HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05111993 - 1.71 STATE OF CALIFORNIA PETE WILSON, Governor
CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD
SAN FRANCISCO BAY REGION m'
2101 WEBSTER STREET, SUITE 500 ;.,.
OAKLAND, CA 94612
(510) 286-1255 April 28, 1993
aVED
Mr. Tom Torlakson Chair E _�
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors 1; n
County Administration BuildingA�4� 2 9 1993 �l
651 Pine St., Room 106 1 ' iso,RS ,
Martinez, CA 94553 u--E
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Subject: Use of Reclaimed Water and Consistency with NPDES Regulations
Dear Mr. Torlakson:
Thank you for your inquiry concerning the use of reclaimed water, particularly at
construction sites, and potential inconsistency with NPDES regulations. We recognize
the significance of this issue, and we want to assure you that the Regional Board will
continue to promote the use of reclaimed water. We also want to assure you that
when it is used and managed properly there should be no conflict between use of
reclaimed water and compliance with NPDES regulations.
The specific requirements of concern are prohibition of non-storm water discharges to
municipal storm drain systems except when they are authorized by a NPDES permit
and prohibition of non-storm water discharges from construction sites except as
allowed by the construction storm water general permit. The general permit allows
discharge of non-storm water which is necessary for performance and completion of
construction projects, where they do not cause or contribute to a violation of any
water quality standard, and where they are identified in and managed as described in
the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan for the construction site. The general
permit does not distinguish between potable and reclaimed water sources, and
therefore, allows for the use of reclaimed water for such purposes as dust control and
compaction as long as it is properly managed.
There. may be other circumstances where use of reclaimed water results in discharge of
non-storm water to a storm drain. In these cases, we intend to work cooperatively
with the municipal storm water programs within the region, such as the Contra Costa
Ci ties*County*District Stormwater Pollution Control Program, to determine where
these discharges should be allowed. if necessary, we will prepare NPDES permits
(probably a general permit) for consideration by the Regional Board that would
prescribe when these discharges are authorized.
As you know, use of reclaimed water is already subject to requirements established by
the Department of Health Services and the Regional Board. We envision few
situations where the human health and water quality concerns associated with use of
reclaimed water have not been addressed. Consequently, there should be no problem
providing authorization for use of reclaimed water in conformance with NPDES
regulations in most situations.
elf�-
If you have further questions concerning this matter, please call Thomas Mumley of
my staff at 510-286-0962.
Sin 1 ,
Steven R. Ritchie
Executive Officer
cc: Donald P. Freitas, Manager
Contra Costa Cities*County*District Stormwater Pollution Control Program
Kassandra Fletcher
Building Industry Association of Northern California