Water quality: regional municipal separate storm sewer system permits.
If enacted, SB 683 would introduce several amendments to the Water Code, particularly enhancing the powers of regional boards to regulate water quality at a regional rather than an individual level. This would significantly change the landscape of flood control and stormwater management in California by consolidating and standardizing the regulatory process for managing municipal stormwater runoff and promoting more efficient resource usage. It is anticipated that these changes would not only assist local authorities in better addressing water quality issues but would also allow for better resource allocation and implementation of flood control measures.
Senate Bill 683, introduced by Senator Ochoa Bogh, addresses water quality and flood control by amending existing regulations that govern permits for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). This bill aims to enhance regional collaboration by requiring that regional water quality control boards, when issuing permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), must include certain elements and engage with permittees throughout the permit drafting process. By shifting the focus from individual dischargers to a regional approach, the bill seeks to streamline the permit process and improve water management practices across California.
The sentiment surrounding SB 683 is generally positive among environmental advocates and policymakers who recognize the necessity of addressing water quality issues on a broader, regional scale. Proponents believe that enhanced collaboration and a regional approach to water management will lead to more effective flood control solutions and improved water quality outcomes. However, there may be some apprehensions regarding how this shift could affect local government autonomy and the nuances involved in managing localized water issues.
Despite the overall positive view of SB 683, there are concerns regarding the detailed implementation of this collaborative framework and how it could affect local governance. Opponents argue that centralizing decision-making could diminish the ability of local governments to address specific community water quality needs and that there may be challenges in achieving adequate stakeholder engagement in the permit-writing process. This bill signifies an ongoing debate about the balance between regional and local control in environmental regulation.