On Tuesday the State Water Resources Control Board renewed a statewide storm water permit intended to decrease the amount of pollution entering waterways during storm water events.
The permit, required by state and federal laws to be renewed every five years, is called a Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
The permit is issued consistent with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
During a permit renewal cycle, best management practices to control storm water pollution are specified to better stop pollutants from entering area waterways during storm events.
The MS4 permit regulates storm water discharges from municipalities that serve populations of less than 100,000 persons by requiring additional efforts to keep contaminants, refuse and trash from entering storm water drains, canals and other conveyances that discharge in lakes, streams and the ocean.
The cities of Lakeport and Clearlake, and the county of Lake are covered by the permit, according to state records.
“A permit of this magnitude affects so many people in different geographic areas and addresses such important issues,” said State Water Board Chair Charles Hoppin. “The high degree of collaboration that was necessary to get us to this point was very evident in today’s proceeding. The board looks forward to working with the permittees on effective implementation of this permit.”
The MS4 permit requirements focus on implementing post-construction standards and low-impact development principles to new or redevelopments in California and focus implementation efforts on areas in California identified as a priority to protect such as, Areas of Biological Significance (ASBS), waterbodies listed as impaired.
Clear Lake is listed as an impaired waterbody, according to the State Water Resources Control Board.
The MS4 permit will provide coverage to approximately 200 traditional (municipal governments) and non-traditional (state, federal facilities such as military bases and state colleges) MS4s.
For nearly two decades, the State Water Resources Control Board has regulated runoff and treatment of storm water from industrial and municipal sources in California.
Both the US EPA and the water boards have determined that storm water and urban runoff are significant sources of water pollution that can threaten aquatic life and public health.