............................................................................ C.2 - 1 C.3. New Development and Redevelopment ................................................ C.3 - 1 C.4. Industrial and Commercial Site Controls ............................................... C.4 - 1 C.5. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination ............................................ C.5 - 1 C.6. Construction Site Control ...................................................................... C.6 - 1 C.7. Public Information and Outreach ........................................................... C.7 - 1 C.8. Water Quality Monitoring ....................................................................... C.8 - 1 C.9. Pesticides Toxicity Control .................................................................... C.9 - 1 C.10. Trash Load Reduction ......................................................................... C.10 - 1 C.11. Mercury Controls ................................................................................. C.11 - 1 C.12. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Controls ........................................ C.12 - 1 C.13. Copper Controls .................................................................................. C.13 - 1 C.14. Bacteria Control for Impaired Water Bodies ........................................ C.14 - 1 C.15. Exempted and Conditionally Exempted Discharges ............................ C.15 - 1 C.16. Discharges to Areas of Special Biological Significance ....................... C.16 - 1 C.17. Discharges Associated with Unsheltered Homeless Populations ........ C.17 - 1 C.18. Control of Sediment Discharges from Coastal San Mateo County Roads .................................................................................................. C.18 - 1 C.19. Cities of Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley, Unincorporated Contra Costa County, and the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District ........................................................................... C.19 - 1 C.20. Cost Reporting .................................................................................... C.20 - 1 C.21. Asset Management ............................................................................. C.21 - 1 C.22. Annual Reports ................................................................................... C.22 - 1 C.23. Modifications to this Order.............................................................. C.23-27 - 1 C.24. Standard Provisions ....................................................................... C.23-27 - 1 C.25. Expiration Date ............................................................................... C.23-27 - 1 C.26. Rescission of Old Order ................................................................. C.23-27 - 1 C.27. Effective Date ................................................................................. C.23-27 - 2 Acronyms & Abbreviations .......................................... Acronyms & Abbreviations - 1 Glossary .................................................................................................. Glossary - 1 Attachment A: Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit Fact Sheet ...................... A-1 Attachment B: Provision C.3.b. Sample Reporting Table ..................................... B-1 Attachment C: Provision C.3.g. Hydromodification Applicability Maps ................. C-1 Attachment D: Provision C.8. Standard Monitoring Provisions ............................ D-1 Attachment E: Provision C.10. Supporting Information ........................................ E-1 Attachment F: Provision C.16. ASBS Special Protection Zone ............................. F-1 Attachment G: Standard NPDES Stormwater Permit Provisions ......................... G-1 Attachment H: Provision C.3.j. Numeric Retrofit Requirements and Provision C.3.e. Affordable Housing Income Thresholds ............................. H-1 Attachment ,: $SSOLFDEOH&5HTXLUHPHQWVIURP3UHYLRXV3HUPLW2UGHU1R 5
................................... ,-1 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Findings
1 The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region, (hereinafter referred to as the Water Board) finds that:
FINDINGS
Incorporation of Fact Sheet
1. The Fact Sheet for the San Francisco Bay Municipal Regional Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit (Attachment A) includes cited regulatory and legal references and additional explanatory information in support of the requirements of this Permit. The Fact Sheet, including any supplements thereto, is hereby incorporated by reference.
Existing Permit
2. Alameda County—The cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro, and Union City, Alameda County (Unincorporated area), the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, and Zone 7 of the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District have joined together to form the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Alameda Permittees) and have submitted a permit application (Report of Waste Discharge), dated July 1, 2020, for reissuance of their waste discharge requirements under the NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within the Alameda Permittees’ jurisdictions. The Alameda Permittees are currently subject to NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 issued by Order No. R2- 2015-0049 on November 19, 2015, and amended by Order No. R2-2019-0004 on February 13, 2019, to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions.
3. Contra Costa County—The cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Clayton, Concord, El Cerrito, Hercules, Lafayette, Martinez, Oakley, Orinda, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Pablo, San Ramon, and Walnut Creek, the towns of Danville and Moraga, Contra Costa County, and the Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District have joined together to form the Contra Costa Clean Water Program (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Contra Costa Permittees) and have submitted a permit application (Report of Waste Discharge), dated July 1, 2020, for reissuance of their waste discharge requirements under the NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within the Contra Costa Permittees’ jurisdictions. The Contra Costa Permittees are currently subject to NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 issued by Order No. R2-2015-0049 on November 19, 2015, and amended by Order No. R2-2019-0004 on February 13, 2019, to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions.
4. San Mateo County—The cities of Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Findings
2 San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, and South San Francisco, the towns of Atherton, Colma, Hillsborough, Portola Valley, and Woodside, the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, and San Mateo County have joined together to form the San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (hereinafter collectively referred to as the San Mateo Permittees) and have submitted a permit application (Report of Waste Discharge), dated July 2, 2020, for reissuance of their waste discharge requirements under the NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within the San Mateo Permittees’ jurisdictions. The San Mateo Permittees are currently subject to NPDES Permit No.
CAS612008 issued by Order No. R2-2015-0049 on November 19, 2015, and amended by Order No. R2-2019-0004 on February 13, 2019, to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions.
5. Santa Clara County—The cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale, the towns of Los Altos Hills and Los Gatos, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the County of Santa Clara have joined together to form the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Santa Clara Permittees) and have submitted a permit application (Report of Waste Discharge), dated July 2, 2020, for reissuance of their waste discharge requirements under the NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within the Santa Clara Permittees’ jurisdictions. The Santa Clara Permittees are currently subject to NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 issued by Order No. R2-2015-0049 on November 19, 2015, and amended by Order No. R2-2019- 0004 on February 13, 2019, to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions.
6. Fairfield-Suisun—The cities of Fairfield and Suisun City have joined together to form the Fairfield-Suisun Urban Runoff Management Program (hereinafter referred to as the Fairfield-Suisun Permittees) and have submitted a permit application (Report of Waste Discharge), dated July 3, 2020, for reissuance of their waste discharge requirements under the NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within the Fairfield-Suisun Permittees’ jurisdictions. The Fairfield-Suisun Permittees are currently subject to NPDES Permit No. CAS0612008 issued by Order No. R2-2015-0049 on November 19, 2015, and amended by Order No. R2-2019-0004 on February 13, 2019, to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions.
7. Vallejo—The City of Vallejo and Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District (hereinafter referred to as the Vallejo Permittees) have submitted permit applications (Report of Waste Discharge), dated June 25 and June 29, 2020, respectively, for reissuance of their waste discharge requirements under the NPDES permit to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within the Vallejo Permittees’ jurisdictions.
The Vallejo Permittees are currently subject to NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 issued by Order No. R2-2015-0049 on November 19, 2015, and amended by Order No. R2-2019-0004 on February 13, 2019, to discharge stormwater runoff from storm drains and watercourses within their jurisdictions.
8. The cities of Fairfield, Suisun City, Vallejo, and the Vallejo Flood & Wastewater Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Findings
3 District have joined together to form the Solano Stormwater Alliance (hereinafter referred to as the Solano Permittees). The Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano Permittees are hereinafter referred to in this Order as the Permittees.
Applicable Federal, State and Regional Regulations
9. Section 402(p) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987, requires NPDES permits for stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity (including construction activities), and designated stormwater discharges, which are considered significant contributors of pollutants to waters of the United States. On November 16, 1990, U.S. EPA published regulations (40 CFR Part 122), which prescribe permit application requirements for MS4s pursuant to CWA 402(p). On May 17, 1996, U.S. EPA published an Interpretive Policy Memorandum on Reapplication Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, which provided guidance on permit application requirements for regulated MS4s.
10. The Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin (Basin Plan) is the Water Board's master water quality control planning document. It designates beneficial uses and water quality objectives for waters of the State, including surface waters and groundwater. It also includes programs of implementation to achieve water quality objectives. The Basin Plan was duly adopted by the Water Board and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board), Office of Administrative Law, and U.S. EPA, where required.
11. The Water Board finds stormwater discharges from urban and developing areas in the San Francisco Bay Region to be significant sources of certain pollutants that cause or may be causing or threatening to cause or contribute to water quality impairment in waters of the Region. Furthermore, as delineated in the CWA section 303(d) list, the Water Board has found that there is a reasonable potential that municipal stormwater discharges cause or may cause or contribute to an excursion above water quality standards for the following pollutants: mercury, PCBs, furans, dieldrin, chlordane, DDT, trash, and selenium in San Francisco Bay segments; pesticide associated toxicity, and trash in urban creeks; and trash and low dissolved oxygen in Lake Merritt, in Alameda County. In accordance with CWA section 303(d), the Water Board is required to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for these pollutants to these waters to gradually eliminate impairment and attain water quality standards. Therefore, pollutant control actions and further pollutant impact assessments by the Permittees are warranted and required pursuant to this Order.
12. Under section 13389 of the California Water Code, this action to adopt an NPDES permit is exempt from the provisions of Chapter 3 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Nature of Discharges and Sources of Pollutants
13. Stormwater runoff is generated from various land uses in all the hydrologic subbasins in the Basin and discharges into watercourses, which in turn flow into Central, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Findings
4 Lower and South San Francisco Bay, and Suisun and San Pablo Bays.
14. The quality and quantity of runoff discharges vary considerably and are affected by hydrology, geology, land use, season, and sequence and duration of hydrologic events. Pollutants of concern in these discharges are certain heavy metals; excessive sediment production from erosion due to anthropogenic activities; petroleum hydrocarbons from sources such as used motor oil; microbial pathogens of domestic sewage origin from illicit discharges; certain pesticides associated with acute aquatic toxicity; excessive nutrient loads, which can cause or contribute to the depletion of dissolved oxygen and/or toxic concentrations of dissolved ammonia; trash, which impairs beneficial uses including, but not limited to, support for aquatic life; and other pollutants that can cause aquatic toxicity in the receiving waters.
15. Federal, State or regional entities within the Permittees’ boundaries, not currently named in this Order, operate storm drain facilities and/or discharge stormwater to the storm drains and watercourses covered by this Order. The Permittees may lack jurisdiction over these entities. Consequently, the Water Board recognizes that the Permittees should not be held responsible for such facilities and/or discharges. The Water Board will consider such facilities for coverage under its NPDES permitting scheme pursuant to U.S. EPA stormwater regulations.
16. Certain pollutants present in stormwater and/or urban runoff can be derived from extraneous sources over which the Permittees have limited or no direct jurisdiction.
Examples of such pollutants and their respective sources are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are products of internal combustion engine operation and other sources; heavy metals, such as copper from vehicle brake pad wear and zinc from vehicle tire wear; dioxins as products of combustion; polybrominated diphenyl ethers that are incorporated in many household products as flame retardants; mercury resulting from atmospheric deposition; and naturally occurring minerals from local geology. All these pollutants, and others, can be deposited on paved surfaces, rooftops, and other impervious surfaces as fine airborne particles— thus yielding stormwater runoff pollution that is unrelated to the activity associated with a given project site.
17. The Water Board will notify interested agencies and interested persons of the availability of reports, plans, and schedules, including Annual Reports, and will provide interested persons with an opportunity for a public hearing and/or an opportunity to submit their written views and recommendations. The Water Board will consider all comments and may modify the reports, plans, or schedules or may modify this Order in accordance with applicable law. All submittals required by this Order conditioned with acceptance by the Water Board will be subject to these notification, comment, and public hearing procedures.
18. The Water Board notified the Permittees and interested agencies and persons of its intent to adopt this Order and provided an opportunity to submit written comments and recommendations.
19. The Water Board, in a public meeting, heard and considered all comments pertaining to the discharge.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Findings
5 20. This Order supersedes and rescinds Order Nos. R2-2015-0049 as amended by R2- 2019-0004.
21. This Order serves as a NPDES permit, pursuant to CWA section 402, or amendments thereto, and shall become effective July 1, 2022, provided the Regional Administrator, U.S. EPA, Region 9, has no objections.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provisions A. and B.
6 THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Order No. R2-2015-0049, as amended by Order No. R2-2019-0004, is rescinded upon the effective date of this Order except for enforcement purposes, and, in order to meet the provisions of Water Code division 7 (commencing with § 13000) and regulations adopted thereunder, and the provisions of the CWA and regulations and guidelines adopted thereunder, the Permittees shall comply with the following requirements in this Order. This action in no way prevents the Water Board from taking enforcement action for past violations of the previous order.
A. DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS
A.1. The Permittees shall, within their respective jurisdictions, effectively prohibit the discharge of non-stormwater (materials other than stormwater) into storm drain systems and watercourses. NPDES-permitted discharges are exempt from this prohibition. Provision C.15 describes a tiered categorization of non-stormwater discharges based on potential for pollutant content that may be discharged upon adequate assurance that the discharge contains no pollutants of concern at concentrations that will impact beneficial uses or cause exceedances of water quality standards.
A.2. It shall be prohibited to discharge rubbish, refuse, bark, sawdust, or other solid wastes into surface waters or at any place where they would contact or where they would be eventually transported to surface waters, including flood plain areas. Permittees are also subject to the trash discharge prohibition in the Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California and the Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters of California.
B. RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS
B.1. The discharge shall not cause the following conditions to create a condition of nuisance or to adversely affect beneficial uses of waters of the State:
B.1.a. Floating, suspended, or deposited macroscopic particulate matter, or foam; B.1.b. Bottom deposits or aquatic growths;
B.1.c. Alteration of temperature, turbidity, or apparent color beyond present natural background levels;
B.1.d. Visible, floating, suspended, or deposited oil or other products of petroleum origin; and
B.1.e. Substances present in concentrations or quantities that would cause deleterious effects on aquatic biota, wildlife, or waterfowl, or that render any of these unfit for human consumption.
B.2. The discharge shall not cause or contribute to a violation of any applicable water quality standard for receiving waters. If applicable water quality objectives are Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provisions A. and B.
7 adopted and approved by the State Water Board after the date of the adoption of this Order, the Water Board may revise and modify this Order as appropriate.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.1.
C.1 - 1
C.1. Compliance with Discharge Prohibitions and Receiving Waters Limitations
The Permittees shall comply with Discharge Prohibitions A.1 and A.2 and Receiving Water Limitations B.1 and B.2 through the timely implementation of control measures and other actions as specified in Provisions C.2 through C.24.
Compliance with Provisions C.9 through C.12, C.14, C.18 (pertaining to the Pescadero-Butano Sediment TMDL), and C.19.c-f of this Order, which prescribe requirements and schedules for Permittees identified therein to manage their discharges that may cause or contribute to violations of water quality standards (WQS) for pesticides, trash, mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bacteria, sediment, diazinon and chlorpyrifos, and methylmercury, shall constitute compliance during the term of this Order with Receiving Water Limitations B.1 and B.2 for the pollutants and the receiving waters identified in the provisions.
Compliance with Provision C.10 which prescribes requirements and schedules for Permittees to manage their discharges of trash, shall also constitute compliance with Discharge Prohibitions A.1 and A.2 during the term of this Order for discharges of trash. If exceedance(s) of WQS, except for exceedances of WQS for pesticides, trash, mercury, PCBs, bacteria, sediment, diazinon and chlorpyrifos, and methylmercury that are managed pursuant to Provisions C.9 through C.12, C.14, C.18 (pertaining to the Pescadero-Butano Sediment TMDL), and C.19.c-f, persist in receiving waters notwithstanding the implementation of the required controls and actions, the Permittees shall comply with the following procedure:
C.1.a. Upon a determination by either the Permittee(s) or the Water Board that discharges are causing or contributing to an exceedance of an applicable (WQS), the Permittee(s) shall notify, within no more than 30 days, and thereafter submit a report to the Water Board that describes controls or best management practices (BMPs) that are currently being implemented, and the current level of implementation, and additional controls or BMPs that will be implemented, and/or an increased level of implementation, to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants that are causing or contributing to the exceedance of water quality standards. The report may be submitted in conjunction with the Annual Report, unless the Water Board directs an earlier submittal, and shall constitute a request to the Water Board for amendment of this NPDES Permit. The report and application for amendment shall include an implementation schedule. The Water Board may require modifications to the report and application for amendment; and
C.1.b. Submit any modifications to the report required by the Water Board within 30 days of notification.
As long as Permittees have complied with the procedures set forth above, they do not have to repeat the same procedure for continuing or recurring Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.1.
C.1 - 2
exceedances of the same receiving water limitations unless directed by the Water Board to develop additional control measures and BMPs and reinitiate the Permit amendment process.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 1
C.2. Municipal Operations
The purpose of this provision is to ensure implementation of appropriate BMPs by all Permittees to control and reduce non-stormwater and polluted stormwater discharges to storm drains and watercourses during operation, inspection, and routine repair and maintenance activities of municipal facilities and infrastructure.
C.2.a. Street and Road Repair and Maintenance
i. Task Description – Asphalt/Concrete Removal, Cutting, Installation, and Repair
The Permittees shall implement appropriate BMPs, such as those described in the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Municipal Stormwater BMP Handbook and Construction Stormwater BMP Handbook, at street and road repair and/or maintenance sites to control debris and waste materials during road and parking lot installation, repaving, repair, or maintenance activities.
ii. Implementation Levels
(1) The Permittees shall require proper management of concrete slurry and wastewater, asphalt, pavement cutting, and other street and road maintenance materials and wastewater to avoid discharge to storm drains from such work sites. The Permittees shall coordinate with sanitary sewer agencies to determine if wastewater generated from road construction, repair, and maintenance activities may be discharged to the sanitary sewer system, provided appropriate approvals are obtained and pretreatment standards are met.
(2) The Permittees shall require sweeping and/or vacuuming to remove debris, concrete, or sediment residues from work sites upon completion of work. The Permittees shall require cleanup of all construction debris, spills, and leaks using dry methods (e.g., absorbent materials, rags, pads, and vacuuming), as described in the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association (BASMAA) Blueprint for a Clean Bay or the CASQA Municipal Stormwater BMP Handbook.
iii. Reporting
(1) The Permittees shall report on implementation of and compliance with these BMPs in the Annual Report.
(2) Permittees shall make applicable supporting BMP documents available to Water Board staff or representatives during audits or inspections, and upon request.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 2
C.2.b. Sidewalk/Plaza Maintenance and Pavement Washing
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall implement and require to be implemented BMPs that prevent the discharge of polluted wash water and non- stormwater to storm drains from pavement, sidewalk and plaza cleaning, mobile cleaning, outdoor pressure washing operations, and washing down of trash areas and gas station or mobile fueling service areas. BMPs for washing down outside areas of human habitation shall include sanitizing procedures.
The Permittees shall implement BMPs such as those included in the BASMAA Mobile Surface Cleaner Program. The Permittees shall coordinate with sanitary sewer agencies to determine if disposal to the sanitary sewer is available for the wastewater generated from these activities provided that appropriate approvals and pretreatment standards are met. ii. Reporting
(1) The Permittees shall report on implementation of and compliance with these BMPs in the Annual Report.
(2) Permittees shall make applicable supporting BMP documents available to Water Board staff or representatives during audits or inspections, and upon request.
C.2.c. Bridge and Structure Maintenance and Graffiti Removal i. Task Description
(1) The Permittees shall implement appropriate BMPs to prevent the discharge of polluted stormwater and non-stormwater from bridges and structural maintenance activities directly into surface waters or storm drains.
(2) The Permittees shall implement BMPs for graffiti removal that prevent non-stormwater and wash water discharges into storm drains. ii. Implementation Levels
(1) The Permittees shall prevent all debris and pollutants, including structural materials and coating debris, such as paint chips, generated in bridge and structure maintenance or graffiti removal, from entering storm drains or water courses.
(2) The Permittees shall protect nearby storm drain inlets before removing graffiti from walls, signs, sidewalks, or other structures. The Permittees shall prevent any discharge of debris, cleaning compound waste, paint waste, or wash water due to graffiti removal from entering storm drains or watercourses.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 3
(3) The Permittees shall use proper disposal methods for wastes generated from these activities. The Permittees shall train their employees and/or specify in contracts the proper capture and disposal methods for the wastes generated.
iii. Reporting
(1) The Permittees shall report on implementation of and compliance with these BMPs in the Annual Report.
(2) Permittees shall make applicable supporting BMP documents available to Water Board staff or representatives during audits or inspections, and upon request.
C.2.d. Stormwater Pump Stations
i. Task Description –The Permittees shall implement measures to operate, inspect, and maintain stormwater pump stations to eliminate non-stormwater discharges containing pollutants, and to reduce pollutant loads in stormwater discharges to comply with WQS.
ii. Implementation Levels – The Permittees shall comply with the following at Permittee-owned or -operated pump stations:
(1) Upon becoming aware that the discharge from a pump station has a dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration below 3.0 mg/L, implement corrective actions, such as continuous pumping at a low flow rate, aeration, or other appropriate methods to maintain DO concentrations of the discharge above 3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) and verify the effectiveness of the corrective actions with monitoring. Corrective actions are not necessary for discharges from pump stations that remain in the stormwater collection system or infiltrate into a dry creek immediately downstream.
(2) Ensure that pump stations are free of debris and trash, replace any oilabsorbent booms, as needed, and investigate and abate illicit discharges.
Pump stations excluded from C.2.d.ii.(1) above are not excluded from this requirement.
(3) The Permittees shall maintain records of inspection, maintenance, implementation of corrective actions, and any monitoring records at Permittee-owned or -operated pump stations. These records shall be made available to Water Board staff or its representatives during inspections and audits, or otherwise upon request.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 4
C.2.e. Rural Public Works Construction and Maintenance
i. Task Description – Rural Road and Public Works Construction and Maintenance
For the purpose of this provision, rural means any watershed or portion thereof that is developed with large lot home-sites, such as one acre or larger, or with primarily agricultural, grazing, or open space uses. Rural roads include paved, unpaved, utility, and access roads in rural areas. The Permittees shall implement and require contractors to implement BMPs for erosion and sediment control during and after construction for maintenance activities on rural roads, such as those in the CASQA Construction Stormwater BMP Handbook, particularly in or adjacent to stream channels or wetlands. The Permittees shall notify the Water Board, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where applicable, and obtain appropriate agency permits for rural public works activities before work in or near creeks and wetlands.
San Mateo County has additional rural road requirements for the PescaderoButano Sediment TMDL described in Provision C.18 and shall also implement that provision.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) The Permittees shall continue to implement erosion and sediment control BMPs, in addition to those described in Provision C.2.a, during construction and maintenance activities on rural roads, including developing and implementing appropriate training and technical assistance resources for rural public works activities. (2) The Permittees shall implement appropriate BMPs to minimize impacts on streams and wetlands in the course of rural road and public works maintenance and construction activities by:
(a) Selecting road design, construction, maintenance, and repairs in rural areas that prevent and control road-related erosion and sediment transport;
(b) Identifying and prioritizing rural road maintenance on the basis of soil erosion potential, slope steepness, and stream habitat resources; (c) Constructing roads and culverts that do not impact creek functions.
New or replaced culverts shall not create a migratory fish passage barrier, where migratory fish are present, or lead to stream instability; (d) Implementing an inspection program to maintain rural roads’ structural integrity and prevent impacts to water quality;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 5
(e) Maintaining rural roads adjacent to streams and riparian habitat to reduce erosion, replace damaging shotgun culverts, and address excessive erosion;
(f) Re-grading unpaved rural roads to slope outward where consistent with road engineering safety standards, and installation of water bars as appropriate; and
(g) Replacing existing culverts or design of new culverts or bridge crossings shall use measures to reduce erosion, provide fish passage, and maintain natural stream geomorphology in a stable manner. (3) The Permittees shall incorporate information about the importance of planning and construction in avoiding water quality impacts into existing training and guidance on permitting requirements for rural public works activities.
(4) The Permittees shall provide training incorporating these BMPs to rural public works maintenance staff at least twice within this Permit term. iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall report on the implementation of and compliance with BMPs for rural public works construction and maintenance activities, including reporting on increased maintenance in priority areas, in the Annual Report.
C.2.f. Corporation Yard BMP Implementation
i. Task Description – Corporation Yard Maintenance
(1) The Permittees shall implement and maintain a site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for corporation yards, including municipal vehicle and heavy equipment maintenance yards and parking areas, and material storage facilities, to comply with water quality standards. Each SWPPP shall incorporate all appropriate BMPs, such as those described in the current versions of the CASQA Municipal Stormwater BMP Handbook or the Caltrans Storm Water Quality Handbook Maintenance Staff Guide, and addenda, as applicable. (2) The requirements in this provision shall apply only to facilities that are not covered under the State Water Board’s Industrial Stormwater NPDES General Permit.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 6
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Implement BMPs to minimize pollutant discharges in stormwater and prohibit non-stormwater discharges, such as wash waters from street sweepers, vactor trucks, or other related equipment. Pollution control actions shall include, but not be limited to, good housekeeping practices, material and waste storage control, and vehicle leak and spill control. (2) Routinely inspect corporation yards to ensure that non-stormwater discharges are not entering the storm drain system and that pollutant discharges are prevented to the maximum extent practicable. At a minimum, each corporation yard shall be fully inspected each year between August 1 and September 30. Permittees shall cease or cause to be ceased any active non-stormwater discharges immediately after they are discovered. Corrective actions shall be implemented before the next rain event, but no longer than 10 business days after the potential and/or actual discharges are discovered. Corrective actions can be temporary, in which case more time can be allowed for permanent corrective actions. If more than 10 business days are required for compliance, a rationale shall be recorded.
(3) Plumb all vehicle and equipment wash areas to the sanitary sewer after coordination with the local sanitary sewer agency and equip with a pretreatment device (if necessary) in accordance with the requirements of the local sanitary sewer agency. In areas where a sanitary sewer connection is not available, the Permittees shall collect and haul the wash water to an alternative sanitary sewer connection or municipal wastewater treatment plant, or implement appropriate BMPs to collect, properly treat, and reuse wash water onsite without any discharge.
(4) Use dry cleanup methods when cleaning debris and spills from corporation yards. If wet cleaning methods must be used (e.g., pressure washing), the Permittee shall ensure that wash water is collected and disposed in the sanitary sewer after coordination with the local sanitary sewer agency and in accordance with the requirements of the local sanitary sewer agency. Any private companies hired by the Permittee to perform cleaning activities on Permittee-owned property shall follow the same requirements. In areas where a sanitary sewer connection is not available, the Permittees shall collect and haul the wash water to a municipal wastewater treatment plant, or implement appropriate BMPs and dispose of the wastewater to land in a manner that does not adversely impact surface water or groundwater.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 7
(5) Outdoor storage areas containing pollutants shall be covered and/or bermed to prevent discharges of polluted stormwater runoff or run-on to storm drain inlets.
iii. Reporting
(1) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall list activities conducted in the corporation yards that have BMPs in the site-specific SWPPP, the date(s) of inspections, the results of inspections, and any follow-up actions, including the date of any necessary corrective actions implemented. The information may be reported in a narrative or tabular format. (2) In the 2023 Annual Report, Permittees shall make their corporation yard SWPPPs available to the Water Board by providing links to online documents or submitting the documents as part of the Annual Report.
C.2.g. Storm Drain Inlet Marking
i. Task Description – Permittees shall mark and maintain municipallymaintained storm drain inlets with an appropriate stormwater pollution prevention message, such as “No dumping, drains to Bay” or equivalent. For newly approved, privately maintained streets, Permittees shall require storm drain inlet markings with an appropriate stormwater pollution prevention message by the project developer upon construction and maintenance of markings through the development maintenance entity. Markings on the storm drain inlets shall be verified prior to acceptance of the project. ii. Implementation Level
(1) Inspect and maintain storm drain inlet markings of at least 80 percent of municipality-maintained inlets to ensure they are legibly labeled with a no dumping message or equivalent once per permit term.
(2) Storm drain inlet markings of newly developed, privately maintained streets shall be verified prior to acceptance of the project. Permittees shall require maintenance of the storm drain inlet markings through the development maintenance entity.
(3) Certify that all privately maintained streets had storm drain inlet markings verified prior to acceptance of the project and were required to maintain the storm drain inlet markings through the development maintenance entity.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.2.
C.2 - 8
iii. Reporting – In the 2026 Annual Report, each Permittee shall (1) state how many municipally-maintained storm drain inlets it has, (2) certify that at least 80 percent of municipality-maintained storm drain inlet markings are legibly labeled with an appropriate stormwater pollution prevention message during the permit term; and (3) include a picture of a labeled municipality-maintained inlet.
C.2.h. Staff Training
i. Task Description – Permittees shall ensure municipal maintenance staff conducting routine repair and maintenance activities of municipal facilities and infrastructure, or activities related to the implementation of corporation yard SWPPPs, are appropriately trained on the requirements of Provision C.2 and methods of implementation. Trainings may be program-wide, region-wide, or Permittee-specific.
ii. Implementation Level – At a minimum, provide training at least once within the 5-year term of this Permit to municipal staff on the following topics as relevant to municipal staff responsible for maintenance activities:
(1) Stormwater pollution prevention;
(2) Appropriate BMPs for maintenance and cleanup activities; (3) Street and Road Repair and Maintenance BMPs;
(4) Sidewalk/Plaza Maintenance and Pavement Washing;
(5) Bridge and Structure Maintenance and Graffiti Removal; (6) Corporation Yard SWPPPs and BMPs; and
(7) Spill and discharge response and notification procedures and contacts. iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall include the following information in each Annual Report:
(1) Dates of training;
(2) Training topics covered;
(3) Total number of Permittee maintenance staff;
(4) Number and percentage of Permittee maintenance staff who attended training;
(5) If there was no training in a given year, so state.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 1
C.3. New Development and Redevelopment
The goal of Provision C.3 is for the Permittees to use their planning authorities to include appropriate source control, site design, and stormwater treatment measures in new development and significant redevelopment projects to address stormwater runoff pollutant discharges and prevent increases in runoff flows from new development and redevelopment projects. This goal is to be accomplished primarily through the implementation of low impact development (LID) techniques.
C.3.a. New Development and Redevelopment Performance Standard Implementation
i. Task Description – At a minimum, each Permittee shall:
(1) Have adequate legal authority to implement all requirements of Provision C.3;
(2) Have adequate development review and permitting procedures to impose conditions of approval or other enforceable mechanisms to implement the requirements of Provision C.3. For projects discharging directly to CWA section 303(d)-listed waterbodies, conditions of approval must require that post-development runoff not exceed pre-development levels for such pollutants that are listed;
(3) Evaluate potential water quality effects and identify appropriate mitigation measures when conducting environmental reviews, such as under CEQA; (4) Provide training adequate to implement the requirements of Provision C.3 for staff, including interdepartmental training;
(5) Provide outreach adequate to implement the requirements of Provision C.3, including providing education materials to municipal staff, developers, contractors, construction site operators, and owner/builders, early in the planning process and as appropriate;
(6) For all new development and redevelopment projects that are subject to the Permittee’s planning, building, development, or other comparable review, but not regulated by Provision C.3, encourage the inclusion of adequate site design measures that may include minimizing land disturbance and impervious surfaces (especially parking lots); clustering of structures and pavement; directing roof runoff to vegetated areas; use of micro-detention, including distributed landscape-based detention; preservation of open space; and protection and/or restoration of riparian areas and wetlands as project amenities;
(7) For all new development and redevelopment projects that are subject to the Permittee’s planning, building, development, or other comparable Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 2
review, but not regulated by Provision C.3, encourage the inclusion of adequate source control measures to limit pollutant generation, discharge, and runoff. These source control measures should include:
Storm drain inlet stenciling.
Landscaping that minimizes irrigation and runoff, promotes surface infiltration where possible, minimizes the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and incorporates appropriate sustainable landscaping practices and programs, such as ReScape California.
Appropriate covers, drains, and storage precautions for outdoor material storage areas, loading docks, repair/maintenance bays, and fueling areas.
Covered trash, food waste, and compactor enclosures.
Plumbing of the following discharges to the sanitary sewer, subject to the local sanitary sewer agency’s regulations and standards:
o Discharges from indoor floor mat/equipment/hood filter wash racks or covered outdoor wash racks for restaurants.
o Dumpster drips from covered trash and food compactor
enclosures.
o Discharges from outdoor covered wash areas for vehicles, equipment, and accessories.
o Swimming pool water, if discharge to onsite vegetated areas is not a feasible option.
o Fire sprinkler test water, if discharge to onsite vegetated areas is not a feasible option.
(8) Revise, as necessary, General Plans to integrate water quality and watershed protection with water supply, flood control, habitat protection, groundwater recharge, and other sustainable development principles and policies (e.g., referencing the ReScape California Guidelines). ii. Reporting – Provide a brief summary of the method(s) of implementation of Provisions C.3.a.i.(1) - (8) in the 2023 Annual Report.
C.3.b. Regulated Projects
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall require all projects fitting the category descriptions listed in Provision C.3.b.ii. below (hereinafter called Regulated Projects) to implement LID source control, site design, and Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 3
stormwater treatment onsite or at a joint stormwater treatment facility1 in accordance with Provisions C.3.c. and C.3.d., unless the Provision C.3.e. alternate compliance options are invoked. For Regulated Projects that will discharge runoff to a joint stormwater treatment facility, the treatment facility must be completed by the end of construction of the first Regulated Project that will be discharging runoff to the joint stormwater treatment facility. (1) Any Regulated Project that has been approved with stormwater treatment measures in compliance with Provision C.3.d. under a previous MS4 permit is exempt from the requirements of Provision C.3.c. (low impact development requirements).
(2) Any Regulated Project that was approved with no Provision C.3. stormwater treatment requirements under a previous MS4 permit and that has not begun construction by the effective date of this Permit, shall be required to fully comply with the requirements of Provisions C.3.c. and C.3.d. Permittees may grant exemptions from this requirement as follows:
(a) An exemption may be granted to:
(i) Any Regulated Project that was previously approved with a vesting tentative map that confers a vested right to proceed with development in substantial compliance with the ordinances, policies, and standards in effect at the time the vesting tentative map was approved or conditionally approved, as allowed by State law.
(ii) Any Regulated Project for which the Permittee has no legal authority to require changes to previously granted approvals, such as projects that have been granted building permits. (b) An exemption from the LID requirements of Provision C.3.c. may be granted to any such Regulated Project as long as stormwater treatment with media filters is provided that comply with the hydraulic sizing requirements of Provision C.3.d.
(3) Any pending Regulated Project that has not yet been approved as of June 30, 2023, and for which a Permittee has no legal authority to require new requirements under Government Code sections 66474.2 or 65589.5., subd. (o), is subject to the Provision C.3 requirements in effect on the Permit's effective date.
1 Joint stormwater treatment facility – Stormwater treatment facility built to treat the combined runoff from two or more Regulated Projects.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 4
ii. Regulated Projects are defined in the following categories:
(1) Special Land Use Categories
(a) New Development or redevelopment projects that fall into one of the categories listed below and that create and/or replace 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site). This category includes development projects of the following four types on public or private land that fall under the planning and building authority of a Permittee, including sidewalks and any other portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of the project:2
(i) Auto service facilities, described by the following Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes: 5013, 5014, 5541, 7532- 7534, and 7536-7539;
(ii) Retail gasoline outlets;
(iii) Restaurants (SIC Code 5812); or
(iv) Stand-alone uncovered parking lots and uncovered parking lots that are part of a development project if the parking lot creates and/or replaces 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface.
This category includes the top uncovered portion of parking structures, unless drainage from the uncovered portion is connected to the sanitary sewer along with the covered portions of the parking structure.
(b) For redevelopment projects in the categories specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(a)(i)-(iv):
(i) The following interior and exterior practices are excluded:
a. Interior remodels; and
b. Routine maintenance or repair such as roof or exterior wall surface replacement.
(ii) The following pavement maintenance practices are excluded; a. Pothole and square cut patching;
b. Overlaying existing asphalt or concrete pavement with asphalt or concrete without expanding the area of coverage;
2 This does not include separate additional portions of the public right of way that Permittees require treatment of, which the Regulated Project is not disturbing. This is typically enforced through local ordinance, such as what is described in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)(j).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 5
c. Shoulder grading;
d. Reshaping/regrading drainage systems;
e. Crack sealing;
f. Pavement preservation activities that do not expand the road prism;
g. Upgrading from a bituminous surface treatment (e.g., chip seal)3 with an overlay of asphalt or concrete, without
expanding the area of coverage;4
h. Applying a bituminous surface treatment to existing asphalt or concrete pavement, without expanding the area of coverage; and
i. Vegetation maintenance.
j. Layering gravel over an existing gravel road, without expanding the area of coverage.
(iii) The following pavement maintenance practices are not excluded.
For Road Reconstruction Projects, these practices are included only if they trigger all criteria specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(5), including the criteria regarding contiguousness.
a. Removing and replacing an asphalt or concrete pavement to the top of the base course5 or lower, or repairing the
pavement base (including repair of the pavement base in preparation for bituminous surface treatment, such as chip seal), as these are considered replaced impervious surfaces; b. Extending the pavement edge without increasing the size of the road prism, or paving graveled shoulders, as these are considered new impervious surfaces; and
c. Resurfacing by upgrading from dirt to gravel, to a bituminous surface treatment (e.g., chip seal),3 to asphalt, or to concrete; or upgrading from gravel to a bituminous surface treatment, to asphalt, or to concrete, as these are considered new
impervious surfaces.
3 This is defined further in the Glossary
4 This includes wedge grinding that is implemented as part of the upgrade project, so long as the area of coverage is not expanded. See definition of wedge grinding in Glossary. 5 See definition in Glossary.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 6
(iv) For a project consisting of a combination of exempted pavement maintenance practices (pursuant to Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(b)(ii)), non-exempted pavement maintenance practices (pursuant to Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(b)(iii)), and/or practices that fall under any other Regulated Project category (pursuant to Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)-(6)), the parts of the project that are not exempt shall be evaluated as a Regulated Project.
(c) Where a redevelopment project in the categories specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(a)(i)-(iv) results in an alteration of 50 percent or more of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire redevelopment project).
(d) Where a redevelopment project in the categories specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(a)(i)-(iv) results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project).
(e) The calculations in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(c)-(d) shall include portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of the Regulated Project.
(2) Other Development Projects
New development projects that create 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site) including commercial, industrial, residential housing subdivisions (i.e., detached single-family home subdivisions, multi-family attached subdivisions (town homes), condominiums, and apartments), mixed-use, and public projects (other than public road projects), including sidewalks and any other portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of the projects.2 This category includes development projects on public or private land that fall under the planning and building authority of a Permittee.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 7
(3) Other Redevelopment Projects
Redevelopment projects that create and/or replace 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site) including commercial, industrial, residential housing subdivisions (i.e., detached single-family home subdivisions, multi-family attached subdivisions (town homes), condominiums, and apartments), mixed-use, new and reconstructed private roads and private trails, and public projects (other than public road and trail projects),6 including sidewalks and any other portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of the projects.2 Redevelopment is any land-disturbing activity that results in the creation, addition, or replacement of exterior impervious surface area on a site on which some past development has occurred.
This category includes redevelopment projects on public or private land that fall under the planning and building authority of a Permittee.
Specific exclusions that apply to this category are listed in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(b). Public works projects that are additionally excluded from this category – unless they create and/or replace 5,000 contiguous8 square feet or more of impervious surface – include the following examples: sidewalk gap closures,7 sidewalk section replacement, and ADA curb ramps. However, as noted above, portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of Regulated Projects (e.g., curb extensions, pavement replacement, and curb and gutter replacement) shall be included in the total created and/or replaced impervious surface that must be treated by those Regulated Projects. (a) Where a redevelopment project results in an alteration of 50 percent or more of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire redevelopment project).
(b) Where a redevelopment results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of a previously existing development that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in 6 Examples of such public projects are construction/reconstruction of: streetlights, signals, and signs; curb extensions, sidewalks, and medians; crosswalk enhancements, bulb-outs, curb ramps, and ADA improvements; and sidewalk extensions.
7 The filling of gaps between sections of sidewalks, with pavement (e.g., where a block has a sidewalk, but it is not continuous because it is missing across a parcel, completing the sidewalk across that parcel).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 8
the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project).
(c) The calculations in Provision C.3.b.ii.(3)(a)-(b) shall include portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of the Regulated Project.
(4) New or Widening Road Projects
Any of the following types of road projects that create 5,000 square feet or more of newly constructed contiguous8 impervious surface, that are both public and private road projects, and that fall under the building and planning authority of a Permittee:
(a) Construction of new streets or roads, including sidewalks and bicycle lanes built as part of the new streets or roads.
(b) Widening of existing streets or roads with additional traffic lanes. (i) Where the addition of traffic lanes results in an alteration of more than 50 percent of the impervious surface of an existing street or road within the project that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, shall be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire street or road that had additional traffic lanes added).
(ii) Where the addition of traffic lanes results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of an existing street or road within the project that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat
stormwater runoff from only the new traffic lanes). However, if the stormwater runoff from the existing traffic lanes and the added traffic lanes cannot be separated, any onsite treatment system shall be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire street or road. If an offsite treatment system is installed or in-lieu fees paid in accordance with Provision C.3.e, the offsite treatment system or in-lieu fees must address only the
stormwater runoff from the added traffic lanes.
8 Project areas interrupted by cross streets or intersections are considered contiguous.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 9
(c) Construction of impervious9 trails that are greater than or equal to 10 feet wide or are creek-side (within 50 feet of the top of bank). (d) Specific exclusions to Provisions C.3.b.ii.(4)(a)-(c) include the following:
(i) Sidewalks built as part of new streets or roads and built to direct stormwater runoff to adjacent vegetated areas.
(ii) Bicycle lanes built as part of new streets or roads, but that are not hydraulically connected to the new streets or roads and that direct stormwater runoff to adjacent vegetated areas.
(iii) Impervious trails that direct stormwater runoff to adjacent vegetated areas, or other non-erodible permeable areas, preferably away from creeks or towards the outboard side of levees, where those areas are at least half as large as the contributing impervious surface area.
(iv) Sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or trails constructed as pervious pavement systems.10
(v) Caltrans highway projects and associated facilities. (5) Road Reconstruction Projects
Road projects that involve the reconstruction of existing streets or roads,11 which create and/or replace greater than or equal to one contiguous8 acre of impervious surface and that are public road projects and/or fall under the building and planning authority of a Permittee, including sidewalks and bicycle lanes that are built or rebuilt as part of the existing streets or roads.
This Regulated Project category includes utility trenching projects which are - on average, over the entire length of the project - greater than or equal to 8 feet wide. It also includes public pavement maintenance practices listed in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(b)(iii)(b).
Project activities that are included and excluded, which apply to this category, are listed in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(b)(ii)-(iv). Pavement maintenance practices that are not excluded (as detailed in Provision C.3.b.ii.(1)(b)(iii)) are considered Road Reconstruction Projects if they meet the other definitions therein.
9 Gravel layers are considered impervious, excluding gravel layers that are included in pervious pavement systems (as defined in the Glossary).
10 As defined in the Glossary.
11 The definition of roads includes roads on levees.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 10
(a) Where the reconstruction project results in an alteration of greater than or equal to 50 percent of the impervious surface of an existing street or road within the project that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, shall be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire street or road that was reconstructed).
(b) Where the reconstruction project results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of an existing street or road within the project that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from only the new and/or replaced impervious surface within the project footprint).
However, if the stormwater runoff from the existing impervious surface and the added impervious surface cannot be separated, any onsite treatment system shall be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire street or road. If an offsite treatment system is installed or in-lieu fees paid in accordance with Provision C.3.e, the offsite treatment system or in-lieu fees must address only the stormwater runoff from the added impervious surface.
(c) Road Reconstruction Projects shall comply with Provision C.3.d.
However, with cause (e.g., significantly constrained area for a BMP, substantially increased costs for that sizing relative to the Provision C.3.j.i.(2)(g) approach outlined in the Previous Permit, significant amounts of run-on from adjacent areas, or other substantial constraints identified by Permittees) and with reporting in their Annual Reports, Permittees may use the Guidance for Sizing Green Infrastructure Facilities in Streets Projects with companion analysis Green Infrastructure Facility Sizing for Non-Regulated Street Projects submitted in June 2019, to size Road Reconstruction Projects. If so, Permittees must comply with the Water Board’s June 21, 2019, conditional approval of that submittal, which provides qualifiers to, and the conditions under which, the alternative sizing criteria may be used. (d) Permittees may credit the acreage of impervious surface created or replaced for Road Reconstruction Projects towards the Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 11
(6) Large Detached Single-Family Home Projects
Detached single-family home projects that create and/or replace 10,000 ft2 or more of impervious surface (collectively over the entire project site) and are not part of a larger development or redevelopment plan regulated under Provision C.3.b.ii.(2)-(3).
(a) Where a single family home project results in an alteration of 50 percent or more of the impervious surface of a previously existing project that was not subject to Provision C.3, the entire project, consisting of all existing, new, and/or replaced impervious surfaces, must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the entire project).
(b) Where a single family home project results in an alteration of less than 50 percent of the impervious surface of a previously existing project that was not subject to Provision C.3, only the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project must be included in the treatment system design (i.e., stormwater treatment systems must be designed and sized to treat stormwater runoff from the new and/or replaced impervious surface of the project).
(c) The calculations in Provision C.3.b.ii.(6)(a)-(b) shall include portions of the public right of way that are developed or redeveloped as part of the Regulated Project.
(d) Included in this Regulated Project category is the addition of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on an existing parcel with one singlefamily home, without a subdivision. iii. Implementation Level
(1) Provision C.3.b.i shall be effective immediately.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2023, the Regulated Project definitions in Provision C.3.b.ii are effective.
(3) Prior to July 1, 2023, the Regulated Project definitions in Provision C.3.b.ii in Attachment I are effective, which are definitions from the Previous Permit.
(4) For Provisions C.3.b.iii.(1)-(3), this shall include a database or equivalent tabular format that contains all the information under Reporting (Provision C.3.b.iv.).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 12
iv. Reporting
(1) C.3.b.i.(2) Reporting
In the 2023 Annual Report, each Permittee shall provide a complete list of the development projects that are subject to the requirements of Provision C.3.b.i.(2). For each such project, the Permittee shall indicate the type of stormwater treatment system required or the specific exemption granted, pursuant to Provision C.3.b.i.(2)(a) and (b). If a Permittee has no projects subject to Provision C.3.b.i.(2), it shall so state in the 2023 Annual Report. (2) Annual Reporting – C.3.b.ii. Regulated Projects
For each Regulated Project approved during the fiscal year reporting period, the following information shall be reported electronically in the fiscal year Annual Report, in tabular form (as set forth in the Provision C.3.b. Sample Reporting Table included in Attachment B):
(a) Project Name, Number, Location (cross streets), and Street Address; (b) Name of Developer, Phase No. (if project is being constructed in phases, each phase should have a separate entry), Project Type (e.g., commercial, industrial, multi-unit residential, mixed-use, public), and description;
(c) Project watershed;
(d) Total project site area and total area of land disturbed; (e) Total new impervious surface area and/or total replaced impervious surface area;
(f) If redevelopment or road widening project, total pre-project impervious surface area and total post-project impervious surface area; (g) Status of project (e.g., application date, application deemed complete date, project approval date), and whether the project has been completed. If not, the estimated project completion date; (h) Source control measures;
(i) Site design measures;
(j) All post-construction stormwater treatment systems installed onsite, at a joint stormwater treatment facility, and/or at an offsite location; (k) Operation and maintenance responsibility mechanism for the life of the project;
(l) Hydraulic Sizing Criteria used;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 13
(m) Alternative compliance measures for Regulated Project (if applicable) (i) If alternative compliance will be provided at an offsite location in accordance with Provision C.3.e.i.(1), include information required in Provision C.3.b.iv.(2)(a) – (l) for the offsite project; and (ii) If alternative compliance will be provided by paying in-lieu fees in accordance with Provision C.3.e.i.(2), provide information required in Provision C.3.b.iv.(2)(a) – (l) for the Regional Project.
Additionally, provide a summary of the Regional Project’s goals, duration, estimated completion date, total estimated cost of the Regional Project, and estimated monetary contribution from the Regulated Project to the Regional Project; and
(n) Hydromodification (HM) Controls (see Provision C.3.g) – If not required, state why not. If required, state control method used.
C.3.c. Low Impact Development (LID)
The goal of LID is to reduce runoff and mimic a site’s predevelopment hydrology by minimizing disturbed areas and impervious cover and then infiltrating, storing, detaining, evapotranspiring, and/or biotreating stormwater runoff close to its source. LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural landscape features and minimizing imperviousness to create functional and appealing site drainage that treats stormwater as a resource, rather than a waste product. Practices used to adhere to these LID principles include measures such as rain barrels and cisterns, green roofs, permeable pavement, preserving undeveloped open space, and biotreatment through rain gardens, bioretention units, bioswales, and planter/tree boxes. i. Task Description – The Permittees shall, at a minimum, implement the following LID requirements:
(1) Source Control Requirements
Require all Regulated Projects to implement source control measures onsite that, at a minimum, shall include the following:
(a) Minimization of stormwater pollutants of concern in urban runoff through measures that may include plumbing of the following discharges to the sanitary sewer, subject to the local sanitary sewer agency’s regulations and standards:
Discharges from indoor floor mat/equipment/hood filter wash racks or covered outdoor wash racks for restaurants;
Dumpster drips from covered trash, food waste, and compactor enclosures;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 14
Discharges from covered outdoor wash areas for vehicles, equipment, and accessories;
Swimming pool water, if discharge to onsite vegetated areas is not a feasible option; and
Fire sprinkler test water, if discharge to onsite vegetated areas is not a feasible option;
(b) Properly designed covers, drains, and storage precautions for outdoor material storage areas, loading docks, repair/maintenance bays, and fueling areas;
(c) Properly designed trash storage areas;
(d) Landscaping that minimizes irrigation and runoff, promotes surface infiltration, minimizes the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and incorporates other appropriate sustainable landscaping practices and programs such as Bay-Friendly Landscaping;
(e) Efficient irrigation systems; and
(f) Storm drain system stenciling or signage.
(2) Site Design and Stormwater Treatment Requirements
(a) Require each Regulated Project to implement at least the following design strategies onsite:
(i) Limit disturbance of natural water bodies and drainage systems; minimize compaction of highly permeable soils; protect slopes and channels; and minimize impacts from stormwater and urban runoff on the biological integrity of natural drainage systems and water bodies;
(ii) Conserve natural areas, including existing trees, other vegetation, and soils;
(iii) Minimize impervious surfaces;
(iv) Minimize disturbances to natural drainages; and
(v) Minimize stormwater runoff by implementing one or more of the following site design measures:
Direct roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels for reuse. Direct roof runoff onto vegetated areas.
Direct runoff from sidewalks, walkways, and/or patios onto vegetated areas.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 15
Direct runoff from driveways and/or uncovered parking lots onto vegetated areas.
Construct sidewalks, walkways, and/or patios with pervious pavement systems.12
Construct driveways, bike lanes, and/or uncovered parking lots with pervious pavement systems.
(b) Permittees shall implement the design specifications for pervious pavement systems contained within their countywide stormwater handbooks.
(c) Require each Regulated Project and all projects implemented pursuant to Provision C.3.j to treat 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s or Provision C.3.j project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite or with LID treatment measures at a joint stormwater treatment facility. (i) LID treatment measures are harvesting and use, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and biotreatment.
(ii) Biotreatment (or bioretention) systems shall be designed to have a surface area no smaller than what is required to accommodate a 5 inches/hour stormwater runoff surface loading rate, infiltrate runoff through biotreatment soil media at a minimum of 5 inches per hour, and maximize infiltration to the native soil during the life of the Regulated Project. The soil media for biotreatment (or bioretention) systems shall be designed to sustain healthy, vigorous plant growth and maximize stormwater runoff retention and pollutant removal. Permittees shall ensure that Regulated Projects use biotreatment soil media that meet the minimum specifications set forth in the Revised Model Biotreatment Soil Media Specifications submitted by BASMAA on behalf of the Permittees on February 5, 2016, and approved on April 18, 2016, pursuant to the requirements of Provision C.3.c.i.(2)(c)(ii) of MRP
2. Permittees may collectively (on an all-Permittee scale or countywide scale) develop and adopt revisions to the soil media minimum specifications, subject to the Executive Officer’s approval.
a. The Permittees may convene a workgroup with Water Board staff to discuss and investigate the pollutant removal
12 Pervious pavement systems include pervious asphalt, pervious concrete, pervious pavers, and grid pavers, and are defined in the Glossary.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 16
effectiveness and hydrologic equivalency of – and suggested criteria for – high flow-rate media treatment systems in combination with retention/detention measures, such as silva cells and structural soils, as compared to conventional bioretention. The workgroup should consider issues including:
the MEP standard in relation to the use of such systems; the pollutant removal benefits and hydrologic criteria associated with the Permit's LID design approach and which are included in other MS4 permits, such as the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (NPDES Permit No.
WAR045717) and the Los Angeles Regional MS4 Permit
(NPDES Permit No. CAS004004); and additional issues, such as the feasibility of obtaining high flow rate media at construction and, as needed, for the life of a project. (iii) Green roofs may be considered biotreatment systems that treat roof runoff only if they meet certain minimum specifications.
Permittees shall ensure that green roofs installed at Regulated Projects meet the following minimum specifications:
a. The green roof system planting media shall be sufficiently deep to provide capacity within the pore space of the media for the required runoff volume specified by Provision
C.3.d.i.(1).
b. The green roof system planting media shall be sufficiently deep to support the long-term health of the vegetation
selected for the green roof, as specified by a landscape architect or other knowledgeable professional.
(d) Require any Regulated Project that does not comply with Provision C.3.c.i.(2)(c) above to meet the requirements established in Provision C.3.e for alternative compliance.
ii. Reporting
(1) For specific tasks listed above that are reported using the reporting tables required for Provision C.3.b.iv, a reference to those tables will suffice.
C.3.d. Numeric Sizing Criteria for Stormwater Treatment Systems i. Task Description – The Permittees shall require that stormwater treatment systems constructed for Regulated Projects and for projects implemented pursuant to Provision C.3.j meet at least one of the following hydraulic sizing design criteria:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 17
(1) Volume Hydraulic Design Basis – Treatment systems whose primary mode of action depends on volume capacity shall be designed to treat stormwater runoff equal to:
(a) The maximized stormwater capture volume for the area, on the basis of historical rainfall records, determined using the formula and volume capture coefficients set forth in Urban Runoff Quality Management, WEF Manual of Practice No. 23/ASCE Manual of Practice No. 87, (1998), pages 175–178 (e.g., approximately the 85th percentile 24- hour storm runoff event); or
(b) The volume of annual runoff required to achieve 80 percent or more capture, determined in accordance with the methodology set forth in Section 5 of CASQA’s Stormwater Best Management Practice Handbook, New Development and Redevelopment (2003), using local rainfall data.
(2) Flow Hydraulic Design Basis – Treatment systems whose primary mode of action depends on flow capacity shall be sized to treat:
(a) 10 percent of the 50-year peak flow rate;
(b) The flow of runoff produced by a rain event equal to at least two times the 85th percentile hourly rainfall intensity for the applicable area, based on historical records of hourly rainfall depths; or (c) The flow of runoff resulting from a rain event equal to at least 0.2 inches per hour intensity.
(3) Combination Flow and Volume Design Basis – Treatment systems that use a combination of flow and volume capacity shall be sized to treat at least 80 percent of the total runoff over the life of the project, using local rainfall data.
ii. Reporting – Permittees shall use the reporting tables required in Provision C.3.b.iv.(2).
iii. Limitations on Use of Infiltration Devices in Stormwater Treatment Systems
(1) For Regulated Projects and for all projects implemented pursuant to Provision C.3.j, each Permittee shall review planned land use and proposed treatment design to verify that installed stormwater treatment systems with no under-drain, and that function primarily as infiltration devices, should not cause or contribute to the degradation of groundwater quality at project sites. An infiltration device is any structure that is designed to infiltrate stormwater into the subsurface and, as designed, bypass the natural groundwater protection afforded by surface soil.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 18
Infiltration devices include dry wells, injection wells, and infiltration trenches (includes french drains).
(2) For any Regulated Project and for any project implemented pursuant to Provision C.3.j that includes plans to install stormwater treatment systems which function primarily as infiltration devices, the Permittee shall require that:
(a) Appropriate pollution prevention and source control measures are implemented to protect groundwater at the project site, including the inclusion of a minimum of two feet of suitable soil to achieve a maximum 5 inches/hour infiltration rate for the infiltration system; (b) Adequate maintenance is provided to maximize pollutant removal capabilities;
(c) The vertical distance from the base of any infiltration device to the seasonal high groundwater mark is at least 10 feet. (Note that some locations within the Permittees’ jurisdictions are characterized by highly porous soils and/or high groundwater tables. In these areas, a greater vertical distance from the base of the infiltration device to the seasonal high groundwater mark may be appropriate, and treatment system approvals should be subject to a higher level of analysis that considers the potential for pollutants (such as from onsite chemical use), the level of pretreatment to be achieved, and other similar factors in the overall analysis of groundwater safety); (d) Unless stormwater is first treated by a method other than infiltration, infiltration devices are not approved as treatment measures for runoff from areas of industrial or light industrial activity; areas subject to high vehicular traffic (i.e., 25,000 or greater average daily traffic on a main roadway or 15,000 or more average daily traffic on any intersecting roadway); automotive repair shops; car washes; fleet storage areas (e.g., bus, truck); nurseries; and other land uses that pose a high threat to water quality;
(e) Infiltration devices are not placed in the vicinity of known contamination sites unless it has been demonstrated that increased infiltration will not increase leaching of contaminants from soil, alter groundwater flow conditions affecting contaminant migration in groundwater, or adversely affect remedial activities; and (f) Infiltration devices are located a minimum of 100 feet horizontally away from any known water supply wells, septic systems, and underground storage tanks with hazardous materials. (Note that some locations within the Permittees’ jurisdictions are characterized by Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 19
highly porous soils and/or high groundwater tables. In these areas, a greater horizontal distance from the infiltration device to known water supply wells, septic systems, or underground storage tanks with hazardous materials may be appropriate, and treatment system approvals should be subject to a higher level of analysis that considers the potential for pollutants (such as from onsite chemical use), the level of pretreatment to be achieved, and other similar factors in the overall analysis of groundwater safety). iv. Tree Runoff Reduction and Tree-Based Stormwater Treatment Systems (1) The Permittees collectively may submit a proposal, subject to the Executive Officer’s approval, which evaluates the benefit and associated criteria of runoff reduction associated with trees with respect to treatment control sizing, which evaluates and includes as appropriate the findings of the Healthy Watersheds, Resilient Baylands project,13 and which will be considered for incorporation into a subsequent Permit. Such a proposal shall characterize the multiple benefits of green infrastructure beyond standard designs (e.g., urban forestry), develop recommendations for Permittees to achieve the benefits (e.g., beneficial modifications to GI designs, guidelines for coordinating with work such as stream restoration, parks and urban forestry), and suggest opportunities to modify Provision C.3 language in a future Permit to better recognize broader benefits.
The proposal may include treatment control sizing and design criteria for tree-based stormwater treatment systems in combination with systems that provide additional hydrologic benefit (such as structural soils, suspended pavement systems, or other methods to provide tree rooting volume), which provide water quality and hydrologic benefit equivalent to bioretention.
(2) Tree Interceptor Credits, as described in the 2011 BASMAA Feasibility/Infeasibility Criteria Report submitted pursuant to Provision C.3.c.i.(2)(b)(iv) of MRP 1, shall not be used to reduce the stormwater treatment required pursuant to Provision C.3.
v. Reporting
(1) If the Permittees collectively submit a proposal pursuant to Provision C.3.d.iv, the proposal shall be submitted by no later than with the 2025 Annual Report.
13 The San Francisco Estuary Partnership (SFEP) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) along with several other partners (including Water Board staff) secured a U.S. EPA Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) grant to pursue the Healthy Watersheds, Resilient Baylands project, which in part investigates the stormwater treatment benefit provided by trees within the urban landscape.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 20
C.3.e. Alternative or In-Lieu Compliance with Provision C.3.b. i. The Permittees may allow a Regulated Project to provide alternative compliance with Provision C.3.b in accordance with one of the two options listed below:
(1) Option 1: LID Treatment at an Offsite Location
Treat a portion (this portion may be zero; Permittees should treat as much onsite as possible) of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite or with LID treatment measures at a joint stormwater treatment facility and treat the remaining portion of the Provision C.3.d runoff with LID treatment measures at an Offsite Project14 in the same watershed. The offsite LID treatment measures must provide hydraulically-sized treatment (in accordance with Provisions C.3.d and C.3.g, as appropriate) of an equivalent quantity of both stormwater runoff and pollutant loading and achieve a net environmental benefit.
(2) Option 2: Payment of In-Lieu Fees
Treat a portion (this portion may be zero; Permittees should treat as much onsite as possible) of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite or with LID treatment measures at a joint stormwater treatment facility and pay equivalent in-lieu fees15 to treat the remaining portion of the Provision C.3.d runoff (and comply with Provision C.3.g, as appropriate) with LID treatment measures at a Regional Project16 or Offsite Project. The Regional Project must achieve a net environmental benefit, through a net increase in impervious surface treated, and/or a net reduction in flow and/or pollutant load.
(3) For the alternative compliance options described in Provision C.3.e.i.(1) and (2) above (Options 1 and 2), all Offsite Projects and Regional Projects must be completed within three years after the end of construction of the 14 Offsite Project – A stormwater treatment facility that discharges into the same watershed as the Regulated Project and is located at a different public or private parcel or property (e.g., right-of-way) from the Regulated Project.
15 In-lieu fees – Monetary amount necessary to provide both hydraulically-sized treatment (in accordance with Provision C.3.d) with LID treatment measures of an equivalent quantity of stormwater runoff and pollutant loading, and a proportional share of the operation and maintenance costs of the Offsite Project or Regional Project.
16 Regional Project – A regional or municipal stormwater treatment facility that captures runoff from a drainage area larger than the parcel on which it is located and discharges into the same watershed as the Regulated Project.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 21
Regulated Project. However, the timeline for completion of an Offsite Project or Regional Project may be extended, up to five years after the completion of the Regulated Project, with prior Executive Officer approval.
Executive Officer approval will be granted contingent upon a demonstration of good faith efforts to implement the Offsite Project or Regional Project, such as having funds encumbered and applying for the appropriate regulatory permits.
(4) Reporting
(a) Annual reporting on Alternative Compliance projects shall be done in conjunction with reporting requirements under Provision C.3.b.iv.(2). ii. Special Projects
(1) When considered at the watershed scale, certain land development projects characterized as smart growth or high density can either reduce existing impervious surfaces or create less “accessory” impervious areas and automobile-related pollutant impacts. Incentive LID Treatment Reduction Credits approved by the Water Board may be applied to these Special Projects, which are Regulated Projects that meet the specific criteria listed below in Provision C.3.e.ii.(2). For any Special Project, the allowable incentive LID Treatment Reduction Credit is the maximum percentage of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Special Project’s drainage area that may be treated with one or a combination of the following two types of non-LID treatment systems:
Tree-box-type high flowrate biofilters
Vault-based high flowrate media filters
The allowed LID Treatment Reduction Credit recognizes that density and space limitations for the Special Projects identified herein may make 100% LID treatment infeasible.
(2) Prior to granting any LID Treatment Reduction Credits, Permittees must first establish all the following:
(a) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite;
(b) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures offsite or paying in-lieu fees to treat 100% of the Provision C.3.d runoff with LID treatment measures at an offsite or Regional Project; and
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 22
(c) The infeasibility of treating 100% of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with some combination of LID treatment measures onsite, offsite, and/or paying in-lieu fees towards at an offsite or Regional Project.
For each Special Project, a Permittee shall document the basis of infeasibility used to establish technical and/or economic infeasibility.
Under Provision C.3.e.v, each Permittee is required to report on the infeasibility of 100% LID treatment in each scenario described in Provision C.3.e.ii.(2)(a)-(c) above, for each of the Special Projects for which LID Treatment Reduction Credit was applied.
(3) Category A Special Project Criteria
(a) To be considered a Category A Special Project, a Regulated Project must meet all of the following criteria:
(i) Be built as part of a Permittee’s stated objective to preserve or enhance a pedestrian-oriented type of urban design.
(ii) Be located in a Permittee’s designated central business district, downtown core area or downtown core zoning district,
neighborhood business district or comparable pedestrian-oriented commercial district, or historic preservation site and/or district. (iii) Create and/or replace one half acre or less of impervious surface area.
(iv) Include no surface parking, except for incidental surface parking.
Incidental surface parking is allowed only for emergency vehicle access, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, and passenger and freight loading zones.
(v) Have at least 85 percent coverage for the entire project site by permanent structures. The remaining 15 percent portion of the site is to be used for safety access, parking structure entrances, trash and recycling service, utility access, pedestrian connections, public uses, landscaping, and stormwater treatment. (b) Any Category A Special Project may qualify for 100 percent LID Treatment Reduction Credit, which would allow the Category A Special Project to treat up to 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 23
(4) Category B Special Project Criteria
(a) To be considered a Category B Special Project, a Regulated Project must meet all of the following criteria:
(i) Be built as part of a Permittee’s stated objective to preserve or enhance a pedestrian-oriented type of urban design.
(ii) Be located in a Permittee’s designated central business district, downtown core area or downtown core zoning district,
neighborhood business district or comparable pedestrian-oriented commercial district, or historic preservation site and/or district. (iii) Create and/or replace greater than one-half acre but no more than 2 acres of impervious surface area.
(iv) Include no surface parking, except for incidental surface parking.
Incidental surface parking is allowed only for emergency vehicle access, ADA accessibility, and passenger and freight loading zones.
(v) Have at least 85 percent coverage for the entire project site by permanent structures. The remaining 15 percent portion of the site is to be used for safety access, parking structure entrances, trash and recycling service, utility access, pedestrian connections, public uses, landscaping, and stormwater treatment. (b) For any Category B Special Project, the maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed is determined based on the density achieved by the Project in accordance with the criteria listed below. Density is expressed in Floor Area Ratios (FARs17) for commercial development projects, in Dwelling Units18 per Acre (DU/Ac) for residential development projects, and in FARs and DU/Ac for mixed-use development projects.
(i) 50 percent Maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit
a. For any commercial Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 2:1, up to 50 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two 17 Floor Area Ratio – The ratio of the total floor area on all floors of all buildings at a project site (except structures, floors, or floor areas dedicated to parking) to the total project site area. 18 Dwelling Unit – A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 24
types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision
C.3.e.ii.(1).
b. For any residential Category B Special Project with a gross density19 of at least 50 DU/Ac, up to 50 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
c. For any mixed use Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 2:1 or a gross density of at least 50 DU/Ac, up to 50 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment
systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(ii) 75 percent Maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit
a. For any commercial Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 3:1, up to 75 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision
C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
b. For any residential Category B Special Project with a gross density of at least 75 DU/Ac, up to 75 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
c. For any mixed-use Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 3:1 or a gross density of at least 75 DU/Ac, up to 75 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment
systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(iii) 100 percent Maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit 19 Gross Density – The total number of residential units divided by the acreage of the entire site area, including land occupied by public rights-of-way, recreational, civic, commercial, and other non-residential uses.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 25
a. For any commercial Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 4:1, up to 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision
C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
b. For any residential Category B Special Project with a gross density of at least 100 DU/Ac, up to 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
c. For any mixed-use Category B Special Project with an FAR of at least 4:1 or a gross density of at least 100 DU/Ac, up to 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area may be treated with either one or a combination of the two types of non-LID treatment
systems listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1) above.
(5) Category C Special Project Criteria (Affordable Housing) (a) For the purposes of attributing Affordable Housing Credits, affordable housing is defined as preserved housing with deed restrictions running at least 55 years, at rent/mortgage rates (including utilities) no greater than 30 percent of the total household income, and which meets the following income levels specified in the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD’s) definition of affordable housing in metropolitan areas: For metropolitan areas, HUD defines Extremely Low household incomes as 0 - 30 percent of area median household income (AMI), Very Low household incomes as 31 - 50 percent of AMI, Low household incomes as 51-80 percent of AMI, and Moderate household incomes as 81-120 percent of AMI.
To be considered a Category C Special Project, a Regulated Project must additionally meet both of the following criteria:
(i) Be primarily a residential development project.
(ii) Achieve at least a gross density of 40 DU/Ac.
(b) For any Category C Special Project, the total maximum LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed is the sum of four different types of credits that the Category C Special Project may qualify for, namely:
Affordable Housing, Location, Density, and Minimized Surface Parking Credits.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 26
(c) Affordable Housing Credits: A Category C Special Project may qualify for Affordable Housing Credits, according to the following criteria. The income limits that shall be used for these criteria are the most current Official State Income Limits (adjusted for household size), which are defined on the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s website.20,21 All qualifying affordable housing DUs must be preserved housing with deed restrictions running at least 55 years, at rent/mortgage rates (including utilities) no greater than 30 percent of the total household income.
(i) To qualify for 70 percent Affordable Housing Credit:
100 percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly
rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Moderate household income level (SHUFHQWRI$0,
, at least 75
percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Low household income level
SHUFHQWRI$0,
, at least 50 percent of the project’s
DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Very Low household income level
SHUFHQWRI
AMI), and at least 25 percent of the project’s DU’s must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Extremely Low household income level
SHUFHQWRI$0,
.
(ii) To qualify for 50 percent Affordable Housing Credit:
At least 75 percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Moderate household income level
SHUFHQWRI$0,
, at least 50
percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Low household income level
SHUFHQWRI$0,
, at least 25 percent of the project’s
DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Very Low household income level
SHUFHQWRI
AMI), and at least 15 percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the ([WUHPHO\/RZKRXVHKROGLQFRPHOHYHO
SHUFHQWRI$0,
.
20 https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/income-limits/state-and-federal-income-limits.shtml 21 As of December 31, 2021, they are: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants-funding/income-limits/state-andfederal-income-limits/docs/income-limits-2021.pdf 22 Including utilities.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 27
(iii) To qualify for 25 percent Affordable Housing Credit:
At least 50 percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Moderate KRXVHKROGLQFRPHOHYHO
SHUcent of AMI), at least 25
percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the Low household income OHYHO
SHUFHQWRI$0,
at least 15 percent of the project’s
DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of WKH9HU\/RZKRXVHKROGLQFRPHOHYHO
SHUFHQWRI
AMI), and at least 5 percent of the project’s DUs must have monthly rent/mortgage rates22 no greater than 30 percent of the ([WUHPHO\/RZKRXVHKROGLQFRPHOHYHO
30 percent of AMI).
AMI
Minimum Percentage of DUs
70% credit 50% credit 25% credit
Moderate
(RI$0,
/RZ
RI$0,
9HU\/RZ
RI$0,
([WUHPHO\/RZ
RI$0,
G
/RFDWLRQ&UHGLWV
7RTXDOLI\IRUDQ\/RFDWLRQ&UHGLWVD&DWHJRU\&
6SHFLDO3URMHFWPXVWILUVWTXDOLI\IRURQHRIWKH$IIRUGDEOH+RXVLQJ &UHGLWVLQ3URYLVLRQ&HLL
F
L
$&DWHJRU\&6SHFLDO3URMHFWPD\TXDOLI\IRUWKHIROORZLQJ /RFDWLRQ&UHGLWV
D SHUFHQW/RFDWLRQ&UHGLW
/RFDWHGZLWKLQDóPLOHUDGLXVRI
DQH[LVWLQJRUSODQQHGWUDQVLWKXE
E SHUFHQW/RFDWLRQ&UHGLW
/RFDWHGZLWKLQDSODQQHG3ULRULW\
'HYHORSPHQW$UHD
3'$
ZKLFKLVDQLQILOOGHYHORSPHQWDUHD
IRUPDOO\GHVLJQDWHGE\WKH$VVRFLDWLRQRI%D\$UHD
*RYHUQPHQW¶V0HWURSROLWDQ7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ&RPPLVVLRQ¶V
)2&86UHJLRQDOSODQQLQJSURJUDP)2&86LVDUHJLRQDO
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 28
incentive-based development and conservation strategy for the San Francisco Bay Area.
(ii) Only one Location Credit may be used by an individual Category C Special Project, even if the project qualifies for multiple Location Credits.
(iii) One hundred percent of a Category C Special Project’s site must be located within the ¼-mile radius of an existing or planned transit hub to qualify for the corresponding Location Credit listed above. One hundred percent of a Category C Special Project’s site must be located within a PDA to qualify for the corresponding Location Credit listed above.
(iv) Transit hub is defined as a rail, light rail, or commuter rail station, ferry terminal, or bus transfer station served by three or more bus routes (i.e., a bus stop with no supporting services does not qualify). A planned transit hub is a station on the MTC’s Regional Transit Expansion Program list, per MTC’s Resolution 3434 (revised September 2008), which is a regional priority funding plan for future transit stations in the San Francisco Bay Area. (e) Density Credits: To qualify for any Density Credits, a Category C Special Project must first qualify for one of the Affordable Housing Credits listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(5)(c).
(i) A Category C Special Project may qualify for the following Density Credits:
a. 5 percent Density Credit: Achieve a gross density of at least 40 DU/Ac.
b. 10 percent Density Credit: Achieve a gross density of at least 60 DU/Ac.
c. 15 percent Density Credit: Achieve a gross density of at least 100 DU/Ac.
(ii) Only one Density Credit may be used by an individual Category C Special Project, even if the project qualifies for multiple Density Credits.
(f) Minimized Surface Parking Credits: To qualify for any Minimized Surface Parking Credits, a Category C Special Project must first qualify for one of the Affordable Housing Credits listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(5)(c).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 29
(i) A Category C Special Project may qualify for the following Minimized Surface Parking Credits:
a. 5 percent Minimized Surface Parking Credit: Have no surface parking except for incidental surface parking. Incidental surface parking is allowed only for emergency vehicle access, ADA accessibility, and passenger and freight loading zones. (g) Category C Special Projects receiving final discretionary approval prior to July 1, 2022, may use the Category C Special Project criteria included in the Previous Permit.
(6) Any Regulated Project that meets the criteria for multiple Special Projects Categories (i.e., a Regulated Project that may be characterized as a Category B or C Special Project) may only use the LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed under one of the Special Projects Categories (i.e., a Regulated Project that may be characterized as a Category B or C Special Project may use the LID Treatment Reduction Credit allowed under Category B or Category C, but not the sum of both.). iii. Implementation Level
(1) Provisions C.3.e.i-ii supersede any Alternative Compliance Policies previously approved by the Executive Officer.
(2) For all offsite projects and Regional Projects installed in accordance with Provision C.3.e.i-ii, the Permittees shall meet the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) requirements of Provision C.3.h.
(3) Prior to July 1, 2023, Permittees shall implement Provision C.3.e.ii in Attachment I, which are requirements from the Previous Permit. (4) Beginning July 1, 2023, Permittees shall implement Provision C.3.e.ii. iv. Reporting – Annual reporting shall be done in conjunction with reporting requirements under Provision C.3.b.iv.(2).
Any Permittee choosing to require 100 percent LID treatment onsite for all Regulated Projects and not allow alternative compliance under Provision C.3.e, shall include a statement to that effect in each Annual Report. v. Reporting on Special Projects
(1) Permittees shall track any identified potential Special Projects, including those projects that have submitted planning applications, but that have not received final discretionary approval.
(2) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall report to the Water Board on these tracked potential Special Projects using Table 3.1 found at the end Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 30
of Provision C.3. All the required column entry information listed in Table
3.1 shall be reported for each potential Special Project. Any Permittee with no Special Projects shall so state.
For each Special Project listed in Table 3.1, Permittees shall include a narrative discussion of the feasibility or infeasibility of 100 percent LID treatment onsite, offsite, and at a Regional Project. The narrative discussion shall address each of the following:
(a) The infeasibility of treating 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures onsite.
(b) The infeasibility of treating 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with LID treatment measures offsite or paying in-lieu fees to treat 100% of the Provision C.3.d runoff with LID treatment measures at a Regional Project.
(c) The infeasibility of treating 100 percent of the amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d for the Regulated Project’s drainage area with some combination of LID treatment measures onsite, offsite, and/or paying in-lieu fees towards a Regional Project.
Both technical and economic feasibility or infeasibility shall be discussed, as applicable. The discussion shall also contain enough technical and/or economic detail to document the basis of infeasibility used. (3) Once a Special Project has final discretionary approval, it shall be reported in the Provision C.3.b. Reporting Table in the same reporting year that the project was approved. In addition to the column entries contained in the Provision C.3.b. Reporting Table, the Permittees shall provide the following supplemental information for each approved Special Project:
(a) Submittal Date: Date that a planning application for the Special Project was submitted.
(b) Description: Type of project, number of floors, number of units (commercial, mixed-use, residential), type of parking, and other relevant information.
(c) Site Acreage: Total site area in acres.
(d) Total Impervious Surface Created/Replaced: The total impervious surface in acres created or replaced by the project, which is subject to the treatment requirements listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 31
(e) Gross Density in DU/Ac: Number of dwelling units per acre. (f) Category C Projects: Number of DUs in each AMI Category: For Category C Special Projects only, the number of preserved DUs (DUs with deed restrictions running at least 55 years) that have rent/mortgage rates (including utilities) no less than 30 percent of the Moderate, Low, Very Low, and Extremely Low area median household income levels specified in Provision C.3.e.ii.(5)(c).
(g) Density in FAR: Floor Area Ratio.
(h) Special Project Category: For each applicable Special Project Category, list the specific criteria applied to determine applicability.
For each non-applicable Special Project Category, indicate n/a. (i) LID Treatment Reduction Credit: For each applicable Special Project Category, state the maximum total LID Treatment Reduction Credit applied. For Category C Special Projects also list the individual Affordable Housing, Location, Density, and Minimized Surface Parking Credits applied.
(j) Stormwater Treatment Systems: List all proposed stormwater treatment systems and the corresponding percentage of the total amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area that will be treated by each treatment system. (k) List of Non-LID Stormwater Treatment Systems: List all non-LID stormwater treatment systems approved. For each type of non-LID treatment system, indicate: (1) the percentage of the total amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Special Project's drainage area, and (2) whether the treatment system either meets minimum design criteria published by a government agency or received certification issued by a government agency, and reference the applicable criteria or certification.
C.3.f. Alternative Certification of Stormwater Treatment Systems i. Task Description – In lieu of reviewing a Regulated Project’s adherence to Provision C.3.d, a Permittee may elect to have a third party conduct detailed review and certify the Regulated Project’s adherence to Provision C.3.d. The third-party reviewer must be a Civil Engineer, or a Licensed Architect or Landscape Architect registered in the State of California or staff of another Permittee subject to the requirements of this Permit.
ii. Implementation Level – Any Permittee accepting third-party reviews must make a reasonable effort to ensure that the third party has no conflict of interest with regard to the Regulated Project in question. That is, any Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 32
consultant or contractor (or his/her employees) hired to design and/or construct a stormwater treatment system for a Regulated Project shall not also be the certifying third party. The Permittee must verify that the third party certifying any Regulated Project has current training on stormwater treatment system design (within three years of the certification signature date) for water quality and understands the groundwater protection principles applicable to Regulated Project sites.
Training conducted by an organization with stormwater treatment system design expertise (such as a college or university, the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society of Landscape Architects, American Public Works Association, California Water Environment Association (CWEA), BASMAA, National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies, CASQA, or the equivalent, may be considered qualifying training. iii. Reporting – Projects reviewed by third parties shall be noted in reporting tables for Provision C.3.b.
C.3.g. Hydromodification Management
i. Hydromodification Management (HM) Projects are Regulated Projects that create and/or replace one acre or more of impervious surface except where one of the following applies.
(1) The post-project impervious surface area is less than, or the same as, the pre-project impervious surface area.
(2) The project is located in a catchment that drains to a hardened (e.g., continuously lined with concrete) engineered channel or channels or enclosed pipes, which extend continuously to the Bay, Delta, or flowcontrolled reservoir, or, in a catchment that drains to channels that are tidally influenced.
(3) The project is located in a catchment or subwatershed that is highly developed (i.e., that is 70 percent or more impervious).23 All HM Projects shall meet the HM Standard of either Provision C.3.g.ii or Provision C.3.g.iii.
The Hydromodification Applicability Maps developed by the Permittees in the Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Fairfield-Suisun Programs, and the 23 The Permittees’ maps accepted for Order No. R2-2009-0074 were prepared using this standard, adjusted to 65 percent imperviousness to account for the presence of vegetation on the photographic references used to determine imperviousness. Thus, the maps for Order No. R2-2009-0074 are accepted as meeting the 70 percent requirement.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 33
City of Vallejo, under Order No. R2-2009-0074 remain in effect and are provided in Attachment C to this Permit.
Permittees that do not have the location-based applicability criteria (Provision C.3.g.i.(2) – (3)) shown on existing maps shall develop, or cause to be developed, new maps, overlays to existing maps, or other equivalent information that demonstrates whether a project falls under one of those two criteria (whether or not areas are subject to HM requirements). Such maps, overlays, or other equivalent information shall be acceptable to the Executive Officer and shall not be effective until accepted by the Executive Officer. ii. HM Standard
Stormwater discharges from HM Projects shall not cause an increase in the erosion potential of the receiving stream over the pre-project (existing) condition. Increases in runoff flow and volume shall be managed so that postproject runoff shall not exceed estimated pre-project rates and durations, where such increased flow and/or volume is likely to cause increased potential for erosion of creek beds and banks, silt pollutant generation, or other adverse impacts on beneficial uses due to increased erosive force. The demonstration that post-project stormwater runoff does not exceed estimated pre-project runoff rates and durations shall include the following:
(1) Range of Flows to Control: For Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Permittees, and the City of Vallejo, HM controls shall be designed such that post-project stormwater discharge rates and durations match pre-project discharge rates and durations from 10 percent of the pre-project 2-year peak flow24 up to the pre-project 10-year peak flow. For Fairfield-Suisun Permittees, HM controls shall be designed such that postproject stormwater discharge rates and durations shall match from 20 percent of the 2-year peak flow up to the pre-project 10-year peak flow. (2) Goodness of Fit Criteria: The post-project flow duration curve shall not deviate above the pre-project flow duration curve by more than 10 percent over more than 10 percent of the length of the curve corresponding to the range of flows to control.
24 Where referred to in this Order, the 2-year peak flow is determined using a flood frequency analysis based on USGS Bulletin 17B to obtain the peak flow statistically expected to occur at a 2-year recurrence interval. In this analysis, the appropriate record of hourly rainfall data (e.g., 35-50 years of data) is run through a continuous simulation hydrologic model, the annual peak flows are identified, rank ordered, and the 2-year peak flow is estimated. Such models include U.S. EPA’s Hydrologic Simulation Program— Fortran (HSPF), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hydrologic Engineering Center-Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), and U.S. EPA’s Storm Water Management Model (SWMM).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 34
(3) Standard HM Modeling: Permittees shall use, or shall cause to be used, a continuous simulation hydrologic computer model to simulate pre-project and post-project runoff, or sizing factors or charts developed using such a model, to design onsite or regional HM controls. The Permittees shall compare, or shall cause to be compared, the pre-project and post-project model output for a long-term rainfall record and shall show that applicable performance criteria in Provision C.3.g.ii.(1)-(3) are met. HM controls designed using the Bay Area Hydrology Model (BAHM) and site-specific input data shall be considered to meet the HM Standard. Such use must be consistent with directions and options set forth in the most current BAHM User Manual. Modifications to the BAHM shall be acceptable to the Executive Officer, shall be consistent with the requirements of this Provision, and shall be reported as required below:
Precipitation Data: Precipitation data used in the modeling of HM controls shall, at a minimum, be 30 years of hourly rainfall data representative of the area being modeled. Where a longer rainfall record is available, the longer record shall be used.
Calculating Post-Project Runoff: Retention and detention basins shall be considered impervious surfaces for purposes of calculating post-project runoff. Pre- and post-project runoff shall be calculated and compared for the entire site, without separating or excluding areas that may be considered self-retaining.
iii. HM Standard – Direct Simulation of Erosion Potential HM control shall be achieved by maintaining the erosion potential in receiving streams at a value of equal to or less than 1.0. In order to use the Provision C.3.g.iii HM Standard – Direct Simulation of Erosion Potential, for their HM Projects, the CCCWP Permittees shall distinguish the range of situations present within their jurisdictions and incorporate an associated range of sizing factors for HM controls (described below in Provision C.3.g.vi.(2)) to address that range of situations, sufficient to demonstrate that appropriately-sized HM controls in those respective situations would achieve the HM Standard. The CCCWP Permittees shall submit a Technical Report describing and justifying these criteria, subject to the Executive Officer’s approval. iv. Types of HM Controls
Projects shall meet the HM Standard using any of the following HM controls or a combination thereof:
(1) Onsite HM controls are flow duration control structures, LID features and facilities, and hydrologic source controls that collectively result in the HM Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 35
Standard being met at the point(s) where stormwater runoff discharges from the project site.
(2) Regional HM controls are flow duration control structures that collect stormwater runoff discharge from multiple projects (each of which shall incorporate hydrologic source control measures as well) and are designed such that the HM Standard is met for all the projects at the point where the regional HM control discharges.
(3) In-stream measures shall be an option only where the stream, which receives runoff from the project, is already impacted by erosive flows and shows evidence of excessive sediment, erosion, deposition, or is a hardened channel.
In-stream measures involve modifying the receiving stream channel slope and geometry so that the stream can convey the new flow regime without increasing the potential for erosion and aggradation. In-stream measures are intended to improve long-term channel stability and prevent erosion by reducing the erosive forces imposed on the channel boundary.
In-stream measures, or a combination of in-stream and onsite controls, shall be designed to achieve the HM Standard from the point where the project(s) discharge(s) to the stream to the mouth of the stream or to achieve an equivalent degree of flow control mitigation (based on amount of impervious surface mitigated) as part of an in-stream project located in the same watershed. Designing in-stream controls requires a hydrologic and geomorphic evaluation (including a longitudinal profile) of the stream system downstream and upstream of the project. As with all in-stream activities, other regulatory permits must be obtained by the project proponent.25
v. Implementation Level
(1) For Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Solano Permittees, HM Projects shall meet the HM Standard in Provision C.3.g.ii immediately. (2) For CCCWP Permittees, HM Projects receiving final planning entitlements prior to Executive Officer approval of CCCWP’s submittal pursuant to Provisions C.3.g.iii and C.3.g.vi.(2) shall use the methods and criteria specified in CCCWP’s Stormwater C.3 Guidebook, 7th Edition (2017), or most current version. Subsequent to Executive Officer approval of CCCWP’s submittal pursuant to Provisions C.3.g.iii and C.3.g.vi.(2), HM 25 In-stream control projects require a Stream Alteration Agreement from CDFW, a CWA section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and a section 401 certification from the Water Board.
Early discussions with these agencies on the acceptability of an in-stream modification are necessary to avoid project delays or redesign.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 36
Projects shall use the methods and criteria specified (and/or acknowledged and approved) in the Executive Officer’s approval or conditional approval of that submittal; CCCWP Permittees may alternatively implement the HM Standard in Provision C.3.g.ii. vi. Reporting
(1) New HM Applicability Maps or equivalent information prepared pursuant to Provision C.3.g.i, for those Permittees who do not have an approved Map, shall be submitted, acceptable to the Executive Officer, not later than with the 2023 Annual Report.
(2) With the 2023 Annual Report, the CCCWP Permittees shall submit a Technical Report subject to the Executive Officer’s approval, consisting of a HM Management Plan describing how the CCCW Permittees will implement the HM Standard specified in Provision C.3.g.iii. The Technical Report shall include:
(a) A complete suite of sizing factors – for each type of HM control that may be used in the County – that is protective of all likely site and watershed characteristics, for sites with soils in Hydrologic Soil Groups (HSG) A, B, C, and D, with equations for adjustments to the sizing factors based on geographic differences (including, but not limited to, annual rainfall intensity and frequency, land use, and other hydrologic characteristics), based on the methods and criteria in the CCCWP Hydromodification Technical Report (September 29, 2017), and pursuant to the recommendations provided in the Water Board’s Response to CCCWP’s Hydromodification Management Memo of November 4, 2020 (March 19, 2021). The complete suite of sizing factors shall ensure each type of HM control achieves the Provision C.3.g.iii HM Standard.
For the complete suite of sizing factors, the base case sizing factor for HM controls at sites with HSG D soils shall be 6.5 percent.26 (b) The Technical Report may optionally identify geographic areas or criteria for site-by-site determination, where the use of the prescribed methods, criteria, and suite of sizing factors may result in HM Projects failing to comply with the Provision C.3.g.iii HM Standard. For those areas, the Technical Report shall propose additional onsite mitigation measures, which when implemented in addition to the complete suite 26 This is a conservative value, based on sites with project-scale built-out imperviousness in the upper watershed for the Lower Control Threshold of 0.1Q2, for soil percolation rates of 0.024 inches per hour, as presented in Table 5-7 on page 58 of the CCCWP Hydromodification Technical Report (September 29, 2017).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 37
of sizing factors specified in Provision C.3.g.vi.(2)(a), ensure that HM controls achieve the Provision C.3.g.iii HM Standard.
The additional onsite mitigation measures include, but are not limited to: site grading to produce self-retaining areas, specific guidance on augmentation of HM control design (e.g., increasing the size of the storage layer), and increases to the HM control sizing factors.
The additional mitigation measures shall not include: reliance on land development restrictions, or on open space preservation, or on the presence of existing or future HM and LID controls located elsewhere within the catchment.
The Technical Report may additionally propose alternative or supplemental methods of compliance with the Provision C.3.g.iii HM Standard, including any combination of: undersized onsite HM controls, additional new HM controls located offsite within the same catchment as the receiving stream, and in-stream controls (e.g., as described in SCVURPPP’s 2005 Hydromodification Management Plan Final Report), which when implemented together achieve the Provision C.3.g.iii HM Standard.
(3) Reporting of HM projects shall be as described in Provision C.3.b. (4) Permittees allowing the use of BAHM shall report collectively, with each Annual Report, a listing, summary, and date of modifications made to the BAHM, including the technical rationale. This shall be prepared at the countywide program level and submitted on behalf of participating Permittees.
(5) In addition, for each HM Project approved during the reporting period, Permittees shall collect and make available the following information.
Information shall be reported electronically, and, where appropriate, in tabular form.
Device(s) or method(s) used to meet the HM Standard, such as detention basin(s), biodetention unit(s), regional detention basin, or in-stream control(s);
Method used by the project proponent to design and size the device or method used to meet the HM Standard;
Site plans identifying impervious areas, surface flow directions for the entire site, and location(s) of HM measures;
For projects using standard sizing charts, a summary of sizing calculations used;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 38
For projects using the BAHM, a listing of model inputs; and For projects using custom modeling, a summary of the modeling calculations with a corresponding graph showing curve matching (existing, post-project, and post-project-with HM controls curves).
C.3.h. Operation and Maintenance of Stormwater Treatment Systems i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall implement an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Verification Program.
ii. Implementation Level – At a minimum, the O&M Verification Program shall include the following elements:
(1) Conditions of approval or other legally enforceable agreements or mechanisms for all Regulated Projects and for all projects implemented pursuant to Provision C.3.j that, at a minimum, require at least one of the following from all project proponents and their successors in control of the Project or successors in fee title:
(a) The project proponent’s signed statement accepting responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the installed pervious pavement system(s) (if any), onsite, joint, and/or offsite stormwater treatment system(s), and HM control(s) (if any) until such responsibility is legally transferred to another entity;
(b) Written conditions in the sales or lease agreements or deed for the project that requires the buyer or lessee to assume responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the pervious pavement system(s) (if any), onsite, joint, and/or offsite installed stormwater treatment system(s), and HM control(s) (if any) until such responsibility is legally transferred to another entity;
(c) Written text in project deeds, or conditions, covenants and restrictions (CCRs) for multi-unit residential projects that require the homeowners association or, if there is no association, each individual owner to assume responsibility for the O&M of the installed pervious pavement system(s) (if any), onsite, joint, and/or offsite stormwater treatment system(s), and HM control(s) (if any) until such responsibility is legally transferred to another entity; or
(d) Any other legally enforceable agreement or mechanism, such as recordation in the property deed, that assigns the operation and maintenance responsibility for the installed pervious pavement system(s) (if any), onsite, joint, and/or offsite treatment system(s) and HM control(s) (if any) to the project owner(s) or the Permittee.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 39
(2) Coordination with the appropriate mosquito and vector control agency with jurisdiction to establish a protocol for notification of installed stormwater treatment systems and HM controls.
(3) Conditions of approval or other legally enforceable agreements or mechanisms for all Regulated Projects that require the granting of site access to all representatives of the Permittee, local mosquito and vector control agency staff, and Water Board staff, for the sole purpose of performing operation and maintenance inspections of the installed pervious pavement system(s) (if any), stormwater treatment system(s) and HM control(s) (if any).
(4) A database or equivalent tabular format of the following:
(a) All pervious pavement system(s) that total 3,000 square feet or more installed at Regulated Projects, offsite, or at a Regional Project. The total square footage should not include pervious pavement systems installed as private-use patios for single family homes, townhomes, or condominiums.
(b) All stormwater treatment systems installed onsite at Regulated Projects, offsite, or at a joint or Regional Project.
(c) All HM controls installed onsite at Regulated Projects, offsite, or at a joint or Regional Project.
(5) The database or equivalent tabular format required in Provision C.3.h.ii.(4) shall include the following information for each Regulated Project, offsite project, and Regional Project, and shall be made available to Water Board staff upon request:
(a) Name and address of the project;
(b) Names of the owner(s) and responsible operator(s) of the installed pervious pavement system(s) (if any), stormwater treatment system(s), and/or HM control(s);
(c) Specific description of the location (or a map showing the location) of the installed pervious pavement system(s) (if any), stormwater treatment system(s), and HM control(s) (if any);
(d) Date(s) that the pervious pavement system(s) (if any), stormwater treatment system(s), and HM controls (if any) was/were installed; (e) Description of the type and size of the pervious pavement systems (if any), stormwater treatment system(s), and HM control(s) (if any) installed;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 40
(f) Detailed information on operation and maintenance inspections. For each inspection, include the following:
(i) Date of inspection.
(ii) Type of inspection (e.g., installation, annual, followup, spot). (iii) Type(s) of pervious pavement systems inspected (e.g., pervious concrete, pervious asphalt, pervious pavers).
(iv) Type(s) of stormwater treatment systems inspected (e.g., swale, bioretention unit, tree well) and an indication of whether the treatment system is an onsite, joint, or offsite system. (v) Type of HM controls inspected.
(vi) Inspection findings or results (e.g., proper installation, proper operation and maintenance, system not operating properly because of plugging, bypass of stormwater because of improper installation or maintenance, maintenance required immediately). (vii) Enforcement action(s) taken, if any (e.g., verbal warning, notice of violation, compliance schedule, administrative citation, administrative order).
(6) A prioritized O&M Inspection Plan for inspecting all pervious pavement systems that total 3,000 square feet or more (excluding private-use patios for single family homes, townhomes, or condominiums), stormwater treatment systems and HM controls installed at Regulated Projects, offsite locations, and/or at joint or Regional Projects. For residential subdivisions with pervious pavement systems that include individual driveways, inspection of a representative number of driveways is sufficient.
At a minimum, the O&M Inspection Plan must specify the following for each fiscal year:
(a) Inspection by the Permittee of all newly installed pervious pavement systems that total 3,000 square feet or more (excluding private-use patios for single family homes, townhomes, or condominiums), stormwater treatment systems, and HM controls (at Regulated Projects, offsite locations, and/or at joint or Regional Projects) at the completion of installation to ensure approved plans have been followed. For residential subdivisions with pervious pavement systems that include individual driveways, inspection of a representative number of driveways is sufficient;
(b) Inspection by the Permittee of an average of 20 percent, but no less than 15 percent, of the total number (at the end of the preceding fiscal Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 41
year) of Regulated Projects, offsite projects, or Regional Projects.
Each inspection shall include inspection of all pervious pavement systems that total 3,000 square feet or more (excluding private-use patios for single family homes, townhomes, or condominiums), stormwater treatment systems, and HM controls installed at the Regulated Project, offsite project, or Regional Project. For residential subdivisions with pervious pavement systems that include individual driveways, inspection of a representative number of driveways is sufficient;
(c) Inspection by the Permittee of all Regulated Projects, offsite projects, or Regional Projects at least once every five years. Each inspection shall include inspection of all pervious pavement systems that total 3,000 square feet or more (excluding private-use patios for single family homes, townhomes, or condominiums), stormwater treatment systems, and HM controls installed at the Regulated Project, offsite project, or Regional Project. For residential subdivisions with pervious pavement systems that include individual driveways, inspection of a representative number of driveways is sufficient; and
(d) For vault-based stormwater treatment systems, Permittees may accept 3rd party inspection reports in lieu of conducting Permittee operation and maintenance inspections only if the 3rd party inspections are conducted at least annually. Information from each 3rd party inspection shall be included in the database or tabular format required in Provision C.3.h.ii.(5) and each inspection shall be clearly identified as a 3rd party inspection.
Each 3rd party inspection report must clearly document the following:
(i) Name of 3rd party inspection company.
(ii) Date of inspection.
(iii) Condition of the treatment unit(s) at the time of inspection. (iv) Description of maintenance activities performed during the inspection.
(v) Date- and time-stamped photographs of the inside of the vault unit(s) before and after maintenance activities.
(7) An Enforcement Response Plan (ERP) for all operation and maintenance inspections that serves as a reference document for inspection staff so that consistent enforcement actions can be taken to bring development projects into compliance. At a minimum, the ERP must contain the following:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 42
(a) Enforcement Procedures – A description of the Permittee’s procedures from the discovery of problems through the confirmation of implementation of corrective actions. This shall include guidance for recognizing common problems with the different types of pervious pavement systems, stormwater treatment systems, and/or HM controls, remedies for the problems, and appropriate enforcement actions, follow-up inspections, and appropriate time periods for implementation of corrective actions, and the roles and responsibilities of staff responsible for implementing the ERP.
(b) Enforcement Tools and Field Scenarios – A discussion of the various, escalating enforcement tools appropriate for different field scenarios of problems identified with the pervious pavement systems, stormwater treatment systems, and/or HM controls as well as for different types of inadequate response to enforcement actions taken.
(c) Timely Correction of Identified Problems – A description of the Permittee’s procedures for assigning due dates for corrective actions.
Permittees shall require timely correction of all identified problems with the pervious pavement systems, stormwater treatment systems, and/or HM controls.
Corrective actions shall be implemented no longer than 30 days after a problem is identified by an inspector. Corrective actions can be temporary, in which case more time may be allowed for permanent corrective actions. If more than 30 days are required for compliance, a rationale shall be recorded in the electronic database or equivalent tabular system.
iii. Due Date for Implementation: Immediate.
iv. Maintenance Approvals: The Permittees shall ensure that all pervious pavement systems that total 3,000 square feet or more (excluding private-use patios for single family homes, townhomes, or condominiums), stormwater treatment systems, and HM controls installed onsite, offsite, or at a joint or Regional Project by development proponents are properly operated and maintained for the life of the projects. In cases where the responsible party for a pervious pavement system, stormwater treatment system, or HM control has worked diligently and in good faith with the appropriate State and federal agencies to obtain approvals necessary to complete maintenance activities, but these approvals are not granted, the Permittees shall be deemed to be in compliance with Provision C.3.h. Permittees shall ensure that constructed wetlands installed by Regulated Projects and used for urban runoff treatment shall abide by the Water Board’s Resolution No. 94-102: Policy on the Use of Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 43
Constructed Wetlands for Urban Runoff Pollution Control and the operation and maintenance requirements contained therein.
v. Reporting
(1) The database or equivalent tabular format required in Provisions C.3.b.ii.(4) and (5) shall be maintained by the Permittees. Upon request from the Executive Officer, information from this database or equivalent tabular format shall be submitted to Water Board staff for review. The requested information may include specific details on each inspection conducted within particular timeframes, such as several fiscal years. (2) On an annual basis, before the wet season, provide a list of newly installed (installed within the reporting period) stormwater treatment systems and HM controls to the local mosquito and vector control agency, and include a copy of that communication with the Annual Report. This list shall include the facility locations and a description of the stormwater treatment measures and HM controls installed.
(3) Each Permittee shall report the following information in the Annual Report each year:
(a) Total number of Regulated Projects in the Permittee’s database or tabular format as of the end of the reporting period (fiscal year). (b) Total number of Regulated Projects, offsite projects, and Regional Projects inspected during the reporting period (fiscal year). (c) Percentage of the total number of Regulated Projects that were inspected during the reporting period (fiscal year).
(d) A discussion of the inspection findings for the year and any common problems encountered with various types of pervious pavement systems, treatment systems and/or HM controls. This discussion should include a general comparison to the inspection findings from the previous year.
(e) A discussion of the effectiveness of the Permittee’s O&M Program and any proposed changes to improve the O&M Program (e.g., changes in prioritization plan or frequency of O&M inspections, other changes to improve effectiveness of program).
C.3.i. Required Site Design Measures for Small Development and Redevelopment Projects and Smaller Detached Single-Family Home Projects
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall require all development and redevelopment projects, which create and/or replace 2,500 ft2 to < 5,000 ft2 Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 44
of impervious surface, and detached single-family home projects,27 which create and/or replace 2,500 ft2 to < 10,000 ft2 of impervious surface, to install one or more of the following site design measures:
Direct roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels for reuse. Direct roof runoff onto vegetated areas.
Direct runoff from sidewalks, walkways, and/or patios onto vegetated areas.
Direct runoff from driveways and/or uncovered parking lots onto vegetated areas.
Construct sidewalks, walkways, and/or patios with permeable surfaces.10
Construct bike lanes, driveways, and/or uncovered parking lots with permeable surfaces.10
This provision applies to all development projects that require approvals and/or permits issued under the Permittees’ planning, building, or other comparable authority.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Beginning July 1, 2023, Permittees shall implement Provision C.3.i. (2) Prior to July 1, 2023, Permittees shall implement Provision C.3.i in Attachment I, which are requirements from the Previous Permit. iii. Reporting – On an annual basis, discuss the implementation of the requirements of Provision C.3.i, including ordinance revisions, permit conditions, development of standard specifications and/or guidance materials, and staff training.
C.3.j. Green Infrastructure Planning and Implementation i. Task Description – The Permittees shall continue to implement their Green Infrastructure Plans (completed during the term of the Previous Permit), as may be updated and/or supplemented to comply with this Order, for the inclusion of low impact development drainage design into storm drain infrastructure on public and private lands, including streets, roads, storm 27 Detached single-family home project – The building of one single new house or the addition and/or replacement of impervious surface to one single existing house, which is not part of a larger plan of development.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 45
drains, parking lots, building roofs, and other storm drain infrastructure elements.
(1) The Plans are intended to serve as an implementation guide and reporting tool during this and subsequent Permit terms to provide reasonable assurance that urban runoff TMDL wasteload allocations (e.g., for the San Francisco Bay mercury and PCBs TMDLs and the Urban Creeks Pesticides TMDL) will be met, and to set goals for reducing, over the long term, the adverse water quality impacts of urbanization and urban runoff on receiving waters.
(2) Over the long term, the Plans are intended to describe how the Permittees will shift their impervious surfaces and storm drain infrastructure from gray, or traditional storm drain infrastructure where runoff flows directly into the storm drain and then the receiving water, to green—that is, to a more-resilient, sustainable system that slows runoff by dispersing it to vegetated areas, harvests and uses runoff, promotes infiltration and evapotranspiration, and uses bioretention and other green infrastructure practices to clean stormwater runoff.
(3) Green infrastructure project prioritization is described in the Green Infrastructure Plans based on local characteristics and priorities, and therefore green infrastructure projects will typically be designed to achieve multiple benefits in addition to mercury and PCBs load reduction.
Furthermore, this Provision establishes a separate impervious surface retrofit requirement for other-than Regulated Projects. ii. Implementation Level
(1) Programmatic Implementation
The Permittees shall, individually or in a coordinated manner, update and/or supplement their Green Infrastructure Plans as needed to ensure that municipal processes and ordinances allow and appropriately encourage implementation of green infrastructure, and incorporate lessons learned, by:
(a) Revising implementation mechanisms to include consideration, or reconsideration, of cooperation with non-municipal entities such as schools on green infrastructure implementation, and otherwise updating implementation mechanisms as appropriate.
(b) Following through with the development or updates of general plans, specific plans, urban forestry plans, climate change adaptation plans, complete streets plans and other planning documents with a green infrastructure nexus to include language which is more supportive of green infrastructure implementation, as identified by Permittees in Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 46
their Green Infrastructure Plans. Upon request by Water Board staff, Permittees shall provide justifications for planning documents that they assert do not need to be updated to further support green infrastructure implementation.
(c) Developing funding and funding mechanisms identified in the Green Infrastructure Plans, such as by working with the relevant agencies to expand the scope of transportation grants to include allocation for green infrastructure; establishing green infrastructure-based or green infrastructure-incorporating stormwater fees, including work that sets the foundation for additional future stormwater fees; establishing or increasing application review fees, and evaluating other opportunities to leverage municipal approval of private development to fund green infrastructure implementation.
(d) Reviewing countywide green infrastructure implementation guidance documents and adapting them as necessary to account for local considerations if this has not already been completed during the Previous Permit term, and otherwise reviewing and updating general guidelines and standard specifications as appropriate.
(e) Continuing to implement the tools developed during the Previous Permit term to track and map completed public and private green infrastructure projects, and making the information publicly available. (f) Continuing to adopt or amend policies, ordinances, and/or other appropriate legal mechanisms to ensure implementation of the Green Infrastructure Plan in accordance with the requirements of this Provision, as necessary.
(g) Continuing to conduct outreach and education as follows:
(i) Conduct public outreach on the requirements of this Provision, including outreach coordinated with adoption or revision of standard specifications and planning documents, and with the initiation and planning of infrastructure projects. Such outreach shall include general outreach and targeted outreach to and training for professionals involved in infrastructure planning and design.
(ii) Train appropriate staff, including planning, engineering, public works maintenance, finance, fire/life safety, and management staff on the requirements of this Provision and methods of implementation.
(iii) Educate appropriate Permittee elected officials (e.g., mayors, city council members, county supervisors, district board members) on Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 47
the requirements of this Provision and methods of
implementation.
(2) Numeric Implementation
(a) By June 30, 2027, the Permittees shall implement, or cause to be implemented, green infrastructure projects within their jurisdictions which are not already defined as Regulated Projects pursuant to Provision C.3.b, such that the impervious surface retrofits listed in Table H-1 of Attachment H are achieved.
(b) The Permittees may meet the numeric retrofit requirements listed in Table H-1 of Attachment H on a countywide basis. If Permittees within a given county do not collectively achieve their numeric retrofit requirements, each Permittee within that county shall be separately responsible for achieving its individual retrofit requirement. (c) Though Permittees may meet their total individual numeric retrofit requirements on a countywide basis, each Permittee shall implement, or cause to be implemented, a green infrastructure project or projects treating no less than 0.2 acres of impervious surface within its jurisdiction, where that project is not already defined as a Regulated Project pursuant to Provision C.3.b. Alternatively, a Permittee may contribute substantially to such a green infrastructure project(s) outside of its jurisdiction and within its County.
(d) Impervious surfaces treated by non-Regulated Projects may be counted towards the numeric requirements in Table H-1 of Attachment H.
Impervious surfaces treated by Regulated Projects, beyond the minimum required by Provisions C.3.c-d for such Regulated Projects, may be counted towards the numeric requirements in Table H-1 of Attachment H.
If a portion of the impervious surface treated by such a Non-Regulated Project or by Regulated Projects (beyond the minimum required by Provisions C.3.c-d for such Regulated Projects) is later used as part of an Alternative Compliance exchange to offset the treatment required by a Regulated Project pursuant to Provision C.3.e.i, then that portion may no longer be counted towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) retrofit requirements listed in Table H-1 of Attachment H.
(e) Projects completed after January 1, 2021, shall be counted towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 48
(f) Projects completed by June 30, 2027, shall be counted towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements.
If a project is not completed by June 30, 2027, it may still count towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements, if it is approved and fully funded. Permittees that count such projects towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements shall certify in their Annual Reports that the projects are approved and funded by June 30, 2027. (g) Controls implemented to satisfy Provision C.3 requirements, including the numeric retrofit requirements specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2), may also be used to satisfy Provision C.11 Mercury Controls requirements, and Provision C.12 PCBs Controls requirements, as long as they satisfy the other aspects of those requirements, such as location (i.e., for PCBs, controls that are implemented in areas of old industrial land use or otherwise in areas with identified relatively high concentrations of PCBs).
(h) Permittees may credit the acreage of impervious surface created or replaced for Regulated Road Reconstruction Projects, specified in Provision C.3.b.ii.(5), towards the Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2).
(i) Permittees with small rural jurisdictions (e.g., whose stormwater conveyance systems are dominated by roadside ditches) may collectively submit a proposal, subject to the Executive Officer’s approval, for pilot projects investigating the use of alternative green infrastructure techniques to comply with the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements, with construction completed by June 30, 2027. If a project is not completed by June 30, 2027, it may still count towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements, if it is approved and fully funded.
Permittees that count such projects towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements shall certify in their Annual Reports that the projects are approved and funded by June 30, 2027.
The proposal shall include a discussion describing the small rural jurisdiction, including density, developed versus undeveloped areas, and piped stormwater conveyances versus roadside ditches. (j) Permittees with existing ordinances (or that adopt new ordinances by June 30, 2023) that require Regulated Projects to treat significantly more impervious surface than the minimum required by Provision C.3.c-d, may offset their Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 49
specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) by a one-time credit of up to 25 percent, and by no greater than one acre. The claimed offset shall not reduce Permittees’ Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements below 0.2 acres as specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)(c).
In order to claim this offset, Permittees shall submit a report subject to Executive Officer approval estimating the benefit that will be realized by the adopted ordinance(s) in the current Permit term and the subsequent Permit terms (i.e., until June 30, 2032), as specified in Provision C.3.j.v.(5). The offset claimed shall be no greater than the benefit of the offset estimated in the report. Permittees shall not use the offset prior to Executive Officer approval of the report. (3) Design and Other Criteria - Green infrastructure projects built pursuant to Provision C.3.j shall:
(a) Comply with Provision C.3.c and Provisions C.3.e-h. (b) Comply with Provision C.3.d. With cause (e.g., significantly constrained area for a BMP, substantially increased costs for that sizing relative to the C.3.j.i.(2)(g) approach outlined in the Previous Permit, significant amounts of run-on from adjacent areas, or other substantial constraints identified by Permittees) and with reporting in their Annual Reports, Permittees may use the Guidance for Sizing Green Infrastructure Facilities in Streets Projects with companion analysis Green Infrastructure Facility Sizing for Non-Regulated Street Projects submitted in June 2019, to size Non-Regulated green streets projects. If so, Permittees must comply with the Water Board’s June 21, 2019, conditional approval of that submittal, which provides qualifiers to, and the conditions under which, the alternative sizing criteria may be used for Non-Regulated green streets projects. (4) Long-Term Green Infrastructure Implementation
(a) The Permittees and their representatives may, together with Water Board staff and impartial science experts (e.g., SFEI, SFEP, U.S. EPA Region 9), collectively form a Technical Working Group (TWG) to discuss long-term green infrastructure goals and recommend longterm percentage reductions in Permittees’ impervious surfaces, at individual, countywide and regional scales. The TWG should prioritize discussion of long-term green infrastructure goals for development and redevelopment projects not already captured by Provision C.3.b, and in particular, public road and right of way reconstruction projects that are not already defined as Regulated Projects by Provision C.3.b.ii.(5). The TWG should additionally review BMPs and Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 50
performance metrics, and should consider linkages to climate change impacts and resiliency.
(b) Prior to the submittal of a report containing the TWG’s recommendations for long-term percentage reductions in Permittees’ impervious surfaces – as prescribed by Provision C.3.j.v.(6) – the TWG should meet at a minimum biannually, and subsequent to that submittal should meet at a minimum annually.
iii. No Missed Opportunities
Each Permittee shall:
(1) Continue to maintain a list of green infrastructure projects, public and private, that are planned for implementation during the permit term and infrastructure projects planned for implementation during the permit term that have potential for green infrastructure measures.
(2) Submit the list with each Annual Report and a summary of planning or implementation status for each public green infrastructure project and each private green infrastructure project that is not also a Regulated Project as defined in Provision C.3.b.ii. Include a summary of how each public infrastructure project with green infrastructure potential will include green infrastructure measures to the maximum extent practicable during the permit term. For any public infrastructure project where implementation of green infrastructure measures is not practicable, submit a brief description of the project and the reasons green infrastructure measures were impracticable to implement.
iv. Participate in Processes to Promote Green Infrastructure (1) The Permittees shall, individually or collectively, track processes, assemble and submit information, and provide informational materials and presentations as needed to assist relevant regional, State, and federal agencies to plan, design, and fund incorporation of green infrastructure measures into local infrastructure projects, including transportation projects. Issues to be addressed include coordinating the timing of funding from different sources, changes to standard designs and design criteria, ranking and prioritizing projects for funding, and implementation of cooperative in-lieu programs.
(2) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall report on the goals and outcomes during the reporting year of work undertaken to participate in processes to promote green infrastructure.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 51
v. Tracking and Reporting Progress
(1) The Permittees shall continue to implement the existing regionallyconsistent tracking and mapping tools developed pursuant to Provision C.3.j.i.(2).(d) of the Previous Permit to track and report implementation of green infrastructure measures including treated area and connected and disconnected impervious area on both public and private parcels within their jurisdictions. The methods shall also address tracking needed to provide reasonable assurance that wasteload allocations for TMDLs, including the San Francisco Bay PCBs and mercury TMDLs, and reductions for trash, are being met. The tracking and mapping tools shall be used by Permittees to inform issues relevant to program management, such as life cycle costs, asset management, operation and maintenance frequency, and beneficial design changes.
(a) Non-regulated green infrastructure projects built pursuant to Provision C.3.j shall be tracked and mapped in the same manner as Regulated Projects. These projects shall be reported in a separate table from Regulated Projects.
(b) The tracking and mapping tools shall include a component that is available to the public, which is advertised on individual Permittee websites and on County stormwater program websites, and as appropriate is advertised in other locations. This component must include the following basic information: a brief description of design (e.g., whether bioretention or bioswale), location, land use type, and area treated. If the tools contain additional information which has not been made available to the public such as detailed design information, incurred or planned O&M costs and O&M frequency, condition assessments, and pollutant loads treated, that information shall be made available to Water Board staff upon request.
(c) The Permittees shall certify in the 2023 Annual Reports that the tracking and mapping tools have been completed and are being implemented.
(d) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall provide summary reports on the implementation of the tracking and mapping tools and shall provide a link to the component which is available to the public. (2) In the 2024 and 2026 Annual Reports, report on updates, addenda, and changes to their programmatic implementation, including, but not limited to, the items listed in Provision C.3.j.ii.(1).
(3) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall report on progress made towards the retrofit requirements described in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 52
(4) With the 2026 Annual Reports, Permittees shall provide a summary of lessons learned to-date with regard to Provision C.3.j.ii.(1), including topics such as operation and maintenance, sizing, infiltration and other design criteria for stormwater treatment controls, implementation of tracking and mapping tools, cooperation with non-municipal entities, regional project efforts, funding initiatives and opportunities to leverage municipal approval of private development, education and outreach, and development or updates of plan documents with a green infrastructure nexus. In the summary, Permittees shall also discuss attainment of the numeric retrofit requirements prescribed in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2).
In that summary, as applicable, Permittees shall report on how they have addressed deficiencies identified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(1). (5) Pursuant to Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)(i), Permittees whose jurisdictions are dominated by rural areas may collectively submit a proposal, subject to the Executive Officer’s approval, for the use of alternative green infrastructure techniques. This proposal shall be submitted by no later than with the 2023 Annual Reports.
(6) Each Permittee that wishes to use the one-time offset specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)(j) shall submit a report estimating the benefit realized by the adopted ordinance(s) in the current Permit term, and until June 30, 2032, by no later than with the 2023 Annual Report, subject to Executive Officer approval. Permittees shall not use the offset prior to Executive Officer approval of the Report. The benefit of the estimated offset shall be no less than the offset claimed during the current Permit term.
In each Annual Report, each Permittee claiming the offset shall report on the acreage of retrofit produced by the implementation of the offset in that Fiscal Year, as well as the cumulative acreage of retrofit produced by the implementation of the offset up to that point in time during the current Permit term.
(7) By no later than with the 2025 Annual Reports, the Permittees shall collectively submit a report summarizing any TWG efforts and recommendations, as specified in Provision C.3.j.ii.(4). (8) Pursuant to Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)(f) and Provision C.3.j.ii.(2)(i), Permittees shall certify in the 2027 Annual Report that any projects counting towards the Provision C.3.j.ii.(2) Numeric Implementation retrofit requirements, which have not been completed by June 30, 2027, have been approved and fully funded by June 30, 2027.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 53
Table 3.1 Standard Tracking and Reporting Form for Potential Special Projects Project
No. Permittee Address
Application
Submittal
Date
Description
Site
Total
Acreage
Total
Impervious
Surface
Created/
Replaced
Gross
Density
DU/Ac
Category C
Projects:
Number of
DUs in
each AMI
Category
FAR
Special
Project
Category
LID
Treatment
Reduction
Credit
Stormwater
Treatment
Systems
Project No.: Number of the Special Project as it appears in Table 3.1.
Permittee: Name of the Permittee in whose jurisdiction the Special Project will be built.
Address: Address of the Special Project; if no street address, state the cross streets.
Submittal Date: Date that a planning application for the Special Project was submitted; if a planning application has not been submitted, include a projected application submittal date.
Description: Type of project (commercial, mixed-use, residential), number of floors, number of units, type of parking, and other relevant information.
Site Total Acreage: Total site area in acres.
Total Impervious Surface Created/Replaced: The total impervious surfaced in acres created or replaced by the project, which is subject to the treatment requirements listed in Provision C.3.e.ii.(1).
Gross Density in DU/Ac: Number of dwelling units per acre.
Category C Projects: Number of DUs in each AMI Category: For Category C Special Projects only, the number of preserved DUs (DUs with deed restrictions running at least 55 years) that have rent/mortgage rates (including utilities) Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.3.
C.3 - 54
no less than 30 percent of the Moderate, Low, Very Low, and Extremely Low area median household income levels specified in Provision C.3.e.ii.(5)(c).
FAR: Floor Area Ratio.
Special Project Category: For each Special Project Category, indicate applicability. If a Category is applicable, list the specific criteria applied to determine applicability.
LID Treatment Reduction Credit: For each applicable Special Project Category, state the maximum total LID Treatment Reduction Credit available. For Category C Special Projects also list the individual Affordable Housing, Location, Density, and Minimized Surface Parking Credits available.
Stormwater Treatment Systems: List all proposed stormwater treatment systems and the corresponding percentage of the total amount of runoff identified in Provision C.3.d. for the Project’s drainage area that will be treated by each treatment system.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 1
C.4. Industrial and Commercial Site Controls
Each Permittee shall implement an industrial and commercial site control program at all sites that could reasonably be considered to cause or contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff. Permittees shall conduct inspections, effective follow-up, and enforcement to abate potential and actual non-stormwater discharges, consistent with each respective Enforcement Response Plan. These combined efforts will prevent the discharge of pollutants and impacts to beneficial uses of receiving waters. Inspections shall confirm implementation of appropriate and effective BMPs and other pollutant controls by industrial and commercial site operators.
C.4.a. Legal Authority for Effective Site Management
i. Task Description – Permittees shall have sufficient legal authority to inspect, require effective stormwater pollutant control, and implement progressively stricter enforcement to achieve expedient compliance and pollutant abatement at commercial and industrial sites within their jurisdiction. ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall have the legal authority to oversee, inspect, and require expedient compliance and pollution abatement at all industrial and commercial sites that may be reasonably considered to cause or contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff. Permittees shall have the legal authority to require implementation of appropriate BMPs at industrial and commercial facilities to address pollutant sources associated with outdoor process and manufacturing areas; outdoor material storage areas; outdoor waste storage and disposal areas; outdoor vehicle and equipment storage and maintenance areas; outdoor parking areas and access roads; outdoor wash areas, for example, areas used to wash restaurant equipment and mats,; outdoor drainage from indoor areas; rooftop equipment; vehicle fueling activities; contaminated and erodible surface areas; and other sources determined by the Permittees or the Water Board Executive Officer to have a reasonable potential to contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff.
C.4.b. Industrial and Commercial Business Inspection Plan (Inspection Plan) i. Task Description – Permittees shall continue to update and implement an Inspection Plan that will serve as a prioritized inspection workplan. This Inspection Plan will allow inspection staff to categorize the commercial and industrial sites within the Permittee’s jurisdiction by pollutant threat and inspection frequency, change inspection frequency based on site performance, and add and remove sites as businesses open and close.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 2
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Facilities to Prioritize for Inspection
Commercial and industrial facilities with the functional aspects and types described below, and other facilities identified by the Permittees as reasonably likely to contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff, shall be prioritized for inspection on the basis of the potential for water quality impact using criteria such as pollutant sources on site, use of pollutants of concern, proximity to a waterbody, and the enforcement history of potential discharges and actual discharges at the facility. Permittees may use a variety of sources to develop and update the business inspection prioritization, including, but not limited to, business license applications, tax records, and inspectors’ observations. The following are some of the functional aspects of businesses and types of businesses that shall be included in the Inspection Plan:
(a) Sites with the following functions or facilities that may be sources of pollutants when exposed to stormwater:
(i) Outdoor process and manufacturing areas
(ii) Outdoor material storage areas
(iii) Outdoor waste storage, handling, and disposal areas (iv) Outdoor vehicle and equipment storage and maintenance areas (v) Outdoor wash areas
(vi) Outdoor drainage from indoor areas
(vii) Fueling Areas
(viii) Rooftop equipment
(ix) Other sources determined by the Permittee or Water Board as reasonably likely to contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff. (b) Sites that support industrial and commercial activities that have a reasonable likelihood to be sources of pollutants to stormwater and non-stormwater discharges, including:
(i) Industrial facilities, as defined at 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14), including facilities subject to the Statewide NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (hereinafter the Industrial General Permit);
(ii) Vehicle Salvage yards;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 3
(iii) Metal and other recycled materials collection facilities, and waste transfer facilities;
(iv) Vehicle mechanical repair, maintenance, fueling, or cleaning facilities;
(v) Nurseries and greenhouses;
(vi) Restaurants and other food service businesses at which food is prepared or that have onsite eating and drinking areas for customers;
(vii) Supermarkets or large grocery stores with outdoor waste storage or cardboard compacting areas;
(viii) Building trades facilities or yards, corporation yards; (ix) Building material retailers and storage;
(x) Plastics manufacturers; and
(xi) Other facilities designated by the Permittee or Water Board to be reasonably likely to contribute to pollution of stormwater runoff. (2) Inspection Plan – The Inspection Plan shall be updated annually and shall contain the following information:
(a) A description of the process for prioritizing inspections and frequency of inspections. The prioritization criteria shall assign a more frequent inspection schedule to the highest priority facilities per Provision C.4.b.ii.(1). If any geographical areas are to be targeted for inspections due to high potential for stormwater pollution, these areas should be indicated in the Inspection Plan.
(b) Assign appropriate inspection frequency for each industrial and commercial facility based on the priority established in Provision C.4.b.ii.(2)(a), potential for contributing pollution to stormwater runoff, and commensurate with the threat to water quality.
(c) A mechanism to include new businesses that warrant inspections. (d) Total number and a list of all industrial and commercial facilities requiring inspections, within each Permittee’s jurisdiction, based on the prioritization criteria established in Provision C.4.(b)ii.(2)(a). This list shall be updated annually.
(e) List of facilities scheduled for inspection each fiscal year of the MRP permit term. Each fiscal year’s inspection list shall be added to the Inspection Plan at the beginning of the fiscal year as part of the annual Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 4
update. Previous fiscal years’ inspection lists shall remain in the Inspection Plan.
(f) If a Permittee relies on multiple entities to perform business and commercial inspections, a list of the entities and their responsibilities with regard to this Permit. Describe how the Permittee oversees and coordinates the entities performing inspections and assures that all sites with the potential to pollute stormwater are inspected. (3) Record Keeping – For each facility identified in Provision C.4.b.ii.(2)(d), the Permittee shall maintain a database or equivalent tabular system of at least the following information:
(a) Name and address of the business and local business operator; (b) A brief description of business activity or pollutant source, including SIC or NAICS code. Examples: outdoor process/manufacturing areas, outdoor material storage areas, outdoor waste storage and disposal areas, outdoor vehicle and equipment storage and maintenance areas, outdoor parking areas and access roads, outdoor wash areas, rooftop equipment, outdoor drainage from indoor areas, and use of mobile businesses for outdoor fueling, washing, etc.;
(c) Inspection priority and inspection frequency; and
(d) Whether facility requires coverage under the Industrial General Permit.
iii. Reporting
(1) Permittees shall include the following information in the 2023 Annual Report:
(a) A brief description of which Permittee entity or entities are responsible for reviewing and approving business license applications or a link to the Permittee’s website for business license applications. (2) Permittees shall make the list required by Provision C.4.b.ii.(2)(d) available upon Water Board request.
C.4.c. Enforcement Response Plan
i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall implement and update, as needed, its Enforcement Response Plan (ERP), a reference document to guide inspection staff in achieving timely and effective compliance from all commercial and industrial site operators.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 5
ii. Implementation Level – The ERP shall contain the following:
(1) Enforcement Procedures – A description of the Permittee’s enforcement and compliance procedures, from the discovery of problems through the confirmation of implementation of corrective actions. This shall include guidance for appropriate enforcement actions, follow-up inspections, referrals to another agency, appropriate time periods for implementation of corrective actions, and the roles and responsibilities of all persons responsible for implementing the ERP.
(2) Enforcement Tools and Field Scenarios – A discussion of the various, escalating enforcement tools for different field scenarios, including, but not limited to, potential discharges (e.g., housekeeping issues, inadequate waste or materials management, evidence of actual discharges, lack of emergency response plans, lack of BMPs, inadequate BMPs, and inappropriate BMPs); actual discharges (observed or documented flow of unauthorized, illicit, or pollutant-containing stormwater discharges to the MS4); non-compliance with previous enforcement actions; and sites with a history of potential and/or actual discharges.
(3) Timely Correction of Potential and Actual Discharges – A description of the Permittee’s procedures for assigning due dates for corrective actions.
Each Permittee shall require timely correction of all potential and actual discharges. Permittees shall require actual discharges to cease immediately. Corrective actions shall be implemented before the next rain event, and no longer than 10 business days after the potential or actual non-stormwater discharges are discovered. Corrective actions can be temporary, in which case more time can be allowed for permanent corrective actions. If more than 10 business days are required for compliance, the rationale, including the expected time frame for compliance, shall be recorded in the electronic database or equivalent tabular system.
(4) Referral and Coordination with Other Agencies – Each Permittee shall enforce its stormwater ordinances to achieve compliance at sites with observed potential and actual discharges, including compliance required by Discharge Prohibition A.1. For cases in which the Permittee’s enforcement tools are inadequate to remedy the noncompliance, the Permittee shall refer the case to the Water Board, district attorney, or other relevant agencies for additional enforcement. Permittees may also contact and coordinate with Water Board staff for joint inspections and parallel enforcement of large, complex, or noncompliant sites.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 6
C.4.d. Inspections
i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall conduct inspections according to the Inspection Plan in Provision C.4.b.ii.(2) and the ERP in Provision C.4.c.ii. to enforce its ordinance to prevent stormwater pollution.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Inspections – Inspections shall be conducted to include at least the following activities:
(a) Observations for appropriate BMPs to prevent stormwater runoff pollution, or unauthorized or illicit discharge;
(b) Observations for evidence of unauthorized or illicit discharges, illicit connections, and potential discharge of pollutants to stormwater by the Discharger or contractors, such as and including mobile businesses, that operate on the facility;
(c) Observations for noncompliance with Permittee ordinances and other local requirements; and
(d) Verification of coverage under the Industrial General Permit, if applicable.
(2) Record Keeping – Permittees shall maintain adequate records to demonstrate compliance and appropriate follow-up enforcement responses for facilities inspected. Permittees shall maintain an electronic database or equivalent tabular system that contains the following information regarding industrial and commercial site inspections:
(a) Name of facility/site inspected
(b) Inspection date
(c) Industrial General Permit coverage required (Yes or No) (d) Compliance status
(e) Specific problems, including inadequate and ineffective BMPs (f) Type of enforcement (if applicable)
(g) Problem resolution date
(h) Additional comments
The electronic database or equivalent tabular system and any supporting documentation shall be made readily available to Water Board staff or its representative during inspections, audits, or upon request.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 7
(3) Data Evaluation – Permittees shall evaluate the frequency of potential and actual non-stormwater discharges by business category. Note trends and, as needed, implement focused inspections or education in subsequent years to address trends.
iii. Reporting
(1) Permittees shall include the following information in each Annual Report:
(a) Number of inspections conducted;
(b) Number of each type of enforcement action, as listed in each Permittee’s ERP, issued;
(c) Number of enforcement actions or discrete number of potential and actual discharges fully resolved within 10 working days or otherwise deemed resolved in a longer, but still timely manner; and (d) Frequency of potential and actual non-stormwater discharges by business category.
(2) Permittees shall make the list of facilities required to have coverage under the Industrial General Permit, but that have not filed for coverage, available upon Water Board request. For facilities added to the list or reinspected during this Permit term, the list shall include the date when the facility was first identified and the date when it was most recently inspected or evaluated.
C.4.e. Staff Training
i. Task Description – Permittees shall provide focused training for industrial and commercial site inspectors and illicit discharge detection and elimination inspectors annually. Trainings may be program-wide, region-wide, or Permittee- specific.
ii. Implementation Level – At a minimum, provide inspection training, within the 5-year term of this Permit, in the following topics:
(1) Urban runoff pollution prevention;
(2) Inspection procedures;
(3) Business Inspection Plan;
(4) Enforcement Response Plan;
(5) Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination; and
(6) Appropriate BMPs to be used at different industrial and commercial facilities.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.4.
C.4 - 8
iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall include the following information in each Annual Report:
(1) Dates of training;
(2) Training topics covered;
(3) Total number and percentage of industrial and commercial site inspectors attending training; and
(4) Total number and percentage of illicit discharge detection and elimination inspectors attending training.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 1
C.5. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
The purpose of this provision is to implement the illicit discharge prohibition and to detect and control illicit discharges not otherwise controlled under Provisions C.4. – Industrial and Commercial Site Controls, C.6. – Construction Site Controls, and C.17 – Discharges Associated with Unsheltered Homeless Populations.
Permittees shall implement an illicit discharge program that includes active surveillance and centralized complaint collection and follow-up to detect and eliminate illicit discharges into the MS4. Permittees shall maintain a complaint tracking and follow-up data system as their primary accountability reporting for this provision.
C.5.a. Legal Authority
i. Task Description – Permittees shall have the legal authority to prohibit and control illicit discharges and implement progressively stricter enforcement to achieve expedient compliance.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Permittees shall have adequate legal authority to address illicit discharges to the MS4, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Discharges of sewage, trash, or other potentially polluting or hazardous materials;
(b) Discharges of wash water resulting from the cleaning of exterior surfaces, pavement, equipment, and other facilities of any commercial business, or any other public or private facility, including discharges from mobile businesses;
(c) Discharges of runoff from material storage areas, including those containing chemicals, fuels, or other potentially polluting or hazardous materials;
(d) Discharges of pool or fountain water containing chlorine, biocides, or other chemicals; discharges of pool or fountain filter backwash water; (e) Discharges of sediment, pet waste, vegetation clippings, or other landscape or construction-related wastes;
(f) Discharges of food-related wastes (e.g., grease, fish processing wastes, restaurant kitchen mat and trash bin wash water); and (2) Permittees shall have adequate legal authority to prohibit, discover through inspection and surveillance, and eliminate illicit connections and discharges to the MS4.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 2
(3) Permittees shall have adequate legal authority to control the discharge of spills, dumping, or disposal of materials other than stormwater to the MS4. (4) Permittees shall have adequate legal authority to hold mobile businesses, and the businesses, property managers, property owners, and other associated entities that hire a mobile business, responsible for stormwater pollution discharged by the mobile business operating at their location.
C.5.b. Enforcement Response Plan (ERP)
i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall implement and update, as needed, its ERP – a reference document for inspection staff to take consistent actions to achieve timely and effective abatement of illicit discharges and compliance from responsible parties.
ii. Implementation Level – The ERP shall contain the following:
(1) Enforcement Procedures – A description of the Permittee’s procedures from the discovery of problems through the confirmation of implementation of corrective actions. This shall include guidance for appropriate enforcement actions, follow-up inspections, referrals to another agency, appropriate time periods for implementation of corrective actions, and the roles and responsibilities of all persons responsible for implementing the ERP.
(2) Enforcement Tools and Field Scenarios – A discussion of the various, escalating enforcement tools for different field scenarios, including, but not limited to, potential discharges (e.g., housekeeping issues, inadequate waste or materials management, evidence of actual discharges, lack of emergency response plans, lack of BMPs, inadequate BMPs, and inappropriate BMPs); actual discharges (observed or documented flow of unauthorized, illicit, or pollutant-containing stormwater discharges to the MS4); non-compliance with previous enforcement actions; and sites with a history of potential and/or actual discharges.
(3) Timely Correction of Potential and Actual Discharges – A description of the Permittee’s procedures for assigning due dates for corrective actions.
Each Permittee shall require timely correction of all potential and/or actual discharges. Permittees shall require actual discharges to cease immediately. Corrective actions shall be implemented before the next rain event, and no longer than 10 business days after the potential or actual discharges are discovered. Corrective actions can be temporary, in which case more time can be allowed for permanent corrective actions. If more than 10 business days are required for compliance, the rationale, including the expected time frame for compliance, shall be recorded in the electronic database or equivalent tabular system.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 3
(4) Referral and Coordination with Other Agencies – Each Permittee shall enforce its stormwater ordinances to achieve compliance at sites with observed potential and actual discharges, including compliance required by Discharge Prohibition A.1. For cases in which the Permittee’s enforcement tools are inadequate to remedy the noncompliance, the Permittee shall refer the case to the Water Board, district attorney, or other relevant agencies for additional enforcement. Permittees may also contact and coordinate with Water Board staff for joint inspections and parallel enforcement of large, complex, or noncompliant sites.
C.5.c. Spill, Dumping, and Complaint Response Program
i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall implement a program to respond to spills, dumping, and complaints.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Each Permittee shall have a central contact point for the public and Permittee’s staff to report spills, dumping, and complaints. At a minimum, this central contact point shall include a phone number. Permittees shall also include, as feasible, a user-friendly web address for reporting for spills and dumping or a link to a web-based reporting application. (2) Each Permittee shall publicize the phone number on its website, and, if used, a web reporting address or link to a web-based reporting application, to the Permittee’s staff and the public. The contact information on the Permittee’s website shall be kept up-to-date, and updated at least annually when changed. This central contact point shall be readily searchable and accessible on the Permittee’s website.
(3) Each Permittee shall require the municipal staff conducting routine maintenance and inspection activities to report illicit discharges found during their activities to the central contact point so that illicit discharge staff can investigate and track.
(4) Each Permittee shall maintain and update, as needed, a spill, dumping, and complaint response flow chart and/or phone tree for the staff responsible for the spill and dumping response program. At a minimum, this flow chart and/or phone tree shall identify staff or positions responsible for receiving the complaints and investigating and abating the complaints.
(5) Each Permittee shall also maintain and update, as needed, a spill, dumping, and complaint response flow chart and phone tree or contact list for internal use that shows the various responsible agencies and their contacts, who would be involved in illicit discharge incident response that goes beyond the Permittee’s immediate capabilities.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 4
(6) Each Permittee shall conduct reactive inspections in response to spill, dumping, and complaint reports and shall also conduct follow-up inspections, as needed, to ensure that corrective measures have been effectively implemented to achieve and maintain compliance. The start of the investigation of a spill or discharge shall not exceed 3 business days from the date the complaint was received by the Permittee. If additional time is required, the Permittee shall document the rationale for the delay. iii. Reporting
(1) Permittees shall provide the following information in the 2024 and 2026 Annual Reports:
(a) The spill, dumping, and complaint reporting phone number and, if used, a web reporting address or a link to a web-based reporting application;
(b) A screen shot of the Permittee’s website showing the central contact point; and
(c) A discussion of how the central contact point – spill and dumping reporting phone number and, if used, the web address or web-based reporting application – is being publicized to Permittees’ staff and the public.
(2) Copies of the phone trees and contact lists required in Provision C.5.c.ii (4) and (5) shall be provided as attachments to, or links in, the 2026 Annual Report. The lists may be redacted to remove references to private cell phone numbers. The unredacted phone trees and contact lists shall be made available to Water Board staff or representatives during audits or inspections, and upon request
C.5.d. Tracking and Case Follow-up
i. Task Description – All incidents or discharges reported to the spill, dumping, and complaints central contact point, that might discharge into the MS4, shall be logged to track follow-up and response through problem resolution. The data collected shall be sufficient to demonstrate escalating responses for repeated problems and inter/intra-agency coordination, where appropriate. It is not necessary to track and report data according to this provision if they are tracked and reported according to State Water Resources Control Board Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ, Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems.
ii. Implementation Level – Maintain records for tracking and follow-up to water quality spills, dumping, and complaints that might discharge into the MS4 in an electronic database or equivalent tabular system.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 5
The water quality spills, dumping, and complaint tracking system shall contain the following information:
(1) Complaint information:
(a) Date that complaint is received by the Permittee;
(b) Type of pollutant; and
(c) Problem Status (potential or actual discharge).
(2) Investigation information:
(a) Date and time investigation of spill or discharge started; (b) Date and time response to illegal dumping report or complaint started; (c) Agency, department, or other entities responding to the complaint or discharge;
(d) Type of pollutant;
(e) Identify the entered storm drain or approximate location, and/or receiving water;
(f) Date and time abated; and
(g) Type of enforcement based on the Permittee’s ERP.
(3) Responses to discharges or dumping associated with unsheltered populations, including those living in homeless encampments or vehicles, shall be coordinated with the Permittee's Provision C.10 Trash Control efforts, Provision C.17 Homeless Encampment Discharge Control efforts, and other agencies and entities addressing homelessness issues, as appropriate.
iii. Reporting
(1) Permittees shall provide the following information in the Annual Report:
(a) Number of discharges reported;
(b) Number of discharges reaching storm drains and/or receiving waters; (c) Number of discharges resolved in a timely manner; and (2) The electronic database or equivalent tabular system and supporting documentation shall be made available to Water Board staff or representatives during audits or inspections, and upon request.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 6
C.5.e. Control of Mobile Sources
i. Task Description – Permittees shall have oversight and control of pollutants associated with mobile businesses.
ii. Implementation Level – Each Permittee shall implement a program to reduce the discharge of pollutants from mobile businesses.
(1) The program shall include the following:
(a) Implementation of minimum standards and BMPs for each of the various types of mobile businesses, including, but not limited to, automobile washing, vehicle fueling, power washing, steam cleaning, graffiti removal, and carpet cleaning;
(b) Implementation of an enforcement strategy that specifically addresses mobile businesses;
(c) Updating and maintaining a mobile business inventory at least annually;
(d) Implementation of an outreach and education strategy to mobile businesses operating within the Permittee’s jurisdiction; and (e) Inspection of mobile businesses.
(2) Permittees may cooperate countywide and/or region-wide with the implementation of their programs for mobile businesses, including sharing of mobile business information, BMP requirements, enforcement action information, and educational materials.
iii. Reporting
(1) In the 2026 Annual Report, each Permittee shall provide the following:
(a) Minimum standards and BMPs for each of the various types of mobile businesses;
(b) Enforcement strategy;
(c) A list and summary of the countywide or regional activities conducted, including BMP requirements, enforcement action information, and educational materials (Permittees’ annual reports may refer to the countywide or regional reports for this information);
(d) A list and summary of specific outreach events and education conducted for each type of mobile business operating within the Permittee’s jurisdiction; and
(e) A copy of the most recent version of the mobile business inventory.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 7
(2) In each Annual Report, each Permittee shall include at least the following:
(a) The total number of inspections conducted of mobile businesses; (b) The number of each type of mobile business inspected; and (c) A summary of the enforcement actions taken against mobile businesses during the reporting year.
C.5.f. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Map
i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall make the current map(s) of its MS4 available to the public.
Permittees shall identify information missing from the current MS4 maps and develop a plan and schedule to compile additional storm sewer system information, considering the potential to identify component locations, size or specifications, materials of construction, and condition. This information will be used to update Permittee maps and databases.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Current MS4 Maps – Permittees shall make current maps of the MS4 publicly available, either electronically or in hard copy. Public availability shall be made through a single point of contact that is convenient for the public, such as a staffed counter or web-accessible maps. The MS4 map availability shall be publicized through Permittee directories and web pages.
(2) Updates to MS4 Maps – During the current Permit term, each Permittee shall complete the following:
(a) Determine information missing from the Permittee’s current MS4 map(s), which may include Oakland Museum watershed maps, existing MS4 maps or drawings in the Permittee files, or other storm sewer system information databases.
(b) Identify and make available upon Water Board request maps of the storm sewer system and other stormwater controls installed after publication of the Oakland Museum watershed maps within the Permittee's jurisdictional area.
(c) Develop a plan and schedule for updating the Permittee’s storm sewer system information. Permittees or countywide stormwater programs may work together or with the Oakland Museum of California to develop a plan and schedule for updating existing information, maps, drawings, and databases. The plan will consider the potential to identify storm sewer system component locations, size or specifications, materials of construction, and condition.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.5.
C.5 - 8
iii. Reporting
(1) In the 2024 Annual Report, Permittees shall discuss how they make MS4 maps available to the public and how they publicize the availability of the MS4 maps.
(2) Submit a plan and schedule with the 2026 Annual Report to update existing storm sewer system information as described above.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 1
C.6. Construction Site Control
Each Permittee shall implement a construction site inspection and control program at all construction sites, with follow-up and enforcement consistent with each Permittee’s respective Enforcement Response Plan, to prevent construction site discharges of pollutants into the storm drains. Inspections shall confirm implementation of appropriate and effective erosion and other construction pollutant controls by construction site operators/developers. Each Permittee shall in its reporting demonstrate the effectiveness of its inspections and enforcement activities to prevent polluted construction site discharges into storm drains.
C.6.a. Legal Authority for Effective Site Management
i. Task Description – Permittees shall have the authority to require effective stormwater pollutant controls to prevent discharge of pollutants into the storm drains, and to implement progressive enforcement to achieve expedient compliance and cleanup at all public and private construction sites. ii. Implementation Level
(1) Permittees shall have the legal authority to require, at all construction sites year-round, effective erosion control, run-on and runoff control, sediment control, active treatment systems (as appropriate), good site management, and non-stormwater management through all phases of construction (including, but not limited to, grubbing, clearing, site grading, filling, excavation, leveling, building, landscaping, and finishing of lots) until the site is fully stabilized by landscaping or the installation of permanent erosion control measures.
(2) Permittees shall have the legal authority to oversee, inspect, and require expedient compliance and cleanup at all construction sites year-round.
C.6.b. Enforcement Response Plan (ERP)
i. Task Description – Each Permittee shall implement and update, as needed, its ERP – a reference document for inspection staff to take consistent actions to achieve timely and effective compliance at all public and private construction sites.
ii. Implementation Level – The ERP shall contain the following:
(1) Enforcement Procedures – A description of the Permittee’s procedures from discovery of problems through confirmation of implementation of corrective actions. This shall include guidance for appropriate enforcement actions, follow-up inspections, referrals to another agency, appropriate time periods for implementation of corrective actions, and the roles and responsibilities of all persons responsible for implementing the ERP.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 2
(2) Enforcement Tools and Field Scenarios – A discussion of the various, escalating enforcement tools for different field scenarios, including, but not limited to, potential discharges (e.g., housekeeping issues, inadequate waste or materials management, evidence of actual discharges, lack of emergency response plans, lack of BMPs, inadequate BMPs, and inappropriate BMPs); actual discharges (observed or documented flow of unauthorized, illicit, or pollutant-containing stormwater discharges to the MS4); non-compliance with previous enforcement actions; and sites with a history of potential and/or actual discharges.
(3) Timely Correction of Potential and Actual Discharges – A description of the Permittee’s procedures for assigning due dates for corrective actions.
Each Permittee shall require timely correction of all potential and actual discharges. Permittees shall require actual discharges to cease immediately. Corrective actions shall be implemented before the next rain event, and no longer than 10 business days after the potential or actual discharges are discovered. Corrective actions can be temporary, in which case more time can be allowed for permanent corrective actions. If more than 10 business days are required for compliance, the rationale, including the expected time frame for compliance, shall be recorded in the electronic database or equivalent tabular system.
(4) Referral and Coordination with Other Agencies – Each Permittee shall enforce its stormwater ordinances to achieve compliance at sites with observed potential and actual discharges, including compliance required by Discharge Prohibition A.1. For cases in which the Permittee’s enforcement tools are inadequate to remedy the noncompliance, the Permittee shall refer the case to the Water Board, district attorney, or other relevant agencies for additional enforcement. Permittees may also contact and coordinate with Water Board staff for joint inspections and parallel enforcement of large, complex, or noncompliant sites.
C.6.c. Best Management Practices Categories
i. Task Description – Permittees shall require all construction sites to have sitespecific, and seasonally- and phase-appropriate, effective BMPS in the following six categories:
(1) Erosion Control
(2) Run-on and Runoff Control
(3) Sediment Control, including entrance/exit and perimeter controls (4) Active Treatment Systems, as necessary
(5) Good Site Management, including materials and waste management Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 3
(6) Non-Stormwater Management
ii. Implementation Level
The BMPs targeting specific construction site pollutants within the six categories listed in Provision C.6.c.i. shall be site-specific. Permittees may select site-specific BMPs, or BMP combinations, from resources such as:
(1) CASQA BMP Handbook, Construction, December 2019
(2) Caltrans Stormwater Quality Handbooks, Construction Site Best Management Practices Manual, May 2017, and addenda
(3) Other BMPs shown to provide equivalent or better protection C.6.d. Plan Approval Process
i. Task Description – Permittees shall review erosion control plans for consistency with local requirements and the appropriateness and adequacy of proposed BMPs for each site before issuing grading permits for projects.
Permittees shall also verify that sites disturbing one acre or more of land have filed a Notice of Intent for permit coverage under the Construction Stormwater General Permit.
ii. Implementation Level – Before approval and issuance of local grading permits, each Permittee shall perform the following:
(1) Review the site operator’s/developer’s erosion/pollution control plan or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to verify compliance with the Permittee’s grading ordinance and other local requirements. Also review the site operator’s/developer’s erosion/pollution control plan or SWPPP to verify that seasonally appropriate and effective BMPs for the six categories listed in Provision C.6.c.i. are planned.28 (2) For sites disturbing one acre or more of soil, verify that the site operators/developers have filed a Notice of Intent for permit coverage under the Construction Stormwater General Permit.
(3) Provide construction stormwater management educational materials to site operators/developers, as appropriate.
C.6.e. Inspections
i. Task Description – Permittees shall conduct inspections to determine compliance with local ordinances (grading and stormwater) and determine the effectiveness of the BMPs in the six categories listed in Provision C.6.c.i. in 28 If SWPPPs do not include erosion control plan drawings for use by construction workers and managers at the site, erosion, sediment, and site control plans and drawings must also be submitted and reviewed.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 4
preventing the discharge of construction pollutants into the storm drain.
Permittees shall require timely corrections of all actual and potential discharges observed.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Wet Season Notification
By September 1 of each year, each Permittee shall remind all site developers and/or owners disturbing one acre or more of soil, hillside projects, and high priority sites to prepare for the upcoming wet season. (2) Frequency of Inspections
Inspections shall be conducted monthly during the wet season29 at the following sites:
(a) All construction sites disturbing one or more acre of land; (b) All hillside projects (based on the Permittee’s map of hillside development areas or criteria, or if the Permittee does not have a map of hillside development areas or criteria, those projects on sites with SHUFHQWVORSH
GLVWXUELQJJUHDWHUWKDQRUHTXDOWRVTXDUH
feet; and
(c) High Priority Sites – Other sites determined by the Permittee or the Water Board as significant threats to water quality. In evaluating threat to water quality, the following factors shall be considered:
(i) Soil erosion potential or soil type;
(ii) Site slope;
(iii) Project size and type;
(iv) Sensitivity of receiving waterbodies;
(v) Proximity to receiving waterbodies;
(vi) Non-stormwater discharges; and
(vii) Any other relevant factors as determined by the local agency or the Water Board.
29 For the purpose of inspections, the wet season is defined as October through April, but sites need to implement seasonally appropriate BMPs in the six categories listed in C.6.c.i throughout the year.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 5
(3) Contents of Inspections
Inspections shall focus on the adequacy and effectiveness of the sitespecific BMPs implemented for the six categories listed in Provision C.6.c.i.
Permittees shall require timely corrections of all actual and potential problems observed. Inspections of construction sites shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Assessment of compliance with Permittee's ordinances and permits related to urban runoff, including the implementation and maintenance of the verified erosion/pollution control plan or SWPPP (from Provision C.6.d.ii.(1));
(b) Assessment of the adequacy and effectiveness of the site-specific BMPs implemented for the six categories listed in Provision C.6.c.i; (c) Visual observations for:
(i) Actual discharges of sediment and/or construction-related materials into storm drains and/or waterbodies.
(ii) Evidence of sediment and/or construction-related materials discharges into storm drains and/or waterbodies.
(iii) Illicit connections, and
(iv) Potential illicit connections.
(d) Education on stormwater pollution prevention, as needed. (4) Tracking
All inspections shall be recorded on a written or electronic inspection form.
Inspectors shall follow the ERP for all actual and potential discharges discovered during the inspection.
Permittees shall track in an electronic database or tabular format all inspections. This electronic database or tabular format shall be made readily available during inspections and audits by the Water Board staff or its representatives. This electronic database or tabular format shall record the following information for each site inspection:
(a) Site name;
(b) Inspection date;
(c) Weather during inspection;
(d) The department, agency, or other entity performing the inspection.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 6
(e) Enforcement Response Level (Use ERP);
(f) Problem(s) observed using Illicit Discharge and the six BMP categories listed in Provision C.6.c.i;
(g) Resolution of Problems noted using the following three standardized categories: Problems Fixed, Need More Time, and Escalate Enforcement; and
(h) Comments, which shall include all rationale for longer compliance times, all escalation in enforcement discussions, and any other information that may be relevant to that site inspection. iii. Reporting
(1) Each Permittee shall summarize the following information in the Annual Report:
(a) Total number of construction sites requiring inspections during at least part of the Permit year;
(b) Total number of active hillside sites disturbing less than one acre of soil requiring inspection;
(c) Total number of active sites disturbing one acre or more of soil; (d) Total number of active sites disturbing less than one acre of soil identified as High Priority sites in Provision C.6.e.ii.(2)(c) requiring inspections;
(e) Total number of inspections conducted;
(f) Number of enforcement actions taken by type, organized by the categories in each Permittee’s ERP;
(g) Number of illicit discharges, actual and potential, of sediment or other construction-related materials; and
(h) Number of enforcement actions or discrete number of potential and actual discharges fully corrected prior to the next rain event, but no longer than 10 business days after the potential and actual discharges30 are discovered or otherwise considered corrected in a timely, though longer period.
(2) In the 2027 Annual Report, each Permittee shall evaluate its respective electronic database or tabular format and the summaries produced in Provision C.6.e.ii.(4). This evaluation shall include findings on the 30 Permittees who track by discrete potential and actual discharges shall report by discrete discharges.
Permittees who track by enforcement actions shall report by enforcement actions Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.6.
C.6 - 7
program’s strength, comparison to previous years’ results, as well as areas that need more focused education for site owners, operators, and developers the following year.
(3) An electronic copy of the construction site and inspection database(s) shall be made available to the Water Board during inspections, audits, or upon request.
C.6.f. Staff Training
i. Task Description – Permittees shall provide training or access to training for all staff conducting construction stormwater inspections. ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall provide training at least every other year to staff responsible for conducting construction site stormwater inspections. Training topics shall include information on correct uses of specific BMPs, proper installation and maintenance of BMPs, Permit requirements, local requirements, and the ERP.
iii. Reporting – Permittees shall include in each Annual Report the following information:
(1) Dates of training;
(2) Training topics covered;
(3) Total number of inspectors, including both municipal and non-municipal staff; and
(4) The number of inspectors attending each training, including both municipal and non-municipal staff.
If there was no training in that year, so state.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.7.
C.7 - 1
C.7. Public Information and Outreach
Each Permittee shall increase the awareness of the community, including diverse socioeconomic groups, government elected officials and staff, and ethnic communities, regarding the impacts of stormwater pollution on receiving waters and potential solutions to mitigate these impacts; positively influence the public’s waste disposal and runoff pollution generation behavior; and involve various citizens in mitigating the impacts of stormwater pollution. Outreach required in other provisions may be conducted under Provision C.7.
C.7.a. Outreach Campaigns
i. Task Description – Permittees shall continue to participate in or contribute to outreach campaigns, with the goal of significantly increasing overall awareness of stormwater runoff pollution prevention messages and behavior changes in target audiences.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) Target a broad audience with a minimum of one outreach campaign with specific stormwater runoff pollution prevention messages. The outreach campaign(s) should utilize various electronic and print media, and paid and free media, including social media, as practicable, to best reach different demographics. The outreach campaign(s) may be coordinated regionally or countywide.
(2) Permittees shall conduct timely evaluations to measure the effectiveness of the outreach campaigns. Effectiveness assessment/evaluation may be done regionally or countywide.
C.7.b. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Education
i. Task Description – Permittees shall continue to maintain a point of contact to provide the public with stormwater pollution prevention information. ii. Implementation Level
(1) Each Permittee shall maintain and publicize one point of contact for information on stormwater issues, watershed characteristics, and stormwater pollution prevention alternatives. This point of contact can be maintained individually or collectively, and Permittees may combine this function with the spill and dumping complaint central contact point required in Provision C.5 – Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination. (2) Each Permittee shall place and maintain information on stormwater issues, watershed characteristics, and stormwater pollution prevention alternatives on its website. In lieu of posting the detailed informational pages directly on their individual websites, Permittees may choose to Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.7.
C.7 - 2
provide links from their websites to the countywide program’s websites and/or websites for other collaborative efforts between Permittees. Each Permittee shall publicize its website.
C.7.c. Public Outreach and Citizen Involvement Events
i. Task Description – Public outreach shall include a variety of pollution prevention messages such as for car washing; proper use, storage, and disposal of vehicle waste fluids; household waste materials disposal; pesticide use; and trash. Public outreach events may include venues such as fairs, shows, workshops, and household waste collection events. Citizen involvement events may include venues such as creek/shore clean-ups, adopt-an-inlet/creek/beach programs, volunteer monitoring, storm drain inlet marking, riparian restoration activities, and community grants. ii. Implementation Level – Each Permittee shall annually participate and/or host a mix of public outreach and citizen involvement events according to its population, as shown in the table below:
Table 7.1 Public Outreach and Citizen Involvement Events31 Permittee Population Number of Events
< 10,000 2
10,001– 40,000 4
40,001 – 100,000 5
100,001 – 175,000 7
175,001 – 250,000 8
> 250,000 10
Non-population-based
Permittees
6 C.7.d. Watershed Stewardship Collaboration
i. Task Description – Permittees shall individually or collectively collaborate with other organizations to encourage and support community watershed stewardship activities. This may include collaborating with community groups such as local watershed forums and “friends of creek” groups; encouraging and supporting the development of grassroots watershed groups; or engaging 31 Permittees may claim individual credits for events in which their Countywide Program participates, that the County Program supports or hosts, or other collaborative efforts, provided such events are publicized in the Permittee’s jurisdiction.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.7.
C.7 - 3
existing groups, such as neighborhood associations, in watershed stewardship activities. This may also include collaboration with other organizations that benefit the health of the watershed, such as ReScape California, or collaboration to introduce community watershed stewardship activities into organizations focused on other environmental or sustainability efforts. ii. Implementation Level – Annually demonstrate effort.
C.7.e. School-Age Children Outreach
i. Task Description – Permittees shall individually or collectively implement outreach activities designed to increase awareness of stormwater and/or watershed message(s) in school-aged children (K through 12). ii. Implementation Level – Implement annually and demonstrate effectiveness of efforts through assessment.
C.7.f. Outreach to Municipal Officials
i. Task Description – Permittees shall conduct outreach to municipal officials.
One alternative means of accomplishing this is through the use of the Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials program (NEMO) to significantly increase overall awareness of stormwater and/or watershed message(s) among regional municipal officials.
ii. Implementation Level – At least once per permit cycle, or more often.
C.7.g. Tracking and Reporting
i. Task Description – Permittees shall electronically track outreach efforts in a table or spreadsheet. The tracking document should include, at a minimum:
(1) Outreach event or campaign type;
(2) Dates;
(3) Target Audience;
(4) Number of participants and number of participants compared to previous events, if applicable;
(5) Location(s) or website address, as applicable;
(6) Contact information for venues and coordinators, if applicable; (7) Materials and activities, as applicable;
(8) Level of effort;
(9) Evaluation of effectiveness;
(10) Lessons learned; and
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.7.
C.7 - 4
(11) Planned changes in approach or implementation, if any. ii. Implementation Level – The tracking document shall be made available to the Water Board staff during inspections, audits, or upon request. iii. Reporting
(1) In each Annual Report, each Permittee (or the Countywide Program, if the tracking was done countywide or regionally) shall submit a table listing the types of outreach programs implemented during that Permit year along with a brief description. The table should be a cumulative table showing the number, if applicable, of each type of outreach campaigns or events occurring during each Permit year.
(2) In the 2023 Annual Report, each Permittee shall list the Permittee’s point of contact and the URL for its stormwater pollution website. The Permittee shall discuss how the point of contact and website are publicized and maintained and certify that it has a website dedicated to providing and maintaining information on stormwater issues, watershed characteristics, and stormwater pollution prevention approaches. Changes in this information shall be reported in the Annual Report for the year in which the change occurs.
(3) In the 2027 Annual Report, each Permittee (or the Countywide Program, if the effectiveness assessment/evaluation was done countywide or regionally) shall submit a summary of the effectiveness assessments/evaluations by type of outreach described in Provisions C.7.a through C.7.f. The summary shall include plans for continuing or modifying each outreach type during the next permit term.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 1
C.8. Water Quality Monitoring
C.8.a. Compliance Options
All Permittees shall comply with all the monitoring requirements in this Provision. Permittees may choose any of the following mechanisms, or a combination of these mechanisms, to meet the monitoring requirements:
i. Regional Collaboration. Permittees are encouraged to continue contributing to the Regional Monitoring Collaborative (RMC), which coordinates water quality monitoring conducted by all the Permittees. Permittees are encouraged to consider and assign additional duties to the RMC for purposes of increased efficiencies, particularly, but not limited to, reporting duties. ii. Area-wide Stormwater Program. Permittees may contribute to their countywide or area-wide Stormwater Program, so that the Stormwater Program conducts monitoring on behalf of its members.
iii. Third-party Monitoring. Permittees may use data collected by a third-party organization, such as the Water Board or Department of Pesticide Regulation, to fulfill a monitoring requirement, provided the data are demonstrated to meet the data quality objectives described in Provision C.8.b.
C.8.b. Monitoring Protocols and Data Quality
Where applicable, monitoring data must be Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) comparable. Minimum data quality shall be consistent with the latest version of the SWAMP Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPrP) for applicable parameters, including data quality objectives, field and laboratory blanks, field duplicates, laboratory spikes, and clean techniques, using the most recent SWAMP Standard Operating Procedures.
C.8.c. San Francisco Estuary Receiving Water Monitoring With limited exceptions, urban runoff from the Permittees’ jurisdictions ultimately discharges to the San Francisco Estuary. Monitoring of the Estuary is intended to answer questions32 such as:
Are chemical concentrations in the Estuary potentially at levels of potential concern and are associated impacts likely?
What are the concentrations and masses of contaminants in the Estuary and its segments?
32 https://www.sfei.org/sites/default/files/biblio_files/MYP%202021%20FINAL.pdf (SF Bay Regional Monitoring Program (RMP) Multi-Year Plan, January 2021). While the stated objectives may change over time, the intent of this provision is for Permittees to continue contributing financially and as stakeholders in such a program as the RMP, which monitors the quality of San Francisco Bay.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 2
What are the sources, pathways, loadings, and processes leading to contaminant related impacts in the Estuary?
Have the concentrations, masses, and associated impacts of contaminants in the Estuary increased or decreased?
What are the projected concentrations, masses, and associated impacts of contaminants in the Estuary?
The Permittees shall participate in implementing an Estuary receiving water monitoring program, at a minimum equivalent to the San Francisco Estuary Regional Monitoring Program by contributing their fair share financially on an annual basis.
C.8.d. Low Impact Development (LID) Monitoring
LID Monitoring is intended to measure compliance and effectiveness of LID controls. It will improve the understanding of the benefit of LID implementation, in particular, green stormwater infrastructure, on pollutant loading and hydrology of receiving waters within Permittees’ jurisdictions, at different space and time scales, and inform the design, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) and future implementation of LID. LID Monitoring may also be used to calibrate and validate models that estimate pollutant removal effectiveness and inform sizing of LID facilities (e.g., countywide C.3 technical guidance documents, reasonable assurance analysis models, and other sizing and assessment models).
LID Monitoring is intended to answer both of the following two management questions:
What are the pollutant removal and hydrologic benefits, such as addressing impacts associated with hydromodification, of different types of LID facilities, systems, components, and design variations, at different spatial scales (e.g., single control vs watershed or catchment scale), and how do they change over time?
What are the minimum levels of O&M necessary to avoid deteriorated LID facilities, systems, and components that reduce pollutant removal and hydrologic performance?
i. LID Monitoring Plans
(1) The Permittees shall, at the regional or countywide level, develop LID Monitoring Plans to implement the requirements in Provision C.8.d.iii-iv.
The LID Monitoring Plans shall, at a minimum:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 3
(a) Explain how the study(s) will address both management questions and propose monitoring questions necessary that will address both management questions.
(b) Describe the LID facility(s) or system(s) and study area(s), including the characteristics, land use and management actions within the tributary drainage area to the LID facility(s) or system(s) that will be monitored.
(c) List the monitoring stations, monitoring parameters, and associated measurement, sample and analytical methods that will be utilized. (d) Establish a monitoring schedule, including number and type (wet weather and dry weather) of monitoring events for each site, that may result in a greater number of total and/or annual monitoring events than the minimum required in Table 8.d.2, and including a discussion of the allocation of samples between and within sites.
(e) Describe the data evaluation methods, such as statistical analyses to test whether differences in concentrations are statistically significant. (f) Include study-specific Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs), which, at a minimum, are comparable to the SWAMP QAPrP. (g) Provide annual cost estimates for the implementation of the LID Monitoring Plan.
(h) Explain how sampling and analytical methodologies will be regionally consistent.
(2) Permittees shall implement no later than the deadline set forth in Provision C.8.d.v, the approved or conditionally approved LID Monitoring Plans as meeting the requirements herein (including consideration of countywide and regional representativeness and whether the information generated will reliably address the LID Monitoring management questions).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 4
ii. Regional Collaboration
To assist with the development and implementation of scientifically-sound LID Monitoring Plans, to facilitate regional consistency with respect to sampling and analytical methodology, and to make recommendations about allocation of samples between and within different sites, the Permittees shall form and convene a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) which includes impartial science advisors (e.g., SFEI, SCCWRP) and Water Board staff, to review and make recommendations regarding the LID Monitoring Plans (including their study design, analysis methods, results, and conclusions) prior to submission of the LID Monitoring Plans to the Executive Officer. In order to effectuate this review, the Permittees shall submit their draft LID Monitoring Plans to the TAG by March 1, 2023. Prior to the Executive Officer’s approval or conditional approval of the LID Monitoring Plans, the TAG shall be convened at least biannually. Thereafter, it shall be convened at least annually to provide continued feedback regarding the implementation of Provision C.8.d, including but not limited to study design, sample locations, and analysis methods. iii. Methods
The Permittees shall implement or cause to be implemented the LID effectiveness monitoring methods listed in Table 8.d.1. iv. Parameters and Intensities
(1) Permittees shall conduct LID Monitoring consistent with the parameters and intensities specified in Table 8.d.2.
(2) Monitoring must be conducted according to test procedures in 40 CFR part 136 for analyses of pollutants unless another method is required under 40 CFR chapter 1, subchapter N. For PFAS, if there are no standard methods in 40 CFR part 136, Permittees may use other methods, such as those recommended by U.S. EPA for non-potable water and other environmental media.
(3) In a given water year, if there are not enough storm events for Permittees to sample (i.e., due to weather/climate), Permittees may certify that in their subsequent LID Monitoring Status Report and perform the missed sample events in the subsequent water year.
v. Implementation Level – Permittees shall begin implementation of the approved or conditionally approved LID Monitoring Plans by no later than the start of the 2024 Water Year, which is October 1, 2023. vi. Reporting – The Permittees shall submit their LID Monitoring Plans for Executive Officer approval by May 1, 2023.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 5
Table 8.d.1 LID Monitoring Methods
Management Question Monitoring Methods
1 What are the pollutant
removal and hydrologic
benefits of LID
components, facilities
and/or systems (and of
different combinations of
components, facilities
and/or systems),
including variations in
design and how do they
change over time?
Monitoring methods to investigate pollutant removal
benefits shall consist of:
Required: Collection and analysis of the parameters
listed in Table 8.d.2, in stormwater influent and effluent (simultaneously) – using automated samplers to collect
flow-weighted composite EMCs (time-weighted
composites are allowed if they have many subsamples
and can be closely approximated as flow-weighted
composites) – at the component, facility, site, and/or
watershed scale; and
Optional: sampling of sediment and other technically
sound and accepted monitoring methods designed to
investigate pollutant removal benefits.
Monitoring methods to investigate hydrologic
performance (flow) shall consist of:
Required: Measurement of stormwater runoff quantity
and/or flow at the component, facility, site and/or
watershed scale, in both the influent and effluent of the LID BMP(s).
Optional: Measurement of stream flow to evaluate
watershed scale benefits; development of runoff
hydrographs; water balance monitoring; collection and
analysis of infiltration rates or water depth at the facility and/or site scale; or other technically sound and
accepted monitoring methods designed to investigate
hydrologic performance.
Monitoring methods to investigate changes over time
include:
Longitudinal study(s), using the above monitoring
methods applied at the component, facility, and/or
system scales, over different time scales.
2 What are the minimum
levels of O&M necessary
to avoid deteriorated LID
facilities, systems, and
components that reduce
pollutant removal and
hydrologic performance?
Monitoring methods assigned to Management
Question 1 above, applied at the component, facility,
system, and/or site scale; and
Condition assessments at the component, facility,
system, and/or site scale.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 6
Table 8.d.2 LID Monitoring Intensities and Parameters
Countywide
Stormwater
Program
Anticipated Type(s)
of LID Facilities
Monitored
Total Minimum Number of
Water Quality Sample
Events During Permit
Term (Annual Minimum)33
Parameters34,35
Alameda High flow rate tree well
filters and/or a
combination of several
LID measures.
25 (3) Required:
Total Hg;
Total PCBs;
TSS
PFAS;
TPH;
Total and Dissolved Copper;
Flow;
Total Hardness; and
pH.
Optional:
Other emerging
contaminants;36 and
Other ancillary
parameters.37
Contra Costa Bioretention and/or
other infiltration-based
LID measures.
25 (3)
San Mateo Regional multi-benefit
stormwater capture
facility(s).
25 (3)
Santa Clara Bioretention and/or
other LID measures.
25 (3)
Solano Bioretention and/or
other LID measures.
12 (1)
33 This column indicates the total minimum number of sample events that must take place during the Permit term, and the minimum number of sample events that must take place during each year of the Permit term. Samples shall be collected via automated sampler as flow-weighted composite event mean concentrations (EMCs); time-weighted composites are allowed if they have many subsamples and can be closely approximated as flow-weighted composites. In order to assess performance, each sample event must include simultaneous sampling of the influent and effluent. The Permittees are encouraged to additionally collect sediment samples (e.g., to analyze for total PCBs and total mercury), however such sediment sample collection shall not count towards the required water quality samples specified in this column. The LID Monitoring Plans shall propose how to address both of the Management Questions, by specifying the locations of sampling stations, the matrix (surface water, bedded sediment, etc.), the number of samples to be collected at each site each year in the dry season versus in the wet season, and analytical methods.
34 Each flow-weighted (or time-weighted) composite EMC sample shall be analyzed for all of the required parameters listed in this column. LID Monitoring Plans may include additional parameters not listed in this column.
35 Data must be SWAMP comparable.
36 Other emerging contaminants may include but are not limited to: microplastics and tire compounds such as 6PPD-quinone.
37 Other ancillary parameters may include, but are not limited to: zinc (and other metals), temperature, conductivity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), turbidity, pathogens (FIB), total methylmercury, total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), pesticides of concern to water quality (e.g., pyrethroids, fipronil and its degradants, and neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid), major cations (Ca, Mg, Na, K), and major anions (SO4, Cl).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 7
C.8.e. Trash Monitoring
Trash Monitoring is intended to: 1) verify whether Permittees’ trash control actions to-date have effectively prevented trash from their jurisdictions from discharging to receiving waters, and 2) evaluate whether discharges of trash from areas of Permittees’ jurisdictions where full trash capture equivalency (full trash capture devices or other actions verified with on-land visual trash assessments, as referenced in Provision C.10.b.iii) has been achieved are causing and/or contributing to adverse trash impacts in receiving waters.
Trash monitoring shall address the following management and monitoring questions:
Management Questions
Have Permittees’ trash management actions effectively prevented trash from their jurisdictions from discharging to receiving waters? Are discharges of trash from areas within Trash Management Areas controlled to a low trash generation level causing and/or contributing to adverse trash impacts in receiving waters?
Monitoring Questions
What is the trash condition and approximate level of trash (volume, type, and size) within and discharging into receiving waters in areas that receive MS4 runoff controlled to a low trash generation via the installation of full trash capture devices, or the implementation of other trash management actions equivalent to full trash capture systems? Does the level of trash in the receiving water correlate strongly with the conditions of the tributary drainage area of the MS4? i. Monitoring Components
7KHPermittees shall implement or cause to be implemented the monitoring components as described below, to address each management and monitoring question. Permittees should use comparable assessment methods to facilitate regional consistency.
To ensure comparable data, for each monitoring site, Permittees and the TAG shall consider incorporating the implementation of steps 1-6 as specified in the Statewide Trash Monitoring Methods Project Trash Monitoring Playbook38 into the Trash Monitoring Plan. Permittees and the TAG shall consider adapting and repeating these six steps for all methods specified in Provision C.8.e.ii, to 38 https://sites.google.com/sfei.org/trash
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 8
reflect site information that can be collected regardless of method and can increase comparability between methods. The six steps are as follows:
(1) Event Preparation
(2) Gather Standard Equipment
(3) Set up the Assessment Area
(4) Record the Site Information and Assessment Area Dimensions (5) Record Assessment Area Photographs
(6) Determine, Document, and Map the Locations of Storm Drain Outfalls, Homeless Encampments, and Illegal Dumping Hotspots Which May Impact the Assessment Area.
ii. Monitoring Methods
(1) Permittees shall collect and analyze the amount of trash discharged from MS4 outfalls that drain tributary drainage areas controlled to the Low trash generation level, during storm events that will (or that Permittees estimate are likely to) result in discharges of trash through the MS4 system.
Sampling of MS4 outfalls includes the use of netting devices attached to the end of the outfall pipe (that capture trash discharging through the MS4), or other equivalent end-of-pipe (or in-line) devices and structures, whether existing, modified, or new. The device used to monitor the trash at the end of the MS4 outfall (or in-line, within the MS4) shall not be used itself as the trash control that grants the Low trash generation status to the tributary drainage area; the monitored tributary drainage area may only be controlled to the Low trash generation level by controls upstream of the monitoring device.
(2) Permittees shall implement a pilot program to directly (in-stream) sample sections of receiving waters that receive runoff primarily from MS4 outfalls that drain tributary drainage areas controlled to the Low trash generation level, during storm events that will (or that Permittees estimate are likely to) result in discharges of trash through the MS4 system. Permittees should not select in-stream sites that are downstream of direct discharge sites (e.g., homeless encampments and illegal dumping sites).
To the extent feasible, in-stream monitoring sites should be co-located with MS4 outfall monitoring sites, as follows: They should be no further than 300 feet downstream or upstream of them; failing that, they should be no further than 300 feet downstream of them, or, any distance upstream of them; failing that, they should be anywhere within the same receiving Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 9
water; failing that, in-stream monitoring sites do not have to be co-located with MS4 outfall monitoring sites.
Sampling a receiving water directly (in-stream) involves the use of trawls, nets, or other equivalent devices, that are designed to capture as much of the width and depth of the receiving water’s cross section (especially the thalweg) as is feasible and safe, during storm events that will (or that Permittees estimate are likely to) result in discharges of trash through the MS4 system.
Indirect methods (on-land), such as shoreline and/or streambank assessments, are not a satisfactory surrogate or replacement for these direct measurements of trash within receiving waters.
(3) Permittees may additionally implement shoreline and/or streambank assessment methods (with an appropriate frequency, timing, and assessment length), not to indirectly measure trash loading in MS4 outfalls and receiving waters, but instead to gain a synoptic view of on-land trash conditions adjacent to MS4 outfall and in-stream monitoring sites. Such methods include: the riverine volumetric method, the riverine quantitative tally method, the unoccupied aerial system (UAS) method,39 or other equivalent methods. The riverine qualitative visual assessment method may be merited but requires additional study, refinement, and calibration, and its use is subject to the Executive Officer’s approval. (4) In order to be able to characterize loading rather than only concentration, Permittees shall directly measure flow at both MS4 outfall sites (flow through the MS4 pipe) and at in-stream receiving water sites (flow through the receiving water). Examples of methods to collect flow data include stream gages, manning’s equation, and other methods recommended in Chapter 3.2 of the International Stormwater BMP Database’s October 2009 Urban Stormwater BMP Performance Monitoring document.40 (5) All methods shall include collection of data on material type. For example, the volume or tally of cigarette butts collected.
39 https://sites.google.com/sfei.org/trash
40 https://bmpdatabase.org/monitoring
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 10
iii. Monitoring Sites, Events, Frequency, and Intervals (1) Permittees shall conduct MS4 outfall monitoring annually, starting October 1, 2023, at no less than the number of sites and events specified in the table below, according to the approved or conditionally approved Trash Monitoring Plan.
County
MS4 Outfall Monitoring
Minimum
Number
of Sites
Minimum Number of Wet Weather Monitoring
Events
Alameda 3 3
Contra
Costa 23
Solano 1 3
San
Mateo 23
Santa
Clara 33
(2) Permittees shall implement a pilot program for direct in-stream monitoring.
Permittees shall conduct this monitoring annually, starting October 1, 2024, at no less than the number of sites and events specified in the table below, according to the approved or conditionally approved Trash Monitoring Plan.
County
Direct In-Stream Monitoring
Minimum
Number
of Sites
Minimum Number of Wet Weather Monitoring
Events
Alameda 2 3
Contra
Costa 13
Solano 0 0
San
Mateo 13
Santa
Clara 23
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 11
(3) Permittees should monitor storm events that trigger trash discharge and transport trash through the MS4 (e.g., 0.25 inches of rain over 24 hours), and that are preceded by at least 48 hours of limited or no trash discharge from the tributary drainage area. Each wet season, Permittees should sample the first forecasted significant storm event, and at least one storm event that is forecast to be greater than the one-year, one-hour storm event (i.e., full capture design standard).
(4) To the extent possible, Permittees should monitor the same monitoring sites during each year of the Permit term. With cause, justification, and reporting in the Annual Trash Monitoring Progress Report, they can change monitoring sites.
(5) Tributary drainage areas to monitoring sites should be representative with respect to the types of trash controls present across the region.
For example, some monitoring sites receive runoff from areas controlled primarily by one type of full trash capture device (e.g., an inlet-based device) while other monitoring sites receive runoff from areas controlled primarily by another type of full trash capture device (e.g., a HDS unit).
And/or, some monitoring sites receive runoff from areas controlled primarily by full trash capture devices while other monitoring sites receive runoff from areas controlled primarily by Other Actions. (6) Permittees are exempt from outfall and receiving water sampling during dangerous and unsafe weather conditions.
(7) In a given water year, if there are not enough qualifying storm events for Permittees to sample (i.e., due to weather/climate) – or if safety concerns preclude sampling during a qualifying storm event such that Permittees would not achieve the mandatory minimums set forth in Provisions C.8.e.iii.(1)-(2) – the Permittees may certify that in their subsequent Annual Trash Monitoring Progress Report, and perform the missed sample events in the subsequent water year.
(8) Permittees shall use the results of Trash Monitoring to inform and investigate their trash management actions. If Trash Monitoring results indicate that discharges are causing or contributing to adverse impacts in receiving waters, Permittees shall implement new or enhanced actions to comply with the trash discharge prohibition and receiving water limitations.
Examples of results that could trigger follow up actions are provided in the Fact Sheet.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 12
iv. Regional Trash Monitoring Technical Advisory Group
(1) To assist with the development and implementation of scientifically-sound trash monitoring, the Permittees shall form and convene a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), which includes impartial science advisors (e.g., SFEI) and Water Board staff, to review and provide input on ongoing trash monitoring, site selection, analysis methods, results, and conclusions.
Prior to the submission of the Trash Monitoring Plan, the TAG shall meet at least biannually. Subsequent to the submission of the Trash Monitoring Plan, the TAG shall meet at least annually.
(2) The Permittees shall solicit input and feedback from the TAG on:
(a) The spatial representativeness of each site;
(b) The adequacy of the methods employed at each site;
(c) The recommended minimum intensity, size, and/or recurrence interval for storms that are sampled;
(d) The number of sites and monitoring events, as described in the monitoring schedule in the Trash Monitoring Plan;
(e) The timing of sampling during storm events. For example, it is likely that Permittees should prioritize sampling during the rising limb of the hydrograph (and towards the beginning of the rising limb, at that), because that is when most of the trash load is mobilized and discharged to MS4 outfalls and receiving waters;
(f) Implementation of Provision C.8.e.iii.(8);
(g) Permitting; and
(h) Recommendations for alternative approaches to answering the management and monitoring questions.
v. Trash Monitoring Plan - Permittees shall collectively submit a Trash Monitoring Plan by July 31, 2023, subject to Executive Officer approval, that, at a minimum, includes the following information:
(1) Selected site locations (latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates), including maps and characteristics (e.g., type of outfall, receiving water); (2) For each site, describe the land use, trash conditions/levels, trash controls present, and other relevant characteristics (trash generation rates, types of controls present, etc.) of the tributary drainage areas of the MS4, and also delineate the tributary drainage areas of the MS4; Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 13
(3) A description of factors that were considered when selecting monitoring sites and events, including spatial and temporal representativeness; (4) For each site, a description of the monitoring methods and protocols that will be used;
(5) A monitoring schedule, which shall include the timing (of sampling during and between storm events), number and type of monitoring events at each site;
(6) Plans for implementation of Provision C.8.e.iii.(8); (7) A summary of permitting efforts;
(8) Opportunities provided for input and participation by interested parties and scientific experts other than those participating in the TAG; and (9) Input, feedback, and recommendations from the TAG on the capacity of the Trash Monitoring Plan to answer the management and monitoring questions.
C.8.f. Pollutants of Concern Monitoring
Pollutants of Concern (POC) monitoring is intended to assess inputs of select POCs to the Bay from local tributaries and urban runoff, provide information to assess compliance with receiving water limitations, support implementation of TMDLs and other pollutant control strategies, assess progress toward achieving wasteload allocations for TMDLs and help resolve uncertainties associated with loading estimates and impairments associated with these pollutants.
In particular, monitoring required by this provision must be directed toward addressing the following six priority POC management information needs:
(1) Source Identification - identifying or confirming which sources or watershed source areas provide the greatest opportunities for reductions of POCs in urban stormwater runoff;
(2) Contributions to Bay Impairment - identifying which watershed source areas contribute most to the impairment of San Francisco Bay beneficial uses (due to source intensity and sensitivity of discharge location); (3) Management Action Effectiveness - evaluating the effectiveness or impacts of existing management actions, including compliance with TMDLs and other POC requirements and providing support for planning future management actions;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 14
(4) Loads and Status - providing information on POC loads, concentrations, and presence in local tributaries or urban stormwater discharges; (5) Trends - evaluating trends in POC loading to the Bay and POC concentrations in urban stormwater discharges or local tributaries over time; and
(6) Compliance with Receiving Water Limitations – providing information to assess whether receiving water limitations (RWLs) are achieved.
Not all information needs apply to all POCs (see Table 8.2 below for details). i. Sampling Methods – The Permittees shall implement or cause to be implemented the monitoring components shown in Table 8.1 to address each of the six POC management information needs.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 15
Table 8.1 POC Monitoring Methods
Monitoring
Type
Information
Need Monitoring Methods
1 Identify
Source
Areas
Monitoring methods to identify watershed sources
of POCs shall include:
Collection and analysis of POCs (in dissolved
phase or on suspended sediment particles as
appropriate for pollutant) in urban stormwater
runoff transported through MS4s or receiving
waters during stormwater runoff events; or
Collection and analysis of POCs (in dissolved
phase or on suspended sediment particles as
appropriate for pollutant) in urban stormwater
runoff at outfall locations (i.e., as runoff from MS4
enters receiving waters) during stormwater runoff
events; or
Collection and analysis of POCs on bedded
sediments deposited in MS4s, treatment facilities,
or receiving waters; or
Collection and analysis of POCs in stormwater
runoff or bedded sediments on source area
properties (e.g. private property) or public rights of
way; or
Other monitoring methods designed to identify
specific sources or uses of POCs (e.g., caulk in
roadways or building materials) or watershed
source areas.
2 Identify
watershed
areas
contributing
most to Bay
impairment
Monitoring methods to identify watershed areas
contributing most to Bay impairment shall include:
Methods described for Monitoring Type #1; or
Collection and chemical analysis of small fish
tissue (or other relevant indicator) near tributary
confluences with the Bay; or
Collection of bedded sediments near tributary
confluences with the Bay and analysis for POCs.
3 Effectiveness of, and
provide
support for
future,
management
actions
Monitoring methods to evaluate effectiveness of,
and provide support for future, management actions
shall include:
Methods described for Monitoring Type #1, but
focused on characterizing the effectiveness of
specific management actions in reducing or
avoiding POCs in MS4 discharges; or
Collection of information to characterize or
develop models of control measure performance
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 16
Monitoring
Type
Information
Need Monitoring Methods
(e.g., treatment controls, demolition debris
program, green infrastructure, etc.). This
information could include data for model
calibration and validation, or other information
needed to estimate or compute model
parameters.
4 Provide
information
on POC
loads,
concentrations, or
presence/
absence
Monitoring methods to provide information on POC
loads, concentrations, or presence/absence shall
include:
Methods described for Monitoring Type #1, in
combination with quantitative modeling
associated with quantifying POC loads from MS4s
or small tributaries to the Bay; or
Collection of information to support development
of conceptual models of watershed fate and
transport; or
Collection of information to support watershed
loading models such as data for model calibration
and validation or other information needed to
estimate or compute model parameters.
5 Evaluate
POC trends
Monitoring methods to provide information on
trends in POC loads and concentrations over time
shall include methods described for Monitoring
Type #1 or #2
6 RWLs
Assessment
Monitoring in receiving waters to assess compliance
with RWLs. Monitoring methods shall include:
Collection and analysis of analytes during the wet
season in receiving waters (i.e., creeks and rivers
that flow to San Francisco Bay) influenced by
urban stormwater runoff.
Collection and analysis of analytes during the dry
season in receiving waters (i.e., creeks and rivers
that flow to San Francisco Bay) influenced by dry
season urban runoff.
Sampling locations for RWLs assessment
monitoring shall be spatially and temporally
representative of the sampled waterbody.
Sampled waterbodies shall be representative of
the range of receiving waterbody types.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 17
ii. Parameters and Monitoring Frequency – The Permittees shall conduct POC monitoring consistent with the monitoring intensity and frequency specified in Table 8.2. Monitoring frequencies are described as the total and minimum number of samples that Permittees within a countywide Stormwater Program shall collectively collect and analyze in a Water Year (October 1- September 30). Minimum number of samples that Permittees within a countywide Stormwater Program shall collect by the end of the Permit term to address each monitoring type are also specified.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 18
Table 8.2 POC Monitoring Parameters, Effort and Type
Pollutant of Concern Total Samplesa Collected
/Analyzed (yearly
minimum) for each
Countywide Program:
Alameda, Contra Costa,
Santa Clara, and San
Mateo
Minimum Number of
Samples for each
Monitoring Typeb
Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(PCBs)
75 (8) Alameda, Santa
Clara
65 (8) Contra Costa, San
Mateo
8 samples minimum
for monitoring types
1-3 and 16 samples
minimum for
monitoring types 4-5
Total Mercury 60 (8) Alameda, Santa
Clara
50 (8) Contra Costa, San
Mateo
8 samples minimum
for monitoring types
1-5
Copper 5 all samples for
monitoring type 4
Emerging Contaminants c
Must include but not limited to:
contaminants likely in
stormwater and associated
with vehicles;
per- and polyfluoroalkyl
substances (PFAS);
organophosphate ester
plastic additives/flame
retardants;
bisphenol plastic additives;
and
ethoxylated surfactants
25 See footnote c
all samples for
monitoring type 4
See footnote c
Ancillary Parametersd:
Total organic carbon
Suspended sediments (SSC)
Hardness
as necessary to address
management questions for
other POCs – see footnote
d
RWLs Assessment: copper,
zinc, fecal indicator bacteria,
and additional analytes
determined under Provision
C.8.h.iv
4 wet season samples
1 dry season sample
5 samples for
monitoring type 6
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 19
a This column indicates the total number of samples, across all applicable monitoring types (i.e., monitoring types 1-5 from Table 8.1), that must be collected during the Permit term. The number in parentheses indicates the minimum number of samples that must be collected, across all applicable monitoring types, during each of the five years of the permit. For example, 75 total samples must be collected for total PCBs and 60 total samples for mercury by each set of Santa Clara County and Alameda County during the term of the permit. San Mateo and Contra Costa Counties, because of smaller program size, must collect 65 PCBs and 50 total samples for mercury.
Permittees must collect a minimum of 8 PCBs and 8 mercury samples every year of the Permit term, including the final year. It is possible that data can satisfy multiple monitoring types. However, the intent of the Permit is to achieve a distribution of monitoring effort across all applicable monitoring information needs. Therefore, no more than 25 percent of samples for any pollutant may be used to satisfy requirements for multiple monitoring categories for that pollutant. This requirement is intended to ensure that monitoring is focused to provide the best information to answer specific management questions.
b This column indicates the monitoring types from Table 8.1 that are applicable to this POC along with the minimum number of samples that shall be collected by each set of Permittees (i.e., Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, Alameda County, and Contra Costa County) by the end of the Permit term.
The applicable monitoring type(s) is also stated to illustrate the management information need(s) motivating the collected data. For example, each set of Permittees (i.e., the Countywide Programs for Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties) must collect and analyze at least 8 samples to address monitoring types 1-5 in Table 8.1 for both total PCBs and total mercury. Some collected samples may address multiple management questions.
c Permittees, collectively, shall produce or cause to be produced a stormwater monitoring strategy for emerging contaminants (ECs) April 1, 2023 that prioritizes ECs for stormwater monitoring listed in this table and possibly others and establishes an approach for sampling stormwater ECs based on specific or likely physico-chemical properties, sources, transport pathways, and fate of prioritized ECs. Permittees must conduct or cause to be conducted ECs stormwater monitoring to execute the ECs stormwater monitoring strategy at a level of effort indicated in the table. This level of effort can be satisfied either through sampling and analysis of the number of samples indicated in this table or through augmentation of the San Francisco Bay Regional Monitoring Program Emerging Contaminants Monitoring Strategy in the amount of $100,000 per year for all Permittees combined.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 20
d Total Organic Carbon (TOC) data are not used independently. Rather, TOC can be useful for normalizing PCBs data collected in water and sediment. TOC shall be collected concurrently with PCBs data that should be normalized to TOC. Similarly, suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) samples should be collected and analyzed when water samples are collected that will be used to assess loads, loading trends, or BMP effectiveness for PCBs and Mercury.
Hardness data are used in conjunction with copper concentrations collected in fresh water.
iii. POC Parameters and Analytical Methods – Samples collected consistent with Table 8.2 shall be analyzed for parameters listed in Table 8.3. Where no laboratory method is listed in Table 8.3, Permittees shall use U.S. EPA or SWAMP-approved methods. There are no analytical methods listed in Table
8.3 for ECs as there are not U.S. EPA-approved methods for most of these contaminants. Monitoring for ECs is investigatory monitoring to provide information on EC loads, concentrations, and presence/absence rather than compliance determination. Accordingly, specification of analytical method is not mandatory. Moreover, the sampling and analysis is likely to be conducted through the San Francisco Bay Regional Monitoring Program, which has a robust and well-established quality assurance process, and the laboratories chosen for the EC analyses will be applying state-of-the-science analytical methods for the detection and quantification of ECs in stormwater samples.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 21
Table 8.3 POC Analytes and Analytical Methods
Pollutant of
Concern
Matrix Analyte(s) or Test
Species
Laboratory
Analytical
Methods
Polychlorinated
Biphenyls
(PCBs)
Water
Total PCBs U.S. EPA 1668
(RMP 40)
Total Organic Carbon SM5310B
Suspended sediments
(SSC)
ASTM D3977-97
Bedded
Sediment
Total PCBs As appropriate to
address the
management
information need:
U.S. EPA 1668
(RMP 40), 8082A,
or 8270D
modified by
Method 1625
Total organic carbon U.S. EPA 9060
Mercury
Water Total Mercury U.S. EPA 1631
Rev E
Bedded
Sediment
Total Mercury U.S. EPA 7473
Copper Water
Total Copper U.S. EPA 200.7
Dissolved Copper U.S. EPA 200.8
Hardness U.S. EPA 130.1
or 130.2
C.8.g. Pesticides and Toxicity Monitoring
Permittees shall conduct wet and dry weather monitoring of pesticides and toxicity in urban creeks. If a statewide coordinated pesticides and pesticidesrelated toxicity monitoring program begins collecting data on an ongoing basis during the Permit term, Permittees may request the Water Board modify, reduce or eliminate this monitoring requirement, provided the resultant change would result in overall improvement of pesticide monitoring data collection.
In fulfilling the requirements of Provision C.8.g, Permittees may collaborate with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) for data collection and analysis. For data collected through such collaboration, CDPR’s standard operating procedures and quality assurance/quality control methods Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 22
may be used in place of the SWAMP comparability requirements in subprovisions C.8.b and in C.8.g.
i. Toxicity in Water Column - Dry Weather
(1) Field and Laboratory Method – Permittees shall collect grab samples of receiving water using applicable SWAMP comparable methodology.
These samples shall be analyzed for the test organisms listed, and by the methods described, in Table 8.4.
Toxicity shall be evaluated using the Test of Significant Toxicity (TST) statistical approach.41 Each sample shall be subject to determination of “Pass” or “Fail” and shall indicate “Percent Effect” from toxicity using nondiluted samples. The TST null hypothesis shall be “mean sample UHVSRQVH75 × mean control response.” A test result that rejects this null hypothesis shall be reported as “Pass.” A test result that does not reject this null hypothesis shall be reported as “Fail.” The relative “Percent Effect” of the sample is defined and reported as: ((Mean control response – Mean sample response) ÷ Mean control response)) × 100. (2) Sample Design/Locations – Sample locations may be selected by Permittees to monitor locations where toxicity could be likely; to coincide with creek restoration sites; or to resample a location where toxicity has been found in the past.
(3) Frequency, Timeframe and Number of Sites – Permittees shall annually collect in the dry season at least the minimum number of samples as shown below.
Permittees Minimum Number of Sample
Sites
Alameda County
Permittees
2 per year
Santa Clara County
Permittees
2 per year
Contra Costa County
Permittees
1 per year
San Mateo County
Permittees
1 per year
Solano County Permittees 1 by the end of water year 2023-24 41 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Test of Significant Toxicity Implementation Document (EPA 833-R-10-003, 2010), Appendix A, Figure A-1, and Table A-1.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 23
Table 8.4 Water Column Aquatic Toxicity Analytical Procedures Test Species Test
Endpoint(s) Units U.S. EPA Method
Pimephales
promelas
(Fathead Minnow)
Larval
Survival and
Growth
Pass or Fail
using TST,
% Effect
EPA-821-R-02-
01342 EPA 833-R10-00343
Ceriodaphnia dubia
(Freshwater
Crustacean)
Survivala
Pass or
Fail, %
Effect <25%
Passes,
>25% Fails
EPA-821-R-02-013
EPA 833-R-10-003
Ceriodaphnia dubia
(Freshwater
Crustacean)
Reproduction
Pass or Fail
using TST,
% Effect
EPA-821-R-02-013
EPA 833-R-10-003
Selenastrum
capricornutum
(Green Algae)
Growth
Pass or Fail
using TST,
% Effect
EPA-821-R-02-013
EPA 833-R-10-003
Hyalella azteca
(Freshwater
Amphipod)
Survival
Pass or Fail
using TST,
% Effectb
EPA-821-R-02-
01244
EPA 833-R-10-003
Chironomus dilutus
(midge) Survival
Pass or Fail
using TST,
% Effectb
EPA-821-R-02-012
EPA 833-R-10-003
a The Ceriodaphnia dubia chronic toxicity test design for the survival endpoint is not amenable to the TST, Welch's t-test so the survival endpoint will be determined as a percent effect using the TST approach. A percent effect less than 25 percent will be considered a "pass," and a percent effect equal to or greater than 25 percent will be considered a "fail."
b For Hyalella and Chironomus acute toxicity test methods, the test result will be considered a "pass," regardless of a TST determination of "fail" if the percent survival in the receiving water is equal to or greater than 90 percent.
42 Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. EPA/821/R-02/013, 2002; Table IA, 40 CFR Part 136. 43 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Test of Significant Toxicity Implementation Document (EPA 833-R-10-003) 2010.
44 Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms (EPA/821/R-02/012, 2002; Table IA, 40 CFR Part 136). See Appendix B, page 238, for H.azteca and C.dilutus methods.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 24
ii. Toxicity, Pesticides and Other Pollutants in Sediment - Dry Weather (1) Field and Laboratory Method – The Permittees shall collect grab samples of creek sediment using applicable SWAMP-comparable methodology.
These samples shall be analyzed for the pollutants and organisms listed and by the methods described on Table 8.5. Where no laboratory method is listed in Table 8.5, Permittees shall use U.S. EPA- or SWAMP-approved methods.
(2) Sample Design/Locations – Samples shall be collected at fine-grained depositional locations. Such sample locations may be selected by the Permittees to monitor locations where toxicity could be likely, or to resample a location where toxicity has been found in the past, for example.
Table 8.5 Sediment Toxicity & Pollutants Analytical Procedures Test Species or Pollutant Units Laboratory Method
Hyalella azteca and Chironomus
dilutus survivala
Pass/Fail using
TST, % Effecta
EPA-600/R-99-06445
Pyrethroids: bifenthrin, cyfluthrin,
cypermethrin, deltamethrin,
esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin,
permethrin
EPA 3540C followed
by EPA 8270D by
NCI-GCMS
Fipronil and its degradates
(fipronil-sulfone, fipronil-desulfinyl,
fipronil sulfide)
Total PAHs
Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium,
Copper, Lead, Nickel, Zinc
Total organic carbon
Grain size
a For Hyalella and Chironomus acute toxicity test methods, the test result will be considered a "pass," regardless of a TST determination of "fail" if the percent survival in the receiving water is equal to or greater than 90 percent.
The false positive rate (beta error) is 0.05 and the negative rate (alpha error) is
0.25 for these test methods.
45 Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates (EPA 600/R-99-064) Second Edition. March 2000.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 25
(3) Sample Design/Locations – Samples shall be collected at fine-grained depositional locations. Such sample locations may be selected by the Permittees to monitor locations where toxicity could be likely, to coincide with bioassessment sites, or to resample a location where toxicity has been found in the past, for example.
(4) Frequency, Timeframe, and Number of Sites – Permittees shall collect at least the minimum number of samples annually as shown:
Permittees Minimum Number of Sample
Sites
Alameda County
Permittees
2 per year
Santa Clara County
Permittees
2 per year
Contra Costa County
Permittees
1 per year
San Mateo County
Permittees
1 per year
Solano County Permittees 1 by the end of water year 2023-24 iii. Wet Weather Pesticides and Toxicity Monitoring
(1) Field and Laboratory Method – Permittees shall collect water column samples and analyze them for the following parameters using the methods specified in Tables 8.4 and 8.5. For imidacloprid, Permittees shall specify an analytical method that achieves a reporting level of 0.01 ppb. Pyrethroids: bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin
Imidacloprid
Fipronil and its degradates fipronil-sulfone, fipronil-desulfinyl, fipronil sulfide and fipronil amide (amide is optional ± do it if lab offers the suite)
Toxicity
(2) Sample Design/Locations – Permittees shall collect samples annually during storm events. Sample locations shall be representative of urban watersheds (i.e., bottom of watershed locations).
(3) Frequency, Timeframe, and Number of Sites – If this (Provision C.8.g.iii) sampling is conducted by the RMC on behalf of all Permittees, a total of ten (10) samples shall be collected over the Permit term, with a minimum Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 26
of six (6) samples collected by the end of the third water year of the permit term. If this (Provision C.8.g.iii) sampling is conducted by Countywide Stormwater Programs, Permittees shall collect at least the minimum number of samples as shown below:
Permittees Minimum Number of Sample
Sites
Alameda County
Permittees
2 per year
Santa Clara County
Permittees
2 per year
Contra Costa County
Permittees
1 per year
San Mateo County
Permittees
1 per year
Solano County Permittees 1 by the end of water year 2023-24 iv. Follow-up – Permittees shall provide notification in the next Urban Creeks Monitoring Report when analytical results indicate any of the following:
(1) A toxicity test of growth, reproduction, or survival of any test organism is reported as “fail” in both the initial sampling and a second, follow-up VDPSOLQJDQGERWKKDYH3HUFHQW(IIHFW
(2) A pollutant is present at a concentration exceeding its water quality objective in the Basin Plan; or
(3) For pollutants without water quality objectives, results exceed Probable Effects Concentrations or Threshold Effects Concentrations.46 C.8.h. Reporting
i. Water Quality Standard Exceedance – When data collected pursuant to Provisions C.8.a.-C.8.g. indicate that discharges are causing or contributing to an exceedance of an applicable water quality standard, the Permittees shall notify the Water Board within no more than 30 days of such a determination and submit a follow-up report in accordance with Provision C.1 requirements.
This reporting requirement shall not apply to continuing or recurring exceedances of water quality standards previously reported to the Water Board or to exceedances of pollutants that are addressed pursuant to 46 TEC and PEC are found in MacDonald, D.D., G.G. Ingersoll, and T.A. Berger. 2000. Development and Evaluation of Consensus-based Sediment Quality Guidelines for Freshwater Ecosystems. Archives of Environ. Contamination and Toxicology 39(1):20–31. More recent TECs and PECs may be used if lower than stated in MacDonald 2000.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 27
Provisions C.9 through C.12, C.14, C.18, and C.19, consistent with Provision C.1.
LL Electronic Reporting – The Permittees shall submit to the California Environmental Data Exchange Network (CEDEN) all results from monitoring conducted pursuant to Provisions C.8.d LID Monitoring, C.8.e Trash Monitoring, C.8.f Pollutants of Concern Monitoring, and C.8.g Pesticides and Toxicity Monitoring. Data that CEDEN cannot accept are exempt from this requirement.
Data shall be submitted in SWAMP formats and with the quality controls required by CEDEN.
Data collected during the previous October 1–September 30 period shall be submitted by March 31 of each year.
LLL Urban Creeks Monitoring Report – The Permittees shall submit a comprehensive Urban Creeks Monitoring Report at the countywide level no later than March 31 of each year, reporting on all data collected during the foregoing October 1–September 30 period. Each Urban Creeks Monitoring Report shall contain summaries of C.8.d LID Monitoring, C.8.e Trash Monitoring, C.8.f Pollutants of Concern Monitoring, and C.8.g Pesticides and Toxicity Monitoring, including the following:
A LID Monitoring Status Report, which, at a minimum, includes the following information:
D
A summary of the LID Monitoring Methods and study designs used in the preceding water year, at each sampled LID component, facility or system.
E
A summary table that lists monitoring samples collected during the preceding water year during the Permit term, including at a minimum, the following information for each sample location: Site ID; the name or ID of the LID component, facility or system name; latitude and longitude of the LID component, facility or system; type of LID component, facility or system (e.g., bioretention); characteristics and land use of the tributary drainage area of the LID component, facility or system; other management actions and controls present in the tributary drainage area of the LID component, facility or system; sample dates; and concentrations of parameters measured.
F
A summary of lessons learned, progress made, and interim conclusions, for all samples collected during the previous water year.
G
For all data generated during the preceding water year, a statement of data quality.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 28
(e) The raw data generated by the preceding water year, made available to the Water Board and third parties.
(f) An outline of steps (including but not limited to study designs, methods and sites) for the upcoming water year.
(g) An analysis of the data, including the following:
(i) Identification and analysis of any trends in stormwater or receiving water quality.
(ii) A discussion of the data for each monitoring program component, which includes:
a. Monitoring data relative to prior conditions, beneficial uses and applicable water quality standards as described in the Basin Plan, the Ocean Plan, the California Toxics Rule, and other applicable water quality control plans;
b. Where appropriate, hypotheses to investigate regarding pollutant sources, trends, and BMP effectiveness;
c. Identification and prioritization of water quality problems; d. Identification of potential sources of water quality problems; e. Description of follow-up actions;
f. Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing control measures; and
g. Identification of management actions needed to address water quality problems.
(2) An Annual Trash Monitoring Progress Report,47 which, at a minimum, includes the following information:
(a) Narrative description of monitoring conducted, including the number of sites monitored and the number of monitoring events completed; (b) Description of storms events that were sampled, including the date(s) and times when samples were collected, intensity and duration of the storm event, a description of where along the hydrograph the storm event was sampled, and justification used to determine the storm event was of appropriate size to displace and/or mobilize the transport of trash though the MS4 system;
47 The Annual Trash Monitoring Progress Report shall be a single collective regionwide report. With their UCMRs, all Permittees shall include a copy of the Annual Trash Monitoring Progress Report.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 29
(c) Narrative description, including maps, of any MS4 outfalls, homeless encampments and illegal dumping sites, located upstream of each Outfall Monitoring sample site;
(d) Description and the results of data analysis methods, including statistical analyses;
(e) Results and lessons learned;
(f) Data quality assurance procedures that were implemented for samples collected;
(g) Monitoring events (including locations and methods) planned for the subsequent fiscal year(s);
(h) A comprehensive detailed discussion of implementation of Provision C.8.e.iii.(8); and
(i) Updates of required Trash Monitoring Plan elements. (3) A Pesticides and Toxicity Monitoring Status Report, which includes the following information:
(a) A complete Water Year Summary Table that lists the monitoring sites, with a row for each site. The table columns contain: Site ID; creek name; latitude; longitude; permittee jurisdiction(s); water column toxicity (acute); water column toxicity (chronic); sediment toxicity (acute); sediment toxicity (chronic); and sediment chemistry. For each site, list the site information and check the parameters sampled at that site. Provide a statement of the data quality and an analysis of the data, including:
(i) Discuss monitoring data relative to prior conditions, beneficial uses and applicable water quality standards as described in the Basin Plan, Ocean Plan, and California Toxics Rule and other applicable water quality control plans;
(ii) Where appropriate, develop hypotheses to investigate regarding pollutant sources, trends, and BMP effectiveness;
(iii) Identify and prioritize water quality impairments; (iv) Identify and potential sources (and actual, if known) of water quality impairments, and provide sufficient justification for those potential sources;
(v) Describe follow-up actions;
(vi) evaluate the effectiveness of existing management actions; and Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 30
(vii) identify additional management actions needed to address water quality impairments.
iv. Pollutants of Concern Monitoring Reports
(1) In each Urban Creeks Monitoring Report, the Permittees shall submit a report describing the allocation of sampling effort for POC monitoring for the forthcoming year (i.e., the water year that began October 1 of that year) and what was accomplished for POC monitoring during the preceding water year. The report shall include (for preceding year and projected for forthcoming year): monitoring locations, number and types of samples collected, purpose of sampling (management question addressed), and analytes measured. Any data not reportable to CEDEN should also be included in the Urban Creeks Monitoring Report due annually on March 31.
(2) Receiving Water Limitations Assessment Report
(a) By no later than March 31, 2023, Permittees shall submit a report with the following information:
(i) Relevant water quality objectives against which to compare monitoring data;
(ii) Analytes in addition to those listed in Table 8.2 to monitor based on assessment of the potential that discharges of these analytes may result in levels in receiving waters approaching or exceeding water quality objectives and the basis of the determination; and (iii) Identification of waterbodies to be sampled, sampling locations within those waterbodies, and sampling schedule consistent with the requirements in Tables 8.1 and 8.2.
(b) The report shall be subject to approval by the Executive Officer for compliance and technical adequacy. Upon approval by the Executive Officer, Permittees shall augment the RWLs assessment monitoring required in Tables 8.1 with the analytes identified in the report. (c) By no later than March 31, 2026, or as part of the Integrated Monitoring Report, Permittees shall submit an updated Receiving Water Limitations Assessment Report with proposed monitoring to be conducted during the next permit term.
v. Integrated Monitoring Report – By no later than March 31, 2026, Permittees shall submit an Integrated Monitoring Report in lieu of the annual Urban Creeks Monitoring Report. This report will be part of the next Report of Waste Discharge for the reissuance of this Permit. The Integrated Monitoring Report Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 31
shall report on all the data collected since the previous Integrated Monitoring Report48 and shall contain the following:
(1) The information described in Provisions C.8.h.iii.(1)-(3), pertaining to the monitoring data collected during the preceding (third) water year of the Permit term;
(2) A comprehensive analysis of all data collected pursuant to Provision C.8. since the previous Integrated Monitoring Report,48 and may include other pertinent studies.
For LID Monitoring and Trash Monitoring, this shall additionally include a summary of the methods and study designs used in all preceding water years, at each sample location. And, a summary of lessons learned, progress made, data, results, analyses, and conclusions, for all samples collected during all prior water years during the Permit term; (3) For POCs, methods, data, calculations, load estimates, and source estimates for each POC parameter, as applicable;
(4) A budget summary for each monitoring requirement (for each year of the Permit term); and
(5) With cause and justification, recommendations for changes to any of the elements of Provision C.8 in future Permit terms.
vi. Comprehensive Bioassessment Final Report – By no later than March 31, 2024, the Permittees shall collectively submit a comprehensive analysis of all bioassessment monitoring conducted by the RMC during MRP 1 and MRP 2, for Water Years 2012-2021.
vii. Standard Report Content – All monitoring reports shall be clear, concise, and well-organized, and shall include the following information:
(1) An Executive Summary;
(2) The purpose of the monitoring and brief description of the study design rationale;
(3) Quality Assurance/Quality Control summaries for sample collection and analytical methods, including a discussion of any limitations of the data; (4) Brief descriptions of sampling protocols and analytical methods; (5) Sample location description, including water body name and segment and latitude and longitude coordinates;
48 Excluding Creek Status Monitoring conducted subsequent to the submittal of the Integrated Monitoring Report during the Previous Permit.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.8.
C.8 - 32
(6) Sample ID, collection date (and time if relevant), media (e.g., water, filtered water, bed sediment, tissue);
(7) Concentrations detected, measurement units, and detection limits; (8) Assessment, analysis, and interpretation of the data for each monitoring program component;
(9) A listing of volunteer and other non-Permittee entities whose data are included in the report; and
(10) Assessment of compliance with applicable water quality standards.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.9.
C.9 - 1
C.9. Pesticides Toxicity Control
To prevent the impairment of urban streams by pesticide-related toxicity, the Permittees shall implement a pesticide toxicity control program that addresses, within their jurisdictions, their own and others’ use of pesticides that pose a threat to water quality and that have the potential to enter the municipal conveyance system.
This provision implements requirements of the TMDL for Diazinon and PesticideRelated Toxicity for Urban Creeks in the region. The TMDL includes urban runoff allocations for Diazinon of 100 ng/l and for pesticide-related toxicity of 1.0 Acute Toxicity Units (TUa) and 1.0 Chronic Toxicity Units (TUc) to be met in urban creek waters. U.S. EPA phased out urban uses of diazinon in the mid-2000s, and diazinon is no longer detected in urban creeks in the region. Pesticide-related toxicity continues to occur because State and federal pesticide regulatory programs, as currently implemented, allow pesticides to be used in ways that cause or contribute to aquatic toxicity. In adopting the TMDL implementation plan, the Water Board recognized that (1) Permittees must control their own use of pesticides, but Permittees are not solely responsible for attaining the allocations, because their authority to regulate others’ pesticide use is constrained by federal and State law; and (2) because a realistic date for achieving allocations cannot be discerned given the current framework for pesticide regulation, reviewing the implementation strategy every five years, at permit reissuance, is the appropriate timeline. Accordingly, the Permittees’ requirements for addressing the allocations are set forth in the TMDL implementation plan and are included in this provision.
Urban-use pesticides of concern (Pesticides of Concern) to water quality include:
diamides (chlorantraniliprole and cyantraniliprole); diuron, fipronil and its degradates; indoxacarb; organophosphorous insecticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and malathion); pyrethroids (metofluthrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, beta-cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin); carbamates (e.g., carbaryl and aldicarb); and neonicotinoids (e.g., imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and dinotefuran).
C.9.a. Maintain and Implement an Integrated Pest Management Policy or Ordinance and Standard Operating Procedures
All Permittees have developed a pesticide toxicity control program for use of pesticides in municipal operations and on municipal property based on the concepts of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)49 and have adopted an IPM policy or ordinance and standard operating procedures to implement the policy or ordinance.
49 The Glossary attached to this Permit includes IPM definitions adapted from the draft UP Provisions.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.9.
C.9 - 2
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall implement their IPM policies or ordinances and standard operating procedures and update their IPM policies or ordinances and standard operating procedures as needed to ensure their use of pesticides does not cause or contribute to pesticide-related toxicity in receiving waters.
ii. Implementation – Each Permittee shall require municipal employees and contractors to adhere to its IPM policy or ordinance and standard operating procedures in all the Permittee’s municipal operations and on all municipal property.
iii. Reporting
(1) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall certify they are implementing their IPM policy or ordinance and standard operating procedures, report trends in quantities and types of pesticide active ingredients used, and explain any increases in use of Pesticides of Concern to water quality. (2) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall provide a brief description (e.g., one or two sentences) of two IPM tactics or strategies implemented in the reporting year. Examples could include non-chemical strategies such as monitoring, mowing weeds, mulching, and redesign of problematic landscapes; preventive actions such as sealing holes and gaps in structures, improving sanitation, and outreach to employees about how their actions contribute to pest presence; and integration of several strategies, such as tackling a rat problem by educating building occupants, improving sanitation, trimming trees away from buildings, sealing holes in the structure, and trapping rodents. To the extent possible, different IPM actions should be described each year, so that a range of IPM actions is described over the permit term.
(3) In their 2023 Annual Reports, the Permittees shall provide links to their IPM policies or ordinances and IPM standard operating procedures.
Permittees shall submit updated links in subsequent Annual Reports, if those links change.
&9.b. Train Municipal Employees
L Task Description – The Permittees shall ensure that all municipal employees who, within the scope of their duties, apply or use pesticides are trained in IPM practices and the Permittee’s IPM policy and/or ordinance and standard operating procedures. This training may also include other training opportunities, such as the ReScape California /DQGVFDSHMaintenance Training & Qualification Program, provided both structural and landscape pest control training are provided.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.9.
C.9 - 3
ii. Reporting
(1) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall report the percentage of municipal employees who apply pesticides who have received training in the Permittees’ IPM policy and/or ordinance and IPM standard operating procedures within the last year. This report shall briefly describe the nature of the training, such as tailgate training provided by a Permittee’s IPM coordinator, IPM training through the Pesticide Applicators Professional Association, etc.
(2) The Permittees shall submit training materials (e.g., course outline, date, and list of attendees) upon request.
C.9.c. Require Contractors to Implement IPM
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall include contract specifications requiring contractors to implement IPM, so that all contractors practice IPM on municipal properties. The Permittees shall monitor contractor pesticide applications to ensure that contractors implement their contract specifications in accordance with the Permittee’s IPM policies and/or ordinances and standard operating procedures. Contractor certification as a pest control advisor (PCA) alone is not evidence of IPM implementation. Similarly, IPM certifications awarded to a pest control company may not guarantee that an individual employee will always use IPM strategies. Thus, periodic Permittee observation and verification of contractor performance is necessary. ii. Implementation – Permittees shall periodically monitor their contractors’ activities to verify full implementation of IPM techniques. This shall include, at a minimum, evaluation of lists of pesticides and amounts of active ingredient used.
iii. Reporting – In each Annual Report, Permittees shall describe how they verified contractor compliance with IPM policies and any actions taken or needed to correct contractor performance.
C.9.d. Interface with County Agricultural Commissioners i. Task Description – The Permittees shall maintain communications with county agricultural commissioners to (a) get input and assistance on urban pest management practices and use of pesticides, (b) inform them of water quality issues related to pesticides, and (c) report any observed or citizenreported violations of pesticide regulations (e.g., illegal handling and applications of pesticides) associated with stormwater management, particularly the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) surface water protection regulations for outdoor, nonagricultural use of pyrethroid pesticides by any person performing pest control for hire (https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/legbills/calcode/040501.htm#a6970).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.9.
C.9 - 4
ii. Reporting – In each Annual Report, Permittees shall briefly describe the communications they have had with county agricultural commissioners and report follow-up actions to correct violations of pesticide regulations.
C.9.e. Public Outreach
i. Task Description – Permittees shall undertake outreach programs to (a) encourage communities within the Permittee’s jurisdiction to reduce reliance on pesticides that threaten water quality; (b) encourage public and private landscape irrigation management that minimizes pesticide runoff; and (c) promote appropriate disposal of unused pesticides.
ii. Implementation – The Permittees shall conduct each of the following:
(1) Point of Purchase Outreach: The Permittees shall:
Conduct outreach to consumers at the point of purchase; Provide targeted information on proper pesticide use and disposal, potential adverse impacts on water quality, and less toxic methods of pest prevention and control; and
Participate in and provide resources for the “Our Water, Our World” program or a functionally equivalent pesticide use reduction outreach program.
(2) Pest Control Contracting Outreach: The Permittees shall conduct outreach to residents who use or contract for structural pest control and landscape professionals by (a) explaining the links between pesticide usage and water quality; and (b) providing information about IPM in structural pest management certification programs and landscape professional trainings; and (c) disseminating tips for hiring structural pest control operators and landscape professionals, such as the tips prepared by the University of California Extension IPM Program (UC-IPM). (3) Outreach to Pest Control Professionals: The Permittees shall conduct outreach to pest control operators, urging them to promote IPM services to customers and to become IPM-certified by EcoWise Certified or a functionally equivalent certification program. Permittees are encouraged to work with the Pesticide Applicators Professional Association; the California Association of Pest Control Advisors; DPR; county agricultural commissioners; UC-IPM; BAMSC; CASQA; EcoWise Certified Program (or functionally equivalent certification program); Bio-integral Resource Center and others to promote IPM to pest control operators. iii. Reporting – In each Annual Report, Permittees shall describe their actions taken in the three outreach categories above. Outreach conducted at the county or regional level shall be described in Annual Reports prepared at that Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.9.
C.9 - 5
respective level; reiteration in individual Permittee reports is discouraged.
Reports shall include a brief description of outreach conducted in each of the three categories, including level of effort, messages and target audience.
C.9.f. Track and Participate in Relevant Regulatory Processes i. Task Description – The Permittees shall conduct the following activities, which may be done at a county, regional, or statewide level:
(1) The Permittees shall track U.S. EPA pesticide evaluation and registration activities as they relate to surface water quality and, when necessary, encourage U.S. EPA to coordinate implementation of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the CWA and to accommodate water quality concerns within its pesticide registration process;
(2) The Permittees shall track DPR pesticide evaluation activities as they relate to surface water quality and, when necessary, encourage DPR to coordinate implementation of the California Food and Agriculture Code with the California Water Code and to accommodate water quality concerns within its pesticide evaluation process;
(3) The Permittees shall assemble and submit information (such as monitoring data) as needed to assist DPR and county agricultural commissioners in ensuring that pesticide applications comply with WQS; and
(4) As appropriate, the Permittees shall submit comment letters on U.S. EPA and DPR re-registration, re-evaluation, and other actions relating to pesticides of concern for water quality.
ii. Reporting – In each Annual Report, Permittees shall summarize participation efforts, information submitted, and how regulatory actions were affected.
Permittees who contribute to a county, regional, or statewide effort shall submit one report at the county or regional level. Duplicate reporting is discouraged.
C.9.g. Evaluate Implementation of Pesticide Source Control Actions i. Task Description – This task is necessary to gauge how effective the implementation actions taken by Permittees are in (a) achieving TMDL targets and (b) avoiding future pesticide-related toxicity in urban creeks. Once during the permit term, Permittees shall conduct a thoughtful evaluation of their IPM efforts, how effective these efforts appear to be, and how they could be improved.
ii. Implementation – The Permittees shall evaluate the effectiveness of the pesticide control measures implemented by their staff and contractors, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.9.
C.9 - 6
evaluate attainment of pesticide concentration and toxicity targets for water and sediment from monitoring data (collected by Permittees, research agencies, and/or State agencies), and identify additions and/or improvements to existing control measures needed to attain targets, with an implementation time schedule.
iii. Reporting – In their 2025 Annual Reports, the Permittees shall submit this evaluation, which shall include an assessment of the effectiveness of their IPM efforts required in Provisions C.9.a-f (including the effectiveness of outreach efforts required by Provision C.9.e); a discussion of any improvements made in these efforts in the preceding five years; and any changes in water quality regarding pesticide toxicity in urban creeks. This evaluation shall also include a brief description of one or more pesticide-related area(s) the Permittee will focus on enhancing during the subsequent permit term. Work conducted at the county or regional level shall be evaluated at that respective level; reiteration in individual Permittee evaluation reports is discouraged.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 1
C.10. Trash Load Reduction
The Permittees shall demonstrate compliance with Discharge Prohibition A.1, for trash discharges, Discharge Prohibition A.2, and trash-related Receiving Water Limitations through the timely implementation of control measures and other actions to reduce trash loads from municipal separate storm sewer systems in accordance with the requirements of this provision. Flood management agencies are not subject to these trash reduction requirements except for those included in Provision C.10.c.
C.10.a. Trash Reduction Requirements
Permittees shall implement trash load reduction control actions in accordance with the following schedule and trash generation area management requirements, including mandatory minimum full trash capture systems, to meet the goal of 100 percent trash load reduction or no adverse impact to receiving waters from trash by June 30, 2025.
i. Schedule - Permittees shall reduce trash discharges from 2009 levels, described below, to receiving waters in accordance with the following schedule:
(1) 90 percent by June 30, 2023; and
(2) 100 percent by June 30, 2025.
Permittees that do not attain the 90 percent compliance benchmark by June 30, 2023, shall submit a revised trash load reduction plan as described in Provision C.10.d and a schedule of implementation of additional trash load reduction control actions sufficient to achieve compliance with the 90 percent compliance benchmark within a reasonable timeframe, and the 100 percent compliance benchmark by June 30, 2025.
ii. Trash Generation Area Management - Permittees shall demonstrate attainment of the Provision C.10.a.i trash discharges percentage-reduction requirements by management of mapped trash generation areas within their jurisdictions delineated on Trash Generation Area Maps included with their Long-Term Trash Reduction Plans, submitted in February 2014, in accordance with the requirements and accounting set forth in this provision. The February 2014 maps provide the 2009 trash levels and delineate trash generation areas within Permittees' jurisdictions into the following trash generation rate categories:
Low = less than 5 gal/acre/yr;
Moderate = 5-10 gal/acre/yr;
High = 10-50 gal/acre/yr; and
Very High = greater than 50 gal/acre/yr.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 2
Permittees also designated trash management areas on their February 2014 maps encompassing one or more trash generation areas, within which they will implement trash control actions. With the 2024 Annual Report, Permittees shall submit a revised Trash Generation Area Map that includes trash management areas, as well as private land drainage areas (See Provision C.10.a.ii.b) that will be retrofitted with full trash capture devices, or equivalent, by June 30, 2025. The updated trash generation map(s) shall include GIS layers and appropriate metadata (including tables etc.) that identify locations and associated drainage areas of full trash capture systems, and other trash control actions, and shall highlight any revisions or changes from the previous map(s). Permittees may provide access to multilayered GIS maps that account for other trash control action details and locations rather than submitting that information in a document. Maps and data generated through this effort may be used to illustrate progress toward achieving the trash reduction requirements in Provision C.10.a.i. (a) Permittees shall implement trash prevention and control actions, including full trash capture systems or other trash management actions, or combinations of actions, with trash discharge control equivalent to or better than full trash capture systems, to reduce trash generation to a Low trash generation rate or better.
A full capture device or system is a treatment control, or series of treatment controls, including, but not limited to, a multi-benefit project (as defined in the Trash Amendments) or a low-impact development control that traps all particles that are 5 mm or greater, and has a design treatment capacity that is either: a) of not less than the peak flow rate, Q, resulting from a one-year, one-hour storm in the subdrainage area, or b) appropriately sized to, and designed to carry at least the same flows as, the corresponding storm drain. The device(s) must also have a trash reservoir large enough to contain a reasonable amount of trash safely without overflowing trash into the overflow outlet between maintenance events. Types of systems certified by the State Water Resources Control Board are deemed full capture systems. A stormwater treatment facility implemented in accordance with Provision C.3 is also deemed a full capture system if the facility, including its maintenance, prevents the discharge of trash to the downstream MS4 and receiving waters and discharge points from the facility, including overflows, are appropriately screened or otherwise configured to meet the full trash capture screening specification for storm flows up to the full trash capture one-year, onehour storm hydraulic specification.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 3
Actions equivalent to full trash capture are actions that send no more trash down the storm drain system than a full trash capture device would allow, which is essentially no trash discharge except in very large storm flows. The Provision C.10.a.i percent reductions shall be demonstrated by percent of 2009 Very High, High, and Moderate trash generation areas reduced to lower trash generation categories or Low trash generation by the Provision C.10.a.i mandatory deadlines. (b) By July 1, 2025, Permittees shall ensure that private lands that are moderate, high, or very high trash generating, and that drain to storm drain inlets that Permittees do not own or operate (private), but that are plumbed to Permittees’ storm drain systems are equipped with full trash capture systems or are managed with trash discharge control actions equivalent to or better than full trash capture systems. The efficacy of actions equivalent to or better than full trash capture systems shall be assessed with visual assessments in accordance with Provision C.10.b.iii. If there is a full trash capture device downstream of these private lands that is designed, operated, and maintained to control trash discharges from that land area, no other trash control is required.
C.10.b. Demonstration of Trash Reduction Outcomes
i. Full Trash Capture Systems – Permittees shall maintain, and provide for inspection and review upon request, documentation of the design, operation, and maintenance of each full trash capture system, including the mapped location and drainage area served by each system. Permittees shall provide their respective vector control agencies with the names and locations of new and existing full trash capture devices.
(a) Inspection and Maintenance – Permittees shall inspect and maintain full trash capture devices to ensure that they are operating appropriately and have sufficient operating capacity to capture trash consistent with the requirements of this Provision. The inspection and maintenance of each full capture device shall be at a frequency sufficient to prevent plugging, including plugging of the 5 mm screen leading to trash overflow and bypass, flooding, or a full condition of the device's trash reservoir causing bypassing of trash. At a minimum, all full trash capture devices shall be inspected and maintained once per year. In High and Very High trash generation areas, all full trash capture devices shall be inspected at least twice per year (and maintained as necessary), with the inspections spaced at least three months or more apart.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 4
(b) For catch basin insert type full capture systems, if any such device is found to have a plugged or blinded screen, or is 50 percent full or greater, during an inspection or a maintenance event, the inspection and maintenance frequency shall be increased so that the device is neither plugged nor 50 percent or more full of trash at the next inspection or maintenance event. For high-flow capacity devices, if any such device is found to have a plugged or blinded screen, or exhibits a condition that exceeds the manufacturer's guidelines for requiring maintenance, the inspection and maintenance frequency shall be increased so that the device is neither plugged nor exceeds the manufacturer's guidelines during the next inspection or maintenance event.
ii. Maintenance Records – Permittees shall retain device-specific maintenance records, including, at a minimum: device type, date of installation, location, drainage area, date(s) of inspection and maintenance, the capacity condition of the device at the time of inspection and maintenance (full and overflowing or with storage capacity remaining), any special problems such as flooding, screen blinding or plugging from leaves, plastic bags, or other debris causing overflow, any damage reducing function, or other negative conditions. A summary of this information shall be reported in each Annual Report and may be limited to the number of full capture devices maintained that exhibited a plugged, 50 percent or more full, or overflowing condition upon inspection or maintenance.
(a) Certification – Permittees shall certify annually that each full trash capture system is operated and maintained to meet full trash capture system requirements. Drainage areas served by an adequately maintained full trash capture system will be considered equivalent to or better than a Low trash generation rate area.
iii. Other Trash Management Actions – Permittees shall maintain, and provide for inspection and review upon request, documentation of non-full trash capture system trash control actions that verifies implementation of each action. Permittees shall also conduct assessment of the action that verifies effectiveness of the action or combination of actions and maintain, and provide for inspection and review upon request, documentation of assessments. (a) Implementation Documentation – Permittees shall maintain documentation of trash control actions that describes each action or combination of actions, the level of implementation, the timing and frequency of implementation, standard operating procedures if applicable, location(s) of implementation actions including mapped location(s) and drainage area(s) affected or description of areal extent, tracking and enforcement procedures if applicable, and other Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 5
information relevant to effective implementation of the action or combination of actions.
(b) Visual Assessment of Outcomes of Other Trash Management Actions – Permittees shall conduct visual on-land assessment, including photo documentation, or other acceptable assessment method (see ProvisionC.10.b.iii.(b)(iv)), of each trash generation area within which it is implementing other trash management actions or combination of actions other than full trash capture, to determine or verify the effectiveness of the action or combination of actions.
Permittees may assess and account for one or more trash generation areas in a single trash management area within which a control action or combination of control actions is implemented. The visual on-land assessment method used shall meet or exceed the following criteria:
(i) Conduct observations of the sidewalk, curb and gutter within each trash management area, or locations associated with sources of trash.
(ii) Conduct observations at randomly selected locations covering at least ten percent of a trash management area's street miles or at strategic locations, provided they are representative of trash generation in the management area and they will represent the effectiveness of the control action(s) implemented or planned in the management area.
(iii) Conduct observations at a frequency consistent with known or estimated trash generation rate(s) within a trash management area and the time frequency of the control action(s) implemented or planned in the management area. Conduct observations for effectiveness approximately at the halfway point of the interval between instances of recurring trash control actions such as street sweeping and on-land cleanup.
(iv) Permittees may put forth substantive and credible evidence that certain management actions or sets of management actions when performed to a specified performance standard yield a certain trash reduction outcome reliably. Permittees shall submit such evidence to the Executive Officer as a submittal separate from any other submittals or reports. If this evidence is accepted by the Executive Officer, the Permittees may claim a similar trash reduction outcome by demonstrating that they have performed these management actions at the specified performance
standard.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 6
iv. Percentage Discharge Reduction – Percentage discharge reduction from 2009 from Very High generation areas reduced to High, Moderate, and Low, High generation areas reduced to Moderate and Low, and Moderate trash generation areas reduced to Low trash generation category to meet the required total percent reduction (% Reduction) shall be calculated based on the following formula:
% Reduction = 100 [(12AVH(2009) + 4AH(2009) + AM(2009)) - (12Avh + 4Ah + AM)] /(12AVH2009 + 4AH2009 + AM2009)
where:
AVH(2009) = total amount of the 2009 very high trash generation category jurisdictional area
AH(2009) = total amount of the 2009 high trash generation category jurisdictional area
AM(2009) = total amount of the 2009 moderate trash generation category jurisdictional area
AVH = total amount of very high trash generation category jurisdictional area in the reporting year
AH = total amount of high trash generation category v
jurisdictional area in the reporting year
AM = total amount of moderate trash generation category jurisdictional area in the reporting year
12 = Very High to Moderate weighing ratio
4 = High to Moderate weighing ratio
100 = fraction to percentage conversion factor
v. Source Control – Permittee jurisdiction-wide actions to reduce trash at the source, particularly persistent trash items other than those addressed under previous Permits (foam foodware and single-use plastic bags) may be valued toward trash load reduction compliance by up to ten percent load reduction total for all such actions. To claim a load percentage reduction value, Permittees must provide substantive and credible evidence that new source control actions are being implemented jurisdiction-wide and reduce trash by the claimed value. A Permittee may support its claimed source reduction value with reference studies from other jurisdictions provided that it also provide credible evidence that the chosen source control action would achieve comparable trash reduction if implemented in the Permittee’s jurisdiction.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 7
A jurisdiction-wide source control load reduction value cannot be claimed after June 30, 2025. However, Permittees may demonstrate and claim full trash capture equivalence of a source control in specific trash generation areas or in combination with other controls in an area if the control or combination of controls are documented, assessed, and verified in accordance with Provision C.10.b.iii.
vi. Partial Trash Reduction – Curb Inlet Screens – Studies conducted by the Permittees during MRP 2 assessed the benefit of other control measures, such as curb inlet screens in combination with street sweeping, in reducing the amount of trash discharged through MS4s. However, additional information is needed to determine the effectiveness of curb inlet screens in reducing trash within a given trash management area. Permittees may demonstrate through further assessment and study, as described below, that the installation and appropriate maintenance of curb inlet screens, accompanied by street sweeping at an appropriate frequency, within Moderate trash generation areas can effectively reduce the trash generation rate to Low under the following conditions:
(a) Permittees shall propose an acceptable method to verify that the area where curb inlet screens have been or will be installed are Moderate trash generating. Permittees shall also propose an appropriate method and frequency of verification, post installation, on the change (if any) in the trash generation rate following the installation of curb inlet screens.
(b) Permittees shall propose an appropriate street sweeping frequency where curb inlet screens are installed that, when implemented, effectively reduces the area’s trash generation rate to Low. (c) At a minimum, Permittees shall evaluate street sweeping effectiveness based on multiple factors other than frequency, and sufficient to allow a determination of proper and effective street sweeper access. Examples of additional evaluations that could be completed include effectiveness associated with enhanced street/curb accessibility via proper signage, ticketing, and towing vehicles when appropriate.
(d) The inspection and maintenance of each curb inlet screen shall be conducted at a frequency sufficient to ensure the screen is functioning appropriately, e.g., a screen is not stuck in an open position or plugged, including plugging of the screen leading to opening of the screen under flows less than those described in Provision C.10.a.ii.(a). (e) Permittees shall propose an appropriate method of covering/blocking horizontal surface grates during street sweeping events (to prevent Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 8
trash from being swept into the grates), and an appropriate method for capturing smaller pieces of trash/debris from entering the MS4 via the horizontal surface grates.
(f) Permittees shall submit the results of the additional study, as described above, for Executive Officer approval. The report must appropriately describe and demonstrate the conditions under which the combined use of curb inlet screens and street sweeping effectively reduce the trash generation rate of an area from Moderate to Low.
C.10.c. Requirements for Flood Management Agencies
Flood management agencies must continue to implement requirements for trash capture systems, as specified in Table 10-1, below. Flood management agencies must also implement trash control measures such as trash pickups and installation of trash receptacles, to control Moderate, High, and Very High trash generation areas within their jurisdiction including, but not limited to, parking lots, trailhead areas, and along recreational paths and trails, and demonstrate effectiveness of these trash control measures as specified in Provision C.10.b.iii.
Table 10-1. Requirements for Flood Management Agencies
Flood Management Agency Trash Capture Requirement
Santa Clara Valley Water District 4 trash booms or 8 outfall capture devices (minimum 2 ft. diameter outfall) or equivalent
measures
Alameda County Flood Control
Agency
3 trash booms or 6 outfall capture devices
(minimum 2 ft. diameter outfall) or equivalent
measures
Alameda Co. Zone 7 Flood Control
Agency
1 trash boom or 2 outfall capture devices
(minimum 2 ft. diameter outfall) or equivalent
measures
Contra Costa County Flood Control
Agency
2 trash booms or 4 outfall capture devices
(minimum 2 ft. diameter outfall) or equivalent
measures
San Mateo County Flood and Sea
Level Rise Resiliency District
1 trash boom or 2 outfall capture devices
(minimum 2 ft. diameter outfall) or equivalent
measures
Vallejo Flood & Wastewater District1 trash boom or 2 outfall capture devices or equivalent measures (minimum 2 ft.
diameter outfall)
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 9
C.10.d. Trash Load Reduction Plans
i. Permittees shall maintain, and provide for inspection and review upon request, a Trash Load Reduction Plan, including an implementation schedule to meet the Provision C.10.a Trash Load Reduction requirements. A summary of any new revisions to the Plan shall be included in the Annual Report. The Plan shall describe trash load reduction control actions being implemented or planned and the trash generation areas or trash management areas where the actions are or will be implemented, including jurisdiction-wide actions such as source control ordinances. The Plans may include actions to control sources outside of the Permittees’ jurisdictions that are causing or contributing to adverse trash impacts in the receiving water(s). Permittees that choose to implement such control actions may account for them towards meeting the Provision C.10.a Trash Load Reduction requirements as long as they can demonstrate the controls will be sustained, and they quantify the sustained load reduction benefit (relative to control actions in the trash generation areas or trash management areas in their jurisdiction that drained to the affected receiving water).
ii. Permittees shall calculate their trash load reduction, relative to 2009 baseline conditions, without the trash load reduction offsets described in Provision C.10.f, as of June 30, 2023. If that reduction is less than 90 percent, then Permittees shall develop and implement an updated Trash Load Reduction Plan. Pursuant to Provision C.22.c, the updated Trash Load Reduction Plan shall include a schedule of additional trash load reduction implementation actions sufficient to achieve compliance with the 90 percent compliance benchmark within a reasonable timeframe, and the 100 percent reduction from 2009 levels, achieved through implementation of full trash capture, or other equivalent actions, consistent with the requirements of this Provision, by June 30, 2025. Permittees shall submit their updated Trash Load Reduction Plans with their 2023 Annual Report.
iii. Permittees unable to attain 100 percent trash load reduction, relative to 2009 baseline conditions, by June 30, 2025, while accounting for credits from new source controls (as described in Provision C.10.b.v) may be granted additional time until December 31, 2025, and East Contra Costa County Permittees until June 30, 2026, to achieve 100 percent reduction via full trash capture, or equivalent, contingent on developing and implementing an approved Direct Discharge Control Plan as described in Provision C.10.f.ii.
C.10.e. Impracticability Report
Permittees may collectively submit a programmatic report by March 31, 2023, for the approval of the Executive Officer, that describes conditions under which Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 10
it is impracticable to control trash via full trash capture devices. The impracticability report shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
i. A description of the engineering constraints that prevent the installation of full trash capture devices.
ii. A process for evaluating and determining impracticability of full trash capture devices.
iii. Alternative Controls: The report shall include alternative controls or a combination of controls that may be implemented to reduce trash loads to meet the requirements and deadlines in Provision C.10.a. Examples of alternative controls include, but are not limited to, requiring businesses or property owners to pick up litter, successful implementation of excess trash receptacles and collection services, increased code enforcement or parking enforcement/ticketing/towing, additional trash pick-ups, street sweeping, assessment and execution of cooperative implementation opportunities with Caltrans or neighboring Permittees, curb inlet screens, and long term measures such as pump station or storm drain retrofits, implementation of green stormwater infrastructure that controls trash, or changes to the catchment to allow effective implementation of full trash capture measures. iv. Permittees shall use an approved trash impracticability report in developing the updated Trash Load Reduction Workplans required by Provision C.10.d.
C.10.f. Optional Trash Load Reduction Offset Opportunities i. Creek and Shoreline Cleanup – A Permittee may offset part of its Provision C.10.a trash load percent reduction requirement by conducting cleanup of creek and shoreline areas. The creek and shoreline cleanup efforts should be conducted at a minimum frequency of twice per year, and sufficient to demonstrate sustained improvement of the creek or shoreline area. The maximum offset that may be claimed is ten percent. Offsets for creek and shoreline cleanups will no longer be applicable after June 30, 2025.
A Permittee may claim a load reduction offset of one percent for the June 30, 2023 mandatory trash reduction compliance benchmark for each total of trash volume removed from cleanups that is ten percent of the Permittees’ 2009 trash load volume estimates, based on its trash generation maps and average categorical trash generation rates (see Provision C.10.a.ii), in accordance with the following formula:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 11
1% Reduction Offset (Volume) = (12 + 4 AH(2009) + AM(2009)) OF where:
AVH(2009) = total amount of 2009 very high trash generation category jurisdictional area
AH(2009) = total amount of 2009 high trash generation category jurisdictional area
AM(2009) = total amount of 2009 moderate trash generation category jurisdictional area
12 = Very High to Moderate weighing ratio
4 = High to Moderate weighing ratio
OF = offset factor equal to (7.5 x 0.1) for the 2023 mandatory trash load reduction deadline, where 7.5 is the conversion from acres to gallons based on trash generation rates and 0.1 is the ten to one offset ratio. ii. Direct Trash Discharge Controls – Permittees with an approved Direct Discharge Control Plan (DDCP) may claim up to fifteen percent using the Provision C.10.f.i formula towards offsetting their Provision C.10.a trash load percent reduction requirement. The DDCP shall include a detailed description of control measures the Permittee will implement to control the direct discharge of trash to receiving waters from non-storm drain system sources.
Offsets for direct discharge controls will no longer be applicable after June 30, 2025.
Permittees wishing to submit a new DDCP pursuant to Provision C.10.d.iii shall submit the DDCP for approval no later than April 1, 2024. Permittees with an existing DDCP approved during the Previous Permit shall submit an updated DDCP for approval no later than January 3, 2023, in order to continue claiming trash load percent reduction offsets. DDCPs shall be sufficient to provide trash reduction benefits equivalent to or greater than the areas not yet in compliance, as calculated using the formula in Provision C.10.b.iv, and shall include:
(a) A description of sources of the directly discharged trash; (b) A description of control actions that will be implemented during the permit term to prevent or reduce direct discharge trash loads, including those associated with unsheltered homeless populations and illegal dumping, in a systematic and comprehensive manner; (i) For Permittees whose DDCPs address significant discharges from populations experiencing unsheltered homelessness, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 12
systematic and comprehensive implementation of control actions shall include a commitment to, and a plan for, increasing the provision of emergency, transitional, and/or permanent housing, and the following services: trash and sanitary services, and other services which are necessary to reduce discharges associated with unsheltered homelessness, such as RV safe parking areas and pump out services, and social services that can help the unsheltered homeless transition to housing.
The DDCP shall prioritize providing housing and services to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness who are living near receiving waters.
The DDCP shall document the existing capacities for housing and services as of the time of the DDCP's submittal, and include projections of changes to those capacities for each subsequent year during the Permit term.
(ii) For Permittees whose DDCPs address significant discharges from illegal dumping, systematic and comprehensive
implementation of control actions shall include a commitment to, and a plan for, actions that will prevent direct discharges of trash to receiving waters from illegal dumping. Such actions include, but are not limited to, abating illegal dumping sites, providing dumping vouchers (particularly to socioeconomically
disadvantaged communities), holding free waste drop-off events, and implementing onsite structural BMPs to prevent direct discharges from illegal dumping sites to receiving waters.
The DDCP shall prioritize addressing illegal dumping that occurs near receiving waters.
The DDCP shall document existing sites where illegal dumping occurs, controls at illegal dumping sites, voucher and free waste drop-off programs, and include projections for reductions in illegal dumping, increases of controls at illegal dumping sites, and expansions of (or the creation of) programs to control illegal dumping, such as dumping voucher programs and waste drop-off events, for each subsequent year during the Permit term. (iii) For Permittees whose DDCPs address significant discharges from both unsheltered homeless populations and illegal dumping sites, Permittees shall submit DDCPs in compliance with both Provisions C.10.f.ii.b.(i) and C.10.f.ii.b.(ii).
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 13
(c) A map of the affected receiving water area and associated watershed; and
(d) A description of how effectiveness of controls will be assessed, including documentation of controls, quantification of trash volume controlled, and assessment of resulting improvements to receiving water conditions.
C.10.g. Reporting
Each Permittee shall provide the following in each Annual Report or otherwise by the date specified:
i. With each Annual Report, a summary of trash control actions within each trash management area, including the types of actions, levels of implementation, areal extent of implementation, and whether the actions are ongoing or new, including initiation date.
ii. With their 2024 Annual Report, Permittees shall submit a revised trash generation area map or maps, as described in Provision C.10.a.ii. iii. With each Annual Report, a summary of implementation actions and progress toward meeting the July 1, 2025, requirement for all private lands to implement full trash capture systems, or be managed with trash discharge control actions equivalent to or better than full trash capture systems, as required in Provision C.10.a.ii.(b).
iv. With each Annual Report, certification that each of its full trash capture systems is operated and maintained to meet full trash capture system requirements; a description of any system(s) that did not meet full trash capture system requirements (e.g., due to plugging or overflowing); and any corrective actions taken.
v. With each Annual Report, an accounting of its non-full trash capture system trash control actions assessments by providing a summary description of assessments in each of its trash management areas, including the number and dates of observations.
vi. Permittees unable to attain the 90 percent mandatory trash reduction compliance benchmark by June 30, 2023, via full trash capture, or equivalent, shall, by June 30, 2023, submit a notice of noncompliance, pursuant to Provision C.22.c and an updated Trash Load Reduction Plan as described in Provision C.10.d.ii.
vii. With their 2023 Annual Report, Permittees shall submit a report evaluating their trash reduction, relative to 2009 baseline conditions, as of June 30, 2023, without including offsets. Permittees unable to meet the 90 percent mandatory trash reduction compliance benchmark without the trash load reduction offsets Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 14
described in Provision C.10.f shall submit, with their 2023 Annual Report, an updated Trash Load Reduction Plan as described in Provision C.10.d.ii. viii. Permittees unable to attain 100 percent trash load reduction, relative to 2009 baseline conditions, by June 30, 2025, while accounting for credits from new source control (as described in Provision C.10.b.v) shall, by June 30, 2025, submit a notice of noncompliance pursuant to Provision C.22.c, including a plan to come into compliance with the 100 percent trash load reduction requirement. Permittees may be granted additional time until December 31, 2025, and East Contra Costa County Permittees until June 30, 2026, to achieve 100 reduction via full trash capture, or equivalent, contingent on developing and implementing a direct discharge control plan (DDCP) as described in Provision C.10.f.ii.
Permittees, except East Contra Costa County Permittees, that are granted additional time until December 31, 2025, to attain 100 percent reduction via full trash capture, or equivalent, shall submit by December 31, 2025, either a report that confirms that they reached 100 percent trash load reduction by December 31, 2025, or a notice of noncompliance pursuant to Provision C.22.c.
ix. By March 31, 2023, Permittees may collectively submit a programmatic report for the approval of the Executive Officer, that describes typical conditions where it may be impracticable to control trash via full trash capture devices, as described in Provision C.10.e.
x. With the 2024 Annual Report, Permittees that offset part of their Provision C.10.a trash load percent reduction requirement through additional cleanup of creek and shoreline areas, as described in Provision C.10.f.i, shall submit a summary of the additional cleanup actions implemented, and the benefit to water quality achieved through those actions.
xi. Starting with the 2023 Annual Report, Permittees with approved DDCPs shall provide the following information in each Annual Report for which they use an offset from the implementation of Provision C.10.f.ii towards their trash load percent reduction:
(1) For Permittees whose DDCPs address significant discharges from unsheltered homeless populations, the following information for the current year, and for each prior year of the Permit term:
The estimated number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in their jurisdiction; the estimated number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness living within approximately 500 feet of receiving waters; the estimated portion of those populations provided housing as described in Provision C.10.f.ii.b.(i); the estimated portion of Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.10.
C.10 - 15
those populations served with the services described in Provision C.10.f.ii.b.(i); the number and scope of sanitation controls and services provided to homeless encampments; the number and scope of trash controls and services provided to homeless encampments; and the number and scope of sanitary cleanouts and other services provided to RVs. Each of these reporting elements shall be accompanied by a narrative description.
(2) For Permittees whose DDCPs address significant discharges from illegal dumping sites, the following information for the current year, and for each prior year of the Permit term:
The total number of active illegal dumping sites; the number of active illegal dumping sites within approximately 500 feet of receiving waters; the number of illegal dumping sites where trash was collected and the amount of material collected; dumping vouchers provided (and who they are provided to); dumping vouchers used; and outreach and education provided to the public regarding illegal dumping and the availability of dumping vouchers. Each of these reporting elements shall be accompanied by a narrative description.
(3) For Permittees whose DDCPs address significant discharges from both unsheltered homeless populations and illegal dumping sites, the Permittees shall report on both Provision C.10.g.xi.(1) and C.10.g.xi.(2) in each Annual Report.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 1
C.11. Mercury Controls
The Permittees shall implement the following control program for mercury. This control program consists of load reduction assessment, source control measures, treatment control measures, measures to reduce risk to consumers of Bay fish, and reporting on all these measures according to the provisions below. The provisions implement the urban runoff requirements of the San Francisco Bay and Guadalupe River Watershed mercury TMDLs for those waters identified therein and reduce mercury loads by approximately 10 kg/yr, making substantial progress toward achieving the urban runoff mercury load allocations established for the TMDLs. The San Francisco Bay mercury TMDL implementation plan calls for attainment of the regionwide, urban runoff wasteload allocation of 82 kg/yr by February 2028. This mercury wasteload allocation represents a load reduction from all urban runoff sources to the Bay of approximately 78 kg/yr compared to loads estimated using data collected prior to development of the TMDL. To measure progress, the TMDL implementation plan calls for attainment of an interim loading milestone by February 2018 of 120 kg/yr, halfway between the 2003 estimated load, 160 kg/yr, and the aggregate allocation. This interim loading milestone has been achieved. The Permittees may comply with any requirement of this Provision through a collaborative effort and are encouraged to do so.
C.11.a. Assess Mercury Load Reductions from Stormwater
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall implement an assessment methodology and data collection program to quantify, in a technically sound manner, mercury loads reduced through implementation of pollution prevention, source control, and treatment control, green stormwater infrastructure and other measures taken as part of the mercury control program defined by this provision. A technically sound load reduction accounting system is described in the Fact Sheet and is based on information submitted by Permittees in the January 2014 Integrated Monitoring Report and updated through reporting during the last Permit term as part of Reasonable Assurance Analysis reporting submitted by all Programs in September 2020.
This accounting system describes calculation methodologies, data requirements, and model parameters used to quantify the load reduction for each type of control measure. The Permittees shall use the assessment methodology to demonstrate the load reductions achieved during this Permit term as well as progress toward achieving the MRP program area mercury TMDL wasteload allocations. The Permittees shall update this assessment methodology as necessary for use in the subsequent permit term. ii. Implementation Level – The Permittees shall quantify the mercury load reductions achieved through all the pollution prevention, source control, green stormwater infrastructure, and other treatment control measures implemented Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 2
during this Permit term as described in Provisions C.11.b through C.11.e. For this Permit term, the Permittees will achieve a regionwide total load reduction of approximately 10 kg mercury/yr if they implement effective mercury control measures consistent with all requirements of Provisions C.11.b through C.11.g. The Permittee-specific portion of the regionwide mercury load reduction estimate shall be based on the proportion of county population in each municipality.
iii. Reporting
(1) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall submit documentation confirming that all control measures effectuated during the previous Permit term for which load reduction credit was recognized continue to be implemented at an intensity sufficient to maintain the credited load reduction. (2) In the 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report the total loads reduced using the assessment methodologies described and cited in the Fact Sheet to demonstrate cumulative mercury load reduced from each control measure implemented since the beginning of the Permit term. This report shall also include an estimate of load reductions from control measures taking place after the 2026 Annual Report submittal but before the end of the permit term. Permittees shall submit all supporting data and information necessary to substantiate the load reduction estimates. (3) In their 2026 Annual Report, the Permittees shall submit, for Executive Officer approval, any refinements, if necessary, to the measurement and estimation methodologies to assess mercury load reductions from control measures in the subsequent Permit. Any refinements to the methodologies shall be subject to public review.
C.11.b. Program for Source Property Identification and Abatement i. Task Description – Permittees shall investigate, using both conventional sampling and laboratory analysis techniques, land areas that likely contribute mercury to municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4s). These investigations will likely focus on land areas where industrial activities occurred prior to 1980 and continue today (i.e., old industrial land use areas). For those properties or land areas found to be contributing substantial amounts of mercury or where high mercury concentrations are found (generally areas with sediment concentrations greater than 0.5 mg Hg/kg), Permittees shall take action to abate the mercury sources into their MS4s or refer the properties to the Water Board for follow-up measures. Historical monitoring data suggest that mercury concentrations on or near source properties are similar to those found in urban areas in general so identification of source properties for referral may be based on presence of high PCBs concentrations (generally 0.5 mg PCBs/kg) alone. For each source property referred to the Water Board, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 3
Permittees shall implement interim enhanced operation and maintenance (enhanced O&M) measures in the street or storm drain infrastructure adjacent to the referred source property or implement a stormwater treatment system downstream of the property. These enhanced O&M measures shall be sufficient to intercept historically deposited contaminated sediment in the vicinity of the source area and prevent further contaminated sediment from being discharged from the source area to the storm drain system. ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall investigate the following acreage of likely mercury source properties (accomplished through C.12.b investigations) during the permit term.
Alameda County: 2,620 acres
Contra Costa County: 1,700 acres
San Mateo County: 1,411 acres
Santa Clara County: 913 acres
Solano County: 21 acres
If high mercury concentrations associated with a likely source property are detected, Permittees may submit monitoring information to support estimation of the aerial yield to receive mercury load reduction credit, contingent upon implementation of interim enhanced O&M measures in the street or storm drain infrastructure adjacent to the source property or implementation of a stormwater treatment system downstream of the property. iii. Reporting
(1) In each of the 2022 through 2026 Annual Reports, Permittees shall report progress on the acreage of land areas investigated, including progress toward investigation of 100 percent of the old industrial land use indicated above. The reporting shall indicate what action was taken for the parcels investigated (e.g., abatement, referral, enforcement, etc.). Permittees shall submit all supporting data and information including referral reports. (2) Permittees shall report annually on ongoing enhanced O&M activities associated with all past contaminated property referrals. Prior to all new referrals, Permittees shall submit, for staff review and comment, a detailed description of the enhanced O&M plan for the referred properties. (3) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of reporting under Provision C.11.a.iii(2) on total acreage of land area investigated, area and description of properties referred, description of enhanced O&M measures, and the estimated total mercury mass load reduced (consistent with the approved accounting procedures) resulting from implementing this control measure.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 4
C.11.c. Program for Control Measure Implementation in Old Industrial Areas i. Task Description – Permittees shall implement or cause to be implemented treatment control measures, stormwater diversion to wastewater treatment facilities, redevelopment (provided GSI is implemented in compliance with C.3.b), or other control measures to achieve mercury load reductions.
Permittees have substantial (totaling over 33,100 acres) areas of old industrial land use draining to an MS4 that have not been redeveloped or treated with green stormwater infrastructure or other treatment controls. Alameda County: 9,374 acres
Contra Costa County: 11,199 acres
San Mateo County: 4,450 acres
Santa Clara County: 6,647 acres
Solano County: 1,426 acres
Implementation of treatment control measures on 2,580 acres (which is nearly 8 percent of the land area shown above) will result in a total estimated load reduction of about 108 g mercury/yr (2,580 acres x 70% efficiency x 60 mg mercury/acre/yr estimated yield from old industrial areas, see Fact Sheet) in the area covered by the Permit. Implementation of control measures with efficiency lower than 70% will result in reduced acreage credit (for those lower efficiency control measures) toward fulfillment of the total acreage requirement shown below. The acres credited will be proportional to the ratio of implemented control measure efficiency relative to the efficiency of treatment controls (see Fact Sheet for more explanation and examples). The old industrial land use acreages to be addressed by control measure implementation by the end of the permit term and the estimated mercury load reductions (for 70% control measure efficiency) are shown below. Permittees may comply with this provision element either through implementation of control measures on the following amounts of old industrial land use, based on implementation of 70% efficient control measures, or through accounting for the mass reduction of mercury shown in parentheses. If control measures are less than 70% efficient, the required acreage shall be calculated as set forth above.
Alameda County: 664 acres (28 grams/yr)
Contra Costa County: 664 acres (28 grams/yr)
San Mateo County: 445 acres (19 grams/yr)
Santa Clara County: 664 acres (28 grams/yr)
Solano County: 142 acres (6 grams/yr)
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 5
ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall, within the permit term, implement or cause to be implemented control measures (treatment controls, diversion to wastewater treatment plants, redevelopment (provided GSI implemented in compliance with Provision C.3.b), enhanced operation and maintenance controls, or other controls) to comply with the performance metrics in Provision C.11.c.i. Use of conditionally-approved sizing criteria cited in section C.3.j(3)(b) for treatment control systems will be considered provided an analysis is performed, acceptable to the Executive Officer, to determine the reduced effectiveness of the facility sized according to these alternative criteria. If a Permittee chooses to comply by demonstrating mercury load reductions, it shall use accounting methods consistent with Provision C.11.a.
Implementation of treatment controls and stormwater diversion in mercurycontaminated catchments not designated as old industrial may count toward fulfillment of the required acreage. In choosing locations for treatment controls and diversions, Permittees should focus on public rights-of-way and storm drain infrastructure in catchments containing known or suspected source areas or evidence of moderate to high mercury or PCBs soil concentrations (generally soil/sediment concentrations greater than 0.3 mg mercury/kg or 0.2 mg PCBs/kg). Treatment control systems must be designed and sized consistent with Provision C.3.d – (Numeric Sizing Criteria for Stormwater Treatment Systems). Permittees may choose to implement diversions to wastewater treatment systems to address this requirement. Because of the higher removal efficiency of wastewater treatment facilities, each acre addressed by routing stormwater to wastewater treatment facilities will be credited as 1.3 acres toward satisfying the treatment requirements provided that the diversion facilities are sized and operated consistent with the sizing requirements used for non-diversion treatment facilities. iii. Reporting
(1) By March 31, 2023, Permittees shall submit plans and schedules for implementing control measures and stormwater diversion to wastewater treatment facilities in old industrial areas to address mercury load reduction requirements included in this provision. This reporting shall include maps of the areas where control measures are to be implemented, the acreage of these catchments, and a description of design and sizing features all control measures, treatment devices and stormwater diversion facilities implemented for each treated catchment.
(2) Beginning in 2023, in each Annual Report Permittees shall submit an account of control measure and stormwater diversion implementation consistent with the plan submitted in March 2023 and any modifications thereto. Reporting shall include maps of the areas treated, the acreage of Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 6
catchments addressed, and a description of all control measures, installed treatment devices and routing facilities for each treated catchment. (3) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of reporting under Provision C.11.a.iii(2) on all control measures and stormwater diversion measures implemented during the permit term and provide the total acreage treated and an estimate of the total mercury mass load reduced resulting from this implementation.
C.11.d. Mercury Collection and Recycling Implemented throughout the Region i. Task Description – Permittees shall promote, facilitate, and/or participate in collection and recycling of mercury containing consumer products, devices, and equipment (e.g., thermometers, thermostats, switches, bulbs). Mercury is found in a wide variety of consumer products (e.g., fluorescent bulbs, thermostats, thermometers) that are subject to recycling requirements. These recycling efforts are already happening throughout the Region, and Provision C.11.d requires promotion, facilitation and/or participation in these region-wide recycling efforts to increase effectiveness and public participation. ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall promote recycling of mercurycontaining products and make efforts to increase effectiveness of these recycling efforts throughout the region. Recycling of mercury-containing bulbs and thermostats alone results in a regionwide load reduction of approximately 10 kg mercury per year.50
iii. Reporting
(1) In each of the 2023 through 2026 Annual Reports, Permittees shall report on efforts to promote recycling of mercury-containing products and efforts to increase effectiveness of these recycling efforts. Permittees shall also report on the mass of mercury-containing material collected throughout the region along with an estimate of the mass of mercury contained in recycled material using the methodology contained in load reduction accounting system described and cited in the Fact Sheet.
C.11.e. Plan and Implement Green Stormwater Infrastructure to Reduce Mercury Loads
i. Task Description – Permittees shall implement green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects during the term of the Permit consistent with implementing requirements in Provision C.3.j. Implementation of green 50 Geosyntec Consultants and San Francisco Estuary Institute. 2010. “Desktop Evaluation of Controls for Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Mercury Load Reduction.”
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 7
stormwater infrastructure will result in a total estimated load reductions of 108 g mercury/yr (see Fact Sheet for basis of estimate).
ii. Implementation Level – The level of implementation is determined by the requirements of Provision C.3.j.
iii. Reporting
(1) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of Provision C.11.a.iii(2)) on all green stormwater projects (e.g., parcel-based, street ROW, and regional projects) implemented during the permit term and provide the total acreage treated and an estimate of the total mercury mass load reduced resulting from this implementation. This reporting shall include summary descriptions of the implemented projects including GSI type, location, and area.
C.11.f. Prepare Implementation Plan and Schedule to Achieve TMDL Wasteload Allocations
i. Task Description – In 2020, Permittees submitted a Reasonable Assurance Analysis and plan (RAA) demonstrating that sufficient control measures will be implemented to attain the mercury TMDL wasteload allocations by 2028.
Permittees shall evaluate the effectiveness of all mercury control measures and update the RAA as necessary. Updates can be focused on those control measures for which new information is available and for control measures not evaluated in previous efforts. Permittees shall also prepare detailed implementation plans for all control measures to be implemented in and inform permit requirements for the subsequent permit term.
ii. Implementation level – Permittees shall update, as necessary, their mercury control measures implementation plan and corresponding reasonable assurance analysis from the previous permit term (2015-2020, MRP 2). The update may be focused on control measures for which new information is available or for those control measures not previously evaluated. The longterm plan must:
(1) Identify all technically and economically feasible mercury control measures to be implemented (including GSI projects); and (2) Include a schedule according to which these technically and economically feasible control measures will be fully implemented; and (3) Provide an evaluation and quantification of the mercury load reduction of such measures as well as an evaluation of costs, control measure efficiency and significant environmental impacts resulting from their implementation.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 8
Additionally, Permittees shall identify all specific control measures to be implemented, the intensity of control measure implementation, and the estimated load reduction benefit from control measures implemented during the subsequent permit term. This implementation plan must include:
(4) Identification of all control measures implemented during the current permit term and any additional control measures to be implemented in the subsequent permit term;
(5) A description of the intensity or extent of control measure implementation (e.g., acres treated, acres investigated for source areas, types of roadway projects for which protocols applied, etc.);
(6) Identification of accountability metrics to track during the subsequent permit corresponding to the proposed implementation intensity; and (7) Estimates for load reductions to be achieved through implementation of control measures during subsequent permit term at the proposed intensity. iii. Reporting – Permittees shall submit the updated plan and schedule no later than March 31, 2026.
C.11.g. Fate and Transport Study of Mercury: Urban Runoff Impact on San Francisco Bay Margins
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall conduct or cause to be conducted studies concerning the fate, transport, and biological uptake of mercury discharged from urban runoff to San Francisco Bay margin areas. The studies should focus on near-shore areas contaminated with mercury from historical activity and the expected trajectory of recovery as sources from local watersheds are reduced.
ii. Implementation Level – The specific information needs include understanding the in-Bay transport of mercury discharged in urban runoff, the sediment and food web mercury concentrations in margin areas receiving urban runoff, the influence of urban runoff on the patterns of food web mercury accumulation, especially in Bay margins, and the identification of drainages where urban runoff mercury are particularly important in food web accumulation.
iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall submit in their 2023 Annual Report a workplan describing the specific manner in which these information needs will be accomplished and describing the studies to be performed with a preliminary schedule. The Permittees shall report on status of the studies in their 2023 Annual Report. The Permittees shall report in the March 15, 2026, Integrated Monitoring Report the findings and results of the studies completed, planned, Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.11.
C.11 - 9
or in progress as well as implications of studies on potential control measures to be investigated, piloted, or implemented in future permit cycles.
C.11.h. Implement a Risk Reduction Program
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall conduct an ongoing risk reduction program to address public health impacts of mercury in San Francisco Bay/Delta fish. The fish risk reduction program shall take actions to reduce actual and potential health risks in those people and communities most likely to consume San Francisco Bay-caught fish, such as subsistence anglers and their families. The risk reduction framework developed in the previous permit term, which funded community-based organizations to develop and deliver appropriate communications to appropriately targeted individuals and communities, is an appropriate approach. Permittees should work with local health departments, the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies, and the Western States Petroleum Association to leverage resources for this program and to appropriately target at-risk populations.
ii. Implementation Level – At a minimum, Permittees shall conduct or cause to be conducted an ongoing risk reduction program with the potential to reach 3,000 individuals annually who are likely consumers of San Francisco Baycaught fish. Permittees are encouraged to collaborate with San Francisco Bay industrial and wastewater discharger agencies in meeting this requirement. In year four of the Permit term, Permittees shall evaluate the effectiveness of their risk reduction program.
iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall report on the status of the risk reduction program in each of their Annual Reports, including a brief description of actions taken, an estimate of the number of people reached, and why these people are deemed likely to consume Bay fish. The Permittees shall report the findings of the effectiveness evaluation of their risk reduction program in their 2026 Annual Report.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 1
C.12. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Controls
The Permittees shall implement the following control program for PCBs. This control program consists of load reduction assessment, source control measures, treatment control measures, measures to reduce risk to consumers of Bay fish, and reporting on all these measures according to the provisions below. The provisions implement the urban runoff requirements of the PCBs TMDL for those waters identified therein. By implementing the PCBs control measure program requirements, Permittees will make substantial progress (an estimated 1.47 kg/yr of additional load reduction) toward achieving the urban runoff PCBs wasteload allocation from the TMDL. Of the 2 kg/yr overall load allocation for urban runoff sources for the entire region, 1.47 kg/yr has been allocated to Permittees, and loads must be reduced to this level by March 2030. This PCBs wasteload allocation represents a load reduction from all urban runoff sources to the Bay of approximately 18 kg/yr (14.4 kg/yr from Permittees) compared to loads estimated using data collected in 2003. The Permittees may comply with any requirement of this Provision through a collaborative effort and are encouraged to do so.
C.12.a. Assess PCBs Load Reductions from Stormwater
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall implement an assessment methodology and data collection program to quantify, in a technically sound manner, PCBs loads reduced through implementation of pollution prevention, source control, and treatment control, green stormwater infrastructure and other measures taken as part of the PCBs control program defined by this provision. A technically sound load reduction accounting system is described in the Fact Sheet and is based on information submitted by Permittees in the January 2014 Integrated Monitoring Report and updated through reporting during the last Permit term as part of Reasonable Assurance Analysis reporting submitted by all Programs in September 2020. This accounting system describes calculation methodologies, data requirements, and model parameters used to quantify the load reduction for each type of control measure. The Permittees shall use the assessment methodology to demonstrate the load reductions achieved during this Permit term as well as progress toward achieving the MRP program area PCBs TMDL wasteload allocations. The Permittees shall update this assessment methodology as necessary for use in the subsequent permit term.
ii. Implementation Level – The Permittees shall quantify the PCBs load reductions achieved through all the pollution prevention, source control, green stormwater infrastructure, and other treatment control measures implemented during this Permit term as described in Provisions C.12.b through C.12.g. For this Permit term, the Permittees will achieve an estimated regionwide total load reduction of 1.47 kg/yr PCBs if they implement effective PCBs control measures consistent with all requirements of Provisions C.12.b through Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 2
C.12.g. The Permittee-specific portion of the regionwide PCBs load reduction estimate shall be based on the proportion of county population in each municipality.
iii. Reporting
(1) In each Annual Report, Permittees shall submit documentation confirming that all control measures effectuated during the previous Permit term for which load reduction credit was recognized continue to be implemented at an intensity sufficient to maintain the credited load reduction. (2) In the 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report the total loads reduced using the assessment methodologies described and cited in the Fact Sheet to demonstrate cumulative PCBs load reduced from each control measure implemented since the beginning of the Permit term. This report shall also include an estimate of load reductions from control measures taking place after the 2026 Annual Report submittal but before the end of the permit term. Permittees shall submit all supporting data and information necessary to substantiate the load reduction estimates. (3) In their 2026 Annual Report, the Permittees shall submit, for Executive Officer approval, any refinements, if necessary, to the measurement and estimation methodologies to assess PCBs load reductions from control measures in the subsequent Permit. Any refinements to the methodologies shall be subject to public review.
C.12.b. Program for Source Property Identification and Abatement i. Task Description – Permittees shall investigate, using both conventional sampling and laboratory analysis techniques, land areas that likely contribute PCBs to MS4s. These investigations will likely focus on land areas where industrial activities occurred prior to 1980 and continue today (i.e., old industrial land use areas). For those properties or land areas found to be contributing substantial amounts of PCBs or where high PCBs concentrations are found (generally areas with sediment concentrations greater than 0.5 mg PCBs/kg), Permittees shall take actions to abate the PCB sources into their MS4s or refer the properties to the Water Board for follow-up measures. For each source property referred to the Water Board, Permittees should implement interim enhanced operation and maintenance (enhanced O&M) measures in the street or storm drain infrastructure adjacent to the referred source property or implement a stormwater treatment system downstream of the property. These enhanced O&M measures shall be sufficient to intercept historically deposited contaminated sediment in the vicinity of the source area and prevent further contaminated sediment from being discharged from the source area to the storm drain system.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 3
ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall investigate the following acreage of likely PCBs source properties during the permit term.
Alameda County: 2,620 acres
Contra Costa County: 1,700 acres
San Mateo County: 1,411 acres
Santa Clara County: 913 acres
Solano County: 21 acres
Based on data collected through investigating land areas for the presence of source properties during the previous permit terms, this level of implementation will result in PCBs load reductions of approximately 740 g PCBs/yr, 50 percent of which would be credited during this permit term contingent upon implementation of interim enhanced operation and maintenance (enhanced O&M) measures in the street or storm drain infrastructure adjacent to the referred source property or implementation of a stormwater treatment system downstream of the property. iii. Reporting
(1) In each of the 2022 through 2026 Annual Reports, Permittees shall report progress on the acreage of land areas investigated, including progress toward investigation of 100 percent of the old industrial land use indicated above. The reporting shall indicate what action was taken for the parcels investigated (e.g., abatement, referral, enforcement, etc.). Permittees shall submit all supporting data and information including referral reports. (2) Permittees shall report annually on ongoing enhanced O&M activities associated with all past contaminated property referrals. Prior to all new referrals, Permittees shall submit, for staff review and comment, a detailed description of the enhanced O&M plan for the referred properties. (3) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of reporting under Provision C.12.a.iii(2) on total acreage of land area investigated, area and description of properties referred, description of enhanced O&M measures, and the estimated total PCBs mass load reduced (consistent with the approved accounting procedures) resulting from implementing this control measure.
C.12.c. Program for Control Measure Implementation in Old Industrial Areas i. Task Description – Permittees shall implement or cause to be implemented treatment control measures, stormwater diversion to wastewater treatment facilities, redevelopment (provided GSI is implemented in compliance with Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 4
Provision C.3.b), or other control measures to achieve PCBs load reductions.
Permittees have substantial (totaling over 33,100 acres) areas of old industrial land use draining to an MS4 that have not been redeveloped or treated with green stormwater infrastructure or other treatment controls. Alameda County: 9,374 acres
Contra Costa County: 11,199 acres
San Mateo County: 4,450 acres
Santa Clara County: 6,647 acres
Solano County: 1,426 acres
Implementation of treatment control measures on 2,580 acres (which is about 8 percent of the land area shown above) will result in a total estimated load reduction of about 467 g PCBs/yr (2,580 acres x 10% of area x 70% efficiency x 259 mg PCBs/acre/yr estimated yield from old industrial areas, see Fact Sheet) in the area covered by the Permit. Implementation of control measures with efficiency lower than 70 percent will result in reduced acreage credited (for those lower efficiency control measures) toward fulfillment of the total acreage requirement shown below. The acres credited will be proportional to the ratio of implemented control measure efficiency relative to the efficiency of treatment controls (see Fact Sheet for more explanation and examples). The old industrial land use acreages to be addressed by control measure implementation by the end of the permit term and the estimated PCBs load reductions (for 70 percent control measure efficiency) are shown below.
Permittees may comply with this provision element either through implementation of control measures on the following amounts of old industrial land use, based on implementation of 70 percent efficient control measures, or through accounting for the mass reduction of PCBs shown in parentheses. If control measures are less than 70 percent efficient, the required acreage shall be calculated as set forth above.
Alameda County: 664 acres (121 grams/yr)
Contra Costa County: 664 acres (121 grams/yr)
San Mateo County: 445 acres (81 grams/yr)
Santa Clara County: 664 acres (121 grams/yr)
Solano County: 142 acres (26 grams/yr)
ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall, within the permit term, implement or cause to be implemented control measures (treatment controls, diversion to wastewater treatment plants, redevelopment (provided GSI implemented in compliance with Provision C.3.b), enhanced operation and maintenance controls, or other controls) to comply with the performance metrics in Provision C.12.c.i. If a Permittee chooses to comply by demonstrating PCBs load Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 5
reductions, it shall use accounting methods consistent with Provision C.12.a.
Implementation of treatment controls and stormwater diversion in PCBscontaminated catchments not designated as old industrial may count toward fulfillment of the required acreage. In choosing locations for treatment controls and diversions, Permittees should focus on public rights-of-way and storm drain infrastructure in catchments containing known or suspected source areas or evidence of moderate to high PCBs soil concentrations (generally soil/sediment concentrations greater than 0.3 mg mercury/kg or 0.2 mg PCBs/kg). Treatment control systems must be designed and sized consistent with Provision C.3.d (Numeric Sizing Criteria for Stormwater Treatment Systems). Use of conditionally-approved sizing criteria cited in section C.3.j(3)(b) for treatment control systems will be considered provided an analysis is performed, acceptable to the Executive Officer, to determine the reduced effectiveness of the facility sized according to these alternative criteria. Permittees may choose to implement diversions to wastewater treatment systems to address this requirement. Because of the higher removal efficiency of wastewater treatment facilities, each acre addressed by routing stormwater to wastewater treatment facilities will be credited as 1.3 acres toward satisfying the treatment requirements provided that the diversion facilities are sized and operated consistent with the sizing requirements used for non-diversion treatment facilities.
iii. Reporting
(1) By March 31, 2023, Permittees shall submit plans and schedules for implementing control measures and stormwater diversion to wastewater treatment facilities in old industrial areas to address PCBs load reduction requirements included in this provision. This reporting shall include maps of the areas where control measures are to be implemented, the acreage of these catchments, and a description of design and sizing features all control measures, treatment devices and stormwater diversion facilities implemented for each treated catchment.
(2) Beginning in 2023, in each Annual Report Permittees shall submit an account of control measure and stormwater diversion implementation consistent with the plan submitted in March 2023 and any modifications thereto. Reporting shall include maps of the areas treated, the acreage of catchments addressed, and a description of all control measures, installed treatment devices and routing facilities for each treated catchment. (3) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of reporting under Provision C.12.a.iii(2) on all control measures and stormwater diversion measures implemented during the permit term and provide the total acreage treated and an estimate of the total PCBs mass load reduced resulting from this implementation.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 6
C.12.d. Program for Controlling PCBs from Bridges and Overpasses i. Task Description – Permittees shall implement a Caltrans specification (to be developed through proposed requirement in Caltrans stormwater permit, see Fact Sheet for details) to manage, as part of bridge and overpass roadway replacement or major repair, potential PCBs-containing material in bridge roadway expansion joints. Implementation of this specification will result in a total estimated load reductions of 300 g PCBs/yr (see Fact Sheet for calculation details in the program area). Countywide programs and their member municipalities will be credited with a portion of this total load reduction in proportion to their share of population. Load reduction credit for this program will begin upon submittal of documentation demonstrating full implementation of the Caltrans specification for applicable roadway structures. ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall track the development of the Caltrans specification and develop an inventory of bridges in their jurisdictions that includes bridge ownership and a replacement/repair schedule. Finally, Permittees shall, by December 31, 2022, or six months after availability of the specification, implement or cause to be implemented the Caltrans specification during applicable replacement activities that are under the direction of the Permittee.
iii. Reporting
(1) In their 2022 Annual Report or the Annual Report immediately following availability of the specification, Permittees shall include a description of the Caltrans specification for managing PCBs-containing materials in bridge or roadway expansion joints during roadway replacement or repair. (2) In their 2023 Annual Report, Permittees shall submit an inventory of bridges in the program area that includes bridge ownership and the bridge roadway replacement schedule.
(3) In their 2022 through 2026 Annual Reports, Permittees shall submit documentation confirming the use of the Caltrans specification (once it is available) during all instances of bridge roadway replacement or repair in their jurisdiction during that reporting year and provide an estimate of the volume of material managed and total PCBs mass load reduced resulting from implementation of the specification.
(4) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of reporting under Provision C.12.a.iii.(2) an estimate of the total PCBs mass load reduced, consistent with approved accounting procedures, resulting from implementing this control measure.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 7
C.12.e. Program for Controlling PCBs from Electrical Utilities i. Task Description – Permittees shall (1) develop and implement a program to manage PCBs in oil-filled electrical equipment (OFEE) for municipally-owned electrical utilities in the MRP program area and (2) collaborate with the Water Board to determine PCBs loadings in OFEE from non-municipally owned electrical utilities.
ii. Implementation Level – Permittees shall do the following:
(1) Develop or improve standard operating procedures to respond to, clean up, and report spills and releases from municipally owned OFEE and fully implement these procedures.
(2) Develop and implement a plan to maintain and upgrade municipally owned OFEE.
(3) Document the PCBs loads avoided through existing and ongoing OFEE removal and replacement programs.
(4) Collaborate with the Water Board to request information from nonmunicipally owned electrical utilities. Permittees shall utilize the information to (a) determine the locations of PCBs-containing OFEE, (b) improve estimates of the total baseline mass of PCBs in OFEE in the MRP permit area, (c) evaluate the actions the non-municipally owned electrical utilities are taking to reduce or prevent the release of PCBs from their equipment and to respond to potential releases of PCBs from their equipment; and (d) identify opportunities to improve the response and cleanup protocols.
iii. Reporting
(1) Permittees shall submit in their 2023 Annual Report the estimated PCBs loads avoided (along with supporting documentation) resulting from the removal of municipally-owned PCBs-containing OFEE through maintenance programs and system upgrades for the period 2002 to the beginning of this permit term (2023).
(2) Permittees shall submit in their 2023 Annual Report a description of the improved spill response and reporting practices implemented by municipally owned electrical utilities.
(3) Permittees shall submit in their 2024 Annual Report a summary of their plans to maintain and upgrade OFEE for municipally owned electrical utilities.
(4) Permittees shall submit in every Annual Report, beginning with the 2023 report, a summary of the actions undertaken during that reporting year Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 8
that remove municipally owned PCBs-containing OFEE along with the loads avoided and the details of the calculations and assumptions used to estimate the load reduced.
(5) Permittees shall submit in their 2026 Annual Report, as part of reporting under Provision C.12.a.iii(2), the estimated PCBs loads reduced during the permit term associated with municipally owned OFEE removal resulting from maintenance programs and system upgrades. (6) Within 12-months of the Water Board transmitting to the Permittees information from the non-municipally owned electrical utilities, Permittees shall submit a report discussing the following, to the extent possible given any data limitations: (a) locations of the PCBs-containing OFEE still in service, (b) previous locations of PCBs-containing OFEE, and (c) opportunities to improve non-municipally owned electrical utilities’ standard operating procedures for spill response, reporting, cleanup, and sampling and analysis.
C.12.f. Plan and Implement Green Stormwater Infrastructure to reduce PCBs loads
i. Task Description – Permittees shall implement green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) projects during the term of the Permit consistent with implementing requirements in Provision C.3.j. Implementation of green stormwater infrastructure will result in a total estimated load reductions of 200 g PCBs/yr (see Fact Sheet for basis of estimate).
ii. Implementation Level – The level of implementation is determined by the requirements of Provision C.3.j.
iii. Reporting
(1) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall report as part of Provision C.12.a.iii(2)) on all green stormwater projects (e.g., parcel-based, street right-of-way, and regional projects) implemented during the permit term and provide the total acreage treated and an estimate of the total PCBs mass load reduced resulting from this implementation. This reporting shall include summary descriptions of the implemented projects including GSI type, location, and area.
C.12.g. Manage PCB-Containing Materials and Wastes During Building Demolition Activities
i. Task Description – Prior to issuing a demolition permit, Permittees shall implement the protocol developed during the previous permit term (see Fact Sheet for protocol description) for managing PCB-containing materials and wastes during building demolition so that PCBs do not enter MS4s. Permittees Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 9
shall also ensure construction sites are inspected during demolition and obtain verification that materials from demolished buildings are appropriately disposed.
Provision C.12.g. applies to applicable structures containing building materials with PCBs concentrations of 50 ppm or greater at the time such structures undergo demolition. PCBs from these structures can enter storm drains during and/or after demolition through vehicle track-out, airborne releases, soil erosion, or stormwater runoff. Applicable structures include, at a minimum, commercial, public, institutional, and industrial structures constructed or remodeled between the years 1950 and 1980. Single-family residential and wood frame structures are exempt.
Structures that are constructed or remodeled between the years 1950 and 1980 and require emergency demolition to protect public health and/or safety are exempt from implementing the protocol, but they must be reported in accordance to Provision C.12.g.iii.(3)(d)
The Town of Clayton is exempt from the requirements of Provision C.12.g. because it has demonstrated it has no applicable structures. Other Permittees may be exempted from the requirements in Provision C.12.g. if they provide evidence acceptable to the Executive Officer in their 2023 Annual Report that the only structures that existed pre-1980 within its jurisdiction were singlefamily residential and/or wood-frame structures.
Implementation of this protocol will result in a total estimated load reduction of 2 kg PCBs/yr (see Fact Sheet for calculation details) in the program area. This constitutes an ongoing rather than a new load reduction. ii. Implementation Level
(1) Permittees shall implement their established protocol prior to issuing a demolition permit.
(2) For demolition of applicable structures containing building materials with PCBs concentrations of 50 ppm or greater approved beginning July 1, 2023, Permittees shall require demolition contractors to provide notification to the Permittees, the Water Board, and U.S. EPA at least one week before any demolition is to occur.
(3) Beginning the 2023 rainy season, Permittees shall inspect demolition sites with applicable structures containing building materials with PCBs concentrations of 50 ppm or greater pursuant to Provision C.6 to ensure that effective construction pollutant controls are used to prevent discharge into the MS4.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 10
(4) Permittees shall enhance their construction site control program to minimize migration of PCBs into the MS4 from applicable structures containing building materials with PCBs concentrations of 50 ppm or greater during demolition activities. Enhancements may include inspecting demolition sites monthly during demolition activities in the dry season (May – September) and requiring the demolition contractors to sweep the project sites and the streets around the property with street sweepers that will effectively remove sediment and dust. Implementation of enhancements shall begin no later than July 1, 2023.
(5) For demolition of applicable structures containing building materials with PCBs concentrations of 50 ppm or greater approved after July 1, 2023, Permittees shall verify that PCBs in demolished buildings are properly managed to minimize transport to the MS4 by obtaining official documentation that the building materials with PCBs concentrations of 50 ppm or greater in these demolished applicable structures were disposed appropriately according to state and federal regulations. (6) Permittees may elect to update for use in the subsequent permit term the assessment methodology and data collection program to quantify PCBs loads reduced through implementation of the protocol for controlling PCBs during demolition of applicable structures.
iii. Reporting
(1) Each Permittee seeking exemption from Provision C.12.g requirements based on lack of applicable structures must submit in its 2023 Annual Report documentation, such as historic maps or other historic records, that clearly demonstrates that the only structures that existed pre-1980 were single-family residential and/or wood-frame structures. (2) In their 2023 Annual Report, Permittees shall discuss enhancements to their construction site control program to minimize migration of PCBs from demolition activities into the MS4.
(3) Beginning with their 2023 Annual Report, the Permittees shall provide each of the following items:
(a) The number of applicable structures that applied for a demolition permit during the reporting year;
(b) A running list of the applicable structures that applied for a demolition permit since July 1, 2019, the number of samples each structure collected, and the concentration of PCBs in each sample.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 11
(c) For each applicable structure, with PCBs concentrations of 50 mg/kg or greater, include the following: the project address, the demolition date, and a brief description of the PCBs-containing materials. (d) For each structure that was constructed or remodeled between the years 1950 and 1980 and requires emergency demolition to protect public health and/or safety, provide the following: address, date building was constructed, and date of demolition.
(4) Beginning with their 2024 Annual Report, Permittees shall provide the following: whether the site was inspected during demolition, and for those cases where notification and advance approval from the U.S. EPA is not required and were approved for demolition after June 30, 2023, the hazardous waste manifest prepared for transportation of the material to a disposal facility.
(5) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees shall submit an evaluation of the effectiveness of the protocol for controlling PCBs during building demolition as well as supporting data. This should be conducted and reported at the regional level on behalf of all Permittees and shall be considered the Report of Waste Discharge for Provision C.12.g for the next permit reissuance.
(6) In their 2026 Annual Report, Permittees may submit for use in the subsequent permit term an updated assessment methodology and data collection program to quantify PCBs loads reduced through implementation of the protocol for controlling PCBs-containing materials and wastes during demolition of applicable structures.
C.12.h. Prepare Implementation Plan and Schedule to Achieve TMDL Wasteload Allocations
i. Task Description – In 2020, Permittees submitted a Reasonable Assurance Analysis and plan (RAA) demonstrating that sufficient control measures will be implemented to attain the PCBs TMDL wasteload allocations by 2030.
Permittees shall evaluate the effectiveness of all PCBs control measures and update the RAA as necessary. Updates can be focused on those control measures for which new information is available and for control measures not evaluated in previous efforts. Permittees shall also prepare detailed implementation plans for all control measures to be implemented in and inform permit requirements for the subsequent permit term.
ii. Implementation level – Permittees shall update, as necessary, their PCBs control measures implementation plan and RAA. The update may be focused on control measures for which new information is available or for those control measures not previously evaluated. The long-term plan must:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 12
(1) Identify all technically and economically feasible PCBs control measures to be implemented (including GSI projects); and
(2) Include a schedule according to which these technically and economically feasible control measures will be fully implemented; and (3) Provide an evaluation and quantification of the PCBs load reduction of such measures as well as an evaluation of costs, control measure efficiency and significant environmental impacts resulting from their implementation.
Additionally, Permittees shall identify all specific control measures to be implemented, the intensity of control measure implementation, and the estimated load reduction benefit from control measures implemented during the subsequent permit term. This implementation plan must include:
(a) Identification of all control measures implemented during the current permit term and any additional control measures to be implemented in the subsequent permit term;
(b) A description of the intensity or extent of control measure implementation (e.g., acres treated, acres investigated for source areas, types of roadway projects for which protocols applied); (c) Identification of accountability metrics to track during the subsequent permit corresponding to the proposed implementation intensity; and (d) Estimates for load reductions to be achieved through implementation of control measures during subsequent permit term at the proposed intensity.
iii. Reporting – Permittees shall submit the updated plan and schedule no later than March 31, 2026.
C.12.i. Fate and Transport Study of PCBs: Urban Runoff Impact on San Francisco Bay Margins
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall conduct or cause to be conducted studies concerning the fate, transport, and biological uptake of PCBs discharged from urban runoff to San Francisco Bay margin areas. The studies should focus on near-shore areas contaminated with PCBs from historical activity and the expected trajectory of recovery as sources from local watersheds are reduced.
ii. Implementation Level – The specific information needs include understanding the in-Bay transport of PCBs discharged in urban runoff, the sediment and food web PCBs concentrations in margin areas receiving urban Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.12.
C.12 - 13
runoff, the influence of urban runoff on the patterns of food web PCBs accumulation, especially in Bay margins, and the identification of drainages where urban runoff PCBs are particularly important in food web accumulation. iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall submit in their 2023 Annual Report a workplan describing the specific manner in which these information needs will be accomplished and describing the studies to be performed with a preliminary schedule. The Permittees shall report on status of the studies in their 2023 Annual Report. The Permittees shall report in the March 15, 2026, Integrated Monitoring Report the findings and results of the studies completed, planned, or in progress as well as implications of studies on potential control measures to be investigated, piloted, or implemented in future permit cycles.
C.12.j. Implement a Risk Reduction Program
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall conduct an ongoing risk reduction program to address public health impacts of PCBs in San Francisco Bay/Delta fish. The fish risk reduction program shall take actions to reduce actual and potential health risks in those people and communities most likely to consume San Francisco Bay-caught fish, such as subsistence anglers and their families.
The risk reduction framework developed in the Previous Permit term, which funded community-based organizations to develop and deliver appropriate communications to appropriately targeted individuals and communities, is an appropriate approach. Permittees should work with local health departments, the Bay Area Clean Water Agencies, and the Western States Petroleum Association to leverage resources for this program and to appropriately target at-risk populations.
ii. Implementation Level – At a minimum, Permittees shall conduct or cause to be conducted an ongoing risk reduction program with the potential to reach 3,000 individuals annually who are likely consumers of San Francisco Baycaught fish. Permittees are encouraged to collaborate with San Francisco Bay industrial and wastewater discharger agencies in meeting this requirement. In year four of the Permit term, Permittees shall evaluate the effectiveness of their risk reduction program.
iii. Reporting – The Permittees shall report on the status of the risk reduction program in each of their Annual Reports, including a brief description of actions taken, an estimate of the number of people reached, and why these people are deemed likely to consume Bay fish. The Permittees shall report the findings of the effectiveness evaluation of their risk reduction program in their 2026 Annual Report.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.13.
C.13 - 1
C.13. Copper Controls
The Permittees shall implement the following control program for copper. The Permittees shall implement the control measures and accomplish the reporting on those control measures according to the provisions below. The purpose of these provisions is to implement the control measures identified in the Basin Plan amendment necessary to support the copper site-specific objectives in San Francisco Bay. The Permittees may comply with any requirement of Provision C.13 through a collaborative effort.
C.13.a. Manage Waste Generated from Cleaning and Treating of Copper Architectural Features, Including Copper Roofs, during Construction and Post-Construction.
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall prohibit the discharge of wastewater to storm drains generated from installing, cleaning, treating, or washing copper architectural features, including copper roofs.
ii. Implementation Level
(1) The Permittees shall require, when issuing building permits, use of appropriate BMPs for managing copper-containing waste during and postconstruction. (2) The Permittees shall educate installers and operators on appropriate BMPs for managing copper-containing wastes.
(3) The Permittees shall enforce against noncompliance. iii. Reporting
(1) In the 2022 Annual Report, those Permittees that have not previously done so shall certify that legal authority currently exists to prohibit the discharge of wastewater to storm drains generated from the installation, cleaning, treating, and washing of copper architectural features, including copper roofs.
(2) In the 2022 Annual Report, the Permittees shall report how copper architectural features are addressed through the issuance of building permits.
(3) The Permittees shall report annually permitting and enforcement activities.
C.13.b. Manage Discharges from Pools, Spas, and Fountains that Contain Copper-Based Chemicals
i. Task Description – Permittees shall prohibit discharges to storm drains from pools, spas, and fountains that contain copper-based chemicals.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.13.
C.13 - 2
ii. Implementation Level – The Permittees shall either: 1) require installation of a sanitary sewer discharge connection for pools, spas, and fountains, including connection for filter backwash, with a proper permit from the POTWs; or 2) require diversion of discharge for use in landscaping or irrigation. iii. Reporting
(1) In the 2022 Annual Report, the Permittees that have not previously done so shall certify that legal authority currently exists to prohibit the discharges to storm drains of water containing copper-based chemicals from pools, spas, and fountains.
(2) In the 2022 Annual Report, the Permittees shall report how coppercontaining discharges from pools, spas, and fountains are addressed to accomplish the prohibition of the discharge.
(3) The Permittees shall report annually on any enforcement activities.
C.13.c. Industrial Sources
i. Task Description – The Permittees shall ensure industrial facilities do not discharge elevated levels of copper to storm drains by ensuring, through industrial facility inspections, that proper BMPs are in place. ii. Implementation Level
(1) As part of industrial site controls required by Provision C.4, the Permittees shall identify facilities likely to use copper or have sources of copper (e.g., plating facilities, metal finishers, auto dismantlers) and include them in their inspection program plans.
(2) The Permittees shall educate industrial inspectors on industrial facilities likely to use copper or have sources of copper and proper BMPs for them. (3) As part of the industrial inspection, inspectors shall ensure that proper BMPs are in place at such facilities to minimize discharge of copper to storm drains, including consideration of roof runoff that might accumulate copper deposits from ventilation systems on site.
iii. Reporting
The Permittees shall highlight copper reduction results in the industrial inspection component in the Provision C.13 portion of each Annual Report.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 1
C.14. Bacteria Control for Impaired Water Bodies
Provisions C.2 through C.7 contain requirements to control sources of pollutants to the Permittees’ MS4s. Implementation of these requirements should control sources of bacteria51; still, exceedances of bacteria water quality objectives occur in some water bodies that receive urban runoff. Permittees identified in this Provision shall demonstrate compliance with bacteria related Receiving Water Limitations during this Permit term through the timely implementation of control measures and other actions to reduce bacteria discharges from their municipal separate storm sewer systems in accordance with the requirements of this Provision. Provision C.14.a applies to the cities of Mountain View and Sunnyvale for their discharges that are causing or contributing to exceedances of bacteria water quality objectives in Stevens Creek, Calabazas Creek, and Sunnyvale East Channel/Guadalupe Slough, water bodies without bacteria TMDLs. Provision C.14.b applies to Permittees with San Pedro Creek and Pacifica State Beach Indicator Bacteria TMDL wasteload allocations, Provision C.14.c applies to Permittees with San Francisco Bay Beaches Bacteria TMDL wasteload allocations, and Provision C.14.d applies to Permittees with Pillar Point Harbor Beaches and Venice Beach Bacteria TMDL wasteload allocations.
C.14.a. Enhanced Bacteria Control
Enhanced bacteria control requirements are applicable to the cities of Mountain View and Sunnyvale for discharges that are causing or contributing to exceedances of applicable bacteria water quality objectives in Stevens Creek (both cities), Calabazas Creek (Sunnyvale), and Sunnyvale East Channel/Guadalupe Slough (Sunnyvale).52 "Cities" as used in this Provision C.14.a refers to these cities.
The actions described in this Provision shall be implemented where controllable bacteria sources are located within the Cities’ jurisdiction, in order to reduce bacteria inputs to the water body with bacteria exceedances. i. Municipal Operations Bacteria Control
(1) Task Description – Evaluate the potential for municipal operations to generate and cause bacteria to be transported to surface waters. Where such potential is determined to exist, develop and implement BMPs to minimize the transport of bacteria.
51 Bacteria as used herein refers to fecal indicator bacteria. 52 The geometric mean of indicator bacteria levels in a waterbody shall not be greater than the applicable geometric mean water quality objective in any six-week interval, calculated weekly. The indicator bacteria levels shall not be greater than the applicable statistical threshold value water quality objective in more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 2
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall develop and implement BMPs to minimize potential bacteria sources, including, but not limited to, trash, human and animal fecal sources, and excessive biofilm, for the following municipal operations:
(a) Street and road cleaning
(b) Parks and municipal open space maintenance
(c) Sidewalk, plaza, and pavement cleaning
(d) MS4 component maintenance, such as cleaning biofilm from catch basins, piping, and pump stations.
(3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe the BMPs, frequency and location for actions taken to reduce bacteria sources related to municipal operations.
ii. Industrial/Commercial Site Bacteria Control and Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
(1) Task Description – Train municipal staff responsible for inspecting and enforcing industrial and commercial site controls and for detecting and eliminating illicit discharges to enhance their focus on potential bacteria sources. The Cities shall use enforcement authorities to ensure bacteria sources are controlled.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall enhance their efforts to ensure transport to surface waters from the following potential bacteria sources is minimized:
(a) Roof and exterior washoff of commercial and industrial structures and surfaces, where these sources are likely to contain bacteria, such as from rodent and bird wastes, and are likely to be discharged to receiving water
(b) Outdoor garbage and recycle bins
(c) Outdoor floor-mat washoff
(d) Portable toilets
(e) Illicit discharges to the MS4
(3) Reporting –In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe BMP, frequency, and location for actions taken to reduce bacteria sources related to Industrial and Commercial Site Bacteria Control and Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 3
iii. Control of Bacteria Sources Related to Unsheltered Homeless Populations
(1) Task Description – Evaluate the potential for bacteria transport to surface waters from areas inhabited by unsheltered homeless persons. Where such potential is determined to exist develop and implement BMPs to minimize such bacteria sources and transport.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall minimize the transport of bacteria from areas inhabited by unsheltered homeless persons by taking actions that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Provide pump-out stations, mobile pumping services, or voucher programs for proper disposal of sanitary sewage where unsheltered homeless persons reside in recreational vehicles
(b) Provide sanitation services, including access to running water, where feasible, at locations where homeless people live or congregate (c) Establish and update sidewalk, street, and/or plaza cleaning standards for the cleanup and appropriate disposal of human waste (3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe the BMPs, numbers or frequency (as applicable), and locations of actions taken to reduce bacteria discharges from areas inhabited by unsheltered persons. iv. Pet and Livestock Bacteria Source Control
(1) Task Description – Evaluate the potential for domestic animal sources, such as pet waste, kennels, horse boarding facilities and trails, to generate and cause to be transported to surface waters. Where such potential is determined to exist, develop and implement BMPs to minimize such bacteria sources and prevent transport.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall ensure transport of bacteria from domestic animal sources to surface waters is minimized by taking the following actions:
(a) Enhance numbers of, and maintenance of, pet waste stations (b) Inspect pet boarding facilities to ensure pet waste is managed to prevent offsite discharges
(c) Inspect horse boarding facilities, if any, to ensure manure is managed to prevent offsite discharges. Notify Water Board staff of facilities that should enroll in the Confined Animal Facility program.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 4
(3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe the BMPs, numbers or frequency (as applicable), and locations of actions taken to reduce bacteria from domestic animal sources.
v. Public Outreach on Bacteria Source Control
(1) Task Description – Evaluate public outreach currently conducted to encourage bacteria pollution prevention and determine how to improve such outreach, such as, for example, by focusing outreach on certain populations or at certain locations.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall enhance public outreach where it is likely to improve human behavior regarding bacteria pollution prevention practices, such as, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Cleaning up pet waste
(b) Eliminating litter
(c) Eliminating outdoor restaurant floor mat washdown
(d) Using proper BMPs for sidewalk cleaning
(e) Covering trash storage areas
(f) Maintaining porta-potties properly.
(3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe the outreach messages, methods of delivery, audiences, and number of repetitions. vi. Coordination with Sanitary Sewerage System Entities (1) Task Description – Overflows and leaks from sanitary sewage conveyance systems can cause bacteria to be transported to MS4s, and commonly the Cities are not responsible for maintenance and repair of the sanitary sewerage system. This task encourages the Cities to collaborate with the entities responsible for the sanitary sewerage system to minimize overflows and leaks.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall, to the extent necessary and within the limits of their authorities, collaborate with their counterparts who are responsible for maintenance of the sanitary sewerage system to assist with the following:
(a) Prioritize maintenance and repair in areas contributing to bacteria loads to surface waters with elevated bacteria
(b) Ensure rapid and thorough response to cleanup sanitary sewer system overflows
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 5
(c) Develop lateral maintenance and replacement programs for consideration by the appropriate legal authority.
(3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe the status of any actions taken to coordinate with sanitary sewer entities. vii. Prioritize Trash Removal to Control Bacteria Sources (1) Task Description – Evaluate the potential bacteria-reduction benefit of prioritizing trash control efforts required in Provision C.10 in areas where trash generation may be contributing to bacteria exceedances in local surface waters. Where such benefit appears significant, reprioritize trash control actions accordingly.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall focus some of their trash reduction efforts to areas where trash generation likely contributes to bacteria exceedances in local surface waters.
(3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities shall describe how the bacteria-reduction benefit of focused trash-control efforts was evaluated, the conclusions reached, and any actions taken during the reporting period to reprioritize trash control areas.
viii. Water Quality Monitoring
(1) Task Description – The Cities shall develop and implement a monitoring program to identify and characterize potential bacteria sources to receiving waters that have been found to exceed bacteria water quality objective(s), to help focus source control efforts and evaluate effectiveness of controls, and to ultimately demonstrate attainment of bacteria receiving water limitations. The monitoring program shall be designed and adapted to answer the following questions:
(a) What is the spatial and temporal extent of dry weather flows in the MS4?
(b) Are indicators of human fecal material present in both dry and wet weather flows observed in the MS4?
(i) If so, in which stormwater catchments are sources most prominent?
(ii) Where are the likely locations of these sources in the catchments?
(iii) What measures can be implemented to control these sources? (c) Are water quality objectives being achieved during dry weather? (d) Are water quality objectives being achieved during wet weather? Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 6
(2) Implementation Level – At a minimum, the monitoring program shall include the following:
(a) Sampling of all MS4 outfalls with flow during three dry weather creek walks. One to be scheduled during July / August 2022, one to be scheduled January / February 2023, and one in April / May 2023; (b) Desktop and field methods based on elements described in the California Microbial Source Identification Manual: A Tiered Approach to Identifying Fecal Pollution Sources to Beaches (Griffith et al. 2013); (c) Geographic information system analysis of potential sources and existing bacteria control action locations to evaluate existing and identify and optimize additional bacteria controls;
(d) MS4 bacteria characterization monitoring at least monthly through September 2023, including two events that coincide with wet weather discharges, at a minimum of 14 sites each year to identify sources of bacteria discharges to and from the MS4 using microbial source tracking techniques to detect human genetic markers (i.e., HF183) and to evaluate effectiveness of bacteria controls, including the following:
(i) Identification of stormwater catchments where monitoring will be conducted;
(ii) Characterization of indicator bacteria, i.e., E coli, densities in subwatersheds, storm drains, outfalls, and pump stations that drain to receiving waters with excessive levels of indicator bacteria; and
(iii) Determination of baseline (or current) conditions against which future monitoring results can be compared following new, enhanced, or ongoing control measure implementation.
(e) Receiving water monitoring at least monthly, from October 2023 through September 2024, including two events that coincide with, or within 48 hours, of a storm event forecasted to be at least 0.5 inch in 24 hours, to determine E. coli densities, where salinity is less than 1 ppt, and Enterococci densities, where salinity is greater than 1 ppt, at a minimum total of 5 sites in Stevens Creek, 3 sites in Calabazas Creek, and 1 site in Sunnyvale East Channel, including the following:
(i) Stevens Creek immediately downstream of Homestead;
(ii) Stevens Creek La Avenida;
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 7
(iii) Sunnyvale East Channel upstream of Tasman (above tidal influence);
(iv) Calabazas Creek downstream of Homestead; and
(v) Calabazas Creek upstream of Tasman.
(3) Reporting – In each Annual Report, the Cities submit the results of all monitoring conducted the previous year, including parameters analyzed, frequencies, and locations, and planned monitoring for the current year, including parameters, frequencies, and locations.
ix. Compliance with Receiving Water Limitations
(1) Task Description – The Cities shall determine whether discharges from their MS4s are causing or contributing to exceedances of bacteria water quality objectives in receiving waters after implementation of control measures required by C.14.a.i-vii. The Cities are expected to meet Receiving Water Limitations B.2 for applicable bacteria water quality objectives by June 30, 2027. If receiving water limitations are not met, despite a diligent effort to quantify levels and the sources of bacteria in MS4 discharges and documentation of completion of controls required by C.14.a.i-vii, then the Cities shall submit a plan for additional actions to attain the receiving water limitations.
(2) Implementation Level – The Cities shall provide a comprehensive assessment of bacteria sources and bacteria controls to demonstrate compliance with receiving water limitations for applicable bacteria water quality objectives. If compliance cannot be achieved by June 30, 2027, the assessment shall describe additional control measures or increased levels of implementation for existing control measures, with an implementation schedule, and proposed milestones, that will be implemented to attain bacteria receiving water limitations as soon as possible. (3) Reporting – The Cities shall submit a Mid-Permit Interpretive Report and a Final Interpretive Report.
(a) The Mid-Permit Interpretive Report shall be submitted by March 31, 2025, which includes the following:
(i) All data collected through September 2024 and description of data validation and quality;
(ii) Description of progress towards answering questions in C.14.a.viii.(1);
(iii) Description of specific bacteria sources and/or specific geographic areas that receive implementation of existing control Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 8
measures, as well as. recommended new, modified, or enhanced control that will be evaluated or implemented;
(iv) Description of monitoring, subject to approval by the Water Board through a Permit amendment, to be conducted through the remainder of the Permit term to answer the questions in C.14.a.viii.(1). The monitoring shall be as comprehensive, systematic, and robust as what is required in Provision C.14.a.viii while being commensurate with the need to address and resolve bacteria exceedances in the receiving waters.
(b) The Final Interpretive Report shall be submitted by December 31, 2026, which includes the following:
(i) All data collected through September 2026 and description of data validation and quality;
(ii) Description of progress towards answering questions in C.14.a.viii.(1);
(iii) Description of specific bacteria sources and/or specific geographic areas that received implementation of existing control measures, as well as. new, modified, or enhanced control that were evaluated or implemented;
(iv) Determination if bacteria receiving water limitations have or will be met, by June 30, 2027; and
(v) If bacteria receiving water limitations will not be met by June 30, 2027, description of additional control measures or increased levels of implementation for existing control measures, with an implementation schedule, and proposed milestones, that will be implemented to attain bacteria receiving water limitations as soon as possible, and a proposed monitoring program designed to answer the questions in C.14.a.viii.(1) that will be implemented in the next permit term.
C.14.b. City of Pacifica and San Mateo County Bacteria Controls The City of Pacifica (City) and San Mateo County (County) Permittees shall implement the actions in this subprovision to control fecal indicator bacteria.
The City and County shall focus implementation of bacteria control measures in areas where benefits are most likely to accrue. The goal of this subprovision is to implement the urban runoff (stormwater runoff and dry weather flows) requirements of the San Pedro Creek and Pacifica State Beach Indicator Bacteria TMDL. In accordance with the TMDL, the City and County are required to meet the wasteload allocations for Pacifica State Beach by August Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 9
1, 2021, and for San Pedro Creek by August 1, 2028. The City and County may comply with any requirement of this provision through a collaborative effort.
i. Control Measures to Achieve Indicator Bacteria Wasteload Allocations (1) Task Description – The City and County shall implement bacteria control measures and pollution prevention strategies to prevent or reduce discharges of bacteria from their storm drain systems to meet the stormwater TMDL wasteload allocations in the San Pedro Creek (Creek) watershed and Pacifica State Beach (Beach) Indicator Bacteria TMDL (TMDL Project Area).
(2) Implementation Level – To comply with this element:
(a) The City and County, as appropriate, shall prohibit potential illicit discharges into their storm sewer system from sanitary sewer overflows or the sanitary sewer lines within their jurisdictions as follows:
(i) Ensure all sanitary sewer lines within a 2,000-foot radius of the Creek and Beach are inspected, assessed, and repaired, as needed, within 60 months of the Permit effective date;
(ii) Ensure at least 20 percent of the storm sewer system discharging to San Pedro Creek or Pacifica State Beach is evaluated and addressed for illicit sanitary sewer connections each year to prevent discharges from the sanitary sewer lines; and
(iii) Coordinate with the responsible sanitary sewer collection agency to identify and implement BMPs to prevent sanitary sewer overflows, such as developing or enhancing a spill response plan for significant sanitary sewer overflow incident areas to decrease potential sewage discharges into the storm sewer system. (b) The County shall continue to address bacteria discharges from commercial horse and dog kennel facilities (facilities) into its storm sewer system as follows:
(i) Inspect each facility annually for code compliance by June 30 of each year.
(ii) Review each facility’s current manure, stormwater, and drainage management plans for code compliance by June 30 of each year. (iii) Provide a copy of the facilities inspection and review reports to the Water Board in each annual report.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 10
(iv) Take progressive enforcement, as needed, for facilities found to be noncompliant with the County’s Confined Animal Ordinance. (c) The City shall continue to address bacteria discharges from commercial horse facilities (facilities) into its storm sewer system as follows:
(i) Review each facility’s compliance with the City’s Administrative Policy on “Standards for Keeping Animals.”
(ii) Review each facility’s compliance with the City’s Municipal Code on “Animal Excreta.”
(iii) Conduct annual compliance review and inspection of each facility by June 30 of each year.
(iv) Provide a copy of the facilities inspection and review reports to the Water Board in each annual report.
(v) Take progressive enforcement action(s), as needed, to bring noncompliant facilities into compliance with the City’s Administrative Policy on “Standards for Keeping Animals” and Municipal Code on “Animal Excreta.”
(d) The City shall continue to maintain existing and any new dog waste clean-up signs, waste bag dispensers, and trash cans within the TMDL Project Area.
(e) The City shall continue to implement a visual inspection and cleanup plan for high dog waste accumulation areas along the Creek and its tributaries. From April 1 through October 31, inspections and cleanups shall, at a minimum, be conducted on a quarterly basis (e.g., once each in April, July, and October). From November 1 through March 31, inspections and cleanups shall be conducted prior to forecast rain events with a forecast rainfall depth of 0.2 inches or more (as measured at Half Moon Bay Airport (KHAF) Meteorological Station, or comparable site), and at a frequency of no less than once a month. (f) The City shall continue to implement a pet waste public outreach and education campaign that, at a minimum, includes all the following:
(i) Establish a public pet waste management stakeholder group (e.g., formal or informal dog owners club).
(ii) Prepare and implement public service announcements regarding pet waste management and associated impacts to the Creek and Beach to play on the local television station and to include in print ads in the Pacifica Tribune.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 11
(iii) Distribute a mailer with an informational brochure to residents and businesses describing proper pet waste management, the linkage of the watershed to the Creek and Beach, and the adverse impact on those water bodies and those recreating in them from improper pet waste management.
(iv) Maintain a web page to the City website with information on the TMDL and the water quality monitoring and BMP implementation activities, as well as information about proper pet waste management and the impact of improperly deposited waste on water quality of the Creek and Beach and public health. (v) Create and implement a pre-rain pet waste cleanup email alert to residents, reminding them to cleanup accumulated pet waste in their yards that could otherwise get washed into the Creek and Beach.
(vi) Participate in local events and festivals to distribute pet waste management materials (educational fliers, dog waste bags, etc.). (g) The City and County, based on the results of the source characterization and BMP effectiveness, and wasteload allocation attainment analyses described in Provision C.14.b-iii, shall modify or refocus control measure implementation efforts as appropriate, at a frequency of no less than every two years.
(3) Reporting – No later than March 15 of each year, the City and County shall submit a comprehensive TMDL Status and Monitoring Report, reporting on the specific control measures (as listed in Provision C.14.b.1.ii) that have been implemented in the TMDL Project Area during the foregoing October 1 through September 30 period. This report shall include:
(a) The number, type, and locations and/or frequency (if applicable) of control measures;
(b) The description, scope, and start date of pollution prevention measures; and
(c) Clear statements of the responsibilities of each participating Permittee for implementation of pollution prevention or control measures.
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 12
ii. Water Quality Monitoring to Assess Attainment of Wasteload Allocations (1) Task Description – Permittees shall determine whether the TMDL wasteload allocations are attained.
(2) Implementation Level – The City and County shall conduct attainment water quality monitoring activities as follows:
(a) Sample Locations – Two stations shall be monitored: the mouth of San Pedro Creek (Creek Mouth) and Pacifica State Beach (the original station, as of the TMDL’s adoption date of November 2012, which was located approximately 300 feet north of the Creek mouth, and at shin depth, originally referred to as Linda Mar #5 in the TMDL Staff Report, but currently referred to as Linda Mar #7). The locations of these stations are shown in the TMDL Staff Report.
(b) Sampling Frequency – The two attainment stations shall be monitored weekly on an ongoing basis for fecal indicator bacteria. The weekly sampling shall occur year-round regardless of weather conditions, provided the conditions are safe for field staff to collect the samples. (c) Sampling Constituents – Samples collected from the Creek Mouth shall be analyzed for E. coli and total coliform. Samples collected from Linda Mar #5 station shall be analyzed for Enterococcus, fecal coliform, and total coliform.
(d) The City and County shall analyze the results of the attainment monitoring and compare the results to applicable bacterial water quality objectives and the allowable exceedances of those objectives as specified in the TMDL.
(3) Reporting – In Annual TMDL Status and Monitoring Reports submitted on March 15 each year, the City and County shall analyze, summarize, and report the results of the ongoing attainment monitoring, as follows:
(a) The City and County shall complete a data evaluation, which shall focus on determining whether the TMDL wasteload allocations are being attained in the Creek and at the Beach.
(b) The indicator bacteria results from the attainment monitoring stations (Creek Mouth and original Linda Mar #5 station (currently called Linda Mar #7), located 300 feet north of the Creek mouth at shin depth) shall be compared to applicable bacterial water quality objectives and the allowable exceedances of those objectives as specified in the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Load for Bacteria in San Pedro Creek and at Pacifica State Beach: Final Staff Report for Proposed Basin Plan Amendment. Water Board, 2012. Accessible at:
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 13
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/progra ms/TMDLs/pacificabacteria/Final%20Staff%20Report.pdf).
(c) The data evaluation shall include tabulation and review of local rainfall data to determine whether the weekly attainment monitoring sampling events occurred during dry weather or wet weather.
(d) An ongoing quantitative analysis of trends (from initial year) in bacteria densities and exceedances of applicable water quality objectives at the two attainment stations shall be conducted and reported annually. (e) A detailed and comprehensive assessment of wasteload allocation attainment by the end of year 4 of the Permit term shall be completed.
If wasteload allocations are not achieved by the end of the Permit term, no later than 180 days prior to Permit expiration, the City and County shall submit a plan in their Report Of Waste Discharge, acceptable to the Executive Officer, that describes additional control measures or increased levels of existing control measures that will be implemented to prevent or reduce discharges of bacteria to storm sewer systems to attain wasteload allocations. The plan shall include implementation methods, an implementation schedule, and proposed milestones.
iii. Water Quality Monitoring – Characterize Bacteria Sources, Assess BMP Effectiveness
(1) Task Description – The purpose of characterization monitoring is to better characterize indicator bacteria contributions from specific sources and to evaluate control measure effectiveness. The characterization monitoring shall provide data to:
(a) Characterize indicator bacteria densities in subwatersheds, storm drain outfalls, and pump stations that have not been sampled in the past. Results of the investigation may be used to drive future control measure actions.
(b) Establish baseline (or current) conditions against which future monitoring results can be compared following new or ongoing control measure implementation.
(c) Characterization monitoring shall be conducted every other year on a water year basis (i.e., October 1 through September 30), continuing on the existing ongoing monitoring schedule. Characterization monitoring shall assess E. coli densities throughout the San Pedro Creek watershed. Human-, horse-, and dog-specific genetic markers shall be analyzed for a subset of the samples to investigate whether these species contribute fecal contamination to the Creek. The Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 14
characterization monitoring shall be iterative in nature and allow for flexibility of design and details in future years. Subsequent years of characterization monitoring, at a minimum, shall have the same level of effort as previous years; however, in future years, based on the results of the previous monitoring, alternative sampling stations may be targeted, sampling intensities may be modified, sampling frequencies may be adjusted, and/or the species-specific genetic marker sampling may be revised.
(2) Implementation Level – The City and County shall conduct characterization monitoring activities as follows:
(a) Sampling Locations – while based on the previous year’s results appropriate sampling locations can be selected for each monitoring year, the “Creek Mouth” site shall always be sampled during events when species-specific genetic marker samples are collected. (b) Number of Samples – in each monitoring year, a minimum of one hundred ten (110) fecal indicator bacteria samples shall be collected. (c) Sampling Frequency – the characterization stations shall be sampled a minimum of eight times over the course of the water year, as follows:
(i) Wet season – four sampling events shall be conducted during the wet season months (November through March). To the extent possible, wet season sampling events shall occur during wet weather, which as defined in the TMDL is any day (e.g. 24-hour period) with 0.1 inch of rain or more and the following three days; (ii) Dry season – four sampling events shall be conducted during the dry season months (May through September).
(iii) In subsequent monitoring years, based on the results of the previous year’s monitoring, the sampling frequency may be modified, as appropriate, to provide the most useful results. (d) Constituents – All samples shall be analyzed for E. coli. In addition, during each monitoring year, at a minimum, samples collected at four stations during four sampling events (two wet season, two dry season) shall be analyzed for human-, horse-, and dog-specific genetic markers to assess temporal and spatial fecal waste contributions from the targeted host species to the Creek and Beach.
(e) Monitoring Protocols and Data Quality – Where applicable, monitoring data must be SWAMP comparable. Minimum data quality shall be consistent with the latest version of the SWAMP Quality Assurance Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 15
Project Plan (QAPP) for applicable parameters, including data quality objectives, field, equipment, and laboratory blanks, field duplicates, laboratory spikes, and clean techniques, using the most recent SWAMP Standard Operating Procedures.
(f) Future Revisions – Any and all changes to the characterization monitoring plan in future years shall be submitted to the Executive Officer for review and acceptance no later than 90 days prior to implementation.
(3) Reporting
(a) In their Annual TMDL Status and Monitoring Reports the City and County shall submit a comprehensive Characterization Monitoring Report reporting on any data collected during the preceding October 1 through September 30 monitoring period.
(b) Data evaluation shall focus on addressing the following questions:
(i) Which land uses and/or sources contribute most to bacteria impairments in San Pedro Creek watershed?
(ii) Are controllable sources of fecal contamination (e.g., human, horses, and dogs) present in the San Pedro Creek watershed? (iii) What are the multi-year indicator bacteria density trends in the Creek and at the Beach (i.e., do control measures appear to be reducing bacteria)?
Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 16
(c) As appropriate, the Report shall include the following:
(i) Immediately following the Table of Contents, a Data Tables section that includes all the data collected pursuant to Provision C.14.b.iii. and contains the following information pertaining to the foregoing monitoring period:
a. A map showing all monitoring locations;
b. Immediately following the map, a single completed Locations and Parameters Table containing the following columns or rows for each location sampled: numeric site identifier, a short-hand site name such as “Creek Mouth,” latitude,
longitude, and parameters assessed;
c. Immediately following the Locations and Parameters Table, a single completed Results Table containing the following columns or rows for each location sampled: the short-hand site name and datum/result for each constituent analyzed.
Constituents that exceed applicable water quality objectives shall be highlighted.
(ii) For all data, a statement of the data quality.
(iii) An analysis of the data, which includes the following:
a. Basic descriptive statistics using indicator bacteria data; b. Identification and evaluation of any controllable sources of fecal contamination (e.g., human, horses, and dogs) present in the San Pedro Creek watershed;
c. Identification and analysis of any trends in stormwater or receiving water quality; and
d. Consideration of variability in the data sets.
(iv) A discussion of the data, which shall:
a. Discuss monitoring data relative to prior conditions, beneficial uses and applicable water quality standards as described in the Basin or the Ocean plans;
b. Where appropriate, develop hypotheses to investigate regarding pollutant sources, trends, and BMP effectiveness; c. Identify and prioritize water quality problems;
d. Identify potential sources of water quality problems; Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit NPDES Permit No. CAS612008 Order No. R2-2022-0018 Provision C.14.
C.14 - 17
e. Describe follow-up actions;
f. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing control measures; and g. Identify management actions needed to address water quality problems.
C.14.c. City of San Mateo Marina Lagoon Beaches Bacteria Controls The City of San Mateo (City) shall implement the actions in this subprovision to control fecal indicator bacteria. For each requirement, the City shall focus implementation in areas where benefits are most likely to accrue, i.e., where bacteria reduction is likely to reduce bacteria densities in San Mateo Lagoon and particularly at Parkside Aquatic Park Beach and Lakeshore Park Beach.
Many of the required implementation actions are described in the City’s TMDL Basin Plan Amendment Implementation Plan, 2018 (TMDL Implementation Plan). This subprovision implements the urban runoff requirements of the San Francisco Bay Beaches Bacteria TMDL (TMDL) applicable to the City. i. Control Measures to Achieve Indicator Bacteria Wasteload Allocations (1) Task Description – The City shall implement bacteria control measures and pollution prevention strategies to prevent or reduce discharges of bacteria from their storm drain systems to San Mateo Lagoon to the maximum extent practicable.
(2) Implementation Level – In order to comply with this element:
(a) The City shall enhance its efforts to prohibit potential illicit discharges into its storm sewer system.
(b) The City shall expand or enhance dog waste management strategy, including installing and/or maintaining dog waste clean-up signs, waste bag dispensers, and trash cans at a minimum of two parks/open spaces near San Mateo Lagoon beaches.
(c) The City shall enhance its public outreach and education regarding proper management of pet waste management, dumpsters and garbage bins; proper outdoor washdown procedures (restaurant mats, dining areas, commercial areas, mobile cleaner operations) by taking a minimum of three of the following actions:
(i) Prepare and implement public service announcements regarding pet waste management and associated impacts to the Lagoon. (ii) Distribute a mailer to residents and businesses describing the adverse impact on water quality and recreation of improper pet waste management.