California’s Stormwater Reporting Deadlines are Quickly Approaching – Are You Ready?

Reporting deadlines associated with the Industrial General Permit (IGP) issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and several other Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permits are quickly approaching.  Specifically, for California, the Annual Report must be submitted to the online Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) by July 15, 2021.

A large component of the Annual Report is the Annual Evaluation.  The State Water Board requires Dischargers to complete an Annual Evaluation based on routine inspections forms and stormwater laboratory reports from the 2020-2021 reporting year.   The deadline to submit stormwater data to SMARTS is June 30, 2021.  If you happen to be responsible for stormwater reporting for a facility in a state other than California, keep in mind that submittal deadlines for annual reports and associated requirements in other states may vary.

The Annual Report requires Dischargers to evaluate Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) associated with the receiving waterbody your facility discharges to.  Since July 1, 2020, Dischargers under the IGP are required to monitor stormwater data for Numeric Action Levels (NALs), TMDL Numeric Action Level (TNALs), and Numeric Effluent Limitations (NELs).  An evaluation of stormwater data is required to determine your standing with NALs, TNALs, and NELs.

If your facility had previously submitted a Level 2 Exceedance Response Action (ERA) Technical Report, you may need the assistance of a Qualified Industrial Stormwater Practitioner (QISP).  The Technical Report may need to be updated by a QISP by July 15, 2021.  Conclusion of the 2020-2021 reporting year may trigger submittal of a Level 1 or Level 2 ERA.  ERAs from the 2020-2021 reporting year are due on 1 January 2022.  ERAs require the assistance and certification of a QISP.

Stormwater reporting in California is unique and can be difficult and time consuming for site personnel.  Compliance errors can be avoided when personnel are equipped with the right tools and assistance.  If you have a facility located in California, ALL4 is able to provide expert assistance to evaluate your facility’s inspection forms and stormwater monitoring data to submit the Annual Report , update your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan to include TMDL-related information, and complete those ERAs assigned to your site. If you have any questions reach out to your ALL4 project manager or contact us.