Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-July 2022
Summer is in full swing. We hope you had a safe and wonderful 4th of July holiday celebrating our nation's independence. This month, CICWQ would like to focus your attention on several water-related issues affecting the construction industry in California:
Renewal of the Construction General Permit for stormwater by the State Water Resources Control Board – Adoption Hearing Postponed Until September 2022
The State of California Drought Response Effort and Water Conservation Actions
Water Quality Regulatory Legislation Proposed in the California Assembly – AB 2106
WATER ISSUES WORTH YOUR TIME IN JULY
1) Renewal of the Construction General Permit for Stormwater
State Water Board Postpones Permit Adoption Hearing Until September 2022
The State Water Board postponed the adoption hearing for renewal of the construction general permit for stormwater from July 19, 2022, to a date to be determined in September 2022. The State is proposing an unworkable permit, which will negatively affect the Construction Industry for years to come and won’t do anything to improve water quality or increase water conservation.
Get the latest information on the CGP renewal process and Take Action Now to support CICWQ’s alternative permit proposal before the September 2022 adoption hearing.
2) State Water Resources Control Board Adopts Emergency Conservation Regulations
The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted emergency conservation regulations in response to the drought, including a ban on using potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf in commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. The emergency regulation began on June 10. Also, on June 7 the state board released the latest statewide conservation numbers showing a 17.6 percent increase in water use statewide.
3) Water Quality Regulatory Legislation Proposed in the California Assembly – AB 2106
California Assembly Bill 2106 (R. Rivas) would, among other things, require the State Water Resources Control Board to develop a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for stormwater discharges/runoff from commercial and related industrial or institutional properties in California. This is for existing buildings and parking areas, separate from current construction permits.
CICWQ is opposed to this bill for many reasons. One significant concern is that the State Water Board issues NPDES permits under the authority granted by the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). The bill also includes a citizen lawsuit provision for alleged non-compliance with permit provisions. Passage of this bill would expose commercial property owners and operators to potential shakedown lawsuits, which they are not currently.
AB 2106 passed out of the Assembly Environmental Quality Committee on June 28th in a 5 to 2 vote and is awaiting floor consideration.
CICWQ is a member of the California Stormwater Quality Association. Read their opposition comment letter.
