Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-JANUARY 2024
Happy New Year from the CICWQ Team!
As we step into 2024, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone in the California construction industry. While winter 2024 appears to be more temperate than the record-setting year behind us, Mother Nature always keeps us on our toes. Let's gear up for potential wet weather by securing job sites, ensuring compliance paperwork is accurate and ready to go, and meeting filing deadlines – a key aspect to prevent stormwater permit enforcement violations.
Looking back on 2023, our Year-in-Review highlights the advocacy issues and achievements that shaped the construction and building industry. Paramount was our focus on educating the industry about the renewed Construction General Permit (CGP) for stormwater, effective since September 2023. With new procedures and processes, staying informed is crucial for industry professionals. Read more in our detailed Year-in-Review blog.
In the category of WOW! 2023 marked one of the wettest years on record in California, presenting both a water supply bounty and infrastructure challenges. Discussions on state legislation and a potential climate bond measure with substantial funding for water-related projects are likely to persist in 2024, addressing California's evolving water supply landscape.
Throughout 2023, we achieved significant milestones in establishing regional water quality credit trading programs for municipal stormwater permit compliance. Now available in select jurisdictions in California, these programs aid new and redevelopment projects in urban and suburban areas, streamlining compliance with stormwater permit requirements. Learn more about this development in our in-depth coverage this month.
Here's to a fantastic 2024 filled with progress and success!
-Your CICWQ Team
WATER ISSUES WORTH YOUR TIME IN JANUARY
1) CICWQ 2023 Year in Review: Advancements in Water Quality for the Construction Industry
Thank you for your ongoing support! As we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on a year of significant achievements and milestones in the realm of water quality and the construction industry. CICWQ has tirelessly worked to safeguard the interests of those shaping California's landscapes. Here's a comprehensive look at some of the noteworthy highlights from the past year:
Construction General Permit for Stormwater - Effective Sept 1, 2023: The revised CGP, effective Sept 1, 2023, mandates refresher training for existing QSDs and QSPs. Stay updated on key compliance elements and new pollution standards here.
Water Quality Credit Trading Programs - MS4 Permit Compliance: CICWQ contributed to a Stormwater Credit Think Tank, fostering collaboration for innovative water quality credit trading programs, exemplified by Anaheim's groundbreaking initiative.
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Sackett v. EPA - Redefining Waters: The Court's decision in Sackett v. EPA reshapes the definition of WOTUS, impacting wetland regulations. Despite federal changes, California maintains stringent wetland policies.
MS4 Unfunded Mandates Cases Settled: The Commission on State Mandates addressed claims from Phase I MS4 permittees, partially approving some, yet challenges persist. Eight pending stormwater claims are scheduled for hearings in 2024.
City of Anaheim's Water Quality Credit Trading Program - Milestone Achievement: Anaheim's Stormwater Credit Program, approved in April 2023, allows regional stormwater retention projects to generate credits, providing multiple benefits. Learn more here.
Read our full blog for detailed insights into these developments shaping the construction industry's future.
