Wastewater Discharge Permit
Regulatory Background
SRCSD - along with all wastewater treatment agencies - is regulated by the state and federal government under a strict set of laws generally established under the Federal Clean Water Act. In order to conduct its daily operations, SRCSD must comply with a very detailed and complex set of operating conditions known as a Wastewater Discharge Permit (Discharge Permit). In our region, this Discharge Permit is issued by a state agency known as the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley Water Board). This agency reviews Discharge Permits every five years, and, based on environmental changes or new standards, may change the operating conditions contained in the Discharge Permit.
2010 Discharge Permit
In December 2010, the Central Valley Water Board held a public hearing and adopted a new Discharge Permit for SRCSD. The Discharge Permit contains very strict requirements resulting in the need for new treatment processes at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. In adopting the Discharge Permit, the Central Valley Water Board has required the region to move to a highly advanced - or "tertiary" - treatment process. Citing possible effects on the Delta ecosystem from ammonia contained in the discharge and concerns over public health regarding pathogens, the new Discharge Permit is one of the most restrictive wastewater treatment permits ever issued in the State of California.
Review a copy of SRCSD’s new Wastewater Discharge Permit
Review the Time Schedule Order for SRCSD’s new Wastewater Discharge Permit
During the Central Valley Water Board's public hearing, SRCSD staff, elected officials, stakeholders and community members testified that the new conditions went beyond what was reasonable and necessary to protect the environment; however, the Central Valley Water Board disagreed and the Discharge Permit was ultimately adopted. SRCSD is now required to comply with the new conditions and all treatment facilities must be completed by year 2020.
Has SRCSD Appealed this Permit Decision?
Yes, in January of 2011 SRCSD filed an appeal to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) requesting that they review the Central Valley Water Board's decision on the Discharge Permit. The SWRCB agreed to review the decision; however, in September 2011 they announced their decision to review the appeal "on their own motion" which means that there is no specific timeframe for them to complete their review.
Regardless of the SWRCB's decision, SRCSD is held to ALL conditions contained in the Discharge Permit as adopted by the Central Valley Water Board and must immediately begin the activities required to implement the Discharge Permit.