University of California Study Analyzes Alternative Cost-Effective Way to Capture Stormwater Runoff
(University of California, Riverside, November 10, 2008) The University of California, Riverside, has published a study that discusses implementation of parcel-level capturing devices through a competitive-bidding process. The devices studied include porous pavement and infiltration trenches that would capture stormwater runoff and address water supply shortages.
Posted: http://newsroom.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/display.cgi?id=1967
California Water Agencies Face Fines for Failure to Monitor Systems for E. Coli
(BNA Environment Reporter, November 14, 2008) On November 6, 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that four California public water agencies will face fines of up to $32,500 per day per violation for failing to monitor their drinking water supplies for Escherichia coli (E. coli) as required under the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Executive Order to Address Climate Change Impacts
(Office of the Governor, November 14, 2008) On November 14, 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to plan for sea-level rise and climate impacts. The four key actions in the Order include: 1) initiating California's first statewide climate change adaptation strategy to assess the state's expected climate change impacts, identify where California is most vulnerable, and recommend climate-adaptation policies; 2) requesting the National Academy of Sciences to establish an expert panel to report on sea-level rise impacts in California; 3) issuing interim guidance to state agencies for planning for sea-level rise in designated coastal and floodplain areas for new projects; and 4) initiating a report on critical existing and planned infrastructure projects vulnerable to sea-level rise.
Posted: http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/11035/
Modesto Considers Offering Sewer Capacity to Developers
(The Modesto Bee, November 24, 2008) The Modesto City Council Finance Committee voted recently to recommend that the full City Council establish a "bank" that would allow large industrial users to buy or sell waste capacity in the city's at-capacity sewage plants. Alternatively, such users could give portions of their reserved capacity to the city for a tax credit. The city could then offer the reserved capacity to companies considering a move to Modesto.
Posted: http://www.modbee.com/local/story/511206.html
Southern California
International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Ysidro to Be Upgraded
(San Diego Union Tribune, November 14, 2008) On November 13, 2008, the International Boundary and Water Commission announced a construction contract to upgrade the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Ysidro. The existing plant and an adjacent 40-acre parcel will be upgraded and will include new tanks where bacteria can break down waste. The plant currently treats up to 25-million gallons of sewage per day from Tijuana but does not meet Clean Water Act standards.
Posted: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20081114-9999-1m14sewage.html
Announcements
EPA Requests Comments on Proposed Construction and Development Effluent Limitations Guidelines
On November 19, 2008, EPA proposed guidelines to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. The guidelines include proposed effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs) and new source performance standards (NSPS) to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. EPA is requesting comment on the proposed ELGs and NSPS, which would require construction sites to implement a range of erosion and sediment control measures to control pollutants in stormwater discharges. In addition, for certain large sites located in areas of the country with high rainfall intensity and high clay-content soil, stormwater discharges from the construction site would be required to meet a numeric limit on the allowable turbidity level. For more information, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/guide/construction/.
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