Subject: ANNUAL
REPORT ON THE URBAN RUNOFF MANAGEMENT PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize submittal of the Urban Runoff Management Plan Annual Report and certification to the Regional Water Quality Control Board in conformance with the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements, pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act.
As stipulated in the federal Clean Water Act, an NPDES permit is required to discharge storm water to surface waters via the City’s storm sewer collection system. The Regional Board issued a stormwater NPDES permit to the City and 12 other cities in Santa Clara County, the County of Santa Clara, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District in 1990, 1995, and most recently, in February 2001. The permit mandates that the City submit an Annual Report, by September 15 each year, documenting the performance of permit-related tasks and evaluating the effectiveness of the activities. This most recent Report fulfills the annual reporting requirement for activities undertaken from July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001.
The Annual Report covers eight urban runoff program elements that together are anticipated to reduce pollutants in storm water discharges. The eight elements include: industrial inspections, new development plan review and inspection, and street and storm sewer maintenance. The Report provides a brief overview of the activities conducted, accomplishments, and the opportunities for improvement for each program element. The Executive Summary of the 2000-01 Annual Report is attached.
This report is the final Annual Report for the permit issued in August 1995. During the last five years, the urban runoff program has progressed significantly. Improvements include development of performance standards for the program elements, implementation of a performance-based compliance plan, the Urban Runoff Management Plan, development of best management practices, and a commitment to assessment of water quality in local streams.
This year’s annual reporting process has identified a number of potential improvements to the program. The feasibility of these potential improvements will be considered for inclusion in the City’s Fiscal Year 2002-03 work plan to be submitted March 1, 2002 to the Regional Water Quality Control Board. In February 2001, the Regional Board issued a revised Stormwater NPDES permit. The revised permit included requirements to implement several improvements over the next five years. These include: 1) revised performance standards for construction inspection, new development and public outreach and participation; 2) a management plan for pesticides; and 3) a control program for copper, nickel and mercury. Funding for identified improvements will be recommended for consideration during the City’s annual appropriations cycle.
Not applicable.
COORDINATION
The Annual Report was developed cooperatively with the Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Transportation, and the City Attorney’s Office.
CARL W. MOSHER
Director, Environmental Services Department