Implementation of Clean Water Action Section 303(d)

• Ambient Monitoring and TMDLs
  Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to identify and prepare a list of waters that do not or are not expected to meet water quality standards after applying existing required controls (e.g., minimum sewage treatment technology), States are then required to prioritize waters/watersheds and target high priority waters/watersheds for total maximum daily load (TMDL) development. AB 982 (Ducheny) creates a new program to reassess or confirm the approaches the State of California has taken to implement Section 303(d). This bill provides an opportunity to carefully review the monitoring approaches, data needed to list sites, and how the State approaches TMDLs.
  
  
• Legislative Requirements
  AB 982 (Statutes of 1999) requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to convene an advisory group or groups to assist in the evaluation of program structure and effectiveness as it relates to the implementation of the requirements of CWA Section 303(d), applicable federal regulations, and monitoring and assessment programs. The bill requires the SWRCB to report, on or before November 30, 2000, and annually thereafter until November 30, 2002, to the Legislature on the structure and effectiveness of its water quality program as it relates to Section 303(d). The bill also requires the SWRCB, on or before November 30, 2000, to assess and report to the Legislature on the SWRCB's and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards' (RWQCB) current surface water quality monitoring programs for the purpose of designing a proposal for a comprehensive surface water quality monitoring program for the State.
  
  
• Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP).
  
  
• Scientific Advisory Group (SAG)
  An advisory group reviewed the technical and scientific aspects of the SWAMP. The group also reviewed the program's monitoring approach and provide suggestions for monitoring improvements. The SAG was comprised of scientific and technical experts nominated by the regulated community, environmental community and SWRCB staff.
  
  The SAG participants have expertise in the fields of toxicology, ecology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, experimental design, statistics, bioaccumulation, public health, pesticide management, monitoring program implementation, and quality assurance.
  
  The SAG met on August 10, 2000. The meeting agenda and invitation letter are available.
  
  
• Public Advisory Group
  Water Code Section 13191 (AB 982, Ducheny) requires that the SWRCB establish an advisory group or groups to assist in the evaluation of program structure and effectiveness in matters related to the implementation of CWA Section 303(d) requirements and other applicable regulations, as well as other monitoring and assessment programs.
  
  
• Links
  A list of links to information concerning ambient surface water monitoring and TMDLs.