Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act

Water Code Division 7 and Related Sections

(As amended, including Statutes 2025

JANUARY 2026

CALIFORNIA STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

Gavin Newsom, Governor

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD

Joaquin Esquivel, Chair Dorene D'Adamo, Member Sean Maguire, Member Laurel Firestone, Member Nichole Morgan, Member

·

Eric Oppenheimer, Executive Director Karen Mogus, Chief Deputy Director Erik Ekdahl, Chief Deputy Director

Compiled by the Office of Chief Counsel

STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD AND CALIFORNIA REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARDS

The State Water Resources Control Board was established in 1967 by the Legislature. The Board succeeded to the functions of the former State Water Rights Board and the State Water Quality Control Board. The nine California Regional Water Quality Control Boards were originally established in the Dickey Water Pollution Control Act of 1949. Together the ten water boards have primarily responsibility for implementing and enforcing the PorterCologne Water Quality Control Act (PorterCologne Act).

This pamphlet contains excerpts of the Porter-Cologne Act and other related Water Code sections. The State Water Resources Control Board publishes this collection as part of its public information program. This booklet is provided as a public service. Bracketed headings in Division 7 are not part of the code, but are editorial insertions for the benefit of the reader. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, persons should consult the official version of the California Code when making legal decisions. The California Legislative Counsel maintains the official code, which is accessible on the Internet at:

http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents	_______ iii
Water Code______	1
GENERAL PROVISIONS_______1
Division 1. GENERAL STATE POWERS OVER WATER [100. - 540.]	___3
[Intermediate 'Part' Level Omitted by Legislature]_______3
Chapter 1. General State Policy [100. - 113.] ____3
Article 3. State Water Resources Control Board [174. - 189.7.]	_____8
Chapter 2.5. Miscellaneous Powers of Department [205. - 347.]	_____16
Article 3. Proceedings to Prevent Waste or Unreasonable Use [275.	-
275.] _________16
Division 2. WATER [1000. - 5976.]_________17
Part 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS [1000. - 1126.2.]___17
Chapter 2. Administrative Provisions Generally [1050. - 1060.]	______17
Chapter 3. Witnesses and Production of Evidence [1075. - 1106.]	____25
Article 1. Definitions [1075. - 1076.]________25
Article 2. Attendance and Fees [1080. - 1086.] _____25
Article 3. Compelling Attendance [1090. - 1097.] ___26
Article 4. Depositions [1100. - 1100.]	_______27
Article 5. Immunity [1105. - 1106.]_________27
Chapter 3.5. State Water Resources Control Board Administrative
Hearings Office [1110. -	1114.]________28
Chapter 4. Reconsideration, Amendment, and Judicial Review of Water
Article 1. General Provisions [1120. - 1121.] _______32
Article 2. Reconsideration and Amendment of Decisions and Orders [1122. - 1124.]	_______33
1126.]	_33
Article 3. Review by Court of Decisions and Orders [1126. -
Chapter 1. Policy [13000. - 13002.]_____34
[Intermediate 'Part' Level Omitted by Legislature]______34
Chapter 1.5. Short Title [13020. - 13020.] Chapter 2. Definitions [13050. - 13051.]	_____36
Chapter 3. State Water Quality Control [13100. - 13197.5.]	______36
Article 1. State Water Resources Control Board
[13100. - 13100.] Article 3. State Policy for Water Quality Control [13140. - 13149.2.]	___38 __38
Article 4. Other Powers and Duties of the State Board [13160. -	39
___________47
13193.9.]

Article 5. Electronic Submission of Reports [13195. - 13197.5.] Article 6. Drought Relief [13198 - 13198.8] ________72	____70
Chapter 4. Regional Water Quality Control [13200. - 13286.9.]
______75
Article 1. Organization and Membership of Regional Boards [13200. 13208.]_______75	-
Article 2. General Provisions Relating to Powers and Duties of Regional Boards [13220. - 13228.15.]_______80
Article 3. Regional Water Quality Control Plans [13240. - 13249.]	__83
Article 4. Waste Discharge Requirements [13260. - 13276.]_86 Article 5. Individual Disposal Systems [13280. - 13286.9.] ______	120
Chapter 4.1. Ex Parte Communications [13287. - 13287.]___	123
Chapter 4.3. Sewer Service [13288. - 13289.5] _____	125
Chapter 4.5. Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems [13290. - 13291.7.]	135
Chapter 4.7. Fairness and Due Process [13292. - 13292.]___	136
Chapter 5. Enforcement and Implementation [13300. - 13365.] ___	137
Article 1. Administrative Enforcement and Remedies [13300. - 13308.]___________	137
Article 2. Administrative Review by the State Board [13320. -	13321.]
___________	150
Article 2.5. Administrative Civil Liability [13323. - 13328.] ______	152
Article 3. Judicial Review and Enforcement [13330. - 13331.] ___	154
Article 4. Summary Judicial Abatement [13340. - 13340.]_	156
Article 5. Civil Monetary Remedies [13350. - 13351.] ____	156
Article 6. General Provisions Relating to Enforcement and Review
[13360. - 13362.] _________	159
[13365. - 13365.] _________	161 162
Chapter 5.2. Preproduction Plastic Debris Program [13367. - 13367.] Chapter 5.4. Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program [13369. -	164
13369.]_______ Chapter 5.5. Compliance With the Provisions of the Federal Water	165
Pollution Control Act as Amended in 1972 [13370. - 13389.] _ Chapter 5.6. Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup [13390. - 13396.9.]	186
Chapter 5.7. Drainage From Abandoned Mines [13397. - 13398.9.]	194
Chapter 5.8. Minor Violations [13399. - 13399.3.]___	200
Chapter 5.9. The Storm Water Enforcement Act of 1998 [13399.25.	- 204
13399.43.] _______ Chapter 6. State Financial Assistance [13400. - 13443.] _	207
Article 1. State Water Quality Control Fund [13400. - 13401.]	207
___
Article 2. Loans to Local Agencies [13410. - 13418.] _____ Article 2.5. Guarantees for Local Agency Bonds [13425. - 13433.]	208 211
Article 3. State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement	214
Account [13440. - 13444.] _________

Chapter 6.1. Water Conservation and Water Quality Bond Law of 1986	Chapter 6.1. Water Conservation and Water Quality Bond Law of 1986
[13450. - 13469.] ___________	218
Chapter 6.5. State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund [13475. -	Chapter 6.5. State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund [13475. -
13485.]_______	218
Chapter 6.6. Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program [13486 -	Chapter 6.6. Water and Wastewater Loan and Grant Program [13486 -
13489] _______	227
Chapter 6.7. Cost Recovery, Enforcement, and Administration [13490 -	Chapter 6.7. Cost Recovery, Enforcement, and Administration [13490 -
13499.4]____________	229
Chapter 7. Water Reclamation [13500. - 13557.]____	235
Article 1. Short Title [13500. - 13500.] ____	235
Article 2. Declaration of Policy [13510. - 13512.]__ Article 3. State Assistance [13515. - 13515.] _____	235
	235
Article 4. Regulation of Reclamation [13520. - 13529.4.] _	236
Article 6. Waste Well Regulation [13540. - 13541.] ______	242
Article 7. Water Reuse [13550. - 13557.] ________	243
Article 8. Water Quality Criteria for Onsite Treated Nonpotable Water	Article 8. Water Quality Criteria for Onsite Treated Nonpotable Water
Systems [13558. - 13558.1.]______	254
Chapter 7.3. Direct and Indirect Potable Reuse [13560. - 13570.] __	257
Chapter 7.5. Water Recycling Act of 1991 [13575. - 13583.]_	268
Chapter 8. Federal Assistance for Treatment Facilities [13600. - 13609.]	Chapter 8. Federal Assistance for Treatment Facilities [13600. - 13609.]
_____________	277
Chapter 8.5. Perchlorate [13610. - 13613.] ________	280
Chapter 9. Waste Water Treatment Plant Classification and Operator	Chapter 9. Waste Water Treatment Plant Classification and Operator
Certification [13625. - 13633.] ______	284
Chapter 10. Water Wells and Cathodic Protection Wells [13700. -	Chapter 10. Water Wells and Cathodic Protection Wells [13700. -
13806.]_______	292
Article 1. Declaration of Policy [13700. - 13701.]__	292
Article 2. Definitions [13710. - 13713.]____	292
Article 3. Reports [13750.5. - 13755.]_____	293
Article 4. Quality Control [13800. - 13806.] ______	295
Chapter 10.2. California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1984 [13810. -	Chapter 10.2. California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1984 [13810. -
13845.]_______	299
Chapter 10.5. California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1976 [13850.	-
13875.]_______	299
Chapter 10.6. California Safe Drinking Water Grant Program [13880. 13892.]_______	- 299
Chapter 10.7. California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1986 [13895.	-
13898.5.] ___________	300
Chapter 11. Discharges From Houseboats on or in the Waters of the State [13900. - 13908.] ______	300
Chapter 11.5. Municipal Wastewater Agencies [13910 - 13915] ___	302
Chapter 12. Special Water Quality Provisions [13950. - 13952.5.] __	305

Chapter 12.2. San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Drain [13953. - 13953.4.] _____________	307
Chapter 12.5. Clean Water and Water Conservation Bond Law of 1978 [13955. - 13969.] ___________	309
Chapter 15. Clean Water Bond Law of 1984 [13999. - 13999.19.] __	309
Chapter 16. California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1988 [14000. 14040.]_______	- 309
Chapter 17. Clean Water and Water Reclamation Bond Law of 1988 [14050. - 14076.] ___________	309
Chapter 23. The San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Act [14900. - 14920.]
_____________	309
Article 1. General Provisions [14900. - 14902.] ___ Article 2. The San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Program [14903. 14920.]___________	309 - 311
Chapter 24. Shellfish Protection Act of 1993 [14950. - 14958.] ____	315
Chapter 27. California Watershed Improvement Act of 2009 [16100. -
16104.]_______	319

WATER CODE GENERAL PROVISIONS

(General Provisions enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 1. This act shall be known as the Water Code. (Enacted By Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 2. The provisions of this code, in so far as they are substantially the same as existing statutory provisions relating to the same subject matter, shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof, and not as new enactments.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 3. All persons who, at the time this code takes effect, hold office under any of the acts repealed by this code, which offices are continued by this code, continue to hold them according to their former tenure. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 4. No action or proceeding commenced before this code takes effect, and no right accrued, is affected by this code, but all procedure thereafter taken therein shall conform to the provisions of this code so far as possible. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 5. Unless the provision or the context otherwise requires, these definitions, rules of construction, and general provisions shall govern the construction of this code.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 6. Division, part, chapter, article, and section headings do not in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of the provisions of this code. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 7. Whenever a power is granted to, or a duty is imposed upon, a public officer, the power may be exercised or the duty may be performed by a deputy of the officer or by a person authorized, pursuant to law, by the officer, unless this code expressly provides otherwise.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 8. Writing includes any form of recorded message capable of comprehension by ordinary visual means. Whenever any notice, report, statement, petition, or record is required or authorized by this code, it shall be made in writing in the English language unless it is expressly provided otherwise.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 9. Whenever reference is made to any portion of this code or of any other law of this State, the reference applies to all amendments and additions heretofore or hereafter made.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 10. 'Section' means a section of this code unless some other statute is specifically mentioned. 'Subdivision' means a subdivision of the section in which that term occurs unless some other section is expressly mentioned. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 11. The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future, the present.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 12. The masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 12.2. 'Spouse' includes 'registered domestic partner,' as required by Section 297.5 of the Family Code. (Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 50, Sec. 118. Effective January 1, 2017.)
• § 13. The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 14. 'County' includes city and county. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 15. 'Shall' is mandatory and 'may' is permissive. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 16. 'Oath' includes affirmation. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 17. 'Signature' or 'subscription' includes mark when the signer or subscriber can not write, such signer's or subscriber's name being written near the mark by a witness who writes his own name near the signer's or subscriber's name; but a signature or subscription by mark can be acknowledged or can serve as a signature or subscription to a sworn statement only when two witnesses so sign their own names thereto.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 18. 'State' means the State of California, unless applied to the different parts of the United States. In the latter case, it includes the District of Columbia and the territories.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 19. 'Person' means any person, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, corporation, limited liability company, or company.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1010, Sec. 226. Effective January 1, 1995.)

• § 20. 'United States' means the United States of America, and in relation to any particular matter includes the officers, agents, employees, agencies, or instrumentalities authorized to act in relation thereto. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 21. If any provision of this code, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the code, or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 22. 'Department,' unless otherwise specified, means the Department of Water Resources. (Amended by Stats. 1956, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 52.)
• § 23. 'Director,' unless otherwise specified, means the Director of Water Resources.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1956, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 52.)

• § 24. The standard miner's inch of water is equivalent to one and one-half cubic feet of water per minute, measured through any aperture or orifice. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)
• § 25. 'Board,' unless otherwise specified, means the State Water Resources Control Board.

(Added by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)

• § 26. For the purposes of this code, 'recycled water' or 'reclaimed water' has the same meaning as recycled water as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 13050.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 11.5. Effective January 1, 1996.)

DIVISION 1. GENERAL STATE POWERS OVER WATER [100. - 540.]

(Division 1 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

[INTERMEDIATE 'PART' LEVEL OMITTED BY LEGISLATURE] CHAPTER 1. GENERAL STATE POLICY [100. - 113.]

(Chapter 1 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 100. It is hereby declared that because of the conditions prevailing in this State the general welfare requires that the water resources of the State be put to beneficial use to the fullest extent of which they are capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that the conservation of such water is to be exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interest of the people

and for the public welfare. The right to water or to the use or flow of water in or from any natural stream or watercourse in this State is and shall be limited to such water as shall be reasonably required for the beneficial use to be served, and such right does not and shall not extend to the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use or unreasonable method of diversion of water. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 100.5. It is hereby declared to be the established policy of this state that conformity of a use, method of use, or method of diversion of water with local custom shall not be solely determinative of its reasonableness, but shall be considered as one factor to be weighed in the determination of the reasonableness of the use, method of use, or method of diversion of water, within the meaning of Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution. (Added by Stats. 1980, Ch. 933, Sec. 1.)

§ 101. Riparian rights in a stream or watercourse attach to, but to no more than so much of the flow thereof as may be required or used consistently with this and the next preceding section, for the purposes for which such lands are, or may be made adaptable, in view of such reasonable and beneficial uses; provided, however, that nothing in this or the next preceding section shall be construed as depriving any riparian owner of the reasonable use of water of the stream to which his land is riparian under reasonable methods of diversion and use, or of depriving any appropriator of water to which he is lawfully entitled. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 102. All water within the State is the property of the people of the State, but the right to the use of water may be acquired by appropriation in the manner provided by law.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 103. In the enactment of this code the Legislature does not intend thereby to effect any change in the law relating to water rights. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 104. It is hereby declared that the people of the State have a paramount interest in the use of all the water of the State and that the State shall determine what water of the State, surface and underground, can be converted to public use or controlled for public protection. (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 105. It is hereby declared that the protection of the public interest in the development of the water resources of the State is of vital concern to the people of the State and that the State shall determine in what way the water of the State, both surface and underground, should be developed for the greatest public benefit.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 106. It is hereby declared to be the established policy of this State that the use of water for domestic purposes is the highest use of water and that the next highest use is for irrigation.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 106.3. (a) It is hereby declared to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water adequate for human consumption, cooking, and sanitary purposes.
• (b) All relevant state agencies, including the department, the state board, and the State Department of Public Health, shall consider this state policy when revising, adopting, or establishing policies, regulations, and grant criteria when those policies, regulations, and criteria are pertinent to the uses of water described in this section.
• (c) This section does not expand any obligation of the state to provide water or to require the expenditure of additional resources to develop water infrastructure beyond the obligations that may exist pursuant to subdivision (b).
• (d) This section shall not apply to water supplies for new development.
• (e) The implementation of this section shall not infringe on the rights or responsibilities of any public water system. (Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 524, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2013.)
• § 106.4. (a) For the purposes of this section:
• (1) 'Bottled water' has the same meaning as defined in Section 111070 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (2) 'Residential development' has the same meaning as defined in Section 65008 of the Government Code.
• (3) 'Retail water facility' has the same meaning as defined in Section 111070 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (4) 'Water-vending machine' has the same meaning as defined in Section 111070 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (5) 'Water hauler' has the same meaning as defined in Section 111070 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) A city, including a charter city, or a county shall not issue a building permit for the construction of a new residential development where a source of water supply is water transported by a water hauler, bottled water, a watervending machine, or a retail water facility.
• (c) This section does not apply to a residence that will be rebuilt because of a fire or natural disaster.
• (d) The Legislature finds and declares that this section addresses a matter of statewide concern and not a municipal affair, as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 612, Sec. 1. (AB 367) Effective January 1, 2018.)

• § 106.5. It is hereby declared to be the established policy of this State that the right of a municipality to acquire and hold rights to the use of water should be protected to the fullest extent necessary for existing and future uses, but that no municipality shall acquire or hold any right to waste water, or to use water for other than municipal purposes, or to prevent the appropriation and application of water in excess of its reasonable and existing needs to useful purposes by others subject to the rights of the municipality to apply such water to municipal uses as and when necessity therefor exists. (Added by Stats. 1945, Ch. 1344.)
• § 106.7. (a) It is hereby declared to be the established policy of this state to support and encourage the development of environmentally compatible small hydroelectric projects as a renewable energy source, provided that the projects do not result in surface disturbances within the following sensitive areas:
• (1) Any component of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers System or the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
• (2) Any river designated for study pursuant to Section 5(a) of the National Wild and Scenic River Act (16 U.S.C. 1276(a)). This paragraph shall not apply to any river which, upon the completion of the study, is not included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
• (3) Any state or federally designated wilderness area.
• (4) Any areas designated as a 'Critical Condor Habitat' by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
• (b) State agencies shall not approve small hydroelectric development within the sensitive areas specified in subdivision (a).
• (c) Significant adverse impacts associated with small hydroelectric projects shall be identified by those agencies responsible for the preparation of the environmental impact document.
• (d) Emphasis on the development of small hydroelectric power generating facilities which are 'qualifying small power production facilities' under Section 210 of the Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, shall be on existing dams, diversions, and canals with a sufficient drop so that power may be efficiently generated without significant environmental effects.
• (e) For hydroelectric power generating facilities, the applicant shall demonstrate that project revenues will exceed project costs, including the cost of mitigation measures over the life of the project.
• (f) Subdivisions (d) and (e) do not apply to projects with a nameplate capacity of less than 100 kilowatts. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 807, Sec. 1.)
• § 107. The declaration of the policy of the State in this chapter is not exclusive, and all other or further declarations of policy in this code shall be given their full force and effect.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 108. It is hereby declared to be the established policy of this State that in the development and completion of any general or co-ordinated plan prepared and published by the Department of Water Resources or any predecessor thereof or successor thereto, all uses, including needs of the area in which the water originates, of water shall be given consideration.

Whenever the Legislature authorizes the construction or acquisition by the State of any project which will develop water for use outside the watershed in which it originates, the Legislature shall at the same time consider the authorization and the construction or acquisition of such other works as may be necessary to develop water to satisfy such of the reasonable ultimate requirements of such watershed as may be needed at the time the export project is authorized or as will be needed within a reasonable time thereafter. The authorization with respect to such additional works may provide for state acquisition or construction, in whole or in part, of any such additional works, or financial assistance to other entities in connection with the acquisition or construction of such works, or a combination thereof. (Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 2063.)

• § 109. (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the growing water needs of the state require the use of water in an efficient manner and that the efficient use of water requires certainty in the definition of property rights to the use of water and transferability of such rights. It is hereby declared to be the established policy of this state to facilitate the voluntary transfer of water and water rights where consistent with the public welfare of the place of export and the place of import.
• (b) The Legislature hereby directs the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, and all other appropriate state agencies to encourage voluntary transfers of water and water rights, including, but not limited to, providing technical assistance to persons to identify and implement water conservation measures which will make additional water available for transfer.

(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 867, Sec. 1.)

§ 110. (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:

• (1) The use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf is wasteful and incompatible with state policy relating to climate change, water conservation, and reduced reliance on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem.
• (2) The Governor reported in August 2022 that climate change will bring significant enduring reductions in California's water supply and that the state must take steps to respond to this reality.

• (3) The State of Nevada enacted AB 356 in 2021 to prohibit the use of Colorado River water to irrigate nonfunctional turf on all properties except single-family residences by January 1, 2027.
• (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the irrigation of grasses for agricultural production shall not be limited by requirements to eliminate the use of potable water to irrigate nonfunctional turf.
• (c) The Legislature hereby directs all appropriate state agencies to encourage and support the elimination of irrigation of nonfunctional turf with potable water.

(Added by Stats.2023, Ch. 849 (A.B.1572), Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2024.)

---

• § 113. It is the policy of the state that groundwater resources be managed sustainably for long-term reliability and multiple economic, social, and environmental benefits for current and future beneficial uses. Sustainable groundwater management is best achieved locally through the development, implementation, and updating of plans and programs based on the best available science.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 346, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2015.)

---

Article 3. State Water Resources Control Board [174. - 189.7.]

(Heading of Article 3 amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)

• § 174. (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that in order to provide for the orderly and efficient administration of the water resources of the state, it is necessary to establish a control board that shall exercise the adjudicatory and regulatory functions of the state in the field of water resources.
• (b) It is also the intention of the Legislature to combine the water rights, water quality, and drinking water functions of the state government to provide for coordinated consideration of water rights, water quality, and safe and reliable drinking water.
• (c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2014. (Repealed (in Sec. 181) and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 35, Sec. 182. Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2014, by its own provisions.)
• § 175. (a) There is in the California Environmental Protection Agency the State Water Resources Control Board consisting of five members appointed by the Governor. One of the members appointed shall be an attorney admitted to practice law in this state who is qualified in the fields of water supply and water rights, one shall be a registered civil engineer under the laws of this state who is qualified in the fields of water supply and water rights, one shall be a registered professional engineer under the laws of this state who is experienced in sanitary

• engineering and who is qualified in the field of water quality, and one shall be qualified in the field of water quality. One of the above-appointed persons, in addition to having the specified qualifications, shall be qualified in the field of water supply and water quality relating to irrigated agriculture. One member shall not be required to have specialized experience.
• (b) Each member shall represent the state at large and not any particular portion thereof and shall serve full time. The board shall, to the extent possible, be composed of members from different regions of the state. The appointments made by the Governor shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate in accordance with Article 2 (commencing with Section 1770) of Chapter 4 of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2011.)

• § 175.5. (a) A member of the board shall not participate in any board action pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 13320) of Chapter 5 of Division 7 in which the board member has a disqualifying financial interest in the decision within the meaning of Section 87103 of the Government Code.
• (b) A board member shall not participate in any proceeding before any regional board as a consultant or in any other capacity on behalf of any waste discharger.
• (c) Upon the request of any person, or on the Attorney General's own initiative, the Attorney General may file a complaint in the superior court for the county in which the board has its principal office alleging that a board member has knowingly violated this section and the facts upon which the allegation is based and asking that the member be removed from office. Further proceedings shall be in accordance as near as may be with rules governing civil actions. If after trial the court finds that the board member has knowingly violated this section it shall pronounce judgment that the member be removed from office. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 115. Effective June 27, 2012.)
• § 176. The annual salary of the members of the board is provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing at Section 11550) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Each member of the board shall receive the necessary traveling and other expenses incurred by him in the performance of his official duties out of appropriations made for the support of the board. When necessary the members of the board may travel within or without the State. (Added by renumbering Section 186 by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
• § 177. All members of the board shall be appointed for terms of four years. of the terms in which they occur.
• Vacancies shall be immediately filled by the Governor for the unexpired portion (Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 40, Sec. 2. Effective May 26, 1983.)

• § 178. The members of the board may be removed from office by the Legislature, by concurrent resolution adopted by a majority vote of all members elected to each house, for dereliction of duty or corruption or incompetency. (Added by renumbering Section 188 by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

§ 179. The board succeeds to and is vested with all of the powers, duties, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction vested in the Department and Director of Public Works, the Division of Water Resources of the Department of Public Works, the State Engineer, the State Water Quality Control Board, or any officer or employee thereof, under Division 2 (commencing with Section 1000), except Part 4 (commencing with Section 4000) and Part 6 (commencing with Section 5900) thereof; and Division 7 (commencing with Section 13000) of this code, or any other law under which permits or licenses to appropriate water are issued, denied, or revoked or under which the functions of water pollution and quality control are exercised.

(Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)

§ 179.6. The board, or representatives authorized by the board to do so, may call, conduct or attend conferences or hearings, official or unofficial, within or without this state, or otherwise participate in such conferences or hearings with interested persons, agencies or officers, of this or any other state, or with the Congress of the United States, congressional committees, or officers of the federal government, concerning any matter within the scope of the power and duties of the board.

(Added by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)

§ 179.7. As to any matter involving the United States, its departments or agencies, which is within the scope of the power and duties of the board, the board may represent the interest of the state or any county, city, state agency or public district upon their request, and to that end may correspond, confer and cooperate with the United States, its departments or agencies, and where necessary the board members, or authorized representatives, may travel either within or without the state.

(Added by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)

• § 181. The board shall maintain its headquarters at Sacramento and may establish branch offices in such parts of the state as the board deems necessary. The board shall hold meetings at such times and at such places as shall be determined by it. The Governor shall designate the time and place for the first meeting of the board. Three members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting any business of the board. (Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 1656.)
• § 182. The Governor shall designate the chairperson of the board from the membership of the board. The person so designated shall hold the office of

chairperson at the pleasure of the Governor. The board shall elect a vice chairperson.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2011.)

• § 183. The board may hold any hearings and conduct any investigations in any part of the state necessary to carry out the powers vested in it, and for such purposes has the powers conferred upon heads of departments of the state by Article 2 (commencing with Section 11180), Chapter 2, Part 1, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code.

Any hearing or investigation by the board may be conducted by any member upon authorization of the board, and he shall have the powers granted to the board by this section, but any final action of the board shall be taken by a majority of all the members of the board, at a meeting duly called and held.

All hearings held by the board or by any member thereof shall be open and public

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

• § 184. The Department of Water Resources shall have an interest and may appear as a party in any hearing held by the board and may commence or appear in any judicial proceeding brought to inquire into the validity of any action, order, or decision of the board.

(Added by renumbering Section 194 by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

• § 185. The board shall adopt rules for the conduct of its affairs in conformity, as nearly as practicable, with the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. (Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 454, Sec. 184.)
• § 186. (a) The board shall have any powers, and may employ any legal counsel and other personnel and assistance, that may be necessary or convenient for the exercise of its duties authorized by law.
• (b) For the purpose of administration, the board shall organize itself, with the approval of the Governor, in the manner it deems necessary properly to segregate and conduct the work of the board. The work of the board shall be divided into at least two divisions, known as the Division of Water Rights and the Division of Water Quality. The board shall appoint a deputy director or division chief for each division, who shall supervise the work of the division and act as technical adviser to the board on functions under his or her jurisdiction.
• (c) The Attorney General shall represent the board, or any affected regional water quality control board, or both the board and the regional board, and the state in litigation concerning affairs of the board, or a regional board, or both, unless the Attorney General represents another state agency that is a party to the action. In that case, the Attorney General may represent the board, the regional board, or both, with the written consent of the board and the other

state agency, the board may contract for the services of private counsel to represent the board, the regional board, or both, subject to Section 11040 of the Government Code, or the legal counsel of the board may represent the board, the regional board, or both. Sections 11041, 11042, and 11043 of the Government Code are not applicable to the board. The legal counsel of the board shall advise and furnish legal services, except representation in litigation, to the regional boards upon their request.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2011.)

• § 187. The board, regional water quality control boards, the Department of Water Resources, and other state agencies shall, to the fullest extent possible, exchange records, reports, material, and any other information relating to water, water rights, water pollution or quality, or any areas of mutual concern, to the end that unnecessary duplication of effort may be avoided. (Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)
• § 188. The board may expend money appropriated for the administration of the laws the administration of which is committed to the board.

Such expenditures by the board shall be made in accordance with law in carrying on the work for which the appropriations were made. (Added by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

• § 188.5. The board shall publish biennial progress reports relating to the activities of the board and California regional water quality control boards. (Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)
• § 189. (a) There is hereby established the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions within the state board, which may be administered by the state board as a separate organizational unit or within the state board's divisions or offices.
• (b) The purpose of the office is to promote permanent and sustainable drinking water and wastewater treatment solutions to ensure the effective and efficient provision of safe, clean, affordable, and reliable drinking water and wastewater treatment services. In furtherance of this purpose, the office may take, but is not limited to, all of the following actions:
• (1) Coordinating with and providing assistance to small drinking water systems, wastewater treatment systems, and disadvantaged communities without drinking water or wastewater treatment systems.
• (2) Promoting and facilitating regional drinking water and wastewater projects.
• (3) Promoting and facilitating regional solutions, including consolidation of existing water districts, expansion of existing water districts to serve communities unserved by public water systems and wastewater treatment systems, and extension of services to underserved communities and disadvantaged communities.

• (4) Advancing the delivery of affordable, safe drinking water to disadvantaged communities throughout the state.
• (5) Providing technical assistance to disadvantaged communities and small drinking water systems and wastewater systems, including grant application assistance, outreach and education in vulnerable communities, financial management support, and facilitation of discussions within and between communities.

(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 2, Sec. 6. Effective March 27, 2015.)

§ 189.3. [Stormwater Design and Use Recommendations for Schools]

• (a) The board, in consultation with the regional water quality control boards, and the Division of the State Architect within the Department of General Services shall recommend best design and use practices for storm water and dry weather runoff capture practices that can generally be applied to all new, reconstructed, or altered public schools, including school grounds.
• (b) The board shall submit the recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature on or before January 1, 2019.
• (c) The board and the State Department of Education shall post the recommendations on their respective Internet Web sites on or before March 1, 2019.
• (d) For purposes of this section, 'storm water and dry weather runoff capture practices' means practices to control water pollutants, pollutant loads, and water runoff volume exiting a site to the maximum extent feasible by minimizing impervious surface area and controlling runoff from impervious surfaces through infiltration, evapotranspiration, bioretention, treatment, and rainfall harvest.
• (e) (1) The reporting requirement pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be inoperative on January 1, 2023, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.
• (2) A report submitted to the Legislature pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 214. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)
• § 189.5. (a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Act.
• (b) No later than January 1, 2018, the board, in collaboration with the State Board of Equalization and relevant stakeholders, shall develop a plan for the funding and implementation of the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program, which shall include all of the following elements:
• (1) A description of the method for collecting moneys to support and implement the program, including a discussion of any constitutional restrictions on public water agency ratesetting.

• (2) A description of the mechanism for providing funding assistance under the program through either direct credits to enrollees in the program or reimbursements to water service providers, including a method for verifying income eligibility of low-income ratepayers, clarification of the role of the Public Utilities Commission and water utilities in determining and verifying customer eligibility, and recommendations regarding the structure of the program, particularly whether it will be administered by the state or locally administered.
• (3) A description of the method to be used to determine the amount of moneys that may need to be collected from water ratepayers to fund the program. The plan shall include a set of recommendations and best practices of cost-savings measures to ensure water utilities are demonstrating whether and how they are keeping rates low. This section does not authorize the imposition of a state charge to fund the program.
• (c) In developing the plan required in subdivision (b), the board may consider the existing rate assistance programs authorized by the Public Utilities Commission for investor-owned water utilities pursuant to Section 739.8 of the Public Utilities Code.
• (d) The plan may also include recommendations for other cost-effective methods of offering assistance to low-income water customers besides rate assistance, including billing alternatives, installation of water conservation devices, and leak repair. In considering other methods, the board may consider the Public Utilities Commission's 'Assessment of Water Utility Low-Income Assistance Programs.'
• (e) (1) No later than February 1, 2018, the board shall report to the Legislature on its findings regarding the feasibility, financial stability, and desired structure of the program, including any recommendations for legislative action that may need to be taken.
• (2) The requirement for submitting a report imposed under this subdivision is inoperative on February 1, 2022, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.
• (3) A report to be submitted pursuant to this subdivision shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
• (f) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
• (1) 'Board' means the State Water Resources Control Board.
• (2) 'Low-income' means a household with income that is equal to or no greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline level. For one-person households, program eligibility shall be based on two-person household guideline levels.
• (3) 'Program' means the Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program. (Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 662, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2016.)

• § 189.7. (a) Outreach to identify issues of environmental justice needs to begin as early as possible in state board or regional board planning, policy, and permitting processes. The state board and each regional board shall do both of the following:
• (1) Engage in equitable, culturally relevant community outreach to promote meaningful civil engagement from potentially impacted communities of proposed discharges of waste that may have disproportionate impacts on water quality in disadvantaged communities or tribal communities and ensure that outreach and engagement shall continue throughout the waste discharge planning, policy, and permitting processes.
• (2) Contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, hire environmental justice and tribal community coordinator positions solely dedicated to the purpose of achieving, at a minimum, all of the following goals:
• (A) Adhering to environmental justice goals, policies, and objectives.
• (B) Promoting meaningful civic engagement in the public decisionmaking process.
• (C) Informing water quality control plans and state policies for water quality control, and amendments thereto, and statewide, regional, and individual waste discharge requirements or waivers of waste discharge requirements that address water quality impacts that occur disproportionately in disadvantaged communities pursuant to Section 13149.2.
• (D) Soliciting community recommendations for future projects to be listed on regional board supplemental environmental project lists.
• (b) Contingent upon a specific appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or other statute for these purposes, the state board shall do all of the following:
• (1) Direct resources for training of state board and regional board staff to advance adherence to environmental justice objectives, goals, and policies adopted by the state board and the regional boards.
• (2) Establish a community capacity-building stipend program to promote meaningful civic engagement by disadvantaged communities and tribal communities in the state board and regional board decisionmaking processes by providing funding or services that allow members of the public to overcome barriers, such as technology, language, travel, and income, to public participation.
• (3) Develop program-specific tools to better identify and prioritize state board and regional board compliance assessment and enforcement actions in disadvantaged communities.
• (c) The state board may, through contracts or grants, utilize nonprofit organizations organized for the purpose of addressing environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities or that work closely with tribal

communities to administer all or part of the activities specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) and paragraph (2) of subdivision (b).

• (d) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
• (1) 'Disadvantaged community' means a community in which the median household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income level.
• (2) 'Environmental justice' has the same meaning as defined in Section 30107.3 of the Public Resources Code.
• (3) 'Meaningful civic engagement' includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
• (A) Providing opportunities for people to participate in decisionmaking processes about activities that may affect their environment or health and to contribute to the state board's and regional boards' decisionmaking.
• (B) Seeking out and facilitating the involvement of people potentially affected by the decisions and taking into account community concerns.
• (C) Informing disadvantaged and tribal community members of opportunities to be appointed to advisory or decisionmaking bodies, thereby empowering those community members to become advisors or decisionmakers.
• (4) 'Tribal community' means a community within a federally recognized California Native American tribe or nonfederally recognized Native American tribe on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for the purposes of Chapter 905 of the Statutes of 2004. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 347, Sec. 2. (AB 2108) Effective January 1, 2023.)

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CHAPTER 2.5. MISCELLANEOUS POWERS OF DEPARTMENT [205. - 347.]

(Heading of Chapter 2.5 added by Stats. 1956, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 52.)

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Article 3. Proceedings to Prevent Waste or Unreasonable Use [275. 275.]

(Article 3 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 275. The department and board shall take all appropriate proceedings or actions before executive, legislative, or judicial agencies to prevent waste, unreasonable use, unreasonable method of use, or unreasonable method of diversion of water in this state.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 794.)

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DIVISION 2. WATER [1000. - 5976.]

(Division 2 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

PART 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS [1000. - 1126.2.]

(Part 1 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

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CHAPTER 2. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS GENERALLY [1050. - 1060.]

(Chapter 2 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 1050. This division is hereby declared to be in furtherance of the policy contained in Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution and in all respects for the welfare and benefit of the people of the state, for the improvement of their prosperity and their living conditions, and the board and the department shall be regarded as performing a governmental function in carrying out the provisions of this division.

(Amended by Stats. 1979, Ch. 373.)

• § 1051. (a) The board for the purpose of this division may:
• (1) Investigate all streams, stream systems, portions of stream systems, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• (2) Take testimony in regard to the rights to water or the use of water thereon or therein.
• (3) Investigate and ascertain whether or not water heretofore filed upon or any claimed riparian or appropriative right is valid under the laws of this state.
• (b)(1) In furtherance of an investigation authorized pursuant to this section, the board may issue an information order, as executed by the executive director of the board.
• (2) The information order may be issued to a water right holder or claimant to provide the following information related to a diversion and use of water:
• (A) Information required to be reported pursuant to Part 5.1 (commencing with Section 5100).
• (B) Information concerning the basis of the water right claimed.
• (C) Information related to the patent date claimed for the place of use, if the claimed right is a riparian right.
• (D) Information concerning the notice date of the appropriation and the date of actual delivery of water to beneficial use.
• (E) Information concerning prior diversions and use, including direct diversions and diversions to storage.
• (3)(A) The information order may be issued to a diverter or user of water to provide information concerning that diverter's prior diversion or use, including direct diversions and diversions to storage, or identification of the person or holder claiming the right under which the water was diverted or used.

• (B) Information obtained under this paragraph from a diverter or user who is not the water right holder or claimant shall not be binding on, or treated as an admission by, the water right holder or claimant.
• (c) The burden of any order issued under subdivision (b), including costs, shall bear a reasonable relationship to the need for the requested information and the benefits to be obtained from the board receiving that information. In making a request, the board shall do both of the following:
• (1) Provide the person to whom the request is directed with a written explanation with regard to the need for the information.
• (2) Identify the evidence that supports requiring that person to provide the information.
• (d) A diversion or use of water ascertained to be unauthorized may be enforced as a trespass under Section 1052, following notice and opportunity for hearing as required under Section 1052, Section 1055, or Article 2 (commencing with Section 1831) of Chapter 12 of Part 2.
• (e) Nothing in this section shall limit any authority held by the board under this code or any other provision of law.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 486 (S.B.389), Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2024.)

• § 1051.1. (a) In conducting an investigation or proceeding specified in Section 275 or 1051, or in Article 7 (commencing with Section 13550) of Chapter 7 of Division 7, the board may inspect the property or facilities of any person or entity to ascertain whether the purposes of Section 100 and this division are being met or to ascertain compliance with any permit, license, certification, registration, decision, order, or regulation issued under Section 275, this division, or Article 7 (commencing with Section 13550) of Chapter 7 of Division 7.
• (b) If consent to inspect is denied or otherwise withheld, the board is authorized to obtain an inspection warrant pursuant to the procedure set forth in Title 13 (commencing with Section 1822.50) of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure for purposes of an inspection under this subdivision. However, in the event of an emergency affecting the public health or safety pertaining to the particular site under which the inspection is being sought, an inspection may be performed without consent or the issuance of a warrant.
• (c) The board may participate in an inspection of an unlicensed cannabis cultivation site conducted pursuant to a warrant duly issued pursuant to the Penal Code when requested by the party seeking that warrant for unlicensed cannabis cultivation and its associated activities that may involve a violation of this code, including, but not limited to, diversion or use of water in violation of this division or of any principles and guidelines established by the board pursuant to Section 13149.

(Added by Stats.2023, Ch. 158 (S.B.756), Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2024.)

• § 1051.5. In furtherance of its powers and duties under Parts 2 (commencing with Section 1200) and 3 (commencing with Section 2000) of this division, the board may supervise trial distribution of water in accordance with agreements and court orders therefor.

(Amended by Stats. 1967, Ch. 284.)

• § 1052. (a) The diversion or use of water subject to this division other than as authorized in this division is a trespass.
• (b) (1) An action for the issuance of injunctive relief as may be warranted by way of temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction, may be brought by the Attorney General on behalf of the board, or in the Attorney General's independent capacity in the name of the people of the State of California, where the diversion or use of water is threatened, is occurring, or has occurred.
• (2) (A) A civil action for a violation under this section resulting from unlicensed cannabis cultivation may also be brought by a city attorney or county counsel, upon approval of the board, in the name of the people of the State of California.
• (B) A city attorney or county counsel shall inform and coordinate with the board as to the investigation of potential violations of this section related to unlicensed cannabis cultivation. Unless the board withholds its approval within 21 days after the local jurisdiction provides notice of its intent to file, the local jurisdiction may deem the board's silence as approval.
• (c) A person or entity committing a trespass as defined in this section may be liable in an amount not to exceed the following:
• (1) If the unauthorized diversion or use occurs in a critically dry year immediately preceded by two or more consecutive below normal, dry, or critically dry years, or during a period for which the Governor has issued a proclamation of a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) based on drought conditions, the sum of the following:
• (A) One thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day in which the trespass occurs.
• (B) Two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each acre-foot of water diverted or used in excess of that diverter's water rights.
• (2) If the unauthorized diversion or use is not described by paragraph (1), five hundred dollars ($500) for each day in which the unauthorized diversion or use occurs.
• (3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), up to three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500) for each day in which the unauthorized diversion or use for unlicensed cannabis cultivation occurs.
• (d) Civil liability for a violation of this section may be imposed by the superior court or the board as follows:

• (1) The superior court may impose civil liability in an action brought by the Attorney General, upon request of the board, to impose, assess, and recover any sums pursuant to subdivision (c). In determining the appropriate amount, the court shall take into consideration all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which the violation occurs, and the corrective action, if any, taken by the violator.
• (2) The superior court may impose civil liability in an action for a violation under this section resulting from unlicensed cannabis cultivation brought by a city attorney or county counsel to impose, assess, and recover any sums pursuant to subdivision (c). In determining the appropriate amount, the court shall take into consideration all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, whether the violation was intentional or committed knowingly, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which the violation has occurred, and the corrective action, if any, taken by the violator. The court shall make its findings on the record.
• (3) The board may impose civil liability in accordance with Section 1055.
• (e) (1) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, funds recovered in an action pursuant to this section shall be used to proportionally reimburse the Attorney General, city attorney, county counsel, and the board for costs of bringing the action, including reasonable attorney's fees, and of investigating the violation and supporting the prosecution of the action.
• (2) Except for reimbursements to the Attorney General, city attorney, or county counsel, as specified in paragraph (1), all funds recovered pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Water Rights Fund established pursuant to Section 1550.
• (f) The remedies prescribed in this section are cumulative and not alternative.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 56, Sec. 37. (AB 195) Effective June 30, 2022.)

• § 1053. A full and accurate record of business or acts performed or of testimony taken by the board and the department in pursuance of the provisions of this division shall be kept and be placed on file in the office of the board or the department, as the case may be. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
• § 1054. The board and the department may certify to all of their official acts and may certify copies of all official documents and orders filed in their respective offices. For the purpose of making such certifications, the board and the department may adopt seals.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 947.)

• § 1055. (a) The executive director of the board may issue a complaint to any person or entity on which administrative civil liability may be imposed pursuant to Section 1052, Article 4 (commencing with Section 1845) of Chapter 12 of Part 2 of Division 2, or Section 5107. The complaint shall allege the act or failure to act that constitutes a trespass or violation, the provision of law authorizing civil liability to be imposed, and the proposed civil liability.
• (b) The complaint shall be served by personal notice, certified mail, in accordance with the manner of service of a summons under Article 3 (commencing with Section 415.10) of, and Article 4 (commencing with Section 416.10) of, Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or by any method of physical delivery that provides a receipt. The complaint shall inform the party served that the party may request a hearing not later than 20 days from the date the party was served and that the board may adopt an order setting administrative civil liability based on the allegations set forth in the complaint without a hearing if the party does not sign a written request for a hearing that is delivered to, or received by mail by, the board within 20 days after the date the party was served. The hearing shall be before the board or a member of the board, in accordance with Section 183. For purposes of this subdivision, 'physical delivery that provides a receipt' includes physical delivery methods that provide electronic confirmation of delivery to the intended address.
• (c) The board, after any necessary hearing, may adopt an order setting administrative civil liability, or determining that a liability shall not be imposed.
• (d) Orders setting administrative civil liability shall become effective and final upon issuance thereof and payment shall be made. (Amended by Stats.2023, Ch. 158 (S.B.756), Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2024.)

§ 1055.2. A person or entity shall not be subject to both civil liability imposed under Section 1055 and civil liability imposed by the superior court under Section 1052 or Article 4 (commencing with Section 1845) of Chapter 12 of Part 2 of Division 2 for the same act or failure to act.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 1055.3. In determining the amount of civil liability, the board shall take into consideration all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which the violation occurs, and the corrective action, if any, taken by the violator.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 756, Sec. 5.)

§ 1055.5. (a) (1) The board shall adjust on an annual basis, by January 1 of each year beginning in 2026, all civil and administrative liabilities or penalties imposed by the board or in an action brought at the request of the board

pursuant to this division, to adjust the maximum amounts specified in this division for inflation, as established by the amount by which the California Consumer Price Index for the month of June of the year prior to the adjustment exceeds the California Consumer Price Index for June of the calendar year in which legislation was last enacted establishing or amending the maximum amount of the liability or penalty.

• (2) The amount of any liability or penalty determined pursuant to this subdivision shall be rounded as follows:
• (A) To the nearest multiple of ten dollars ($10) in the case of a liability or penalty that is less than or equal to one hundred dollars ($100).
• (B) To the nearest multiple of one hundred dollars ($100) in the case of a liability or penalty that is greater than one hundred dollars ($100), but less than or equal to one thousand dollars ($1,000).
• (C) To the nearest multiple of one thousand dollars ($1,000) in the case of a liability or penalty that is greater than one thousand dollars ($1,000), but less than or equal to ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
• (D) To the nearest multiple of five thousand dollars ($5,000) in the case of a liability or penalty that is greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
• (3) Inflation adjustments made pursuant to this subdivision are exempt from the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The updated civil and administrative liability or penalties pursuant to the inflation adjustment shall be filed with the Secretary of State and published in the California Code of Regulations.
• (b) This section does not apply to any liability imposed under Section 1538.
• (c) The board shall report to the Legislature, in accordance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, with regard to the implementation of this section.

(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 342, Sec. 1. (AB 460) Effective January 1, 2025.)

§ 1055.4. After the time for review under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1120) has expired, the board may apply to the clerk of the appropriate court for a judgment to collect the administrative civil liability imposed in accordance with Section 1055. The application, which shall include a certified copy of the board action, constitutes a sufficient showing to warrant issuance of the judgment. The court clerk shall enter the judgment immediately in conformity with the application. The judgment so entered has the same force and effect as, and is subject to all the provisions of law relating to, a judgment in a civil action, and may be enforced in the same manner as any other judgment of the court in which it is entered.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 323, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1998.)

§ 1056. The board and the department may fix reasonable charges for publications issued under their respective authorities. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

§ 1057. All fees charged and collected under this chapter shall be paid, at least once each month, accompanied by a detailed statement thereof, into the State Treasury.

(Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 330.)

§ 1058. The board may make such reasonable rules and regulations as it may from time to time deem advisable in carrying out its powers and duties under this code.

(Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

• § 1058.5. (a) This section applies to any emergency regulation adopted by the board for which the board makes both of the following findings:
• (1) The emergency regulation is adopted to prevent the waste, unreasonable use, unreasonable method of use, or unreasonable method of diversion, of water, to promote water recycling or water conservation, to require curtailment of diversions when water is not available under the diverter's priority of right, or in furtherance of any of the foregoing, to require reporting of diversion or use or the preparation of monitoring reports.
• (2) The emergency regulation is adopted in response to conditions which exist, or are threatened, in a critically dry year immediately preceded by two or more consecutive below normal, dry, or critically dry years or during a period for which the Governor has issued a proclamation of a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) based on drought conditions.
• (b) Notwithstanding Sections 11346.1 and 11349.6 of the Government Code, any findings of emergency adopted by the board, in connection with the adoption of an emergency regulation under this section, are not subject to review by the Office of Administrative Law.
• (c) (1) An emergency regulation adopted by the board pursuant to this section may remain in effect for up to one year, as determined by the board, and is deemed repealed immediately upon a finding by the board that due to changed conditions it is no longer necessary for the regulation to remain in effect. An emergency regulation adopted by the board pursuant to this section may be renewed if the board determines that the conditions specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) are still in effect.
• (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the requirements of Article 23.5 (commencing with Section 875) of Chapter 2 of Division 3 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, as operative January 27, 2025, shall remain in

effect until January 1, 2031, or until permanent rules establishing and implementing long-term instream flow requirements in the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds are adopted, whichever occurs first. The board shall provide annual public updates, including opportunities for public comment, on its progress toward developing permanent flow rules for the rivers while this provision is in effect.

• (d) In addition to any other applicable civil or criminal penalties, any person or entity that violates a regulation adopted by the board pursuant to this section is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (e) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 1551 or subdivision (e) of Section 1848, a civil liability imposed under Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 1825) of Part 2 of Division 2 by the board or a court for a violation of an emergency conservation regulation adopted pursuant to this section shall be deposited, and separately accounted for, in the Water Rights Fund. Funds deposited in accordance with this subdivision shall be available, upon appropriation, for water conservation activities and programs.
• (2) For purposes of this subdivision, an 'emergency conservation regulation' means an emergency regulation that requires an end user of water, a water retailer, or a water wholesaler to conserve water or report to the board on water conservation. Water conservation includes restrictions or limitations on particular uses of water or a reduction in the amount of water used or served, but does not include curtailment of diversions when water is not available under the diverter's priority of right or reporting requirements related to curtailments.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 130, Sec. 2. (AB 263) Effective January 1, 2026.)

• § 1059. The board and the department, as to matters under each of their respective jurisdictions, may designate one or more of their employees who shall have authority to certify under their respective seals all copies of orders, applications, permits, licenses, certificates, and other records under this division, and to attest all records, transcripts, evidence, and other original documents which it is necessary so to authenticate.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

• § 1060. (a) All fees collected by the State Water Resources Control Board or by a California regional water quality control board, and deposited in the State Treasury, except funds collected under Part 3 (commencing with Section 2000) of this division, funds received for trial distribution expenses in connection with the administration of Section 1051.5, and deposits and payments made pursuant to Section 5007, shall be credited to the appropriation for the support of the board which is current at the time of the deposit of such fees in the State Treasury.

• (b) Money deposited with or paid to the board pursuant to Section 1051.5 or 5007 and deposited by the board in the State Treasury is available for expenditure by the board in accordance with those sections without regard to fiscal years and irrespective of the provisions of Section 16304 of the Government Code, and any unused balance shall be refunded by the board to the person entitled thereto.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

CHAPTER 3. WITNESSES AND PRODUCTION OF EVIDENCE [1075. - 1106.]

(Chapter 3 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

Article 1. Definitions [1075. - 1076.]

(Article 1 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 1075. As used in this chapter, 'proceeding' means any inquiry, investigation, hearing, ascertainment, or other proceeding ordered or undertaken by the board pursuant to this code.

(Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 1076. As used in this chapter, 'evidence' means any paper, book, map, account, or document.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

Article 2. Attendance and Fees [1080. - 1086.]

(Article 2 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 1080. The board may administer oaths and issue subpenas for the attendance and giving of testimony by witnesses and for the production of evidence in any proceeding in any part of the State.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

• § 1081. Each witness who appears by order of the board shall receive for his attendance the same fees and mileage allowed by law to witnesses in civil cases, which shall be paid by the party at whose request the witness is subpenaed. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
• § 1082. When any witness who has not been required to attend at the request of any party is subpenaed by the board his fees and mileage shall be paid from the funds appropriated for the use of the board and available for the purpose. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
• § 1083. Any witness subpenaed, except one whose fees and mileage are payable from the funds of the board, may, at the time of service, demand the fees to which he is entitled for travel to and from the place at which he is required to appear and one day's attendance.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

§ 1084. If the witness demands the fees to which he is entitled at the time of service and they are not at that time paid or tendered he shall not be required to attend as directed in the subpena.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 1085. All fees and mileage to which any witness is entitled under the provisions of this chapter may be collected by action therefor instituted by the person to whom they are payable.

• (Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 1086. No witness shall be compelled to attend as a witness before the board under this division out of the county in which he resides, unless the distance is less than 150 miles from his place of residence to the place of hearing, except that the board, upon affidavit of any party showing that the testimony of such witness is material and necessary, may indorse on the subpoena an order requiring the attendance of such witness.

(Amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 667.)

Article 3. Compelling Attendance [1090. - 1097.]

(Article 3 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 1090. The superior court of the county in which any proceeding is held by the board may compel the attendance and giving of testimony by witnesses and the production of evidence as required by any subpena issued by the board. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
• § 1091. In case of the refusal of any witness to attend or testify or produce any evidence required by a subpena issued by it, the board may report by petition to the superior court in and for the county in which the proceeding is pending. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)
• § 1092. The petition shall set forth the following:
• (a) That due notice has been given of the time and place of attendance of the witness or for the production of evidence and that the witness has been summoned in the manner prescribed in this chapter.
• (b) That the witness has failed and refused to attend or produce the evidence required by the subpena before the board in the proceeding named in the notice and subpena, or has refused to answer questions propounded to him in the course of the proceeding.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

• § 1093. The petition shall ask an order of court compelling the witness to attend, testify, and produce the evidence before the board. (Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

§ 1094. The court, upon the petition of the board, shall enter an order directing the witness to appear before the court at a time and place fixed by the court in the order and not more than 10 days from the date of the order, and then and there show cause, if any he have, why he refused to obey the subpena, or refused to answer questions propounded to him by the board, or neglected, failed, or refused to produce before the board the evidence called for in the subpena.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

§ 1095. A copy of the order and of the petition shall be served upon the witness.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 1096. If it appears to the court that the subpena was regularly issued, the court shall thereupon enter an order that the witness appear before the board at the time and place fixed in the order and testify or produce the required evidence or both testify and produce.

(Amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932.)

§ 1097. Upon failure to obey the order the witness shall be dealt with as for contempt of court.

(Enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

Article 4. Depositions [1100. - 1100.]

(Article 4 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

§ 1100. The board or any party to a proceeding before it may, in any investigation or hearing, cause the deposition of witnesses residing within or without the state to be taken in the manner prescribed by law for depositions in civil actions in the superior courts of this state under Title 4 (commencing with Section 2016.010) of Part 4 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 182, Sec. 60. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative July 1, 2005, by Sec. 64 of Ch. 182.)

Article 5. Immunity [1105. - 1106.]

(Article 5 enacted by Stats. 1943, Ch. 368.)

• § 1105. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (c), no person shall be excused from testifying or from producing any evidence in any investigation or inquiry by or hearing before the board upon the ground that the testimony or evidence required of him or her may tend to incriminate him or her or subject him or her to any penalty.
• (b) The board may grant immunity to any person who is compelled to testify or to produce documentary evidence before the board and who invokes the privilege against self-incrimination.

• (c) If the board does not grant immunity after a person invokes the privilege against self-incrimination, the board shall excuse the person from giving any testimony or producing any evidence to which the privilege against self-incrimination applies, and the board shall dismiss, continue, or limit the scope of the proceedings as necessary to ensure that the unavailability of the testimony or evidence does not deny due process of law to any party. (Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 45, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)
• § 1106. No person who is granted immunity under subdivision (b) of Section 1105 shall be criminally prosecuted or be subjected to any criminal penalty for or on account of any act, transaction, matter, or thing material to the matter under investigation by the board concerning which he or she has been compelled as a witness to testify or to produce documentary evidence pursuant to the granting of immunity; but no person so testifying or producing shall be exempt from prosecution and punishment for any perjury committed by him or her in that testimony.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 45, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1995.)

CHAPTER 3.5. STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS OFFICE [1110. - 1114.]

(Chapter added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. (AB 747) Effective July 1, 2019.)

• § 1110. (a) There is within the board an Administrative Hearings Office. The board shall administer the Administrative Hearings Office as an independent organizational unit consistent with the role of the Administrative Hearings Office as a neutral, fair, and efficient forum for adjudications. The Administrative Hearings Office shall be overseen by a presiding hearing officer.
• (b) The purpose of the Administrative Hearings Office is to provide qualified, impartial hearing officers, to ensure that water rights matters, including water-related cannabis enforcement matters, are resolved in a timely manner, and to provide the board flexibility to assign hearing officers to other matters, such as those involving water right change petitions and other matters concerning water right permits and licenses.
• (c) The Administrative Hearings Office shall conduct adjudicative hearings pursuant to this chapter in accordance with Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Except as otherwise provided in Section 1113 or the regulations of the board, this section does not limit the discretion of the board where Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code makes the applicability of a procedure or requirement discretionary.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. (AB 747) Effective January 1, 2019. Operative July 1, 2019, pursuant to Section 2 of Stats. 2018, Ch. 668.)

• § 1111. (a) The Administrative Hearings Office shall include attorneys qualified to act as hearing officers in adjudicative proceedings involving water rights matters. The hearing officers shall have qualifications equivalent to those of administrative law judges and knowledge and experience in water law.
• (b) The board shall designate a hearing officer to serve as the presiding hearing officer.
• (c) The presiding hearing officer shall have authority to supervise the Administrative Hearings Office, including, but not limited to, the authority to do all of the following:
• (1) Hire personnel, including technical experts.
• (2) Assign matters to hearing officers.
• (3) Reassign matters as convenience and necessity require.
• (4) Serve as a hearing officer. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 282. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020. Operative

July 1, 2019, pursuant to Section 2 of Stats. 2018, Ch. 668.)

• § 1112. (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a hearing officer from the Administrative Hearings Office shall preside over a hearing in any of the following matters:
• (1) A complaint issued under Section 1055.
• (2) A notice of a proposed cease and desist order issued under Section 1834.
• (3) A notice of a revocation of a permit issued under Section 1410 or revocation of a license issued under Section 1675.
• (b) Subdivision (a) does not apply if the hearing notice includes, in addition to a proceeding under subdivision (a), consideration of a decision or order on a matter not subject to subdivision (a).
• (c) In an adjudicative hearing presided over by the board or a board member, all of the following shall apply:
• (1) Upon request by the board, a hearing officer from the Administrative Hearings Office shall assist the board or board member in conducting the hearing.
• (2) The board may assign an adjudicative hearing, in whole or in part, to the Administrative Hearings Office.
• (d) A hearing officer may perform additional work requested by the board, including, but not limited to, presiding over hearings on nonadjudicative matters, mediations, and overseeing investigations.
• (e) A hearing officer may only perform the work specified in subdivisions (c) and (d) if the additional work does not conflict with the officer's primary responsibility to serve as a hearing officer for matters listed in subdivision (a) and to resolve those matters in a timely manner.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 401, Sec. 13. (AB 1520) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 1113. In accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 1110, the Administrative Adjudication Code of Ethics (Article 16 (commencing with Section 11475) of Chapter 4.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) shall apply to hearing officers of the Administrative Hearings Office.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. (AB 747) Effective January 1, 2019. Operative July 1, 2019, pursuant to Section 2 of Stats. 2018, Ch. 668.)

• § 1114. (a) Proposed and final orders in an adjudicative proceeding presided over by a hearing officer from the Administrative Hearings Office shall be prepared in accordance with this section.
• (b) In a proceeding presided over by a hearing officer for administrative civil liability under Section 1847 or 5107, both of the following shall apply:
• (1) Within 90 days after the matter is submitted, the hearing officer shall adopt a final order that meets the requirements of Section 11425.50 of the Government Code. If the hearing officer finds that a delay is required by special circumstances, the hearing officer shall issue an order delaying the final order for no more than 30 days and specifying the reasons for the delay. Failure of the hearing officer to adopt a final order within the time required shall not prejudice the rights of any party in the case.
• (2) A final order adopted under this subdivision is subject to review as provided in Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1120).
• (c) In a proceeding presided over by a hearing officer other than a proceeding under subdivision (b), all of the following apply:
• (1) Within 90 days after the matter is submitted, the hearing officer shall prepare a proposed order in a form that meets the requirements of Section 11425.50 of the Government Code and may be adopted by the board as the final order in the case. If the hearing officer finds that a delay is required by special circumstances, the hearing officer shall issue an order delaying the proposed order for no more than 30 days and specifying the reasons for the delay. Failure of the hearing officer to deliver a proposed order within the time required shall not prejudice the rights of any party in the case. A copy of the proposed order shall be served on all parties to the proceeding and posted on the board's Internet Web site on the same day that it is provided to the board.
• (2) Within 90 days after receipt of the hearing officer's proposed order, the board may do any of the following:
• (A) Adopt the proposed order in its entirety.
• (B) Reduce or otherwise mitigate the proposed administrative civil liability and adopt the balance of the proposed order.
• (C) Make technical or other minor changes in the proposed order and adopt it as the board's order. Action under this subparagraph is limited to a clarifying change or a change of a similar nature that does not materially change the factual or legal basis of the proposed order.

• (D) Reject the proposed order and remand the case to the same hearing officer if reasonably available, otherwise to another hearing officer from the Administrative Hearings Office, for further proceedings. If the board remands the matter to a hearing officer pursuant to this subparagraph, the hearing officer shall prepare a revised proposed order, as provided in paragraph (1), based upon the record of the prior hearing and any additional evidence admitted in the proceeding. A copy of the revised proposed order shall be served on all parties to the proceeding and posted on the board's Internet Web site on the same day it is provided to the board. The board may remand a proceeding pursuant to this subparagraph only once.
• (E) Reject the proposed order, and decide the case upon the record, including the transcript, or upon an agreed statement of the parties, with or without taking additional evidence. By stipulation of the parties, the board may decide the case upon the record without including the transcript. If the board acts pursuant to this subparagraph, all of the following provisions apply:
• (i) The board shall make available a copy of the record to the parties and may require payment of fees covering only the direct costs of making the copy.
• (ii) The board shall afford the parties the opportunity to present either oral or written argument before the board.
• (iii) The authority of the board to decide a case pursuant to this subparagraph includes the authority to adopt portions of the hearing officer's recommended order, as provided in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, while deciding for itself the remaining issues in the case.
• (iv) If the board elects to proceed under this subparagraph, the board shall issue its final order no later than 90 days after rejection of the proposed order, or no later than 90 days after its receipt of the transcript if the board has ordered a transcript of the proceedings before the hearing officer.
• (v) If the board finds that further delay is required by special circumstances, the board shall issue an order delaying the issuance of its final order by no more than 30 days and specifying the reasons for that delay.
• (3) After 90 days following receipt of the proposed order, if the board fails to act as prescribed in paragraph (2) or fails to issue a rejection under subparagraph (E) of paragraph (2), the proposed order shall be deemed adopted by the board.
• (4) Within 30 days of receipt of the hearing officer's proposed order, any interested party may submit a written request to the board describing which of the actions authorized by paragraph (2) the party requests the board to take, including an explanation of the reasons for the party's request. The board shall consider all requests submitted pursuant to this paragraph when it acts on the hearing officer's proposed order.

• (d) (1) The time limits for issuance of a proposed order and board action under this section do not apply to a proceeding that the hearing officer determines to be complex because it involves any of the following:
• (A) Novel and difficult legal or factual issues.
• (B) A large number of parties.
• (C) Numerous witnesses.
• (D) A large amount of documentary evidence.
• (E) Coordination with related proceedings.
• (2) A proceeding is deemed to be complex if it is a reference from a court under Section 2000 or a statutory adjudication under Section 2525.
• (3) If a hearing officer determines a proceeding to be complex, or a proceeding is deemed to be complex pursuant to paragraph (2), the hearing officer shall establish a hearing management plan and monitor the proceeding to ensure timely disposition.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. (AB 747) Effective January 1, 2019. Operative July 1, 2019, pursuant to Section 2 of Stats. 2018, Ch. 668.)

CHAPTER 4. RECONSIDERATION, AMENDMENT, AND JUDICIAL REVIEW OF WATER RIGHT DECISIONS AND ORDERS [1120. - 1126.2.]

(Chapter 4 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 2.)

Article 1. General Provisions [1120. - 1121.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 2.)

§ 1120. This chapter applies to any decision or order issued under this part or Section 275, Part 2 (commencing with Section 1200), Part 2 (commencing with Section 10500) of Division 6, Part 2.55 (commencing with Section 10608) of Division 6, or Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 10735) of Part 2.74 of Division 6, Article 7 (commencing with Section 13550) of Chapter 7 of Division 7, or the public trust doctrine, and to any information order issued under Article 3 (commencing with Section 2550) of Chapter 3 of Part 3.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 422, Sec. 1. (SB 697) Effective January 1, 2026.)

• § 1121. The board shall serve a copy of a decision or order on the parties by personal delivery, certified mail, in accordance with the manner of service of a summons under Article 3 (commencing with Section 415.10) of, and Article 4 (commencing with Section 416.10) of, Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or by any method of physical delivery that provides a receipt. For purposes of this section, 'physical delivery that provides a receipt' includes physical delivery methods that provide electronic confirmation of delivery to the intended address.

(Amended by Stats.2023, Ch. 158 (S.B.756), Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2024.)

Article 2. Reconsideration and Amendment of Decisions and Orders [1122. - 1124.]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 2.)

• § 1122. The board may order a reconsideration of all or part of a decision or order on the board's own motion or on the filing of a petition of any interested person or entity. The petition shall be filed not later than 30 days from the date the board adopts a decision or order. The authority of the board to order a reconsideration on its own motion shall expire 30 days after it has adopted a decision or order. The board shall order or deny reconsideration on a petition therefor not later than 90 days from the date the board adopts the decision or order.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 315, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2002.)

§ 1123. The decision or order may be reconsidered by the board on all the pertinent parts of the record and such argument as may be permitted, or a further hearing may be held, upon notice to all interested persons, for the purpose of receiving such additional evidence as the board may, for cause, allow. The decision or order on reconsideration shall have the same force and effect as an original order or decision.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 1124. The board at any time may amend or modify a decision or order to correct any obvious typographical or clerical error or oversight without the necessity of notice and a hearing thereon.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.)

Article 3. Review by Court of Decisions and Orders [1126. - 1126.] (Article 3 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 2.)

• § 1126. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that all issues relating to state water law decided by the board be reviewed in state courts, if a party seeks judicial review. It is further the intent of the Legislature that the courts assert jurisdiction and exercise discretion to fashion appropriate remedies pursuant to Section 389 of the Code of Civil Procedure to facilitate the resolution of state water rights issues in state courts.
• (b) Any party aggrieved by any decision or order may, not later than 30 days from the date of final action by the board, file a petition for a writ of mandate for review of the decision or order. Except in cases where the decision or order is issued under authority delegated to an officer or employee of the board, reconsideration before the board is not an administrative remedy that is required to be exhausted before filing a petition for writ of mandate. The time for filing the petition for writ of mandate and the time for filing an action or proceeding in which the board is a respondent under Section 21167 of the

Public Resources Code shall be extended for any person who seeks reconsideration by the board pursuant to this article. The amendment of this subdivision made during the 2001 portion of the 2001-02 Regular Session does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.

• (c) Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall govern judicial proceedings under this section. For the purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the court shall exercise its independent judgment on the evidence in any case involving the judicial review of a cease and desist order issued pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 1831) of Chapter 12 of Part 2 of Division 2, and in any other case in which the court is authorized by law to exercise its independent judgment on the evidence.
• (d) If no aggrieved party petitions for a writ of mandate within the time provided by this section, the decision or order of the board is not subject to review by any court.
• (e) In any court case reviewing a decision or order by the board relating to a permit or license to appropriate water held by the state through the department or any other state agency, or to a permit or license to appropriate water held by the United States through the Bureau of Reclamation or any other federal agency, the election by the United States, or any agency thereof, not to be a party shall not, in and of itself, be the basis for dismissal pursuant to Section 389 of the Code of Civil Procedure or any other provision of law. (Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 296, Sec. 312. Effective January 1, 2012.)

---

DIVISION 7. WATER QUALITY [13000. - 16104.]

(Division 7 repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

[INTERMEDIATE 'PART' LEVEL OMITTED BY LEGISLATURE] CHAPTER 1. POLICY [13000. - 13002.]

(Chapter 1 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13000. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares that the people of the state have a primary interest in the conservation, control, and utilization of the water resources of the state, and that the quality of all the waters of the state shall be protected for use and enjoyment by the people of the state.

The Legislature further finds and declares that activities and factors which may affect the quality of the waters of the state shall be regulated to attain the highest water quality which is reasonable, considering all demands being made and to be made on those waters and the total values involved, beneficial and detrimental, economic and social, tangible and intangible.

The Legislature further finds and declares that the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state requires that there be a statewide program for the control of the quality of all the waters of the state; that the state must be prepared to exercise its full power and jurisdiction to protect the quality of waters in the state from degradation originating inside or outside the boundaries of the state; that the waters of the state are increasingly influenced by interbasin water development projects and other statewide considerations; that factors of precipitation, topography, population, recreation, agriculture, industry and economic development vary from region to region within the state; and that the statewide program for water quality control can be most effectively administered regionally, within a framework of statewide coordination and policy.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13001. [Legislative intent]

It is the intent of the Legislature that the state board and each regional board shall be the principal state agencies with primary responsibility for the coordination and control of water quality. The state board and regional boards in exercising any power granted in this division shall conform to and implement the policies of this chapter and shall, at all times, coordinate their respective activities so as to achieve a unified and effective water quality control program in this state.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13002. [Non-limiting clauses]

No provision of this division or any ruling of the state board or a regional board is a limitation:

• (a) On the power of a city or county or city and county to adopt and enforce additional regulations, not in conflict therewith, imposing further conditions, restrictions, or limitations with respect to the disposal of waste or any other activity which might degrade the quality of the waters of the state.
• (b) On the power of any city or county or city and county to declare, prohibit, and abate nuisances.
• (c) On the power of the Attorney General, at the request of a regional board, the state board, or upon his own motion, to bring an action in the name of the people of the State of California to enjoin any pollution or nuisance.
• (d) On the power of a state agency in the enforcement or administration of any provision of law which it is specifically permitted or required to enforce or administer.
• (e) On the right of any person to maintain at any time any appropriate action for relief against any private nuisance as defined in the Civil Code or for relief against any contamination or pollution. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

CHAPTER 1.5. SHORT TITLE [13020. - 13020.]

(Chapter 1.5 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13020. [Short Title]

This division shall be known and may be cited as the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

CHAPTER 2. DEFINITIONS [13050. - 13051.]

(Chapter 2 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13050. [Definitions]

As used in this division:

• (a) 'State board' means the State Water Resources Control Board.
• (b) 'Regional board' means any California regional water quality control board for a region as specified in Section 13200.
• (c) 'Person' includes any city, county, district, the state, and the United States, to the extent authorized by federal law.
• (d) 'Waste' includes sewage and any and all other waste substances, liquid, solid, gaseous, or radioactive, associated with human habitation, or of human or animal origin, or from any producing, manufacturing, or processing operation, including waste placed within containers of whatever nature prior to, and for purposes of, disposal.
• (e) 'Waters of the state' means any surface water or groundwater, including saline waters, within the boundaries of the state.
• (f) 'Beneficial uses' of the waters of the state that may be protected against quality degradation include, but are not limited to, domestic, municipal, agricultural and industrial supply; power generation; recreation; aesthetic enjoyment; navigation; and preservation and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and other aquatic resources or preserves.
• (g) 'Quality of the water' refers to chemical, physical, biological, bacteriological, radiological, and other properties and characteristics of water which affect its use.
• (h) 'Water quality objectives' means the limits or levels of water quality constituents or characteristics which are established for the reasonable protection of beneficial uses of water or the prevention of nuisance within a specific area.
• (i) 'Water quality control' means the regulation of any activity or factor which may affect the quality of the waters of the state and includes the prevention and correction of water pollution and nuisance.
• (j) 'Water quality control plan' consists of a designation or establishment for the waters within a specified area of all of the following:
• (1) Beneficial uses to be protected.

• (2) Water quality objectives.

• (3) A program of implementation needed for achieving water quality objectives.

• (k) 'Contamination' means an impairment of the quality of the waters of the state by waste to a degree which creates a hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease. 'Contamination' includes any equivalent effect resulting from the disposal of waste, whether or not waters of the state are affected.

• ( l ) (1) 'Pollution' means an alteration of the quality of the waters of the state by waste to a degree which unreasonably affects either of the following:

• (A) The waters for beneficial uses.

• (B) Facilities which serve these beneficial uses.

• (2) 'Pollution' may include 'contamination.'

• (m) 'Nuisance' means anything which meets all of the following requirements:

• (1) Is injurious to health, or is indecent or offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property.

• (2) Affects at the same time an entire community or neighborhood, or any considerable number of persons, although the extent of the annoyance or damage inflicted upon individuals may be unequal.

• (3) Occurs during, or as a result of, the treatment or disposal of wastes.

• (n) 'Recycled water' means water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is therefor considered a valuable resource.

• (o) 'Citizen or domiciliary' of the state includes a foreign corporation having substantial business contacts in the state or which is subject to service of process in this state.

• (p) (1) 'Hazardous substance' means either of the following:

• (A) For discharge to surface waters, any substance determined to be a hazardous substance pursuant to Section 311(b)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.).

• (B) For discharge to groundwater, any substance listed as a hazardous waste or hazardous material pursuant to Section 25140 of the Health and Safety Code, without regard to whether the substance is intended to be used, reused, or discarded, except that 'hazardous substance' does not include any substance excluded from Section 311(b)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act because it is within the scope of Section 311(a)(1) of that act.

• (2) 'Hazardous substance' does not include any of the following:

• (A) Nontoxic, nonflammable, and noncorrosive stormwater runoff drained from underground vaults, chambers, or manholes into gutters or storm sewers.

• (B) Any pesticide which is applied for agricultural purposes or is applied in accordance with a cooperative agreement authorized by Section 116180 of the Health and Safety Code, and is not discharged accidentally or for purposes of disposal, the application of which is in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• (C) Any discharge to surface water of a quantity less than a reportable quantity as determined by regulations issued pursuant to Section 311(b)(4) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
• (D) Any discharge to land which results, or probably will result, in a discharge to groundwater if the amount of the discharge to land is less than a reportable quantity, as determined by regulations adopted pursuant to Section 13271, for substances listed as hazardous pursuant to Section 25140 of the Health and Safety Code. No discharge shall be deemed a discharge of a reportable quantity until regulations set a reportable quantity for the substance discharged.
• (q) (1) 'Mining waste' means all solid, semisolid, and liquid waste materials from the extraction, beneficiation, and processing of ores and minerals. Mining waste includes, but is not limited to, soil, waste rock, and overburden, as defined in Section 2732 of the Public Resources Code, and tailings, slag, and other processed waste materials, including cementitious materials that are managed at the cement manufacturing facility where the materials were generated.
• (2) For the purposes of this subdivision, 'cementitious material' means cement, cement kiln dust, clinker, and clinker dust.
• (r) 'Master recycling permit' means a permit issued to a supplier or a distributor, or both, of recycled water, that includes waste discharge requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13263 and water recycling requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13523.1. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1023, Sec. 429. Effective September 29, 1996.)

§ 13051. [Injection well defined]

As used in this division, 'injection well' means any bored, drilled, or driven shaft, dug pit, or hole in the ground into which waste or fluid is discharged, and any associated subsurface appurtenances, and the depth of which is greater than the circumference of the shaft, pit, or hole. (Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1591, Sec. 3.)

CHAPTER 3. STATE WATER QUALITY CONTROL [13100. - 13197.5.]

(Chapter 3 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 1. State Water Resources Control Board [13100. - 13100.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13100. [Organization]

[Version as reflected in the California Code. This version is superceded as modified by Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1991, see below.] There is in the Resources Agency the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards. The organization, membership, and some of the duties of the state board are provided for in Article 3 (commencing with Section 174) of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of this code. (Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 596. Note: See this section as modified on July 17, 1991, in Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1991.)

§ 13100. [Organization]

[Version as modified by Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1991. See above for superceded version reflected in the California Code.]

There is in the California Environmental Protection Agency the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards. The organization, membership, and some of the duties of the state board are provided for in Article 3 (commencing with Section 174) of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of this code.

(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 596, as modified on July 17, 1991, in Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1991.)

Article 3. State Policy for Water Quality Control [13140. - 13149.2.]

(Article 3 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13140. [Policy adoption]

The state board shall formulate and adopt state policy for water quality control. Such policy shall be adopted in accordance with the provisions of this article and shall be in conformity with the policies set forth in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 13000).

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13141. [California Water Plan]

State policy for water quality control adopted or revised in accordance with the provisions of this article, and regional water quality control plans approved or revised in accordance with Section 13245, shall become a part of the California Water Plan effective when such state policy for water quality control, and such regional water quality control plans have been reported to the Legislature at any session thereof.

However, prior to implementation of any agricultural water quality control program, an estimate of the total cost of such a program, together with an identification of potential sources of financing, shall be indicated in any regional water quality control plan.

(Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 149.)

§ 13142. [State policy for water quality control]

State policy for water quality control shall consist of all or any of the following:

• (a) Water quality principles and guidelines for long-range resource planning, including ground water and surface water management programs and control and use of recycled water.
• (b) Water quality objectives at key locations for planning and operation of water resource development projects and for water quality control activities.
• (c) Other principles and guidelines deemed essential by the state board for water quality control.

The principles, guidelines, and objectives shall be consistent with the state goal of providing a decent home and suitable living environment for every Californian.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13142.5. [Coastal marine environment]

In addition to any other policies established pursuant to this division, the policies of the state with respect to water quality as it relates to the coastal marine environment are that:

• (a) Wastewater discharges shall be treated to protect present and future beneficial uses, and, where feasible, to restore past beneficial uses of the receiving waters. Highest priority shall be given to improving or eliminating discharges that adversely affect any of the following:
• (1) Wetlands, estuaries, and other biologically sensitive sites.
• (2) Areas important for water contact sports.
• (3) Areas that produce shellfish for human consumption.
• (4) Ocean areas subject to massive waste discharge.

Ocean chemistry and mixing processes, marine life conditions, other present or proposed outfalls in the vicinity, and relevant aspects of areawide waste treatment management plans and programs, but not of convenience to the discharger, shall for the purposes of this section, be considered in determining the effects of such discharges. Toxic and hard-to-treat substances should be pretreated at the source if such substances would be incompatible with effective and economical treatment in municipal treatment plants.

• (b) For each new or expanded coastal powerplant or other industrial installation using seawater for cooling, heating, or industrial processing, the best available site, design, technology, and mitigation measures feasible shall be used to minimize the intake and mortality of all forms of marine life.
• (c) Where otherwise permitted, new warmed or cooled water discharges into coastal wetlands or into areas of special biological importance, including marine reserves and kelp beds, shall not significantly alter the overall ecological balance of the receiving area.

• (d) Independent baseline studies of the existing marine system should be conducted in the area that could be affected by a new or expanded industrial facility using seawater in advance of the carrying out of the development.
• (e) (1) Adequately treated recycled water should, where feasible, be made available to supplement existing surface and underground supplies and to assist in meeting future water requirements of the coastal zone, and consideration, in statewide programs of financial assistance for water pollution or water quality control, shall be given to providing optimum water recycling and use of recycled water.
• (2) If recycled water is available for industrial use, any discharge to waters in the coastal zone, including the San Francisco Bay, after industrial use, may be authorized if all of the following conditions are met:
• (A) The discharge will not unreasonably affect beneficial uses.
• (B) The discharge is consistent with applicable water quality control plans and state policy for water quality control.
• (C) The use of recycled water is consistent with Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 13500).
• (D) The discharge is consistent with all applicable requirements of Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370).
• (E) The discharge is to the same general receiving water location as that to which the wastewater would be discharged if not reused.
• (3) Any requirement imposed pursuant to Section 13263 or 13377 shall be adjusted to reflect a credit for waste present in the recycled water before reuse. The credit shall be limited to the difference between the amount of waste present in the nonrecycled water supply otherwise available to the industry and the amount of waste present in the recycled water.
• (4) If the amount of waste in the discharge exceeds prescribed requirements because the amount of waste in the recycled water is in excess of that agreed to be furnished by the supplier to the discharger, no enforcement action shall be taken against the discharger unless both of the following statements apply:
• (A) The supplier of the recycled water fails to correct the problem within 30 days after the cause of the problem is identified, or within any greater period of time agreed to by the appropriate regional board.
• (B) The discharger continues to receive the recycled water from the supplier.
• (f) This section shall not apply to industrial discharges into publicly owned treatment works. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13143. [Review and revision]

State policy for water quality control shall be periodically reviewed and may be revised.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13144. [Interagency consultation]

During the process of formulating or revising state policy for water quality control the state board shall consult with and carefully evaluate the recommendations of concerned federal, state, and local agencies. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13145. [Consideration for the California Water Plan]

The state board shall take into consideration the effect of its actions pursuant to this chapter on the California Water Plan as adopted or revised pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 10000) of this code, and on any other general or coordinated governmental plan looking toward the development, utilization, or conservation of the waters of the state. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13146. [State agency compliance]

State offices, departments and boards, in carrying out activities which affect water quality, shall comply with state policy for water quality control unless otherwise directed or authorized by statute, in which case they shall indicate to the state board in writing their authority for not complying with such policy. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13147. [Policy adoption process]

The state board shall not adopt state policy for water quality control unless a public hearing is first held respecting the adoption of such policy. At least 60 days in advance of such hearing the state board shall notify any affected regional boards, unless notice is waived by such boards, and shall give notice of such hearing by publication within the affected region pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code. The regional boards shall submit written reommendations to the state board at least 20 days in advance of the hearing. (Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

§ 13148. [Self-generating water softener salinity input controls in specified hydrologic regions]

• (a) This section applies to the following hydrologic regions as identified in the California Water Plan: Central Coast, South Coast, San Joaquin River, Tulare Lake, and the Counties of Butte, Glenn, Placer, Sacramento, Solano, Sutter, and Yolo.
• (b) Notwithstanding Article 1 (commencing with Section 116775) of Chapter 5 of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, any local agency that owns or operates a community sewer system or water recycling facility and that is subject to a finding made by a regional board pursuant to

subdivision (e) may take action to control salinity input from residential selfregenerating water softeners to protect the quality of the waters of the state. A local agency may take action only by adoption of an ordinance or resolution after a public hearing. The local agency shall not consider the adoption of an ordinance or resolution until at least 30 days following the date of the public hearing on the proposed ordinance or resolution. An ordinance or resolution shall become effective 30 days from the date of adoption.

• (c) Actions to control residential self-regenerating water softener salinity inputs authorized by subdivision (b) include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
• (1) Require that residential self-regenerating water softeners installed within the jurisdiction of the local agency be rated at the highest efficiency commercially available and certified by NSF International or the American National Standards Institute.
• (2) Require that plumbing permits be obtained prior to the installation of residential self-regenerating water softeners.
• (3) Require that residential self-regenerating water softeners be plumbed to hook up to hot water only.
• (4) Enact a voluntary buy-back or exchange program for residential selfregenerating water softeners, consistent with existing law. A voluntary buy-back or exchange program may be conducted in cooperation with local water treatment businesses.
• (5) Require the removal of previously installed residential self-regenerating water softeners.
• (6) Prohibit the installation of residential self-regenerating water softeners.
• (7) Require the retrofit of clock control and demand control systems on previously installed residential self-regenerating water softeners.
• (8) Require the replacement of previously installed residential selfregenerating water softeners with appliances that meet or exceed the salt efficiency rating set forth in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 116785 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (d) If a local agency adopts an ordinance or resolution to require the removal of previously installed residential self-regenerating water softeners pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (c), the local agency shall make available to owners of residential self-regenerating water softeners within its service area a program to compensate the owner of the residential selfregenerating water softener for the reasonable value of the removed residential self-regenerating water softener, as determined by the local agency.
• (e) Before a local agency may take action to control salinity input from residential self-regenerating water softeners pursuant to subdivision (b), a regional board with jurisdiction over a region identified in subdivision (a) shall

have made a finding at a public hearing that the control of residential salinity input will contribute to the achievement of water quality objectives. The finding may be made in any of the following water quality actions adopted by a regional board:

• (1) A total maximum daily load that addresses salinity-related pollutants in a water segment.
• (2) A salt and nutrient management plan for a groundwater basin or subbasin.
• (3) Waste discharge requirements for a local agency discharger.
• (4) Master reclamation permit for a supplier or distributor of recycled water.
• (5) Water recycling requirements for a supplier or distributor of recycled water.
• (6) Cease and desist order directed to a local agency.
• (f) The regional board making a finding pursuant to subdivision (e) shall base its finding on the evidence in the record, such as a source determination study or other appropriate studies. The standard of judicial review required for a finding made pursuant to subdivision (e) shall be the same as the standard of review required for the water quality action in which the finding is made.
• (g) This section does not limit the use of portable exchange water softening appliances or limit the authority of a local agency to regulate the discharge from a centralized portable exchange tank servicing facility into the community sewer system.
• (h) For purposes of this section, 'residential self-regenerating water softener' means residential water softening equipment or conditioning appliances that discharge brine into a community sewer system. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 527, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2010.)

§ 13149. [Principles and guidelines associated with cannabis cultivation]

• (a) (1) (A) The board, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall adopt principles and guidelines for diversion and use of water for cannabis cultivation in areas where cannabis cultivation may have the potential to substantially affect instream flows. The principles and guidelines adopted under this section may include, but are not limited to, instream flow objectives, limits on diversions, and requirements for screening of diversions and elimination of barriers to fish passage. The principles and guidelines may include requirements that apply to groundwater extractions where the board determines those requirements are reasonably necessary for purposes of this section.
• (B) Prior to adopting principles and guidelines under this section, the board shall allow for public comment and hearing, pursuant to Section 13147. The board shall provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the

• proposal for at least 60 days and shall consider the public comments before adopting the principles and guidelines.
• (2) The board, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall adopt principles and guidelines pending the development of long-term principles and guidelines under paragraph (1). The principles and guidelines, including the interim principles and guidelines, shall include measures to protect springs, wetlands, and aquatic habitats from negative impacts of cannabis cultivation. The board may update the interim principles and guidelines as it determines to be reasonably necessary for purposes of this section.
• (3) The Department of Fish and Wildlife, in consultation with the board, may establish interim requirements to protect fish and wildlife from the impacts of diversions for cannabis cultivation pending the adoption of long-term principles and guidelines by the board under paragraph (1). The requirements may also include measures to protect springs, wetlands, and aquatic habitats from negative impacts of cannabis cultivation.
• (b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 15300.2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, actions of the board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife under this section shall be deemed to be within Section 15308 of Title 14 of the California Code of regulations, provided that those actions do not involve relaxation of existing streamflow standards.
• (2) The board shall adopt principles and guidelines under this section as part of state policy for water quality control adopted pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 13140) of Chapter 3 of Division 7.
• (3) If the Department of Fish and Wildlife establishes interim requirements under this section, it shall do so as emergency regulations in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of those interim requirements is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, the emergency regulations shall remain in effect until revised by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, provided that the emergency regulations shall not apply after longterm principles and guidelines adopted by the board under this section take effect for the stream or other body of water where the diversion is located.
• (4) A diversion for cannabis cultivation is subject to both the interim principles and guidelines and the interim requirements in the period before final principles and guidelines are adopted by the board.
• (5) The board shall have primary enforcement responsibility for principles and guidelines adopted under this section, and shall notify the Department of Cannabis Control of any enforcement action taken.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 70, Sec. 116. (AB 141) Effective July 12, 2021.)

§ 13149.2. [Required analysis and findings related to environmental justice, tribal communities, and disadvantaged communities]

• (a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to facilitate the development of analyses and findings that apply environmental justice objectives, goals, and policies adopted by the state board and the regional boards in a transparent and inclusive manner.
• (b) When adopting water quality control plans or state policies for water quality control, including amendments to those plans and policies that incorporate an implementation program allowing time to comply with water quality objectives, the state board or a regional board shall make a concise, programmatic finding on potential environmental justice, tribal impact, and racial equity considerations related to the adoption. The finding shall be based on readily available information identified by staff or raised during the public review process and shall include both of the following:
• (1) A concise summary of the anticipated water quality impact in disadvantaged or tribal communities as a result of the permitted activity or facility, and any environmental justice concerns within the scope of the state board or regional board's authority previously raised to the applicable board by interested persons with regard to these impacts.
• (2) Identification of measures available and within the scope of the state board or regional board's authority to address the impacts of the permitted activity or facility in a disadvantaged or tribal community.
• (c) When issuing or reissuing regional or statewide waste discharge requirements or waivers of waste discharge requirements, the state board or a regional board shall make a concise, programmatic finding on potential environmental justice, tribal impact, and racial equity considerations related to the issuance. For reissuances, the finding may be limited to considerations related to any changes to the requirements of the prior waste discharge requirements or waivers of waste discharge requirements. The finding shall be based on readily available information identified by staff or raised during the public review process and include the information specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b).
• (d) When issuing or reissuing individual waste discharge requirements or waivers of waste discharge requirements that regulate activity or a facility that may impact a disadvantaged or tribal community, and that includes a time schedule in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 13263 for achieving an applicable water quality objective, an alternative compliance path that allows time to come into compliance with water quality objectives, or a water quality variance, the state board or a regional board shall make a finding on potential environmental justice, tribal impact, and racial equity considerations. For reissuances, the finding may be limited to considerations related to any changes to the requirements of the prior waste discharge requirements or waivers of

waste discharge requirements. The finding shall be based on readily available information identified by staff or raised during the public review process and include the information specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b). This subdivision does not apply to the use of mixing zones or dilution credits.

• (e) This section does not apply to certifications issued pursuant to Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1341) or enrollments of dischargers under general waste discharge requirements or general waivers of waste discharge requirements.
• (f) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
• (1) 'Disadvantaged community' means a community in which the median household income is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income level.
• (2) 'Environmental justice' has the same meaning as defined in Section 30107.3 of the Public Resources Code.
• (3) 'Tribal community' means a community within a federally recognized California Native American tribe or nonfederally recognized Native American tribe on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for the purposes of Chapter 905 of the Statutes of 2004. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 347, Sec. 3. (AB 2108) Effective January 1, 2023.)

Article 4. Other Powers and Duties of the State Board [13160. 13193.9.]

(Article 4 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13160. (a) The state board is designated as the state water pollution control agency for all purposes stated in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) and any other existing or subsequently enacted federal water quality control law.

• (b) (1) The state board is authorized to give any certificate or statement required by any federal agency pursuant to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or any other federal water quality control law that there is reasonable assurance that an activity of any person subject to the jurisdiction of the state board will comply with applicable requirements of that federal law or any other appropriate requirements of state law.
• (2) The state board may issue the certificate or statement under paragraph (1) before completion of the environmental review required under Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code if the state board determines that waiting until completion of that environmental review to issue the certificate or statement poses a substantial risk of waiver of the state board's certification authority under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or any other federal water quality control law. To the extent authorized by federal law, the state board shall reserve authority to reopen and, after public notice, an opportunity for comment, and, when appropriate, an opportunity for a

hearing, revise the certificate or statement as appropriate to incorporate feasible measures to avoid or reduce significant environmental impacts or to make any necessary findings based on the information provided in the environmental document prepared for the project.

• (c) The state board is authorized to exercise any powers delegated to the state and carry out any program a state is authorized to administer under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) and any amendments to that act.

(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 18, Sec. 9. (AB 92) Effective June 29, 2020.)

§ 13160.1. [Federal certificate fee]

• (a) The state board may establish a reasonable fee schedule to cover the costs incurred by the state board and the regional boards in connection with any certificate that is required or authorized by any federal law with respect to the effect of any existing or proposed facility, project, or construction work upon the quality of waters of the state, including certificates requested by applicants for a federal permit or license pursuant to Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, and certificates requested pursuant to Section 169 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, with respect to water pollution control facilities.
• (b) In providing for the recovery of costs incurred by the state board and regional board pursuant to this section, the state board may include in the fee schedule, but is not limited to including, the costs incurred in reviewing applications for certificates, prescribing terms of certificates and monitoring requirements, enforcing and evaluating compliance with certificates and monitoring requirements, conducting monitoring and modeling, analyzing laboratory samples, reviewing documents prepared for the purpose of regulating activities subject to certificates, and administrative costs incurred in connection with carrying out these actions. The costs of reviewing applications for certificates include, but are not limited to, the costs incurred in anticipation of the filing of an application for a certificate, including participation in any prefiling consultation, and investigation or studies to evaluate the impacts of the proposed activity.
• (c) (1) The fee schedule may provide for payment of a single fee in connection with the filing of an application, or for periodic or annual fees, as appropriate to the type of certificate issued and the activity authorized by the certificate.
• (2) The fee schedule authorized by this section may impose a fee upon any of the following:
• (A) Any person who files an application for a certificate.
• (B) Any person who files with the state board or a regional board a notice of intent to file an application for a certificate, or who files with a federal agency a

notice of intent to apply for a federal permit or license for which a certificate will be required under Section 401 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

• (C) Any person holding a federal permit or license for which a certificate has been issued.
• (D) Any person required to send a notice of intent to the state board or a regional board to proceed with an activity permitted by a general permit subject to certification under Section 13160.
• (d) (1) If the state board establishes a fee schedule pursuant to this section, the state board shall adopt the fee schedule by emergency regulation. The state board shall set the amount of total revenues collected each year through the fee authorized by this section at an amount equal to the revenue levels set forth in the annual Budget Act for this activity. The state board shall review and revise the fee each fiscal year as necessary to conform with the revenue levels set forth in the annual Budget Act. If the state board determines that the revenue collected during the preceding year was greater than, or less than, the revenue levels set forth in the annual Budget Act, the state board may further adjust the annual fees to compensate for the over or under collection of revenue.
• (2) The emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this subdivision, any amendment thereto, or subsequent adjustments to the annual fees, shall be adopted by the state board in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of these regulations is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, any emergency regulations adopted by the state board, or adjustments to the annual fees made by the state board pursuant to this section, shall remain in effect until revised by the state board.
• (e) Any fees collected pursuant to this section in connection with certificates for activities subject to Section 1551 shall be deposited into the Water Rights Fund.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 401, Sec. 24. (AB 1520) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 13161. [Research projects]

The state board shall annually determine state needs for water quality research and recommend projects to be conducted.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13162. [Research administration]

The state board shall administer any statewide program of research in the technical phases of water quality control which may be delegated to it by law and may accept funds from the United States or any person to that end. The state board may conduct such a program independently, or by contract or in

cooperation with any federal or state agency, including any political subdivision of the state, or any person or public or private organization. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13163. [Coordination of investigations]

• (a) The state board shall coordinate water-quality-related investigations of state agencies, recognizing that other state agencies have primary statutory authority for such investigations, and shall consult with the concerned regional boards in implementing this section.
• (b) The state board from time to time shall evaluate the need for waterquality-related investigations to effectively develop and implement statewide policy for water quality control and shall transmit its recommendations for investigations to affected or concerned federal, state, and local agencies. The affected state agencies shall comply with the recommendations or shall advise the state board in writing why they do not comply with such recommendations.
• (c) State agencies shall submit to the state board plans for and results of all investigations that relate to or have an effect upon water quality for review and comment.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13164. [Regional water quality control plans]

The state board shall formulate, adopt and revise general procedures for the formulation, adoption and implementation by regional boards of water quality control plans. During the process of formulating or revising such procedures, the state board shall consult with and evaluate the recommendations of any affected regional boards.

(Amended by Stats. 1972, Ch. 813.)

§ 13165. [Water quality factors]

The state board may require any state or local agency to investigate and report on any technical factors involved in water quality control; provided that the burden, including costs, of such reports shall bear a reasonable relationship to the need for the reports and the benefits to be obtained therefrom. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13166. [Statewide water quality information program]

The state board, with the assistance of the regional boards, shall prepare and implement a statewide water quality information storage and retrieval program. Such program shall be coordinated and integrated to the maximum extent practicable with data storage and retrieval programs of other agencies. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13167. [Public information]

• (a) The state board shall implement, with the assistance of the regional boards, a public information program on matters involving water quality, and

shall place and maintain on its Internet Web site, in a format accessible to the general public, an information file on water quality monitoring, assessment, research, standards, regulation, enforcement, and other pertinent matters.

• (b) The information file described in subdivision (a) shall include, but need not be limited to, copies of permits, waste discharge requirements, waivers, enforcement actions, and petitions for review of these actions pursuant to this division. The file shall include copies of water quality control plans and policies, including any relevant management agency agreements pursuant to this chapter and Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 13200), and monitoring data and assessment information, or shall identify Internet links to that information. The state board, in consultation with the regional boards, shall ensure that the information is available in single locations, rather than separately by region, and that the information is presented in a manner easily understandable by the general public.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 750, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

§ 13167.5. [Notice of Orders]

• (a) The state board or the regional board, as applicable, shall provide notice and a period of at least 30 days for public comment prior to the adoption of any of the following:
• (1) Waste discharge requirements prescribed pursuant to Sections 13263 or 13377.
• (2) Water reclamation requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13523.
• (3) An order issued pursuant to Section 13320.
• (4) A time schedule order adopted pursuant to Section 13300 that sets forth a schedule of compliance and required actions relating to waste discharge requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13263 or 13377.
• (b) The notification required by subdivision (a) may be provided by mailing a draft of the waste discharge requirements, water reclamation requirements, time schedule order, or order issued pursuant to Section 13320 to each person who has requested notice of the specific item, or by posting a draft of the respective requirements or order on the official Internet site maintained by the state board or regional board, and providing notice of that posting by electronic mail to each person who has requested notice.
• (c) This section does not require the state board or the regional board to provide more than one notice or more than one public comment period prior to the adoption of waste discharge requirements, water reclamation requirements, a time schedule order, or an order issued pursuant to Section 13320. (Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 690, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13167.6. [Translation of Bagley-Keene notices]

For each meeting agenda notice that the state board provides pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11125 of the Government Code, the state board shall make the agenda notice available in both English and Spanish and may make the agenda notice available in any other language.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 551, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2013.)

§ 13168. [Regional Board budgets]

The state board shall allocate to the regional boards from funds appropriated to the state board such part thereof as may be necessary for the administrative expenses of such boards. The regional boards shall submit annual budgets to the state board. Subject to the provisions of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 13291) of Part 3, Division 3, Title 2 of the Government Code and any other laws giving the Department of Finance fiscal and budgetary control over state departments generally, the state board shall prepare an annual budget concerning its activities and the activities of the regional boards. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13169. [Groundwater protection programs]

• (a) The state board is authorized to develop and implement a groundwater protection program as provided under the Safe Drinking Water Act, Section 300 and following of Title 42 of the United States Code, and any federal act that amends or supplements the Safe Drinking Water Act. The authority of the state board under this section includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• (1) To apply for and accept state groundwater protection grants from the federal government.
• (2) To take any additional action as may be necessary or appropriate to assure that the state's groundwater protection program complies with any federal regulations issued pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act or any federal act that amends or supplements the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• (b) Nothing in this section is intended to expand the authority of the state board as authorized under the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Div. 7 (commencing with Sec. 13000) Wat. C.).

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 734, Sec. 19. Effective October 7, 1997.)

§ 13170. [State Board plans]

The state board may adopt water quality control plans in accordance with the provisions of Sections 13240 to 13244, inclusive, insofar as they are applicable, for waters for which water quality standards are required by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. Such plans, when adopted, supersede any regional water quality control plans for the same waters to the extent of any conflict. (Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

§ 13170.1. [Management agency agreements]

The state board shall consider all relevant management agency agreements, which are intended to protect a specific beneficial use of water, prior to adopting all water quality control plans pursuant to Section 13170. (Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 578, Sec. 1.)

§ 13170.2. [California Ocean Plan]

• (a) The state board shall formulate and adopt a water quality control plan for ocean waters of the state which shall be known as the California Ocean Plan.
• (b) The plan shall be reviewed at least every three years to guarantee that the current standards are adequate and are not allowing degradation to indigenous marine species or posing a threat to human health.
• (c) In formulating the plan, the state board shall develop bioassay protocols to evaluate the effect of municipal and industrial waste discharges on the marine environment.
• (d) The state board shall adopt the bioassay protocols and complementary chemical testing methods and shall require their use in the monitoring of complex effluent ocean discharges. For purposes of this section, 'complex effluent' means an effluent in which all chemical constituents are not known or monitored. The state board shall adopt bioassay protocols and complementary chemical testing methods for complex effluent ocean monitoring by January 1, 1990, and shall require their use in monitoring complex effluent ocean discharges by entities discharging 100 million gallons per day or more by January 1, 1991. The state board shall also adopt a schedule for requiring the use of these protocols for complex effluent ocean discharges of under 100 million gallons per day by January 1, 1992.

(Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1478, Sec. 2.)

§ 13170.3. [Brackish groundwater treatment for municipal supply] [Brackish groundwater treatment for municipal supply]

On or before January 1, 2013, the state board shall either amend the California Ocean Plan, or adopt separate standards, to address water quality objectives and effluent limitations that are specifically appropriate to brackish groundwater treatment system facilities that produce municipal water supplies for local use.

(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2012.)

§ 13170.5. [Waste treatment management]

Notwithstanding any provision of law, any plan provided in Section 13170, 13240, or 13245, and any approval thereof, and any certification or approval of an areawide waste treatment management plan prepared pursuant to Section 208 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act shall be subject to the provisions of Article 5.5 (commencing with Section 53098) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 934.)

§ 13171. [Water Quality Coordinating Committee]

The state board may establish a Water Quality Coordinating Committee, consisting of at least one member of each of the nine regional boards, to assist the state board in carrying out its responsibilities in water quality control. (Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 813.)

§ 13172. [Waste disposal sites; standards & regulations]

To ensure adequate protection of water quality and statewide uniformity in the siting, operation, and closure of waste disposal sites, except for sewage treatment plants or those sites which primarily contain fertilizer or radioactive material, the state board shall do all of the following:

• (a) Classify wastes according to the risk of impairment to water quality, taking into account toxicity, persistence, degradability, solubility, and other biological, chemical, and physical properties of the wastes.
• (b) Classify the types of disposal sites according to the level of protection provided for water quality, taking into account the geology, hydrology, topography, climatology, and other factors relating to ability of the site to protect water quality.
• (c) Adopt standards and regulations to implement Sections 13226 and 13227.
• (d) Adopt standards and regulations for hazardous waste disposal sites which apply and ensure compliance with all applicable groundwater protection and monitoring requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 6901 et seq.), any federal act, enacted before or after January 1, 1989, which amends or supplements the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, any federal regulations adopted before or after January 1, 1989, pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, together with any more stringent requirements necessary to implement this division or Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 25208) of Chapter 6.5 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (e) Adopt policies, standards, and regulations for discharges of mining waste which apply, and ensure compliance with, all surface water and groundwater protection and monitoring requirements of this division, Article 9.5 (commencing with Section 25208) of Chapter 6.5 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, and Subchapter IV (commencing with Section 6941) of Chapter 82 of Title 42 of the United States Code, which are applicable to discharges of mining waste. These policies, standards, and regulations shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
• (1) A statewide policy for monitoring surface water and groundwater that may be affected by discharges of mining waste. The policy shall establish the principles the regional boards shall use in developing monitoring plans for

discharges of mining waste, including the methods the regional boards shall use in determining the location, number, and type of monitoring sites.

• (2) Regulations requiring that waste discharge requirements issued for discharges of mining waste by regional boards include monitoring requirements consistent with the statewide policy adopted pursuant to paragraph (1).
• (3) Standards for reporting the results of surface water and groundwater monitoring to the regional board. The standards shall establish a reporting format that graphs monitoring data over an appropriate time period and compares the values found for each measured parameter against the standard for that parameter established in the waste discharge requirements. (Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 642, Sec. 3.)

§ 13172.5. [Suction dredge equipment]

• (a) For purposes of this section, the use of any vacuum or suction dredge equipment, also known as suction dredging, is the use of a mechanized or motorized system for removing or assisting in the removal of, or the processing of, material from the bed, bank, or channel of a river, stream, or lake in order to recover minerals. This section does not apply to, prohibit, or otherwise restrict nonmotorized recreational mining activities, including panning for gold.
• (b) In order to protect water quality, the state board or a regional board may take one or more of the following actions:
• (1) Adopt waste discharge requirements or a waiver of waste discharge requirements that, at a minimum, address the water quality impacts of each of the following:
• (A) Mercury loading to downstream reaches of surface water bodies affected by the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment.
• (B) Methylmercury formation in water bodies.
• (C) Bioaccumulation of mercury in aquatic organisms.
• (D) Resuspension of metals.
• (2) Specify certain conditions or areas where the discharge of waste or other adverse impacts on beneficial uses of the waters of the state from the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment is prohibited, consistent with Section 13243.
• (3) Prohibit any particular use of, or methods of using, vacuum or suction dredge equipment, or any portion thereof, for the extraction of minerals that the state board or a regional board determines generally cause or contribute to an exceedance of applicable water quality objectives or unreasonably impact beneficial uses.
• (c) (1) Before determining what action to take pursuant to subdivision (b), the state board shall solicit stakeholder input by conducting public workshops in the vicinity of the cities of San Bernardino, Fresno, Sacramento, and Redding. A regional board considering independent action pursuant to

subdivision (b) shall solicit stakeholder input by conducting at least one public workshop in that board's region. To promote participation in the public workshops, the state board or regional board shall proactively reach out to mining groups, environmental organizations, and California Native American tribes, as defined in Section 21073 of the Public Resources Code.

• (2) Before taking a proposed action pursuant to subdivision (b), the state board or regional board shall conduct at least one public hearing regarding that proposed action pursuant to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
• (3) To avoid duplication of efforts between the state board and a regional board of a public workshop or public hearing that covers the same regional area, the state board and a regional board may work in collaboration to share information obtained through the public workshops or public hearing. (Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 680, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13173. [Suction dredge equipment]

'Designated waste' means either of the following:

• (a) Hazardous waste that has been granted a variance from hazardous waste management requirements pursuant to Section 25143 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) Nonhazardous waste that consists of, or contains, pollutants that, under ambient environmental conditions at a waste management unit, could be released in concentrations exceeding applicable water quality objectives or that could reasonably be expected to affect beneficial uses of the waters of the state as contained in the appropriate state water quality control plan. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 705, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 13173.2. [Designated waste policies]

The state board, after consultation with the California Integrated Waste Management Board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control, may, as available resources permit, adopt policies with regard to designated wastes to include, but not be limited to, both of the following:

• (a) Policies that provide for the means by which a regional board shall identify designated waste and the waters of the state that the waste may potentially impact.
• (b) Policies for regional boards with regard to the granting of waivers to make inapplicable the designated waste classification. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 705, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 13176. [Certified laboratories]

• (a) (1) The analysis of any material required by this division shall be performed by a laboratory that has accreditation or certification pursuant to

• Article 3 (commencing with Section 100825) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 101 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (2) This requirement does not apply to field tests, such as tests for color, odor, turbidity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and disinfectant residual.
• (b) A person or public entity of the state shall not contract with a laboratory for environmental analyses required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) unless the laboratory has valid accreditation or certification. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13177. [California State Mussel Watch Program]

• (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the state board continue to implement the California State Mussel Watch Program.
• (b) The Legislature finds and declares that the California State Mussel Watch Program provides the following benefits to the people of the state:
• (1) An effective method for monitoring the long-term effects of certain toxic substances in selected fresh, estuarine, and marine waters.
• (2) An important element in the state board's comprehensive water quality monitoring strategy.
• (3) Identification, on an annual basis, of specific areas where concentrations of toxic substances are higher than normal.
• (4) Valuable information to guide the state and regional boards and other public and private agencies in efforts to protect water quality.
• (c) To the extent funding is appropriated for this purpose, the state board, in conjunction with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall continue to implement the long-term coastal monitoring program known as the California State Mussel Watch Program. The program may consist of, but is not limited to, the following elements:
• (1) Removal of mussels, clams, and other aquatic organisms from relatively clean coastal sites and placing them in sampling sites. For purposes of this section, 'sampling sites' means selected waters of concern to the state board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• (2) After specified exposure periods at the sampling sites, removal of the aquatic organisms for analysis.
• (3) Laboratory analysis of the removed aquatic organisms to determine the amounts of various toxic substances that may have accumulated in the bodies of the aquatic organisms.
• (4) Making available both the short- and long-term results of the laboratory analysis to appropriate public and private agencies and the public. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13177.5. [Coastal Fish Contamination Program]

• (a) The state board, in consultation with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, shall develop a comprehensive coastal monitoring and assessment program for sport fish and shellfish, to be known as the Coastal Fish Contamination Program. The program shall identify and monitor chemical contamination in coastal fish and shellfish and assess the health risks of consumption of sport fish and shellfish caught by consumers.
• (b) The state board shall consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, and regional water quality control boards with jurisdiction over territory along the coast, to determine chemicals, sampling locations, and the species to be collected under the program. The program developed by the state board shall include all of the following:
• (1) Screening studies to identify coastal fishing areas where fish species have the potential for accumulating chemicals that pose significant health risks to human consumers of sport fish and shellfish.
• (2) The assessment of at least 60 screening study monitoring sites and 120 samples in the first five years of the program and an assessment of additional screening study sites as time and resources permit.
• (3) Comprehensive monitoring and assessment of fishing areas determined through screening studies to have a potential for significant human health risk and a reassessment of these areas every five years.
• (c) Based on existing fish contamination data, the state board shall designate a minimum of 40 sites as fixed sampling locations for the ongoing monitoring effort.
• (d) The state board shall contract with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to prepare comprehensive health risk assessments for sport fish and shellfish monitored in the program. The assessments shall be based on the data collected by the program and information on fish consumption and food preparation. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, within 18 months of the completion of a comprehensive study for each area by the state board, shall submit to the board a draft health risk assessment report for that area. Those health risk assessments shall be updated following the reassessment of areas by the board.
• (e) The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment shall issue health advisories when the office determines that consuming certain fish or shellfish presents a significant health risk. The advisories shall contain information for the public, and particularly the population at risk, concerning health risks from the consumption of the fish or shellfish. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment shall notify the appropriate local health officers, as defined for the purposes of Article 7 (commencing with Section 116090.6) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, the State Department of Public Health, the state board, the

appropriate regional board, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife before the issuance of a health advisory. The notification shall provide sufficient information for the purpose of posting signage. The Department of Fish and Wildlife shall publish the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's health warnings in its Sport Fishing Regulations Booklet.

(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 370, Sec. 268. (SB 1371) Effective January 1, 2021.)

§ 13177.6. [Palos Verdes Shelf Monitoring Study]

To the extent funding is appropriated for this purpose, the state board, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, shall perform a monitoring study to reassess the geographic boundaries of the commercial fish closure off the Palos Verdes Shelf. The reassessment shall include collection and analysis of white croaker caught on the Palos Verdes Shelf, within three miles south of the Shelf, and within San Pedro Bay. Based on the results of the reassessment, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, with guidance from the Office of the Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, shall redelineate, if necessary, the commercial fish closure area to protect the health of consumers of commercially caught white croaker. The sample collection and analysis shall be conducted within 18 months of the enactment of this section and the reassessment of the health risk shall be conducted within 18 months of the completion of the analysis of the samples.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13177.7. [Personnel reduction for military base oversight]

• (a) (1) Notwithstanding Section 12439 of the Government Code, the Controller may not eliminate any direct or indirect position that provides oversight and related support of remediation at a military base, including a closed military base, that is funded without General Fund moneys through an agreement with a state agency, or that is funded through an agreement with a party responsible for paying the state board's costs, and may not eliminate any direct or indirect position that is funded by a federal grant that does not require a state match funded from the General Fund.
• (2) An agreement with a state agency subject to this section may not require the use of a state matching fund from the General Fund by that agency.
• (3) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including Section 4.10 of the Budget Act of 2003, the Director of Finance may not eliminate any direct or indirect position that provides oversight and related support of remediation at a military base, including a closed military base, that is funded through an agreement with a state agency or party responsible for paying the state board's costs, and may not eliminate any direct or indirect position that is funded by a federal grant that does not require a state match funded from the General Fund.

• (b) Neither the Controller nor the Department of Finance may impose any hiring freeze or personal services limitations, including any position reductions, upon any direct or indirect position of the state board that provides oversight and related support of remediation at a military base, including a closed military base, that is funded through an agreement with a state agency or party responsible for paying the state board's costs, or on any direct or indirect position that is funded by a federal grant that does not require a state match funded from the General Fund.
• (c) The Controller and the Department of Finance shall exclude, from the state board's base for purposes of calculating any budget or position reductions required by any state agency or any state law, the specific amounts and direct or indirect positions that provide oversight and related support of remediation at a military base, including a closed military base, that are funded through an agreement with a state agency or party responsible for paying the state board's costs, and shall exclude the specific amounts and any direct or indirect positions that are funded by a federal grant that does not require a state match funded from the General Fund.
• (d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, neither the Controller nor the Department of Finance may require the state board to reduce authorized positions or other appropriations for other state board programs, including personal services, to replace the reductions precluded by subdivisions (a), (b), and (c).
• (e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the request of the state board, and upon review and approval of the Department of Finance, the Controller shall augment any Budget Act appropriations, except for appropriations from the General Fund, necessary to implement this section.
• (f) (1) This section does not apply to any state board appropriation or expenditure of General Fund moneys.
• (2) This section does not limit the authority of the Department of Finance to eliminate a position when funding for the position, through an agreement with a party or by a federal grant, is no longer available. (Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 869, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13178. [Source investigation protocols]

• (a) The state board, in conjunction with the State Department of Public Health and a panel of experts established by the state board, shall develop source investigation protocols for use in conducting source investigations of storm drains that produce exceedences of bacteriological standards established pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 115880 of the Health and Safety Code. The protocols shall be based upon the experiences drawn from previous source investigations performed by the state board, regional boards, or other agencies, and other available data. The protocols shall include methods for identifying the

location and biological origins of sources of bacteriological contamination, and, at a minimum, shall require source investigations if bacteriological standards are exceeded in any three weeks of a four-week period, or, for areas where testing is done more than once a week, 75 percent of testing days that produce an exceedence of those standards.

• (b) The development of source investigation protocols pursuant to subdivision (a) is not subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13181. [Water quality monitoring]

• (a) (1) On or before December 1, 2007, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding for the purposes of establishing the California Water Quality Monitoring Council, which shall be administered by the state board.
• (2) As used in this section, 'monitoring council' means the California Water Quality Monitoring Council established pursuant to this section.
• (3) The monitoring council may include representatives from state entities and nonstate entities. The representatives from nonstate entities may include, but need not be limited to, representatives from federal and local government, institutions of higher education, the regulated community, citizen monitoring groups, and other interested parties.
• (4) The monitoring council shall review existing water quality monitoring, assessment, and reporting efforts, and shall recommend specific actions and funding needs necessary to coordinate and enhance those efforts.
• (5) (A) The recommendations shall be prepared for the ultimate development of a cost-effective, coordinated, integrated, and comprehensive statewide network for collecting and disseminating water quality information and ongoing assessments of the health of the state's waters and the effectiveness of programs to protect and improve the quality of those waters.
• (B) For purposes of developing recommendations pursuant to this section, the monitoring council shall initially focus on the water quality monitoring efforts of state agencies, including, but not limited to, the state board, the regional boards, the department, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the California Coastal Commission, the State Lands Commission, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
• (C) In developing the recommendations, the monitoring council shall seek to build upon existing programs, rather than create new programs.

• (6) Among other things, the memorandum of understanding shall describe the means by which the monitoring council shall formulate recommendations to accomplish both of the following:
• (A) Reduce redundancies, inefficiencies, and inadequacies in existing water quality monitoring and data management programs in order to improve the effective delivery of sound, comprehensive water quality information to the public and decisionmakers.
• (B) Ensure that water quality improvement projects financed by the state provide specific information necessary to track project effectiveness with regard to achieving clean water and healthy ecosystems.
• (b) The monitoring council shall report, on or before December 1, 2008, to the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Agency with regard to its recommendations for maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of existing water quality data collection and dissemination, and for ensuring that collected data are maintained and available for use by decisionmakers and the public. The monitoring council shall consult with the United States Environmental Protection Agency in preparing these recommendations. The monitoring council's recommendations, and any responses submitted by the California Environmental Protection Agency or the Natural Resources Agency to those recommendations, shall be made available to decisionmakers and the public by means of the Internet.
• (c) The monitoring council shall undertake and complete, on or before April 1, 2008, a survey of its members to develop an inventory of their existing water quality monitoring and data collection efforts statewide and shall make that information available to the public.
• (d) All state agencies, including institutions of higher education to the extent permitted by law, that collect water quality data or information shall cooperate with the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Natural Resources Agency in achieving the goals of the monitoring council as described in this section.
• (e) In accordance with the requirements of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) and implementing guidance, the state board shall develop, in coordination with the monitoring council, all of the following:
• (1) A comprehensive monitoring program strategy that utilizes and expands upon the state's existing statewide, regional, and other monitoring capabilities and describes how the state will develop an integrated monitoring program that will serve all of the state's water quality monitoring needs and address all of the state's waters over time. The strategy shall include a timeline not to exceed 10 years to complete implementation. The strategy shall be comprehensive in scope and identify specific technical, integration, and resource needs, and shall recommend solutions for those needs so that the strategy may be implemented within the 10-year timeframe.

• (2) Agreement, including agreement on a schedule, with regard to the comprehensive monitoring of statewide water quality protection indicators that provide a basic minimum understanding of the health of the state's waters. Indicators already developed pursuant to environmental protection indicators for statewide initiatives shall be given high priority as core indicators for purposes of the network described in subdivision (a).
• (3) Quality management plans and quality assurance plans that ensure the validity and utility of the data collected.
• (4) Methodology for compiling, analyzing, and integrating readily available information, to the maximum extent feasible, including, but not limited to, data acquired from discharge reports, volunteer monitoring groups, local, state, and federal agencies, and recipients of state-funded or federally funded water quality improvement or restoration projects.
• (5) An accessible and user-friendly electronic data system with timely data entry and ready public access via the Internet. To the maximum extent possible, the geographic location of the areas monitored shall be included in the data system.
• (6) Production of timely and complete water quality reports and lists that are required under Sections 303(d), 305(b), 314, and 319 of the federal Clean Water Act and Section 406 of the federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000, that include all available information from discharge reports, volunteer monitoring groups, and local, state, and federal agencies.
• (7) An update of the state board's surface water ambient monitoring program needs assessment in light of the benefits of increased coordination and integration of information from other agencies and information sources. This update shall include identification of current and future resource needs required to fully implement the coordinated, comprehensive monitoring network, including, but not limited to, funding, staff, training, laboratory and other resources, and projected improvements in the network.
• (f) The state board shall identify the full costs of implementation of the comprehensive monitoring program strategy developed pursuant to subdivision (e), and shall identify proposed sources of funding for the implementation of the strategy, including federal funds that may be expended for this purpose. Fees collected pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 13260 may be used as a funding source for implementation of the strategy to the extent that the funding is consistent with subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 13260.
• (g) Data, summary information, and reports prepared pursuant to this section shall be made available to appropriate public agencies and the public by means of the Internet.

• (h) (1) Commencing December 1, 2008, the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency shall conduct a triennial audit of the effectiveness of the monitoring program strategy developed pursuant to subdivision (e). The audit shall include, but need not be limited to, an assessment of the following matters:
• (A) The extent to which the strategy has been implemented.
• (B) The effectiveness of the monitoring and assessment program and the monitoring council with regard to both of the following:
• (i) Tracking improvements in water quality.
• (ii) Evaluating the overall effectiveness of programs administered by the state board or a regional board and of state and federally funded water quality improvement projects.
• (2) The Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency shall consult with the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency in preparing the audit, consistent with the memorandum of understanding entered into pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (i) The state board shall prioritize the use of federal funding that may be applied to monitoring, including, but not limited to, funding under Section 106 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, for the purpose of implementing this section.
• (j) The state board shall not use more than 5 percent of the funds made available to implement this section for the administrative costs of any contracts entered into for the purpose of implementing this section. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13182. [Harmful Algal Blooms - Incident Response, Report, and Emergency Contract]

• (a) To protect water quality and public health from harmful algal blooms, the state board shall establish a Freshwater and Estuarine Harmful Algal Bloom Program and, in consultation with the California Water Quality Monitoring Council, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, State Department of Public Health, Department of Water Resources, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Parks and Recreation, other appropriate state and federal agencies, and California Native American tribes, as defined in Section 21073 of the Public Resources Code, shall do all of the following:
• (1) Coordinate immediate and long-term event incident response, including notification to state and local decisionmakers and the public regarding where harmful algal blooms are occurring, waters at risk of developing harmful algal blooms, and threats posed by harmful algal blooms.
• (2) Conduct and support field assessment and ambient monitoring to evaluate harmful algal bloom extent, status, and trends at the state, regional, watershed, and site-specific waterbody scales.

• (3) Determine the regions, watersheds, or waterbodies experiencing or at risk of experiencing harmful algal blooms to prioritize those regions, watersheds, or waterbodies for assessment, monitoring, remediation, and risk management.
• (4) Conduct applied research and develop tools for decision-support.
• (5) Provide outreach and education, and maintain a centralized internet website for information and data related to harmful algal blooms.
• (6) On or before July 1, 2021, post on the state board's internet website a report including the following information:
• (A) The incidence of, and response to, freshwater and estuarine harmful algal blooms in the state during the previous three years.
• (B) Actions taken by the state board as required pursuant to paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive.
• (C) Recommendations, by the state board and other entities participating in the Freshwater and Estuarine Harmful Algal Bloom Program, for additional actions, including preventative actions where possible, that should be taken to protect water quality and public health from harmful algal blooms, including recommendations for statutory or regulatory changes that are needed to achieve that goal.
• (b) (1) If the state board determines that an occurrence of harmful algal blooms is an emergency, as defined in Section 1102 of the Public Contract Code, the state board may enter into contracts with public or private entities to procure goods and services to aid in incident response, including contracts to monitor harmful algal blooms and to communicate the risk of harmful algal blooms to the public. The aggregate cost of contracts entered into pursuant to this paragraph in a fiscal year shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
• (2) Contracts authorized by paragraph (1) shall not be subject to Article 4 (commencing with Section 19130) of Chapter 5 of Part 2 of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code and, notwithstanding any other law, shall be exempt from competitive bidding requirements.
• (3) The authority in this subdivision is in addition to, and does not supersede or limit, the authority of the state board pursuant to any other law. (Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 354, Sec. 2. (AB 834) Effective January 1, 2020.)

§ 13191. [Evaluation of program structure]

The state board shall 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 Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1313(d)), and applicable federal regulations and monitoring and assessment programs. The advisory group or groups shall be comprised of persons concerned with the requirements of Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The state board shall provide public notice on its website of any meetings of

the advisory group or groups and, upon the request of any party shall mail notice of the time and location of any meeting of the group or groups. The board shall also ensure that the advisory group or groups meet in a manner that facilitates the effective participation of the public and the stakeholder participants.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 644, Sec. 36. Effective January 1, 2005.)

§ 13191.3. [Guidelines for listing and delisting waters]

• (a) The state board, on or before July 1, 2003, shall prepare guidelines to be used by the state board and the regional boards for the purpose of listing and delisting waters and developing and implementing the total maximum daily load (TMDL) program and total maximum daily loads pursuant to Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1313(d)).
• (b) For the purposes of preparing the guidelines, the state board shall consider the consensus recommendations adopted by the public advisory group convened pursuant to Section 13191.
• (c) The guidelines shall be finalized not later than January 1, 2004. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 20, Sec. 1. Effective April 8, 2002.)

§ 13193. [Sanitary sewer system overflow reports]

• (a) As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
• (1) 'Collection system owner or operator' means the public or private entity having legal authority over the operation and maintenance of, or capital improvements to, the sewer collection system.
• (2) 'GIS' means Geographic Information System.
• (b) On or before January 1 of a year in which the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds for this purpose, the state board, in consultation with representatives of cities, counties, cities and counties, special districts, public interest groups, the State Department of Public Health, and the regional boards shall develop a uniform overflow event report form to be used for reporting of sanitary sewer system overflows as required in subdivision (c). This event report form shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
• (1) The cause of the overflow. The cause shall be specifically identified, unless there is an ongoing investigation, in which case it shall be identified immediately after completion of the investigation. The cause shall be identified, at a minimum, as blockage, infrastructure failure, pump station failure, significant wet weather event, natural disaster, or other cause, which shall be specifically identified. If the cause is identified as a blockage, the type of blockage shall be identified, at a minimum, as roots, grease, debris, vandalism, or multiple causes of which each should be identified. If the cause is identified as infrastructure, it shall be determined, at a minimum, whether the infrastructure failure was due to leaks, damage to, or breakage of, collection

system piping or insufficient capacity. If the cause is identified as a significant wet weather event or natural disaster, the report shall describe both the event and how it resulted in the overflow. If the precise cause cannot be identified after investigation, the report shall include a narrative explanation describing the investigation conducted and providing the information known about the possible causes of the overflow.

• (2) An estimate of the volume of the overflow event.
• (3) Location of the overflow event. Sufficient information shall be provided to determine location for purposes of GIS mapping, such as specific street address or the latitude and longitude of the event.
• (4) Date, time, and duration of the overflow event.
• (5) Whether or not the overflow reached or may have reached waters of the state.
• (6) Whether or not a beach closure occurred or may have occurred as a result of the overflow.
• (7) The response and corrective action taken.
• (8) Whether or not there is an ongoing investigation, the reasons for it and expected date of completion.
• (9) The name, address, and telephone number of the reporting collection system owner or operator and a specific contact name.
• (c) Commencing on July 1 of a year in which the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds for this purpose, in the event of a spill or overflow from a sanitary sewer system that is subject to the notification requirements set forth in Section 13271, the applicable collection system owner or operator, in addition to immediate reporting duties pursuant to Section 13271, shall submit to the appropriate regional board, within 30 days of the date of becoming aware of the overflow event, a report using the form described in subdivision (b). The report shall be filed electronically, if possible, or by fax or mail if electronic submission is not possible.
• (d) (1) Commencing on July 1 of a year in which the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds for this purpose, in the event of a spill or overflow from a sanitary sewer system that is not subject to the reporting requirements set forth in Section 13271 that is either found by the State Department of Public Health or any local health officer to result in contamination pursuant to Section 5412 of the Health and Safety Code, or is found by the State Department of Public Health to result in pollution or nuisance pursuant to Section 5413 of the Health and Safety Code, the agency making the determination shall submit to the appropriate regional board, within 30 days of making the determination, a report that shall include, at a minimum, the following information:
• (A) Date, time, and approximate duration of the overflow event.
• (B) An estimate of the volume of the overflow event.
• (C) Location of the overflow event.

• (D) A description of the response or corrective action taken by the agency making the determination.
• (E) The name, address, and telephone number of the reporting collection system owner or operator, and a specific contact name.
• (2) The report shall be filed electronically, if possible, or by fax or mail if electronic submission is not possible.
• (e) Before January 1 of a year in which the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds for this purpose, the state board, in consultation with representatives of cities, counties, cities and counties, and special districts, public interest groups, the State Department of Public Health, and regional boards, shall develop and maintain a sanitary sewer system overflow database that, at a minimum, contains the parameters described in subdivisions (b) and (d).
• (f) Commencing on July 1 of a year in which the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds for this purpose, each regional board shall coordinate with collection system owners or operators, the State Department of Public Health, and local health officers to compile the reports submitted pursuant to subdivisions (c) and (d). Each regional board shall report that information to the state board on a quarterly basis, to be included in the sanitary sewer system overflow database.
• (g) The state board shall make available to the public, by Internet and other cost-effective means, as determined by the state board, information that is generated pursuant to this section. In a year in which the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds for the purposes described in this subdivision, the state board shall prepare a summary report of the information collected in the sanitary sewer system overflow database, and make it available to the general public through the Internet and other cost-effective means, as determined by the state board. To the extent resources and the data allow, this report shall include GIS maps compiling coastal overflow events.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13193.5. [Extension of Once-Through Cooling Compliance Dates]

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the State Water Resources Control Board's Water Quality Control Policy on the Use of Coastal and Estuarine Waters for Power Plant Cooling, as referenced in Section 2922 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, the final compliance dates for Diablo Canyon Units 1 and 2 shall be October 31, 2030. Nothing in this section prevents the state board from ordering the operator of the Diablo Canyon powerplant to conduct any other form of mitigation allowed under this chapter. (Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 239, Sec. 10. (SB 846) Effective September 2, 2022.)

§ 13193.9. [Assistance to Small Disadvantaged Communities]

• (a) The state board, to the extent permitted by law, shall take all of the following actions for the purpose of allocating funds on behalf of a wastewater collection, treatment, or disposal project, if the recipient of financial assistance is a small, disadvantaged community:
• (1) If the state board determines that an advance is needed for the project to proceed in an efficient manner, allocate to the recipient up to 25 percent of the financial assistance amount, not exceeding one million dollars ($1,000,000), in advance of actual expenditures. The recipient shall repay to the state board any funds advanced pursuant to this section, including any interest earned on the advance funds, if the funds are unused upon expiration of the funding agreement or if the funds are not expended in accordance with the financial assistance agreement.
• (2) Establish a payment process pursuant to which the recipient of financial assistance receives funds within 30 days of the date on which the state board receives a project payment request unless the state board, within that 30day period, determines that the project payment would not be in accordance with the terms of the program guidelines.
• (3) Utilize wire transfers or other appropriate payment procedures to expedite project payments.
• (b) The amount of financial assistance received by a recipient, including any funds advanced pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), shall not exceed the total amount of the financial assistance that the state board agrees to provide for a project. If financial assistance is advanced to a recipient pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), the state board shall reduce subsequent disbursements of financial assistance by the amount advanced.
• (c) For the purposes of this section, 'small disadvantaged community' means a municipality with a population of 20,000 persons or less, or a reasonably isolated and divisible segment of a larger municipality encompassing 20,000 persons or less, with an annual median household income that is less than 80 percent of the statewide annual median household income. (Added by Stats. 2008, Ch. 609, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)

§ 13194. [Private Wells - Interim Relief Grants]

• (a) (1) Subject to appropriation by the Legislature, the state board may provide grants to eligible applicants to be used to provide interim relief to households in which a private water well has gone dry, or has been destroyed, due to drought, wildfire, or other natural disaster. Eligible applicants who receive funds pursuant to this section shall administer and implement that funding consistent with this section.
• (2) For purposes of this subdivision:
• (A) 'Eligible applicant' means a county, community water system, local public agency, or nonprofit organization.

• (B) 'Interim relief' includes, but is not limited to, the provision of domestic water storage tanks, hauled water, and bottled water.
• (b) The state board may provide up to 10 percent of the funds appropriated for these purposes to eligible applicants for planning related to permanent solutions for private water wells that have gone dry, or been destroyed, due to drought, wildfire, or other natural disaster.
• (c) The state board shall not use more than 5 percent of the funds appropriated for these purposes for its administrative costs.
• (d) The state board may adopt guidelines to implement this section. Those guidelines are not subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (e) A contract entered into under this section is exempt from Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code. The state board may award a contract under this section on a noncompetitive bid basis as necessary to implement the purposes of this section.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 373, Sec. 1. (SB 513) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Article 5. Electronic Submission of Reports [13195. - 13197.5.]

(Article 5 added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 727, Sec. 4.)

§ 13195. [Definitions]

For purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings:

• (a) 'Public domain' means a format that may be duplicated, distributed, and used without payment of a royalty or license fee.
• (b) 'Report' means any document or item that is required for submission in order for a person to comply with a regulation, directive, or order issued by the state board, a regional board, or a local agency pursuant to a program administered by the state board, including, but not limited to, any analysis of material by a laboratory that has accreditation or certification pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 100825) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 101 of the Health and Safety Code.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 727, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)

§ 13196. [Electronic format]

• (a) The state board may require a person submitting a report to the state board, a regional board, or a local agency to submit the report in electronic format. The state board may also require that any report submitted in electronic format include the latitude and longitude, accurate to within one meter, of the location where any sample analyzed in the report was collected.
• (b) The state board shall adopt a single, standard format for the electronic submission of analytical and environmental compliance data contained in

• reports. In adopting a standard format, the state board shall only consider formats that meet all of the following criteria:
• (1) Are available free of charge.
• (2) Are available in the public domain.
• (3) Have available public domain means to import, manipulate, and store data.
• (4) Allow the importation of data into tables indicating relational distances.
• (5) Allow the verification of data submission consistency.
• (6) Allow for inclusion of all of the following information:
• (A) The physical site address from which the sample was taken, along with any information already required for permitting and reporting unauthorized releases.
• (B) Environmental assessment data taken during the initial site investigation phase, as well as the continuing monitoring and evaluation phases.
• (C) The latitude and longitude, accurate to within one meter, of the location where any sample was collected.
• (D) A description of all tests performed on the sample, the results of that testing, any quality assurance and quality control information, any available narrative information regarding the collection of the sample, and any available information concerning the laboratory's analysis of the sample.
• (7) Fulfill any additional criteria the state board determines appropriate for an effective electronic report submission program. (Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 727, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)

§ 13197.5. [Regulations]

• (a) The state board shall adopt, not later than March 1, 2001, emergency regulations in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code implementing a statewide program for the electronic submission of reports required pursuant to Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 25280) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code and Article 4 (commencing with Section 25299.36) of Chapter 6.75 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, for those reports that contain soil or water chemistry analysis by a laboratory certified or accredited pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 100825) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 101 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) (1) The adoption of any regulations pursuant to this section that are filed with the Office of Administrative Law on or before March 1, 2001, shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare.
• (2) (A) Except as specified in subparagraph (B), subdivisions (e) to (h), inclusive, of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code apply to any emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this section.

• (B) Notwithstanding the 120-day period imposed in subdivision (e) of Section 11346.1 of the Government Code, the state board shall have one calendar year from the effective date of any emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this section to comply with that subdivision.
• (c) Regulations adopted pursuant to this section may not require the electronic submission of reports before July 1, 2001, but may require the electronic submission of reports on or after July 1, 2001.
• (d) Regulations adopted pursuant to this section may specify either of the following as the required reporting format:
• (1) The Geographic Environmental Information Management System format as described in the report submitted to the state board on July 1, 1999, by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, entitled, 'Evaluating the Feasibility of a Statewide Geographic Information System.'
• (2) The Electronic Deliverable Format (EDF) developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, as the same may be revised from time to time. The specification of the EDF as the reporting format shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 13196.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 727, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2001.)

Article 6. Drought Relief [13198 - 13198.8]

(Article 6 added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 115, Sec. 97.)

§ 13198. [Definitions]

For purposes of this article, the following definitions apply:

• (a) 'Drought scenario' means either of the following:
• (1) Circumstances for which the Governor has issued a proclamation of a state of emergency, pursuant to Section 8625 of the Government Code, based on drought conditions.
• (2)(A) Circumstances for which the state board determines, consistent with subparagraph (B), that drought conditions necessitate urgent and immediate action to ensure availability of safe drinking water, to protect public health and safety, or, after consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, to avoid serious and irreparable harm to fish or wildlife.
• (B) Before determining a drought scenario exists pursuant to subparagraph (A), the state board shall do both of the following:
• (i) Provide notice, including specific geographic areas in which a determination of a drought scenario is proposed, to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, the secretaries of the implementing agencies, and the Director of Emergency Services.
• (ii) To the extent feasible, conduct a public hearing for purposes of seeking public comment on the proposed declaration of a drought scenario, and any proposed actions.
• (b) 'Implementing agency' means any of the following:

• (1) The Natural Resources Agency.
• (2) The California Environmental Protection Agency.
• (3) The Department of Food and Agriculture.
• (4) The California Health and Human Services Agency.
• (5) Boards, departments, and offices within the agencies specified in paragraphs (1) to (4), inclusive.
• (6) The Office of Emergency Services.
• (c)(1) 'Interim or immediate relief' means any of the following:
• (A) Hauled water.
• (B) Temporary community water tanks.
• (C) Bottled water.
• (D) Water vending machines.
• (E) Emergency water interties.
• (F) New wells or rehabilitation of existing wells.
• (G) Construction or installation of permanent connections to adjacent water systems, recycled water projects that provide immediate relief to potable water supplies, water use reduction and efficiency equipment, and other projects that support immediate drought response.
• (H) Fish and wildlife rescue, protection, and relocation.
• (I) Education, outreach, direct installation programs, rebate programs, and other activities to increase water conservation.
• (J) Drought resilience planning.
• (K) Groundwater recharge projects meeting the conditions of Section 1242.1.
• (2) Eligible costs for interim or immediate relief include technical assistance, site acquisitions, post-performance monitoring, and costs directly related to the provision of the project.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 51 (S.B.122), Sec. 36. Effective July 10, 2023.)

§ 13198.2. [Grants and direct expenditures for interim and immediate relief]

• (a) Subject to an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute for these purposes, an implementing agency may make grants and direct expenditures for interim or immediate relief in response to conditions arising from a drought scenario to do any of the following:
• (1) Address immediate impacts on human health and safety, including providing or improving availability of food, water, or shelter.
• (2) Address immediate impacts on fish and wildlife resources.
• (3) Provide water to persons or communities that lose or are threatened with the loss or contamination of water supplies.
• (b) A contract entered into under this article by an implementing agency is exempt from Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code. An implementing agency may award a contract

• under this section on a noncompetitive bid basis as necessary to implement the purposes of this article.
• (c) An implementing agency shall obtain approval from the Department of Finance before entering into a contract under this section.
• (d) Actions of implementing agencies under this article shall be deemed to be within paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 21080 of the Public Resources Code.
• (e) Posting and dissemination of information related to drought emergency activities under this section is exempt from Sections 7405 and 11546.7 of the Government Code as they pertain to the posting of materials on state agency internet websites as part of responding to the emergency, provided that any state agencies failing to satisfy the requirements of Sections 7405 and 11546.7 of the Government Code shall make and post an accessible version on their internet websites as soon as practicable.
• (f) Implementing agencies may adopt guidelines to implement this article. Those guidelines are not subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. (Amended by Stats.2023, Ch. 51 (S.B.122), Sec. 37. Effective July 10, 2023.)

§ 13198.3. [Applicability of CEQA to Certain Actions]

• (a) Actions of any public agency that contracts with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, or is an entitlement holder under the 2006 consolidated decree in Arizona v. California (2006) 547 U.S. 150, for Colorado River water supplies, approved before December 31, 2026, that the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency concurs in writing are reasonably necessary to implement Colorado River water conservation agreements with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, as well as those water conservation agreements themselves, shall be deemed to be within the activities described in paragraph (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 21080 of the Public Resources Code.
• (b) Actions under this section shall not include the construction of new canals or major new infrastructure, but may include infrastructure improvements such as, without limitation, the installation of more efficient irrigation systems or the lining of canals, and shall be limited to projects that reduce or make more efficient the use or distribution of Colorado River water and shall not include projects that develop replacement water supplies.
• (c)(1) The Natural Resources Agency shall promptly post any concurrences under this section on its internet website and shall annually report any such concurrences to the Legislature.
• (2) The report required pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in accordance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.
• (d) This section does not waive or suspend any other permitting requirements applicable to the public agency actions described herein.

(Added by Stats.2023, Ch. 51 (S.B.122), Sec. 38. Effective July 10, 2023.)

§ 13198.4. [Advance payment]

• (a) This section applies and is subject to an appropriation in the annual Budget Act or another statute to an implementing agency to provide grants and direct expenditures for interim or immediate relief to drought scenarios.
• (b) An implementing agency may provide grant funds and direct expenditures to or on behalf of affected public and private entities to provide interim or immediate relief.
• (c) Notwithstanding Section 11019 of the Government Code, an implementing agency may provide advance payment of up to 25 percent of grant funds awarded to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, mobilehome parks, mutual water companies, farmers and ranchers, federally recognized California Native American tribes, nonfederally recognized Native American tribes on the contact list maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission for the purposes of Chapter 905 of the Statutes of 2004, administrators, and groundwater sustainability agencies that have demonstrated cashflow problems according to the satisfaction of the implementing agency.
• (d) An implementing agency may authorize funding of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000) without a written agreement. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 115, Sec. 97. (AB 148) Effective July 22, 2021.)

§ 13198.6. [Limitation on authority]

• (a) This article does not limit, alter, or expand any provision of the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
• (b) This article does not expand or alter the authority of an implementing agency to take regulatory action other than the actions explicitly described in this article.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 115, Sec. 97. (AB 148) Effective July 22, 2021.)

CHAPTER 4. REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL [13200. - 13286.9.]

(Chapter 4 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 1. Organization and Membership of Regional Boards [13200. 13208.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13200. [Regional board boundaries]

The state is divided, for the purpose of this division, into nine regions:

• (a) North Coast region, which comprises all basins including Lower Klamath Lake and Lost River Basins draining into the Pacific Ocean from the California-

Oregon state line southerly to the southerly boundary of the watershed of Estero de San Antonio and Stemple Creek in Marin and Sonoma Counties.

• (b) San Francisco Bay region, which comprises San Francisco Bay, Suisun Bay, from Sacramento River and San Joaquin River westerly from a line which passes between Collinsville and Montezuma Island and follows thence the boundary common to Sacramento and Solano Counties and that common to Sacramento and Contra Costa Counties to the westerly boundary of the watershed of Markley Canyon in Contra Costa County, all basins draining into the bays and rivers westerly from this line, and all basins draining into the Pacific Ocean between the southerly boundary of the north coastal region and the southerly boundary of the watershed of Pescadero Creek in San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties.
• (c) Central Coast region, which comprises all basins, including Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties, draining into the Pacific Ocean from the southerly boundary of the watershed of Pescadero Creek in San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties to the southeasterly boundary, located in the westerly part of Ventura County, of the watershed of Rincon Creek.
• (d) Los Angeles region, which comprises all basins draining into the Pacific Ocean between the southeasterly boundary, located in the westerly part of Ventura County, of the watershed of Rincon Creek and a line which coincides with the southeasterly boundary of Los Angeles County from the ocean to San Antonio Peak and follows thence the divide between San Gabriel River and Lytle Creek drainages to the divide between Sheep Creek and San Gabriel River drainages.
• (e) Santa Ana region, which comprises all basins draining into the Pacific Ocean between the southeasterly boundary of the Los Angeles region and a line which follows the drainage divide between Muddy and Moro Canyons from the ocean to the summit of San Joaquin Hills; thence along the divide between lands draining into Newport Bay and into Laguna Canyon to Niguel Road; thence along Niguel Road and Los Aliso Avenue to the divide between Newport Bay and Aliso Creek drainages; thence along that divide and the southeasterly boundary of the Santa Ana River drainage to the divide between Baldwin Lake and Mojave Desert drainages; thence along that divide to the divide between Pacific Ocean and Mojave Desert drainages.
• (f) San Diego region, which comprises all basins draining into the Pacific Ocean between the southern boundary of the Santa Ana region and the California-Mexico boundary.
• (g) Central Valley region, which comprises all basins including Goose Lake Basin draining into the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers to the easterly boundary of the San Francisco Bay region near Collinsville. The Central Valley region shall have section offices in the Sacramento Valley and the San Joaquin Valley.

• (h) Lahontan region, which comprises all basins east of the Santa Ana, Los Angeles and Central Valley regions from the California-Oregon boundary to the southerly boundary located in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties of the watersheds draining into Antelope Valley, Mojave River Basin and Dry Lake Basin near Ivanpah.
• (i) Colorado River Basin region, which comprises all basins east of the Santa Ana and San Diego regions draining into the Colorado River, Salton Sea and local sinks from the southerly boundary of the Lahontan region to the California-Mexico boundary.

The regions defined and described in this section shall be as precisely delineated on official maps of the department and include all of the areas within the boundaries of the state.

For purposes of this section the boundaries of the state extend three nautical miles into the Pacific Ocean from the line of mean lower low water marking the seaward limits of inland waters and three nautical miles from the line of mean lower low water on the mainland and each offshore island.

Nothing in this section shall limit the power conferred by this chapter to regulate the disposal of waste into ocean waters beyond the boundaries of the state.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13201. [Regional board members]

• (a) There is a regional board for each of the regions described in Section 13200. Each board shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor, each of whom shall represent, and act on behalf of, all the people and shall reside or have a principal place of business within the region.
• (b) Except as specified in subdivision (c), each member shall be appointed on the basis of his or her demonstrated interest or proven ability in the field of water quality, including water pollution control, water resource management, water use, or water protection. The Governor shall consider appointments from the public and nonpublic sectors. In regard to appointments from the nonpublic sector, the Governor shall consider including members from key economic sectors in a given region, such as agriculture, industry, commercial activities, forestry, and fisheries.
• (c) At least one member shall be appointed as a public member who is not required to meet the criteria established pursuant to subdivision (b).
• (d) All persons appointed to a regional board shall be subject to Senate confirmation, but shall not be required to appear before any committee of the Senate for purposes of such confirmation unless specifically requested to appear by the Senate Committee on Rules.
• (e) Insofar as practicable, appointments shall be made in such manner as to result in representation on the board from all parts of the region.

• (f) Insofar as practicable, appointments shall be made in a manner as to result in representation on the board from diverse experiential backgrounds.
• (g) Each member shall be appointed on the basis of his or her ability to attend substantially all meetings of the board and to actively discharge all duties and responsibilities of a member of the board.
• (h) The reduction in the number of members of each regional board required by the act that added this subdivision shall be achieved according to the ordinary expiration of the terms of incumbents and other vacancies. Notwithstanding Section 13202 the Governor shall not fill a vacancy on any regional board until the number of members serving on that regional board falls below seven members. When the numbers of members serving on the regional board falls below seven members, the Governor shall appoint or reappoint individuals pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 117. Effective June 27, 2012.)

§ 13202. [Terms]

• (a) Each member of a regional board shall be appointed for a term of four years. Vacancies shall be immediately filled by the Governor for the unexpired portion of the terms in which they occur.
• (b) The term of office for members of each regional board shall be staggered and shall expire in accordance with the following schedule:
• (1) Two members on September 30, 2013, and every four years thereafter.
• (2) Two members on September 30, 2014, and every four years thereafter.
• (3) Two members on September 30, 2015, and every four years thereafter.
• (4) One member on September 30, 2016, and every four years thereafter. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 118. Effective June 27, 2012.)

§ 13203. [Official designations]

The official designation of each regional board shall be: California Regional Water Quality Control Board, (region name). (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13204. [Regional board meetings]

Each regional board shall hold at least six regular meetings each calendar year and the additional special meetings or hearings as shall be called by the chairperson or any two members of the regional board.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13205. [Member compensation]

Each member of a regional board shall receive two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for each day during which that member is engaged in the performance of official duties. The performance of official duties includes, but is not limited to, reviewing agenda materials for no more than one day in preparation for each regional board meeting. The total compensation received by members of all of

the regional boards shall not exceed, in any one fiscal year, the sum of three hundred seventy-eight thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($378,250). A member may decline compensation. In addition to the compensation, each member shall be reimbursed for necessary traveling and other expenses incurred in the performance of official duties.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 340, Sec. 47. Effective September 13, 2016.)

§ 13206. [Eligibility of public officers]

Public officers associated with any area of government, including planning or water, and whether elected or appointed, may be appointed to, and may serve contemporaneously as members of, a regional board. (Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 622.)

§ 13207. [Conflict of interest]

• (a) A member of a regional board shall not participate in any board action pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 13260) of this chapter, or Article 1 (commencing with Section 13300) of Chapter 5, in which he or she has a disqualifying financial interest in the decision within the meaning of Section 87103 of the Government Code.
• (b) A board member shall not participate in any proceeding before any regional board or the state board as a consultant or in any other capacity on behalf of any waste discharger.
• (c) Upon the request of any person, or on the Attorney General's own initiative, the Attorney General may file a complaint in the superior court for the county in which the regional board has its principal office alleging that a board member has knowingly violated this section and the facts upon which the allegation is based and asking that the member be removed from office. Further proceedings shall be in accordance as near as may be with rules governing civil actions. If after trial the court finds that the board member has knowingly violated this section it shall pronounce judgment that the member be removed from office.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 119. Effective June 27, 2012.)

§ 13208. [Executive officer conflict of interest]

• (a) No regional board executive officer may make, participate in making, or use his or her official position to influence, any decision of the regional board, or made on behalf of the regional board, affecting any person or entity subject to waste discharge requirements under this division if the regional board executive officer has received, during the previous two years, 10 percent or more of his or her income from that person or entity.
• 'Income,' for purposes of this section, has the same meaning as in
• (b) Section 82030 of the Government Code. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 773, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Article 2. General Provisions Relating to Powers and Duties of Regional Boards [13220. - 13228.15.]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13220. [Organization]

Each regional board shall do all of the following:

• (a) Establish an office.
• (b) Select one of its members as chairperson at the first regular meeting held each year.
• (c) Appoint as its confidential employee, who may be exempt from civil service under Section 4 of Article VII of the California Constitution, and fix the salary of, an executive officer who shall meet technical qualifications as defined by the state board. The executive officer shall serve at the pleasure of the regional board.
• (d) Employ any other assistants that may be determined necessary to assist the executive officer.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13221. [Oaths and subpoenas]

Members of the regional board shall be empowered to administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance and giving of testimony by witnesses and for the production of evidence in any proceeding before the board in any part of the region. The provisions of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1075) of Part I of Division 2 of this code shall apply to regional boards within their own regions, where they shall have the same power as the state board within the state.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13222. [Regulations]

Pursuant to such guidelines as the state board may establish, each regional board shall adopt regulations to carry out its powers and duties under this division.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13223. [Delegation]

• (a) Each regional board may delegate any of its powers and duties vested in it by this division to its executive officer excepting only the following: (1) the promulgation of any regulation; (2) the issuance, modification, or revocation of any water quality control plan, water quality objectives, or waste discharge requirement; (3) the issuance, modification, or revocation of any cease and desist order; (4) the holding of any hearing on water quality control plans; and (5) the application to the Attorney General for judicial enforcement but excluding cases of specific delegation in a cease and desist order and excluding

the cases described in subdivision (c) of Section 13002 and Sections 13304 and 13340.

• (b) Whenever any reference is made in this division to any action that may be taken by a regional board, such reference includes such action by its executive officer pursuant to powers and duties delegated to him by the regional board.

(Amended by Stats. 1970, Ch. 918.)

§ 13224. [Policy statements]

Each regional board may issue policy statements relating to any water quality matter within its jurisdiction. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13225. [Responsibilities]

Each regional board, with respect to its region, shall do all of the following:

• (a) Coordinate with the state board and other regional boards, as well as other state agencies with responsibility for water quality, with respect to water quality control matters, including the prevention and abatement of water pollution and nuisance.
• (b) Encourage and assist in waste disposal programs, as needed and feasible, and upon application of any person, advise the applicant of the condition to be maintained in any disposal area or receiving waters into which the waste is being discharged.
• (c) Require as necessary any state or local agency to investigate and report on any technical factors involved in water quality control or to obtain and submit analyses of water; provided that the burden, including costs, of such reports shall bear a reasonable relationship to the need for the report and the benefits to be obtained therefrom.
• (d) Request enforcement by appropriate federal, state and local agencies of their respective water quality control laws.
• (e) Report rates of compliance with the requirements of this division.
• (f) Recommend to the state board projects which the regional board considers eligible for any financial assistance which may be available through the state board.
• (g) Report to the state board and appropriate local health officer any case of suspected contamination in its region.
• (h) File with the state board, at its request, copies of the record of any official action.
• (i) Take into consideration the effect of its actions pursuant to this chapter on the California Water Plan adopted or revised pursuant to Division 6 (commencing with Section 10000) and on any other general or coordinated governmental plan looking toward the development, utilization, or conservation of the water resources of the state.

• (j) Encourage coordinated regional planning and action for water quality control.
• (k) In consultation with the state board, identify and post on the Internet a summary list of all enforcement actions undertaken by that regional board and the dispositions of those actions, including any fines assessed. This list shall be updated at least quarterly.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 293, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2007.)

§ 13226. [Waste disposal sites]

Consistent with classifications adopted by the state board pursuant to Section 13172, each regional board shall review and classify any proposed or currently operating waste disposal site, except any sewage treatment plant or any site which primarily contains fertilizer or radioactive material, within its region. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 90, Sec. 5. Effective March 2, 1982.)

§ 13227. [Postclosure plans]

• (a) Each regional board, with respect to its region, shall review the facility closure and postclosure plans submitted pursuant to Section 25246 of the Health and Safety Code, to ensure that water quality is adequately protected during closure and the post-closure maintenance period.
• (b) The regional board shall approve the facility closure and postclosure plans if it finds that the plans comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations relating to water quality protection and monitoring.
• (c) The regional board may condition its approval of the plans in accordance with the requirements of this section. (Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1631, Sec. 46.)

§ 13228. [Designation of board]

• (a) Concerning any matter that may be submitted to a regional board by a person or entity that is subject to regulation by more than one regional board, the person or entity may submit the matter to one of those regional boards if both of the following requirements are met:
• (1) The person or entity submits a written request to all affected regional boards that one regional board be designated to regulate the matter.
• (2) All affected regional boards agree in writing to the designation. Unless the board of any affected regional board denies the request, the executive officer of a regional board may grant a request submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) on behalf of that board.
• (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any regional board that is affected by a matter for which a designation is made in accordance with subdivision (a) may take enforcement action with regard to that matter.

(Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 536, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1995.)

§ 13228.14. [Hearing panels; translation of Bagley-Keene notices]

• (a) Any hearing or investigation by a regional board relating to investigating the quality of waters of the state, prescribing waste discharge requirements, issuing cease and desist orders, requiring the cleanup or abatement of waste, or imposing administrative civil liabilities or penalties may be conducted by a panel of three or more members of the regional board, but any final action in the matter shall be taken by the regional board. Due notice of any hearing shall be given to all affected persons. After a hearing, the panel shall report its proposed decision and order to the regional board and shall supply a copy to all parties who appeared at the hearing and requested a copy.
• (b) No party who appears before the panel is precluded from appearing before the regional board at any subsequent hearing relating to the matter. Members of the panel are not disqualified from sitting as members of the regional board in deciding the matter.
• (c) The regional board, after making an independent review of the record and taking additional evidence as may be necessary, may adopt, with or without revision, or reject, the proposed decision and order of the panel.
• (d) For each meeting agenda notice that a regional board provides pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 11125 of the Government Code, a regional board shall make the agenda notice available in both English and Spanish and may make the agenda notice available in any other language. (Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 551, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2013.)

§ 13228.15. [Prehearing conferences]

The members of a regional board, or their designees, with respect to matters within the regional board's jurisdiction, may carry out prehearing conferences to address any of the matters described in subdivision (b) of Section 11511.5 of the Government Code. No party who appears at a prehearing conference is precluded from appearing before the regional board at any subsequent hearing relating to the matter.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 420, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Article 3. Regional Water Quality Control Plans [13240. - 13249.]

(Heading of Article 3 amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 800.)

§ 13240. [Regional water quality control plans]

Each regional board shall formulate and adopt water quality control plans for all areas within the region. Such plans shall conform to the policies set forth in Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 13000) of this division and any state policy for water quality control. During the process of formulating such plans the regional boards shall consult with and consider the recommendations of affected state and local agencies. Such plans shall be periodically reviewed and may be revised.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13241. [Water quality objectives]

Each regional board shall establish such water quality objectives in water quality control plans as in its judgment will ensure the reasonable protection of beneficial uses and the prevention of nuisance; however, it is recognized that it may be possible for the quality of water to be changed to some degree without unreasonably affecting beneficial uses. Factors to be considered by a regional board in establishing water quality objectives shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:

• (a) Past, present, and probable future beneficial uses of water.
• (b) Environmental characteristics of the hydrographic unit under consideration, including the quality of water available thereto.
• (c) Water quality conditions that could reasonably be achieved through the coordinated control of all factors which affect water quality in the area.
• (d) Economic considerations.
• (e) The need for developing housing within the region.
• The need to develop and use recycled water.
• (f) (Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 187, Sec. 2.)

§ 13242. [Implementation]

The program of implementation for achieving water quality objectives shall include, but not be limited to:

• (a) A description of the nature of actions which are necessary to achieve the objectives, including recommendations for appropriate action by any entity, public or private.
• (b) A time schedule for the actions to be taken.
• (c) A description of surveillance to be undertaken to determine compliance with objectives. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13243. [Discharge of waste]

A regional board, in a water quality control plan or in waste discharge requirements, may specify certain conditions or areas where the discharge of waste, or certain types of waste, will not be permitted. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13244. [Hearing requirements]

The regional boards shall not adopt any water quality control plan unless a public hearing is first held, after the giving of notice of such hearing by publication in the affected county or counties pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code. When the plan proposes to prohibit discharges of waste pursuant to Section 13243, similar notice shall be given by publication pursuant to Section 6061.3 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13245. [Approval by the state board]

A water quality control plan, or a revision thereof adopted by a regional board, shall not become effective unless and until it is approved by the state board. The state board may approve such plan, or return it to the regional board for further consideration and resubmission to the state board. Upon resubmission the state board may either approve or, after a public hearing in the affected region, revise and approve such plan.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

§ 13245.5. [Approval of guidelines]

Guidelines adopted by a regional board shall not become effective unless and until approved by the state board. (Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 758, Sec. 3.)

§ 13246. [Time for approval]

• (a) The state board shall act upon any water quality control plan not later than 60 days from the date the regional board submitted the plan to the state board, or 90 days from the date of resubmission of the plan.
• (b) When the state board is acting upon a water quality control plan that is being amended solely for an action related to a regional board's total maximum daily load submittal, not including submittals related to listing, the state board shall not exceed the 60-day timeline, inclusive of the time spent sending the submittal back to the regional board, unless one of the following circumstances exists:
• (1) The proposed amendment is for an exceedingly complex total maximum daily load. In order to determine if a total maximum daily load is exceedingly complex, the state board may consider a number of factors including, but not limited to, the volume of the record, the number of pollutants included, the number of dischargers and land uses involved, and the size of the watershed. The reason or reasons that any total maximum daily load is determined to be exceedingly complex shall be provided by the state board to the regional board in writing.
• (2) The submittal by the regional board is clearly incomplete. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 20, Sec. 2. Effective April 8, 2002.)

§ 13247. [Compliance with plans]

State offices, departments, and boards, in carrying out activities which may affect water quality, shall comply with water quality control plans approved or adopted by the state board unless otherwise directed or authorized by statute, in which case they shall indicate to the regional boards in writing their authority for not complying with such plans.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

§ 13248. [Own motion review by the state board of failure to act]

• (a) At any time, the state board may, on its own motion, review the regional board's failure to act under this article.
• (b) The state board may find that the failure of the regional board to act was appropriate and proper. Upon finding that the failure of the regional board to act was inappropriate or improper, the state board may direct that appropriate action be taken by the regional board, refer the matter to another state agency having jurisdiction, take appropriate action itself, or take any combination of those actions. In taking any action, the state board is vested with all the powers of the regional boards under this division. (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 21. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13249. [Acceptance of funds for water quality control plan updates]

• (a) The state board may, on behalf of itself or a regional board, accept donations of moneys from a permittee for the purpose of updating a water quality control plan as consistent with the designated use of the funds.
• (b) The state board may, on behalf of itself or a regional board, accept moneys from donations, grants, or contributions, or through contractual agreements, from public agencies for the purpose of planning, permitting, or providing technical support for projects of public benefit within the state board's or regional board's jurisdiction.
• (c) All funds received pursuant to this section shall be deposited, and separately accounted for, in the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account, for expenditure in accordance with the terms of the donation, grant, contribution, or contractual agreement.
• (d) For the purposes of this section, 'projects of public benefit' include, but are not limited to, projects directly related to climate change adaptation, ecosystem protection and restoration, water recycling, stormwater capture, water conservation, emergency preparedness, flood management, ambient water quality monitoring, research, and environmental justice.
• (e) Before accepting any moneys pursuant to this section, the state board shall provide notice of its intent to accept those moneys and provide a description of the associated public benefit of those moneys in accordance with the requirements governing the notice of a meeting, as set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 11125 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 833, Sec. 1. (AB 2501) Effective January 1, 2025.)

Article 4. Waste Discharge Requirements [13260. - 13276.]

(Article 4 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13260. [Reports; fees; exemptions]

• (a) Each of the following persons shall file with the appropriate regional board a report of the discharge, containing the information that may be required by the regional board:

• (1) A person discharging waste, or proposing to discharge waste, within any region that could affect the quality of the waters of the state, other than into a community sewer system.
• (2) A person who is a citizen, domiciliary, or political agency or entity of this state discharging waste, or proposing to discharge waste, outside the boundaries of the state in a manner that could affect the quality of the waters of the state within any region.
• (3) A person operating, or proposing to construct, an injection well.
• (b) A report of waste discharge need not be filed pursuant to subdivision (a) if the requirement is waived pursuant to Section 13269.
• (c) Each person subject to subdivision (a) shall file with the appropriate regional board a report of waste discharge relative to any material change or proposed change in the character, location, or volume of the discharge.

(d)(1)(A) Each person who is subject to subdivision (a) or (c), or Section 13523 or 13523.1, shall submit an annual fee according to a fee schedule established by the state board.

• (B) The total amount of annual fees collected pursuant to this section shall equal that amount necessary to recover costs incurred in connection with the issuance, administration, reviewing, monitoring, and enforcement of waste discharge requirements, waivers of waste discharge requirements, water recycling requirements, and master recycling permits.
• (C) Recoverable costs may include, but are not limited to, costs incurred in reviewing waste discharge and water recycling reports; prescribing terms of waste discharge requirements, waivers of waste discharge requirements, water recycling requirements, master recycling permits, and monitoring requirements; enforcing and evaluating compliance with those requirements, waivers, and permits; conducting surface water and groundwater monitoring and modeling; analyzing laboratory samples; adopting, reviewing, and revising water quality control plans, state policies for water quality control, and recycling criteria; reviewing documents prepared for the purpose of regulating the discharge of waste or water recycling; and administrative costs incurred in connection with carrying out these actions.
• (D) In establishing the amount of a fee that may be imposed on a confined animal feeding and holding operation pursuant to this section, including, but not limited to, a dairy farm, the state board shall consider all of the following factors:
• (i) The size of the operation.
• (ii) Whether the operation has been issued a permit to operate pursuant to Section 1342 of Title 33 of the United States Code.
• (iii) Any applicable waste discharge requirement or conditional waiver of a waste discharge requirement.
• (iv) The type and amount of discharge from the operation.

• (v) The pricing mechanism of the commodity produced.
• (vi) Any compliance costs borne by the operation pursuant to state and federal water quality regulations.
• (vii) Whether the operation participates in a quality assurance program certified by a regional water quality control board, the state board, or a federal water quality control agency.
• (2)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund, which is hereby created. The money in the fund is available for expenditure by the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, solely for the purposes of carrying out this division.
• (B)(i) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the fees collected pursuant to this section from stormwater dischargers that are subject to a general industrial or construction stormwater permit under the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) shall be separately accounted for in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund.
• (ii) Not less than 50 percent of the money in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund that is separately accounted for pursuant to clause (i) is available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for expenditure by the regional board with jurisdiction over the permitted industry or construction site that generated the fee to carry out stormwater programs in the region.
• (iii) Each regional board that receives money pursuant to clause (ii) shall spend not less than 50 percent of that money solely on stormwater inspection and regulatory compliance issues associated with industrial and construction stormwater programs.
• (3) A person who would be required to pay the annual fee prescribed by paragraph (1) for waste discharge requirements applicable to discharges of solid waste, as defined in Section 40191 of the Public Resources Code, at a waste management unit that is also regulated under Division 30 (commencing with Section 40000) of the Public Resources Code, shall be entitled to a waiver of the annual fee for the discharge of solid waste at the waste management unit imposed by paragraph (1) upon verification by the state board of payment of the fee imposed by Section 48000 of the Public Resources Code, and provided that the fee established pursuant to Section 48000 of the Public Resources Code generates revenues sufficient to fund the programs specified in Section 48004 of the Public Resources Code and the amount appropriated by the Legislature for those purposes is not reduced.
• (e) Each person that discharges waste in a manner regulated by this section shall pay an annual fee to the state board. The state board shall establish, by regulation, a timetable for the payment of the annual fee. If the state board or a regional board determines that the discharge will not affect, or have the

potential to affect, the quality of the waters of the state, all or part of the annual fee shall be refunded.

• (f)(1) The state board shall adopt, by emergency regulations, a schedule of fees authorized under subdivision (d). The total revenue collected each year through annual fees shall be set at an amount equal to the revenue levels set forth in the Budget Act for this activity. The state board shall automatically adjust the annual fees each fiscal year to conform with the revenue levels set forth in the Budget Act for this activity. If the state board determines that the revenue collected during the preceding year was greater than, or less than, the revenue levels set forth in the Budget Act, the state board may further adjust the annual fees to compensate for the over and under collection of revenue.
• (2) The emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this subdivision, any amendment thereto, or subsequent adjustments to the annual fees, shall be adopted by the state board in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of these regulations is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, any emergency regulations adopted by the state board, or adjustments to the annual fees made by the state board pursuant to this section, are not subject to review by the Office of Administrative Law and shall remain in effect until revised by the state board.
• (g) The state board shall adopt regulations setting forth reasonable time limits within which the regional board shall determine the adequacy of a report of waste discharge submitted under this section.
• (h) Each report submitted under this section shall be sworn to, or submitted under penalty of perjury.
• (i) The regulations adopted by the state board pursuant to subdivision (f) shall include a provision that annual fees shall not be imposed on those who pay fees under the national pollutant discharge elimination system until those fees are again due, at which time the fees shall become due on an annual basis.
• (j) A person operating or proposing to construct an oil, gas, or geothermal injection well subject to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) shall not be required to pay a fee pursuant to subdivision (d) if the injection well is regulated by the Geologic Energy Management Division of the Department of Conservation, in lieu of the appropriate California regional water quality control board, pursuant to the memorandum of understanding, entered into between the state board and the Department of Conservation on May 19, 1988. This subdivision shall remain operative until the memorandum of understanding is revoked by the state board or the Department of Conservation.

• (k) In addition to the report required by subdivision (a), before a person discharges mining waste, the person shall first submit both of the following to the regional board:
• (1) A report on the physical and chemical characteristics of the waste that could affect its potential to cause pollution or contamination. The report shall include the results of all tests required by regulations adopted by the board, any test adopted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Section 25141 of the Health and Safety Code for extractable, persistent, and bioaccumulative toxic substances in a waste or other material, and any other tests that the state board or regional board may require, including, but not limited to, tests needed to determine the acid-generating potential of the mining waste or the extent to which hazardous substances may persist in the waste after disposal.
• (2) A report that evaluates the potential of the discharge of the mining waste to produce, over the long term, acid mine drainage, the discharge or leaching of heavy metals, or the release of other hazardous substances.
• (l) Except upon the written request of the regional board, a report of waste discharge need not be filed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (c) by a user of recycled water that is being supplied by a supplier or distributor of recycled water for whom a master recycling permit has been issued pursuant to Section 13523.1.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 51 (S.B.122), Sec. 40. Effective July 10, 2023.)

§ 13260.2. [Fee for no exposure certifications]

• (a) The state board shall establish a fee in an amount sufficient to recover its costs in reviewing, processing, and enforcing 'no exposure' certifications issued to facilities that apply for those certifications in accordance with a general industrial stormwater permit.
• (b) Revenue generated pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund. (Added by Stats. 2003, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 1, Sec. 4. Effective October 28, 2003.)

§ 13260.3. [Fee Report]

On or before January 1 of each year, the state board shall report to the Governor and the Legislature on the expenditure of annual fees collected pursuant to Section 13260.

(Added by Stats. 2003, 1st Ex. Sess., Ch. 1, Sec. 5. Effective October 28, 2003.)

§ 13261. [Civil liability]

• (a) A person who fails to furnish a report or pay a fee under Section 13260 when so requested by a regional board is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be liable civilly in accordance with subdivision (b).

• (b) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board or the state board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (a) in an amount not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day in which the violation occurs. Civil liability shall not be imposed by the regional board pursuant to this section if the state board has imposed liability against the same person for the same violation.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and Article 6 (commencing with Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (a) in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day the violation occurs.
• (c) A person who discharges or proposes to discharge hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, who knowingly furnishes a false report under Section 13260, or who either willfully fails to furnish a report or willfully withholds material information under Section 13260 despite actual knowledge of that requirement, may be liable in accordance with subdivision (d) and is guilty of a misdemeanor.

This subdivision does not apply to any waste discharge that is subject to Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370).

• (d) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (c) in an amount not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day the violation occurs.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and Article 6 (commencing with Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (c) in an amount not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13262. [Injunctive relief]

The Attorney General, at the request of the regional board or the state board, shall petition the superior court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or permanent injunction, or combination thereof, as may be appropriate, requiring any person not complying with Section 13260 to comply therewith.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 869, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)

§ 13263. [Requirements for discharge]

• (a) The regional board, after any necessary hearing, shall prescribe requirements as to the nature of any proposed discharge, existing discharge, or material change in an existing discharge, except discharges into a community sewer system, with relation to the conditions existing in the disposal area or receiving waters upon, or into which, the discharge is made or proposed. The requirements shall implement any relevant water quality control plans that have

been adopted, and shall take into consideration the beneficial uses to be protected, the water quality objectives reasonably required for that purpose, other waste discharges, the need to prevent nuisance, and the provisions of Section 13241.

• (b) A regional board, in prescribing requirements, need not authorize the utilization of the full waste assimilation capacities of the receiving waters.
• (c) The requirements may contain a time schedule, subject to revision in the discretion of the board.
• (d) The regional board may prescribe requirements although no discharge report has been filed.
• (e) Upon application by any affected person, or on its own motion, the regional board may review and revise requirements. All requirements shall be reviewed periodically.
• (f) The regional board shall notify in writing the person making or proposing the discharge or the change therein of the discharge requirements to be met. After receipt of the notice, the person so notified shall provide adequate means to meet the requirements.
• (g) No discharge of waste into the waters of the state, whether or not the discharge is made pursuant to waste discharge requirements, shall create a vested right to continue the discharge. All discharges of waste into waters of the state are privileges, not rights.
• (h) The regional board may incorporate the requirements prescribed pursuant to this section into a master recycling permit for either a supplier or distributor, or both, of recycled water.
• (i) The state board or a regional board may prescribe general waste discharge requirements for a category of discharges if the state board or that regional board finds or determines that all of the following criteria apply to the discharges in that category:
• (1) The discharges are produced by the same or similar operations.
• (2) The discharges involve the same or similar types of waste.
• (3) The discharges require the same or similar treatment standards.
• (4) The discharges are more appropriately regulated under general discharge requirements than individual discharge requirements.
• (j) The state board, after any necessary hearing, may prescribe waste discharge requirements in accordance with this section. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 421, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13263.1. [Mining waste]

Before a regional board issues or revises waste discharge requirements pursuant to Section 13263 for any discharge of mining waste, the regional board shall first determine that the proposed mining waste discharge is consistent with a waste management strategy that prevents the pollution or contamination of the

waters of the state, particularly after closure of any waste management unit for mining waste.

(Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 642, Sec. 7.)

§ 13263.2. [Groundwater treatment facilities]

The owner or operator of a facility that treats groundwater which qualifies as a hazardous waste pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code is exempt from the requirement to obtain a hazardous waste facility permit pursuant to Section 25201 of the Health and Safety Code for the treatment of groundwater if all of the following conditions are met:

• (a) The facility treats groundwater which is extracted for the purposes of complying with one or more of the following:
• (1) Waste discharge requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13263.
• (2) A cleanup or abatement order issued pursuant to Section 13304.
• (3) A written authorization issued by a regional board or local agency designated pursuant to Section 25283 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (4) An order or approved remedial action plan issued pursuant to Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section 25300) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) The facility meets, at a minimum, all of the following operating standards:
• (1) The treatment does not require a hazardous waste facilities permit pursuant to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 6901 et seq.).
• (2) The facility operator prepares and maintains written operating instructions and a record of the dates, amounts, and types of waste treated.
• (3) The facility operator prepares and maintains a written inspection schedule and log of inspections conducted.
• (4) The records specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) are maintained by the owner or operator of the facility for a period of three years.
• (5) The owner or operator maintains adequate records to demonstrate that it is in compliance with all of the pretreatment standards and with all of the applicable industrial waste discharge requirements issued by the agency operating the publicly owned treatment works into which the wastes are discharged.
• (6) (A) Upon terminating the operation of any treatment process or unit exempted pursuant to this section, the owner or operator that conducted the treatment removes or decontaminates all waste residues, containment system components, soils, and other structures or equipment contaminated with hazardous waste from the unit. The removal of the unit from service shall be conducted in a manner that does both of the following:

• (i) Minimizes the need for further maintenance.
• (ii) Eliminates the escape of hazardous waste, hazardous constituents, leachate, contaminated runoff, or waste decomposition products to the environment after the treatment process ceases operation.
• (B) Any owner or operator who permanently ceases operation of a treatment process or unit that is exempted pursuant to this section shall provide written notification to the regional board or local agency upon completion of all activities required by this subdivision.
• (7) The waste is managed in accordance with all applicable requirements for generators of hazardous waste under Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code and the regulations adopted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to that chapter.
• (c) The groundwater is treated at the site where it is extracted in compliance with one or more of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subdivision (a).
• (d) All other regulatory requirements applicable to the facility pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code are met by the owner or operator.
• (e) The treatment of the contaminated groundwater is not performed under corrective action required by Section 25200.10 of the Health and Safety Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258, Sec. 124. (AB 2327) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 130 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)

§ 13263.3. [Legislative findings; definitions]

[This version remains in the code, but has been superceded by a later enacted version; see below.]

• (a) The Legislature finds and declares that pollution prevention should be the first step in a hierarchy for reducing pollution and managing wastes, and to achieve environmental stewardship for society. The Legislature also finds and declares that pollution prevention is necessary to achieve the federal goal of zero discharge of pollutants into navigable waters.
• (b) (1) For the purposes of this section, 'pollution prevention' means any action that causes a net reduction in the use or generation of a hazardous substance or other pollutant that is discharged into water and includes any of the following:
• (A) 'Input change,' which means a change in raw materials or feedstocks used in a production process or operation so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (B) 'Operational improvement,' which means improved site management so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of pollutants discharged in wastewater.

• (C) 'Production process change,' which means a change in a process, method, or technique that is used to produce a product or a desired result, including the return of materials or their components for reuse within the existing processes or operations, so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (D) 'Product reformulation,' which means changes in design, composition, or specifications of end products, including product substitution, so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of problem pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (2) For the purposes of this section, 'pollution prevention' does not include actions that merely shift a pollutant in wastewater from one environmental medium to another environmental medium, unless clear environmental benefits of such an approach are demonstrated.
• (c) (1) For the purposes of this section, 'discharger' means any entity required to obtain a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit pursuant to the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), or any entity subject to the pretreatment program as defined in Part 403 (commencing with Section 403.1) of subchapter N of Chapter 1 of Part 403 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• (2) For the purposes of this section, 'industrial discharger' means any discharger other than a publicly owned treatment works (POTW).
• (d) (1) The state board, a regional board, or a POTW may require a discharger subject to its jurisdiction to complete a pollution prevention plan if any of the following apply:
• (A) A discharger is determined to be a chronic violator and the board or the POTW determines that pollution prevention could achieve compliance.
• (B) The discharger contributes, or has the potential to contribute, to the formation of a toxic hot spot as defined in Section 13391.5.
• (C) The discharger discharges a pollutant for which the permitted level is lower than the practical quantification limit and the state board, a regional board, or the POTW determines that additional reductions of the pollutant are necessary.
• (D) The board determines pollution prevention is necessary to achieve a water quality objective.
• (2) The state board, a regional board, or a POTW may require an industrial discharger subject to its jurisdiction to complete a pollution prevention plan that includes all of the following:
• (A) An analysis of the pollutants that the facility discharges into water or introduces into POTWs, a description of the sources of the pollutants, and a comprehensive review of the processes used by the discharger that result in the generation and discharge of the pollutants.
• (B) An analysis of the potential for pollution prevention to reduce the

including priorities for short-term and long-term action, and a description of the POTW's intended pollution prevention activities for the immediate future.

• (G) A description of the POTW's existing pollution prevention programs.
• (H) An analysis, to the extent feasible, of any adverse environmental impacts, including cross-media impacts or substitute chemicals, that may result from the implementation of the pollution prevention program.
• (I) An analysis, to the extent feasible, of the costs and benefits that may be incurred to implement the pollution prevention program.
• (e) The state board or the regional board may establish a schedule of actions identified in the pollution prevention plans for the discharger.
• (f) The state board or regional board shall solicit comments from the public on a pollution prevention plan prepared pursuant to this section and address the public comments when determining what schedule of actions, if any, to establish for the discharger pursuant to this section.
• (g) The state board and regional boards shall make the pollution prevention plans available for public review, except to the extent that information is classified as confidential because it is a trade secret. Trade secret information shall be set forth in an appendix that is not available to the public.
• (h) Any costs incurred by the state board or a regional board resulting from actions required by this section shall be paid for from revenue generated by the fees imposed by Section 13260.
• (i) The state board or regional board may assess civil penalties pursuant to Section 13385 against a discharger for failure to complete a pollution prevention plan ordered by the state board or a regional board, or for failure to comply with a schedule of actions ordered by the state board or a regional board pursuant to this section.
• (j) A POTW may assess civil penalties and civil administrative penalties pursuant to Sections 54740, 54740.5, and 54740.6 of the Government Code against an industrial discharger for failure to complete a pollution prevention plan when ordered by the POTW, for submitting a plan that does not comply with the act, or for failure to comply with a schedule of actions ordered by the POTW pursuant to this section, unless the regional board has assessed penalties for the same action.
• (k) A discharger may change its pollution prevention plan, including withdrawing from a pollution prevention measure approved by the state board, a regional board, or a POTW, if the discharger determines that the measure will have a negative impact on product quality, the safe operation of the facility, or the environmental aspects of the facilities operation, and the discharger demonstrates to the board or the POTW an alternative measure that achieves that same pollution prevention objective.
• ( l ) The state board shall adopt a format to be used by dischargers for completing the plan required by this section. The format shall address all of the

factors the discharger is required to include in the plan. The board may include any other factors determined by the board to be necessary to carry out this section. The adoption of the format pursuant to this section is not subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 92, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2000. See the prevailing Section 13263.3 (added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 93), as amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 807, with same subject matter but with substantive differences.)

§ 13263.3. [Legislative findings; definitions]

• (a) The Legislature finds and declares that pollution prevention should be the first step in a hierarchy for reducing pollution and managing wastes, and to achieve environmental stewardship for society. The Legislature also finds and declares that pollution prevention is necessary to support the federal goal of zero discharge of pollutants into navigable waters.
• (b) (1) For the purposes of this section, 'pollution prevention' means any action that causes a net reduction in the use or generation of a hazardous substance or other pollutant that is discharged into water and includes any of the following:
• (A) 'Input change,' which means a change in raw materials or feedstocks used in a production process or operation so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (B) 'Operational improvement,' which means improved site management so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (C) 'Production process change,' which means a change in a process, method, or technique that is used to produce a product or a desired result, including the return of materials or their components for reuse within the existing processes or operations, so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (D) 'Product reformulation,' which means changes in design, composition, or specifications of end products, including product substitution, so as to reduce, avoid, or eliminate the generation of problem pollutants discharged in wastewater.
• (2) For the purposes of this section, 'pollution prevention' does not include actions that merely shift a pollutant in wastewater from one environmental medium to another environmental medium, unless clear environmental benefits of such an approach are identified to the satisfaction of the state board, the regional board, or POTW.
• (c) For the purposes of this section, 'discharger' means any entity required to obtain a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit pursuant to the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), or any entity subject to the pretreatment program as defined in Part 403 (commencing

with Section 403.1) of Subchapter N of Chapter 1 of Part 403 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

• (d) (1) The state board, a regional board, or a POTW may require a discharger subject to its jurisdiction to complete and implement a pollution prevention plan if any of the following apply:
• (A) A discharger is determined by the state board to be a chronic violator, and the state board, a regional board, or the POTW determines that pollution prevention could assist in achieving compliance.
• (B) The discharger significantly contributes, or has the potential to significantly contribute, to the creation of a toxic hot spot as defined in Section 13391.5.
• (C) The state board, a regional board, or a POTW determines pollution prevention is necessary to achieve a water quality objective.
• (D) The discharger is subject to a cease and desist order issued pursuant to Section 13301 or a time schedule order issued pursuant to Section 13300 or 13308.
• (2) A pollution prevention plan required of a discharger other than a POTW pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include all of the following:
• (A) An analysis of one or more of the pollutants, as directed by the state board, a regional board, or a POTW, that the facility discharges into water or introduces into POTWs, a description of the sources of the pollutants, and a comprehensive review of the processes used by the discharger that result in the generation and discharge of the pollutants.
• (B) An analysis of the potential for pollution prevention to reduce the generation of the pollutants, including the application of innovative and alternative technologies and any adverse environmental impacts resulting from the use of those methods.
• (C) A detailed description of the tasks and time schedules required to investigate and implement various elements of pollution prevention techniques.
• (D) A statement of the discharger's pollution prevention goals and strategies, including priorities for short-term and long-term action.
• (E) A description of the discharger's existing pollution prevention methods.
• (F) A statement that the discharger's existing and planned pollution prevention strategies do not constitute cross media pollution transfers unless clear environmental benefits of such an approach are identified to the satisfaction of the state board, the regional board, or the POTW, and information that supports that statement.
• (G) Proof of compliance with the Hazardous Waste Source Reduction and Management Review Act of 1989 (Article 11.9 (commencing with Section 25244.12) of Chapter 6.5 of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code) if the discharger is also subject to that act.

• (H) An analysis, to the extent feasible, of the relative costs and benefits of the possible pollution prevention activities.
• (I) A specification of, and rationale for, the technically feasible and economically practicable pollution prevention measures selected by the discharger for implementation.
• (3) The state board or a regional board may require a POTW to complete and implement a pollution prevention plan that includes all of the following:
• (A) An estimate of all of the sources of a pollutant contributing, or potentially contributing, to the loading of that pollutant in the treatment plant influent.
• (B) An analysis of the methods that could be used to prevent the discharge of the pollutants into the POTW, including application of local limits to industrial or commercial dischargers regarding pollution prevention techniques, public education and outreach, or other innovative and alternative approaches to reduce discharges of the pollutant to the POTW. The analysis also shall identify sources, or potential sources, not within the ability or authority of the POTW to control, such as pollutants in the potable water supply, airborne pollutants, pharmaceuticals, or pesticides, and estimate the magnitude of those sources, to the extent feasible.
• (C) An estimate of load reductions that may be attained through the methods identified in subparagraph (B).
• (D) A plan for monitoring the results of the pollution prevention program.
• (E) A description of the tasks, cost, and time required to investigate and implement various elements in the pollution prevention plan.
• (F) A statement of the POTW's pollution prevention goals and strategies, including priorities for short-term and long-term action, and a description of the POTW's intended pollution prevention activities for the immediate future.
• (G) A description of the POTW's existing pollution prevention programs.
• (H) An analysis, to the extent feasible, of any adverse environmental impacts, including cross media impacts or substitute chemicals, that may result from the implementation of the pollution prevention program.
• (I) An analysis, to the extent feasible, of the costs and benefits that may be incurred to implement the pollution prevention program.
• (e) The state board, a regional board, or a POTW may require a discharger subject to this section to comply with the pollution prevention plan developed by the discharger after providing an opportunity for comment at a public proceeding with regard to that plan.
• (f) The state board, regional boards, and POTWs shall make the pollution prevention plans available for public review, except to the extent that information is classified as confidential because it is a trade secret. Trade secret information shall be set forth in an appendix that is not available to the public.

• (g) The state board or regional board may assess civil liability pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) of Section 13385 against a discharger for failure to complete a pollution prevention plan required by the state board or a regional board, for submitting a plan that does not comply with the act, or for not implementing a plan, unless the POTW has assessed penalties for the same action.
• (h) A POTW may assess civil penalties and civil administrative penalties pursuant to Sections 54740, 54740.5, and 54740.6 of the Government Code against a discharger for failure to complete a pollution prevention plan when required by the POTW, for submitting a plan that does not comply with the act, or for not implementing a plan, unless the state board or a regional board has assessed penalties for the same action.
• (i) A discharger may change its pollution prevention plan, including withdrawing from a pollution prevention measure required by the state board, a regional board, or a POTW, if the discharger determines that the measure will have a negative impact on product quality, the safe operation of the facility, or the environmental aspects of the facility's operation, or the discharger determines that the measure is economically impracticable or technologically infeasible. Where practicable and feasible, the discharger shall replace the withdrawn measure with a measure that will likely achieve similar pollution prevention objectives. A measure may be withdrawn pursuant to this subdivision only with the approval of the executive officer of the state board or the regional board, or the POTW.
• (j) The state board shall adopt a sample format to be used by dischargers for completing the plan required by this section. The sample format shall address all of the factors the discharger is required to include in the plan. The board may include any other factors determined by the board to be necessary to carry out this section. The adoption of the sample format pursuant to this section is not subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (k) The state board, a regional board, or POTW may not include a pollution prevention plan in any waste discharge requirements or other permit issued by that agency.
• ( l ) This section prevails over Section 13263.3, as added to the Water Code by Assembly Bill 1104 of the 1999-2000 Regular Session. (Amended (as added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 93) by Stats. 2000, Ch. 807, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)

§ 13263.5. [Requirements for injection wells]

• (a) When the regional board issues waste discharge requirements pursuant to Section 13263, or revises waste discharge requirements pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 25159.17 of the Health and Safety Code, for any

injection well into which hazardous waste is discharged, the waste discharge requirements shall be based upon the information contained in the hydrogeological assessment report prepared pursuant to Section 25159.18 of the Health and Safety Code and shall include conditions in the waste discharge requirements to ensure that the waters of the state are not polluted or threatened with pollution.

• (b) If the state board applies to the federal Environmental Protection Agency to administer the Underground Injection Control Program pursuant to Part 145 (commencing with Section 145.1) of Subchapter D of Chapter 1 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, that application shall not include a request to administer the Underground Injection Control Program for any oil, gas, or geothermal injection wells supervised or regulated by the Division of Oil and Gas pursuant to Section 3106 or 3714 of the Public Resources Code. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 19, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993.)

§ 13263.6. [Effluent limitations]

[This version remains in the code, but has been superceded by a later enacted version; see below.]

• (a) A publicly owned treatment works (POTW) may require pollution prevention plans as described in Section 13263.3 as part of the pretreatment requirements applicable to significant industrial users.
• (b) The state board or a regional board shall prescribe effluent limitations as part of the waste discharge requirements of a POTW for all substances that the most recent toxic chemical release data reported to the state emergency response commission pursuant to Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11023) indicate are discharged into the POTW and that the state board or a regional board has determined has the reasonable potential to impair water quality. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 92, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000. See the prevailing Section 13263.6 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 93, with same subject matter, but with substantive differences.)

§ 13263.6. [Effluent limitations]

• (a) The regional board shall prescribe effluent limitations as part of the waste discharge requirements of a POTW for all substances that the most recent toxic chemical release data reported to the state emergency response commission pursuant to Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 11023) indicate as discharged into the POTW, for which the state board or the regional board has established numeric water quality objectives, and has determined that the discharge is or may be discharged at a level which will cause, have the reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to, an excursion above any numeric water quality objective.

• (b) This section prevails over Section 13263.6, as added to the Water Code by Assembly Bill 1104 of the 1999-2000 Regular Session. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 93, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2000.)

§ 13263.7. [Compliance Point for Direct Potable Reuse or Surface Water Augmentation]

• (a) Compliance with effluent limitations and any other permit or waste discharge requirements, as appropriate, for the release or discharge of recycled water determined to be suitable for direct potable reuse or surface water augmentation, as defined in Section 13561, into a conveyance facility may be determined at the point where the recycled water enters the conveyance facility but prior to commingling with any raw water.
• (b) Before the discharge may be allowed, consent must be obtained from the owner or operator of the conveyance facility that directly receives the recycled water.
• (c) This section does not limit or restrict the authority of the State Water Resources Control Board.
• (d) For purposes of this section, 'raw water' means surface water or groundwater in its naturally occurring state prior to treatment. (Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 635, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2014.)

§ 13264. [Prerequisites to discharge]

• (a) No person shall initiate any new discharge of waste or make any material changes in any discharge, or initiate a discharge to, make any material changes in a discharge to, or construct, an injection well, prior to the filing of the report required by Section 13260 and no person shall take any of these actions after filing the report but before whichever of the following occurs first:
• (1) The issuance of waste discharge requirements pursuant to Section 13263.
• (2) The expiration of 140 days after compliance with Section 13260 if the waste to be discharged does not create or threaten to create a condition of pollution or nuisance and any of the following applies:
• (A) The project is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code).
• (B) The regional board is the lead agency for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, a negative declaration is required, and at least 105 days have expired since the regional board assumed lead agency responsibility.
• (C) The regional board is the lead agency for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, and environmental impact report or written documentation prepared to meet the requirements of Section 21080.5 of the Public Resources Code is required, and at least one year has expired since the regional board assumed lead agency responsibility.

• (D) The regional board is a responsible agency for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, and at least 90 days have expired since certification or approval of environmental documentation by the lead agency.
• (3) The issuance of a waiver pursuant to Section 13269.
• (b) The Attorney General, at the request of a regional board, shall petition the superior court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction, or combination thereof, as may be appropriate, prohibiting any person who is violating or threatening to violate this section from doing any of the following, whichever is applicable:
• (1) Discharging the waste or fluid.
• (2) Making any material change in the discharge.
• (3) Constructing the injection well.
• (c) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys collected under this division for a violation pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) shall be deposited in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund and separately accounted for in that fund.
• (2) The funds described in paragraph (1) shall be expended by the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist regional boards, and other public agencies with authority to clean up waste or abate the effects of the waste, in cleaning up or abating the effects of the waste on waters of the state or for the purposes authorized in Section 13443.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 683, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13265. [Civil penalties]

• (a) Any person discharging waste in violation of Section 13264, after such violation has been called to his attention in writing by the regional board, is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be liable civilly in accordance with subdivision (b). Each day of such discharge shall constitute a separate offense.
• (b) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (a) in an amount which shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Articles 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and 6 (commencing with Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (a) in an amount which shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (c) Any person discharging hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, in violation of Section 13264 is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be liable civilly in accordance with subdivision (d). That liability shall not be imposed if the discharger is not negligent and immediately

files a report of the discharge with the board, or if the regional board determines that the violation of Section 13264 was insubstantial.

This subdivision shall not be applicable to any waste discharge which is subject to Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370).

• (d) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (c) in an amount which shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Articles 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and 6 (commencing with Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (c) in an amount which shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1541, Sec. 2.)

§ 13266. [Notice of filings]

Pursuant to such regulations as the regional board may prescribe, each city, county, or city and county shall notify the regional board of the filing of a tentative subdivision map, or of any application for a building permit which may involve the discharge of waste, other than discharges into a community sewer system and discharges from dwellings involving five-family units or less. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13267. [Investigations; inspections]

(a) A regional board, in establishing or reviewing any water quality control plan or waste discharge requirements, or in connection with any action relating to any plan or requirement authorized by this division, may investigate the quality of any waters of the state within its region.

(b)(1) In conducting an investigation specified in subdivision (a), the regional board may require that any person who has discharged, discharges, or is suspected of having discharged or discharging, or who proposes to discharge waste within its region, or any citizen or domiciliary, or political agency or entity of this state who has discharged, discharges, or is suspected of having discharged or discharging, or who proposes to discharge, waste outside of its region that could affect the quality of waters within its region shall furnish, under penalty of perjury, technical or monitoring program reports which the regional board requires. The burden, including costs, of these reports shall bear a reasonable relationship to the need for the report and the benefits to be obtained from the reports. In requiring those reports, the regional board shall provide the person with a written explanation with regard to the need for the reports, and shall identify the evidence that supports requiring that person to provide the reports.

• (2) When requested by the person furnishing a report, the portions of a report that might disclose trade secrets or secret processes may not be made available for inspection by the public but shall be made available to governmental agencies for use in making studies. However, these portions of a report shall be available for use by the state or any state agency in judicial review or enforcement proceedings involving the person furnishing the report.
• (c) In conducting an investigation pursuant to subdivision (a), the regional board may inspect the facilities of any person to ascertain whether the purposes of this division are being met and waste discharge requirements are being complied with. The inspection shall be made with the consent of the owner or possessor of the facilities or, if the consent is withheld, with a warrant duly issued pursuant to the procedure set forth in Title 13 (commencing with Section 1822.50) of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure. However, in the event of an emergency affecting the public health or safety, an inspection may be performed without consent or the issuance of a warrant.
• (d) The regional board may participate in an inspection of an unlicensed cannabis cultivation site conducted pursuant to a warrant duly issued pursuant to the Penal Code when requested by the party seeking that warrant, and when there is probable cause that the unlicensed cannabis cultivation and its associated activities may involve the discharge of waste in violation of this division or of any principles and guidelines established pursuant to Section 13149.
• (e) The state board or a regional board may require any person, including a person subject to a waste discharge requirement under Section 13263, who is discharging, or who proposes to discharge, wastes or fluid into an injection well, to furnish the state board or regional board with a complete report on the condition and operation of the facility or injection well, or any other information that may be reasonably required to determine whether the injection well could affect the quality of the waters of the state.
• (f) As used in this section, 'evidence' means any relevant evidence on which responsible persons are accustomed to rely in the conduct of serious affairs, regardless of the existence of any common law or statutory rule that might make improper the admission of the evidence over objection in a civil action.
• (g) The state board may carry out the authority granted to a regional board pursuant to this section if, after consulting with the regional board, the state board determines that it will not duplicate the efforts of the regional board. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 158 (S.B.756), Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2024.)

§ 13267.5. [Investigations Related to Oil & Gas Produced Water]

• (a) In conducting an investigation pursuant to Section 13267 that includes collection of information about discharge of wastewater produced from an oil or

gas field, a regional board or the state board may require that the applicable person or entity shall furnish to that board information relating to all chemicals in the discharged wastewater pursuant to the procedures set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 13267.

• (b) If a person or entity subject to the disclosure requirement in subdivision (a) is unable to obtain information about a chemical from the chemical's supplier for any reason, including, but not limited to, assertion by the supplier of trade secret protections, the regional board or state board may require that the supplier shall furnish that information to that board pursuant to the procedures set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 13267.
• (c) The trade secret protections of subdivision (b) of Section 13267 shall apply to information disclosed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) when requested by a person or entity or a supplier, as applicable.
• (d) Except as provided in subdivision (c), the information collected by a regional board or the state board pursuant to this section shall be made available to the public on the internet website of the regional board or the state board.
• (e) In collecting information described in this section, a regional board or the state board may consult with the Geologic Energy Management Division regarding information collected by the division, pursuant to other disclosure requirements, that may be useful to the investigation.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 771, Sec. 24. (AB 1057) Effective January 1, 2020.)

§ 13268. [Civil liability]

• (a) (1) Any person failing or refusing to furnish technical or monitoring program reports as required by subdivision (b) of Section 13267, failing or refusing to furnish information as required by subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 13267.5, or failing or refusing to furnish a statement of compliance as required by subdivision (b) of Section 13399.2, or falsifying any information provided therein, is guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be liable civilly in accordance with subdivision (b).
• (2) Any person who knowingly commits any violation described in paragraph (1) is subject to criminal penalties pursuant to subdivision (e).
• (b) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (a) in an amount which shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and Article 6 (commencing with Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (a) in an amount which shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.

• (c) Any person discharging hazardous waste, as defined in Section 25117 of the Health and Safety Code, who knowingly fails or refuses to furnish technical or monitoring program reports as required by subdivision (b) of Section 13267, or who knowingly falsifies any information provided in those technical or monitoring program reports, is guilty of a misdemeanor, may be civilly liable in accordance with subdivision (d), and is subject to criminal penalties pursuant to subdivision (e).
• (d) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (c) in an amount which shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and Article 6 (commencing with Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation of subdivision (c) in an amount which shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (e) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), any person who knowingly commits any of the violations set forth in subdivision (a) or (c) shall be punished by a fine that does not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
• (2) Any person who knowingly commits any of the violations set forth in subdivision (a) or (c) after a prior conviction for a violation set forth in subdivision (a) or (c) shall be punished by a fine that does not exceed twentyfive thousand dollars ($25,000) for each day of the violation.
• (f) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, fines collected pursuant to subdivision (e) shall be deposited in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund and separately accounted for in that fund.
• (2) The funds described in paragraph (1) shall be expended by the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist regional boards, and other public agencies with authority to clean up waste, or abate the effects of the waste, in cleaning up or abating the effects of the waste on waters of the state or for the purposes authorized in Section 13443.
• (g) The state board may carry out the authority granted to a regional board pursuant to this section if, after consulting with the regional board, the state board determines that it will not duplicate the efforts of the regional board.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 758, Sec. 2. (AB 1328) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13269. [Waiver]

• (a) (1) On and after January 1, 2000, the provisions of subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 13260, subdivision (a) of Section 13263, or subdivision (a) of Section 13264 may be waived by the state board or a regional board as to a specific discharge or type of discharge if the state board or a regional board

determines, after any necessary state board or regional board meeting, that the waiver is consistent with any applicable state or regional water quality control plan and is in the public interest. The state board or a regional board shall give notice of any necessary meeting by publication pursuant to Section 11125 of the Government Code.

• (2) A waiver may not exceed five years in duration, but may be renewed by the state board or a regional board. The waiver shall be conditional and may be terminated at any time by the state board or a regional board. The conditions of the waiver shall include, but need not be limited to, the performance of individual, group, or watershed-based monitoring, except as provided in paragraph (3). Monitoring requirements shall be designed to support the development and implementation of the waiver program, including, but not limited to, verifying the adequacy and effectiveness of the waiver's conditions. In establishing monitoring requirements, the regional board may consider the volume, duration, frequency, and constituents of the discharge; the extent and type of existing monitoring activities, including, but not limited to, existing watershed-based, compliance, and effectiveness monitoring efforts; the size of the project area; and other relevant factors. Monitoring results shall be made available to the public.
• (3) The state board or a regional board may waive the monitoring requirements described in this subdivision for discharges that it determines do not pose a significant threat to water quality.
• (4) (A) The state board or a regional board may include as a condition of a waiver the payment of an annual fee established by the state board in accordance with subdivision (f) of Section 13260.
• (B) Funds generated by the payment of the fee shall be deposited in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund for expenditure, upon appropriation by the Legislature, by the state board or appropriate regional board for the purpose of carrying out activities limited to those necessary to establish and implement the waiver program pursuant to this section. The total amount of annual fees collected pursuant to this section shall not exceed the costs of those activities necessary to establish and implement waivers of waste discharge requirements pursuant to this section.
• (C) In establishing the amount of a fee that may be imposed on irrigated agriculture operations pursuant to this section, the state board shall consider relevant factors, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
• (i) The size of the operations.
• (ii) Any compliance costs borne by the operations pursuant to state and federal water quality regulations.
• (iii) Any costs associated with water quality monitoring performed or funded by the operations.

• (iv) Participation in a watershed management program approved by the applicable regional board.
• (D) In establishing the amount of a fee that may be imposed on silviculture operations pursuant to this section, the state board shall consider relevant factors, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
• (i) The size of the operations.
• (ii) Any compliance costs borne by the operations pursuant to state and federal water quality regulations.
• (iii) Any costs associated with water quality monitoring performed or funded by the operations.
• (iv) The average annual number of timber harvest plans proposed by the operations.
• (5) The state board or a regional board shall give notice of the adoption of a waiver by publication within the affected county or counties as set forth in Section 6061 of the Government Code.
• (b) (1) A waiver in effect on January 1, 2000, shall remain valid until January 1, 2003, unless the regional board terminates that waiver prior to that date. All waivers that were valid on January 1, 2000, and granted an extension until January 1, 2003, and not otherwise terminated, may be renewed by a regional board in five-year increments.
• (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a waiver for an onsite sewage treatment system that is in effect on January 1, 2002, shall remain valid until June 30, 2004, unless the regional board terminates the waiver prior to that date. Any waiver for onsite sewage treatment systems adopted or renewed after June 30, 2004, shall be consistent with the applicable regulations or standards for onsite sewage treatment systems adopted or retained in accordance with Section 13291.
• (c) Upon notification of the appropriate regional board of the discharge or proposed discharge, except as provided in subdivision (d), the provisions of subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 13260, subdivision (a) of Section 13263, and subdivision (a) of Section 13264 do not apply to a discharge resulting from any of the following emergency activities:
• (1) Immediate emergency work necessary to protect life or property or immediate emergency repairs to public service facilities necessary to maintain service as a result of a disaster in a disaster-stricken area in which a state of emergency has been proclaimed by the Governor pursuant to Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 8550) of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (2) Emergency projects undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to maintain, repair, or restore an existing highway, as defined in Section 360 of the Vehicle Code, except for a highway designated as an official state scenic highway pursuant to Section 262 of the Streets and Highways Code,

within the existing right-of-way of the highway, damaged as a result of fire, flood, storm, earthquake, land subsidence, gradual earth movement, or landslide within one year of the damage. This paragraph does not exempt from this section any project undertaken, carried out, or approved by a public agency to expand or widen a highway damaged by fire, flood, storm, earthquake, land subsidence, gradual earth movement, or landslide.

• (d) Subdivision (c) is not a limitation of the authority of a regional board under subdivision (a) to determine that any provision of this division shall not be waived or to establish conditions of a waiver. Subdivision (c) shall not apply to the extent that it is inconsistent with any waiver or other order or prohibition issued under this division.
• (e) The regional boards and the state board shall require compliance with the conditions pursuant to which waivers are granted under this section.
• (f) Prior to renewing any waiver for a specific type of discharge established under this section, the state board or a regional board shall review the terms of the waiver policy at a public hearing. At the hearing, the state board or a regional board shall determine whether the discharge for which the waiver policy was established should be subject to general or individual waste discharge requirements.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 183, Sec. 360. Effective January 1, 2005.)

§ 13270. [Public agency exemptions]

Where a public agency as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 13400 leases land for waste disposal purposes to any other public agency, including the State of California, or to any public utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, the provisions of Sections 13260, 13263, and 13264 shall not require the lessor public agency to file any waste discharge report for the subject waste disposal, and the regional board and the state board shall not prescribe waste discharge requirements for the lessor public agency as to such land provided that the lease from the lessor public agency shall not contain restrictions which would unreasonably limit the ability of the lessee to comply with waste discharge requirements appurtenant to the leased property. (Added by Stats. 1974, Ch. 207.)

§ 13271. [Notification requirement]

• (a) (1) Except as provided by subdivision (b), any person who, without regard to intent or negligence, causes or permits any hazardous substance or sewage to be discharged in or on any waters of the state, or discharged or deposited where it is, or probably will be, discharged in or on any waters of the state, shall, as soon as (A) that person has knowledge of the discharge, (B) notification is possible, and (C) notification can be provided without substantially impeding cleanup or other emergency measures, immediately notify the Office of Emergency Services of the discharge in accordance with the spill reporting

• provision of the state toxic disaster contingency plan adopted pursuant to Article 3.7 (commencing with Section 8574.16) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (2) The Office of Emergency Services shall immediately notify the appropriate regional board, the local health officer, and the director of environmental health of the discharge. The regional board shall notify the state board as appropriate.
• (3) Upon receiving notification of a discharge pursuant to this section, the local health officer and the director of environmental health shall immediately determine whether notification of the public is required to safeguard public health and safety. If so, the local health officer and the director of environmental health shall immediately notify the public of the discharge by posting notices or other appropriate means. The notification shall describe measures to be taken by the public to protect the public health.
• (b) The notification required by this section shall not apply to a discharge in compliance with waste discharge requirements or other provisions of this division.
• (c) Any person who fails to provide the notice required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) or imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or both. Except where a discharge to the waters of this state would have occurred but for cleanup or emergency response by a public agency, this subdivision shall not apply to any discharge to land which does not result in a discharge to the waters of this state.
• (d) Notification received pursuant to this section or information obtained by use of that notification shall not be used against any person providing the notification in any criminal case, except in a prosecution for perjury or giving a false statement.
• (e) For substances listed as hazardous wastes or hazardous material pursuant to Section 25140 of the Health and Safety Code, the state board, in consultation with the Department of Toxic Substances Control, shall by regulation establish reportable quantities for purposes of this section. The regulations shall be based on what quantities should be reported because they may pose a risk to public health or the environment if discharged to groundwater or surface water. Regulations need not set reportable quantities on all listed substances at the same time. Regulations establishing reportable quantities shall not supersede waste discharge requirements or water quality objectives adopted pursuant to this division, and shall not supersede or affect in any way the list, criteria, and guidelines for the identification of hazardous wastes and extremely hazardous wastes adopted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code. The regulations of the

Environmental Protection Agency for reportable quantities of hazardous substances for purposes of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq.) shall be in effect for purposes of the enforcement of this section until the time that the regulations required by this subdivision are adopted.

• (f) (1) The state board shall adopt regulations establishing reportable quantities of sewage for purposes of this section. The regulations shall be based on the quantities that should be reported because they may pose a risk to public health or the environment if discharged to groundwater or surface water. Regulations establishing reportable quantities shall not supersede waste discharge requirements or water quality objectives adopted pursuant to this division. For purposes of this section, 'sewage' means the effluent of a municipal wastewater treatment plant or a private utility wastewater treatment plant, as those terms are defined in Section 13625, except that sewage does not include recycled water, as defined in subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 13529.2.
• (2) A collection system owner or operator, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 13193, in addition to the reporting requirements set forth in this section, shall submit a report pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13193.
• (g) Except as otherwise provided in this section and Section 8589.7 of the Government Code, a notification made pursuant to this section shall satisfy any immediate notification requirement contained in any permit issued by a permitting agency. When notifying the Office of Emergency Services, the person shall include all of the notification information required in the permit.
• (h) For the purposes of this section, the reportable quantity for perchlorate shall be 10 pounds or more by discharge to the receiving waters, unless a more restrictive reporting standard for a particular body of water is adopted pursuant to subdivision (e).
• (i) Notification under this section does not nullify a person's responsibility to notify the local health officer or the director of environmental health pursuant to Section 5411.5 of the Health and Safety Code. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 352, Sec. 532. Effective September 26, 2013. Operative July 1, 2013, by Sec. 543 of Ch. 352.)

§ 13272. [Oil or petroleum discharge]

• (a) Except as provided by subdivision (b), any person who, without regard to intent or negligence, causes or permits any oil or petroleum product to be discharged in or on any waters of the state, or discharged or deposited where it is, or probably will be, discharged in or on any waters of the state, shall, as soon as (1) that person has knowledge of the discharge, (2) notification is possible, and (3) notification can be provided without substantially impeding cleanup or other emergency measures, immediately notify the Office of Emergency

Services of the discharge in accordance with the spill reporting provision of the California oil spill contingency plan adopted pursuant to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 8574.1) of Chapter 7 of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

• (b) The notification required by this section shall not apply to a discharge in compliance with waste discharge requirements or other provisions of this division.
• (c) Any person who fails to provide the notice required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) or more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per day for each day of failure to notify, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. Except where a discharge to the waters of this state would have occurred but for cleanup or emergency response by a public agency, this subdivision shall not apply to any discharge to land that does not result in a discharge to the waters of this state. This subdivision shall not apply to any person who is fined by the federal government for a failure to report a discharge of oil.
• (d) Notification received pursuant to this section or information obtained by use of that notification shall not be used against any person providing the notification in any criminal case, except in a prosecution for perjury or giving a false statement.
• (e) Immediate notification to the appropriate regional board of the discharge, in accordance with reporting requirements set under Section 13267 or 13383, shall constitute compliance with the requirements of subdivision (a).
• (f) The reportable quantity for oil or petroleum products shall be one barrel (42 gallons) or more, by direct discharge to the receiving waters, unless a more restrictive reporting standard for a particular body of water is adopted. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 35, Sec. 184. Effective June 20, 2014.)

§ 13272.1. [List of discharges of MTBE]

Each regional board shall publish and distribute on a quarterly basis to all public water system operators within the region of the regional board, a list of discharges of MTBE that occurred during the quarter and a list of locations where MTBE was detected in the groundwater within the region of the regional board.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 815, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1998.)

§ 13273. [Solid waste disposal sites]

• (a) The state board shall, on or before January 1, 1986, rank all solid waste disposal sites, as defined in paragraph (5) of subdivision (i) of Section 41805.5 of the Health and Safety Code, based upon the threat they may pose to water quality. On or before July 1, 1987, the operators of the first 150 solid waste disposal sites ranked on the list shall submit a solid waste water quality assessment test to the appropriate regional board for its examination pursuant

to subdivision (d). On or before July 1 of each succeeding year, the operators of the next 150 solid waste disposal sites ranked on the list shall submit a solid waste water quality assessment test to the appropriate regional board for its examination pursuant to subdivision (d).

• (b) Before a solid waste water quality assessment test report may be submitted to the regional board, a professional geologist, registered pursuant to Section 7850 of the Business and Professions Code, a certified engineering geologist, certified pursuant to Section 7842 of the Business and Professions Code, or a civil engineer registered pursuant to Section 6762 of the Business and Professions Code, who has at least five years' experience in groundwater hydrology, shall certify that the report contains all of the following information and any other information which the state board may, by regulation, require:
• (1) An analysis of the surface and groundwater on, under, and within one mile of the solid waste disposal site to provide a reliable indication whether there is any leakage of hazardous waste.
• (2) A chemical characterization of the soil-pore liquid in those areas which are likely to be affected if the solid waste disposal site is leaking, as compared to geologically similar areas near the solid waste disposal site which have not been affected by leakage or waste discharge.
• (c) If the regional board determines that the information specified in paragraph (1) or (2) is not needed because other information demonstrates that hazardous wastes are migrating into the water, the regional board may waive the requirement to submit this information specified in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (b). The regional board shall also notify the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and shall take appropriate remedial action pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13300).
• (d) The regional board shall examine the report submitted pursuant to subdivision (b) and determine whether the number, location, and design of the wells and the soil testing could detect any leachate buildup, leachate migration, or hazardous waste migration. If the regional board determines that the monitoring program could detect the leachate and hazardous waste, the regional board shall take the action specified in subdivision (e). If the regional board determines that the monitoring program was inadequate, the regional board shall require the solid waste disposal site to correct the monitoring program and resubmit the solid waste assessment test based upon the results from the corrected monitoring program.
• (e) The regional board shall examine the approved solid waste assessment test report and determine whether any hazardous waste migrated into the water. If the regional board determines that hazardous waste has migrated into the water, it shall notify the Department of Toxic Substances Control and the California Integrated Waste Management Board and shall take appropriate remedial action pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13300).

• (f) When a regional board revises the waste discharge requirements for a solid waste disposal site, the regional board shall consider the information provided in the solid waste assessment test report and any other relevant sitespecific engineering data provided by the site operator for that solid waste disposal site as part of a report of waste discharge.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 865, Sec. 38. Effective January 1, 2005.)

§ 13273.1. [Solid waste assessment]

• (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), an operator of a solid waste disposal site may submit a solid waste assessment questionnaire to the appropriate regional board at least 24 months prior to the site's solid waste water quality assessment test due date as established pursuant to Section 13273. The regional board shall require the operator to submit any additional information, as needed, or require onsite verification of the solid waste assessment questionnaire data in order to render a decision pursuant to subdivision (c).
• (b) Any solid waste disposal site which is larger than 50,000 cubic yards or is known or suspected to contain hazardous substances, other than household hazardous wastes, shall be prohibited from submitting a solid waste assessment questionnaire under this section.
• (c) The regional board shall complete a thorough analysis of each solid waste assessment questionnaire submitted pursuant to this section by a date 18 months prior to the solid waste assessment test due date. Based upon this analysis, the regional board shall determine whether or not the site has discharged hazardous substances which will impact the beneficial uses of water. If the regional board determines that the site has not so discharged hazardous substances, the regional board shall notify the operator that the operator is not required to prepare a solid waste water quality assessment test pursuant to Section 13273.
• (d) If the regional board does not make the determination specified in subdivision (c), the operator shall submit all, or a portion of, a solid waste water quality assessment test. The regional board shall notify the operator of this determination and indicate if all, or what portion of, a solid waste water quality assessment test shall be required. The operator shall submit the solid waste water quality assessment test, or a portion thereof, by the date established pursuant to Section 13273.
• (e) The state board shall develop a solid waste assessment questionnaire and guidelines for submittal no later than three months after the effective date of this statute adding this section. The questionnaire shall contain, but not be limited to, a characterization of the wastes, size of the site, age of the site, and other appropriate factors.

• (f) Those operators of solid waste disposal sites listed by the state board pursuant to Section 13273 in Rank 3 and seeking an exemption under this section shall submit their solid waste assessment questionnaire no later than July 1, 1988. If the regional board does not make the determination specified in subdivision (c), the regional board shall require the operator to submit all, or a portion of, a solid waste water quality assessment test by July 1, 1990. (Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 932, Sec. 2. Effective September 22, 1987.)

§ 13273.2. [Reevaluation of site]

Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 13273.1, a regional board may reevaluate the status of any solid waste disposal site ranked pursuant to Section 13273, including those sites exempted pursuant to Section 13273.1, and may require the operator to submit or revise a solid waste water quality assessment test after July 1, 1989. The regional board shall give written notification to the operator that a solid waste assessment test is required and the due date. This section shall not require submittal of a solid waste water quality assessment test by a date earlier than established in accordance with Section 13273. (Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 932, Sec. 3. Effective September 22, 1987.)

§ 13273.3. [Operator defined]

As used in Sections 13273, 13273.1, and 13273.2, 'operator' means a person who operates or manages, or who has operated or managed, the solid waste disposal site. If the operator of the solid waste disposal site no longer exists, or is unable, as determined by the regional board, to comply with the requirements of Section 13273, 13273.1, or 13273.2, 'operator' means any person who owns or who has owned the solid waste disposal site.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 932, Sec. 4. Effective September 22, 1987.)

§ 13273.5. [Kings County exception]

Notwithstanding Section 13273, a small city which operates a Class III solid waste disposal site is not required to submit a solid waste water quality assessment test report pursuant to Section 13273 if the city has a population of less than 20,000 persons, the solid waste disposal site receives less than 20,000 tons of waste per year, the water table of the highest aquifer under the disposal site is 250 or more feet below the base of the disposal site and the water in the highest aquifer is not potable, and the site receives less than an average of 12 inches of rainfall per year.

This section applies only if the disposal site is operational and has been granted all required permits as of January 1, 1991, if the site is located in Kings County, and if the city has completed an initial solid waste water quality assessment test and a solid waste air quality assessment test which establish that no significant air or water contamination has occurred, and, in that event, the city shall be exempted from conducting further assessment tests for seven

years, or any longer time specified by the regional board, after the date of the initial assessment tests.

(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1361, Sec. 3.)

§ 13274. [General waste discharge requirements]

• (a) (1) The state board or a regional board, upon receipt of applications for waste discharge requirements for discharges of dewatered, treated, or chemically fixed sewage sludge and other biological solids, shall prescribe general waste discharge requirements for that sludge and those other solids. General waste discharge requirements shall replace individual waste discharge requirements for sewage sludge and other biological solids, and their prescription shall be considered to be a ministerial action.
• (2) The general waste discharge requirements shall set minimum standards for agronomic applications of sewage sludge and other biological solids and the use of that sludge and those other solids as a soil amendment or fertilizer in agriculture, forestry, and surface mining reclamation, and may permit the transportation of that sludge and those other solids and the use of that sludge and those other solids at more than one site. The requirements shall include provisions to mitigate significant environmental impacts, potential soil erosion, odors, the degradation of surface water quality or fish or wildlife habitat, the accidental release of hazardous substances, and any potential hazard to the public health or safety.
• (b) The state board or a regional board, in prescribing general waste discharge requirements pursuant to this section, shall comply with Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code and guidelines adopted pursuant to that division, and shall consult with the State Air Resources Board, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
• (c) The state board or a regional board may charge a reasonable fee to cover the costs incurred by the board in the administration of the application process relating to the general waste discharge requirements prescribed pursuant to this section.
• (d) Notwithstanding any other law, except as specified in subdivisions (f) to (i), inclusive, general waste discharge requirements prescribed by a regional board pursuant to this section supersede regulations adopted by any other state agency to regulate sewage sludge and other biological solids applied directly to agricultural lands at agronomic rates.
• (e) The state board or a regional board shall review general waste discharge requirements for possible amendment upon the request of any state agency, including, but not limited to, the Department of Food and Agriculture and the State Department of Public Health, if the board determines that the request is based on new information.

• (f) This section is not intended to affect the jurisdiction of the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to regulate the handling of sewage sludge or other biological solids for composting, deposit in a landfill, or other use.
• (g) This section is not intended to affect the jurisdiction of the State Air Resources Board or an air pollution control district or air quality management district to regulate the handling of sewage sludge or other biological solids for incineration.
• (h) This section is not intended to affect the jurisdiction of the Department of Food and Agriculture in enforcing Sections 14591 and 14631 of the Food and Agricultural Code and any regulations adopted pursuant to those sections, regarding the handling of sewage sludge and other biological solids sold or used as fertilizer or as a soil amendment.
• (i) This section does not restrict the authority of a local government agency to regulate the application of sewage sludge and other biological solids to land within the jurisdiction of that agency, including, but not limited to, the planning authority of the Delta Protection Commission, the resource management plan of which is required to be implemented by local government general plans.

(Amended (as amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 485) by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13275. [Rights of public water systems]

• (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a public water system regulated by the state board pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 116270) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code shall have the same legal rights and remedies against a responsible party, when the water supply used by that public water system is contaminated, as those of a private land owner whose groundwater has been contaminated.
• (b) For purposes of this section, 'responsible party' has the same meaning as defined in Section 78145 of the Health and Safety Code. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258, Sec. 125. (AB 2327) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 130 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)

§ 13276. [Multiagency cannabis task force; water quality requirements]

• (a) The multiagency task force, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and state board pilot project to address the Environmental Impacts of Cannabis Cultivation, assigned to respond to the damages caused by cannabis cultivation on public and private lands in California, shall continue its enforcement efforts on a permanent basis and expand them to a statewide level to ensure the reduction of adverse impacts of cannabis cultivation on water quality and on fish and wildlife throughout the state.
• (b) The state board or the appropriate regional board shall address discharges of waste resulting from cannabis cultivation under Division 10

(commencing with Section 26000) of the Business and Professions Code and associated activities, including by adopting a general permit, establishing waste discharge requirements, or taking action pursuant to Section 13269. In addressing these discharges, the state board or the regional board shall include conditions to address items that include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

• (1) Site development and maintenance, erosion control, and drainage features.
• (2) Stream crossing installation and maintenance.
• (3) Riparian and wetland protection and management.
• (4) Soil disposal.
• (5) Water storage and use.
• (6) Irrigation runoff.
• (7) Fertilizers and soil.
• (8) Pesticides and herbicides.
• (9) Petroleum products and other chemicals.
• (10) Cultivation-related waste.
• (11) Refuse and human waste.
• (12) Cleanup, restoration, and mitigation. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 217. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019. Note: This

section was amended on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)

Article 5. Individual Disposal Systems [13280. - 13286.9.]

(Article 5 added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1194.)

§ 13280. [Prohibition of disposal systems]

A determination that discharge of waste from existing or new individual disposal systems or from community collection and disposal systems which utilize subsurface disposal should not be permitted shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record that discharge of waste from such disposal systems will result in violation of water quality objectives, will impair present or future beneficial uses of water, will cause pollution, nuisance, or contamination, or will unreasonably degrade the quality of any waters of the state. (Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1194.)

§ 13281. [Determination basis]

• (a) In making a determination pursuant to Section 13280, except as specified in subdivision (b), the regional board shall consider all relevant evidence related to the discharge, including, but not limited to, those factors set forth in Section 13241, information provided pursuant to Section 117435 of the Health and Safety Code, possible adverse impacts if the discharge is permitted, failure rates of any existing individual disposal systems whether due to inadequate design, construction, maintenance, or unsuitable hydrogeologic

conditions, evidence of any existing, prior, or potential contamination, existing and planned land use, dwelling density, historical population growth, and any other criteria as may be established pursuant to guidelines, regulations, or policies adopted by the state board.

• (b) (1) To the extent that resources are available for that purpose, the regional board shall prohibit the discharge of waste from existing or new individual disposal systems on parcels of less than one-half acre that overlie the Mission Creek Aquifer or the Desert Hot Springs Aquifer in Riverside County, if a sewer system is available.
• (2) For parcels of one-half acre or greater that overlie the aquifers described in paragraph (1), the maximum number of equivalent dwelling units with individual disposal systems shall be two per acre. For the purpose of this paragraph, the term 'equivalent dwelling unit' means a single family dwelling as defined in Section 221.0 of the 1997 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
• (3) For the purposes of this subdivision, a sewer system is available if a sewer system, or a building connected to a sewer system, is within 200 feet of the existing or proposed dwelling unit, in accordance with Section 713.4 of the 1997 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
• (4) To the extent that resources are available for the purposes of this subdivision, the regional board shall achieve compliance with this subdivision on or before January 1, 2004.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 437, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13282. [Allowing disposal]

• (a) If it appears that adequate protection of water quality, protection of beneficial uses of water, and prevention of nuisance, pollution, and contamination can be attained by appropriate design, location, sizing, spacing, construction, and maintenance of individual disposal systems in lieu of elimination of discharges from systems, and if an authorized public agency provides satisfactory assurance to the regional board that the systems will be appropriately designed, located, sized, spaced, constructed, and maintained, the discharges shall be permitted so long as the systems are adequately designed, located, sized, spaced, constructed, and maintained.
• (b) An authorized public agency shall notify the regional board if the systems are not adequately designed, located, sized, spaced, constructed, and maintained.
• (c) For purposes of this section, 'authorized public agency' means a public agency authorized by a water quality control board and having authority to ensure that systems are adequately designed, located, sized, spaced, constructed, and maintained.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1177, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1995.)

§ 13283. [Alternatives to disposal]

In reviewing any determination that discharge of waste from existing or new individual disposal systems should not be permitted, the state board shall include a preliminary review of possible alternatives necessary to achieve protection of water quality and present and future beneficial uses of water, and prevention of nuisance, pollution, and contamination, including, but not limited to, community collection and waste disposal systems which utilize subsurface disposal, and possible combinations of individual disposal systems, community collection and disposal systems which utilize subsurface disposal, and conventional treatment systems.

(Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1194.)

§ 13284. [Guidelines]

The state board may adopt guidelines, regulations, or policies necessary to implement the provisions of this article. (Added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1194.)

§ 13285. [MTBE discharges to drinking water]

• (a) A discharge from a storage tank, pipeline, or other container of methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), or of any pollutant that contains MTBE, that poses a threat to drinking water, or to groundwater or surface water that may reasonably be used for drinking water, or to coastal waters shall be cleaned up to a level consistent with subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 25296.10 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) (1) A public water system, or its customers, shall not be responsible for remediation or treatment costs associated with MTBE, or a product that contains MTBE. However, the public water system may, as necessary, incur MTBE remediation and treatment costs and include those costs in its customer rates and charges that are necessary to comply with drinking water standards or directives of the state board or other lawful authority. A public water system that incurs MTBE remediation or treatment costs may seek recovery of those costs from parties responsible for the MTBE contamination, or from other available alternative sources of funds.
• (2) If the public water system has included the costs of MTBE treatment and remediation in its customer rates and charges, and subsequently recovers all, or a portion of, its MTBE treatment and remediation costs from responsible parties or other available alternative sources of funds, it shall make an adjustment to its schedule of rates and charges to reflect the amount of funding received from responsible parties or other available alternative sources of funds for MTBE treatment or remediation.

• (3) Paragraph (1) does not prevent the imposition of liability on any person for the discharge of MTBE if that liability is due to the conduct or status of that person independently of whether the person happens to be a customer of the public water system.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13286. [Cove area of Cathedral City, Riverside County]

• (a) On and after January 1, 2012, the appropriate regional board shall prohibit the discharge of wastewater into the ground through the use of individual subsurface disposal systems in the Cove area of Cathedral City in Riverside County for the purposes of protecting the health and safety of the residents consuming the groundwater of the Upper Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin and achieving the applicable water quality objectives.
• (b) The appropriate regional board shall revise its water quality control plan to reflect the prohibition set forth in subdivision (a).
• (c) Notwithstanding subdivisions (a) and (b), the appropriate regional board, prior to January 1, 2012, may prohibit the discharge of wastewater through the use of individual subsurface disposal systems in the Cove area of Cathedral City in Riverside County, and if so prohibited, that board shall revise its water quality control plan to reflect the prohibition.
• (d) To ensure that the purposes of this section are fulfilled, the state board, using existing resources, shall assist Cathedral City to identify and obtain state and federal funds to establish a sanitary public domestic and commercial wastewater disposal system.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 700, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)

§ 13286.9. [Secondary treatment requirements for Orange County Sanitation District]

On and after the date determined by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board, or January 1, 2013, whichever is earlier, all wastewater discharged by the Orange County Sanitation District into the Pacific Ocean shall be subject to at least secondary treatment requirements pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Section 301 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1311(b)(1)(B)), and any more stringent requirements determined to be appropriate by the state board or that regional board. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 1019, Sec. 1. Effective September 28, 2002.)

CHAPTER 4.1. EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS [13287. - 13287.]

(Chapter 4.1 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 551, Sec. 4.)

§ 13287. [Definitions; ex parte communications for certain general orders; disclosure requirements and remedies]

• (a) For the purposes of this section:
• (1) 'Board' means the state board or a regional board.

• (2) 'Ex parte communication' means an oral or written communication with one or more board members concerning matters, other than a matter of procedure or practice that is not in controversy, under the jurisdiction of a board, regarding a pending action of the board that satisfies both of the following:

• (A) The action does not identify specific persons as dischargers, but instead allows persons to enroll or file an authorization to discharge under the action.

• (B) The action is for adoption, modification, or rescission of one or more of the following:

• (i) Waste discharge requirements pursuant to Section 13263 or 13377.

• (ii) Conditions of water quality certification pursuant to Section 13160.

• (iii) Conditional waiver of waste discharge requirements pursuant to Section 13269.

• (3) 'Interested person' means any of the following:

• (A) Any person who will be required to enroll or file authorization to discharge pursuant to the action at issue before the board or that person's agents or employees, including persons receiving consideration to represent that person.

• (B) Any person with a financial interest, as described in Article 1 (commencing with Section 87100) of Chapter 7 of Title 9 of the Government Code, in a matter at issue before a board, or that person's agents or employees, including persons receiving consideration to represent that person.

• (C) A representative acting on behalf of any formally organized civic, environmental, neighborhood, business, labor, trade, or similar association who intends to influence the decision of a board member on a matter before the board.

• (b) Notwithstanding Section 11425.10 of the Government Code, the ex parte communications provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Article 7 (commencing with Section 11430.10) of Chapter 4.5 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code) do not apply to a board action identified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a). This section only applies to those actions.

• (c) For the purposes of this section, and except as limited by subdivision (d), ex parte communications regarding a board action identified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) may be permitted as follows:

• (1) All ex parte communications shall be reported by the interested person, regardless of whether the communication was initiated by the interested person.

• (2) A notice of ex parte communication shall be filed with the board within seven working days of the communication. The notice may address multiple ex parte communications in the same proceeding, provided that notice of each communication identified therein is timely. The notice shall include all of the following information:

• (A) The date, time, and location of the communication, and whether it was oral or written, or both.
• (B) The identities of each board member involved, the person initiating the communication, and any persons present during the communication.
• (C) A description of the interested person's communication and the content of this communication. A copy of any written, audiovisual, or other material used for or during the communication shall be attached to this description.
• (3) Board staff shall promptly post any notices provided pursuant to paragraph (2) on the board's Internet Web site and distribute the notice on any available electronic distribution list concerning the action.
• (d) A board may prohibit ex parte communications for a period beginning not more than 14 days before the day of a board meeting at which the decision in the proceeding is scheduled for board action. If a board continues the decision, it may permit ex parte communications during the interval between the originally scheduled date and the date that the decision is calendared for final decision, and may prohibit ex parte communications for 14 days before the day of the board meeting to which the decision is continued.
• (e) If an interested person fails to provide any required notice in the manner required by this section, the board may use any of the remedies available pursuant to the administrative adjudication provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), including the issuance of an enforcement order, or sanctions pursuant to Article 12 (commencing with Section 11455.10) of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 551, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2013.)

CHAPTER 4.3. SEWER SERVICE [13288. - 13289.5]

(Chapter added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 982, Sec. 2. (SB 1215) Effective January 1, 2019.)

§ 13288. [Definitions]

• (a) 'Adequate sewer service' means a sanitary sewer service provided by a sewer service provider that is not an inadequate sewer service, as defined in subdivision (j).
• (b) 'Administrator' means a person whom the state board has determined is competent and willing to perform the administrative, technical, operational, legal, or managerial services required for purposes of this chapter, pursuant to criteria set forth in the handbook described in subdivision (i) of Section 13289.5. An administrator may be any qualified individual, firm, or another sewer service provider.

• (c) 'Affected residence' means a residence within a disadvantaged community that may be subject to provision of sewer service pursuant to this chapter.
• (d) 'Affected resident' means a resident or a property owner of an affected residence.
• (e) 'Annexation' has the same meaning as set forth in Section 56017 of the Government Code.
• (f) 'Designated sewer system' means a sewer service provider that serves a disadvantaged community that is either an inadequate sewer service or a sewer system that has a demonstrated failure to maintain technical, managerial, or financial capacity to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
• (g) 'Disadvantaged community' means a disadvantaged community, as defined in Section 79505.5, or a low-income community, as defined in Section 39713 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (h) 'Extension of service' has the same meaning as set forth in Section 56133 of the Government Code.
• (i) 'Inadequate onsite sewage treatment system' means an onsite sewage treatment system that has the reasonable potential to cause a violation of water quality objectives, to impair present or future beneficial uses of water, or to cause pollution, nuisance, or contamination of waters of the state.
• (j) (1) 'Inadequate sewer service' means a sewer service provider that serves a disadvantaged community, has a demonstrated history of failures to meet regulatory standards for proper wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal, and may exhibit deficiencies, such as infrastructure failure, insufficient capacity, or ineffective treatment of wastewater.
• (2) A demonstrated history of failures to meet regulatory standards may include, but is not limited to, multiple violations, multiple instances of noncompliance with enforcement actions, or refusal to accept compliance assistance.
• (k) (1) 'Onsite sewage treatment system' means an onsite sewage treatment system, as defined in Section 13290, that is not operated by a local agency, as defined in Section 56054 of the Government Code, or a utility regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.
• (2) 'Onsite sewage treatment system' includes, but is not limited to, a septic tank, cesspool, leach field, and seepage pit.
• ( l ) 'Provision of sewer service' means the provision of sanitary sewer service, including the collection or treatment of sewage, to a disadvantaged community by any of the following processes:
• (1) Annexation where the receiving sewer system is a special district.
• (2) Extension of service where the receiving sewer system is a city, county, or special district.

• (3) Additional sewer service provided within city, county, or special district boundaries.
• (m) 'Receiving sewer system' means the sewer system that provides service to a disadvantaged community pursuant to this chapter.
• (n) 'Sewer service provider' means any local agency that provides sanitary sewer service, which may include wastewater collection, treatment, disposal, or any combination thereof.
• (o) 'Special district' means a special district as defined in Section 56036 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 505, Sec. 2. (AB 805) Effective September 24, 2024.)

§ 13289. [Provision of Sewer Services for Disadvantaged Community]

• (a) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (4), where a disadvantaged community or residents of a disadvantaged community are served by one or more inadequate onsite sewage treatment systems, the regional board may order the provision of sewer service by a receiving sewer system to the disadvantaged community, or to all or a portion of the area within the disadvantaged community. The regional board may set timelines and performance measures to facilitate completion of the provision of sewer service.
• (2) In issuing an order pursuant to paragraph (1), the regional board is not required to determine that all of the onsite sewage treatment systems in the disadvantaged community, or portion of the disadvantaged community, to be provided with sewer service are inadequate onsite sewage treatment systems.
• (3) (A) The property owner of an affected residence may opt out of an order for the provision of sewer service for a maximum of five years for the residence from the date of the issuance of the order by demonstrating to the regional board that the affected residence is served by an onsite sewage treatment system that meets both of the following criteria:
• (i) The onsite sewage treatment system was installed no more than 10 years prior to the issuance of the order.
• (ii) The onsite sewage treatment system is not an inadequate onsite sewage treatment system.
• (B) A property owner who opted out pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be responsible for the payment of reasonable standby charges to the receiving sewer system.
• (C) Subsequent property owners of an affected residence that has opted out pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall have the option of opting in to the provision of sewer service pursuant to the order upon gaining ownership of the affected residence. The subsequent property owners shall have access to all financial assistance made available under this section, including connection fees and infrastructure costs, if any, available to the affected residence.

• (4) The regional board shall not require the provision of sewer service to a disadvantaged community by a receiving sewer system if the service territory of the receiving sewer system is more than three miles away from the disadvantaged community.

• (b) (1) Before ordering the provision of sewer service as provided in this section, the regional board shall do all of the following:

• (A) Encourage voluntary provision of sewer service, which may include voluntary annexation to a city.

• (B) Consider other enforcement remedies specified in this division.

• (C) Consult with, and consider input from, the relevant local agency formation commission regarding the sewer service in the affected area, the recommendations for improving service in a municipal service review, and any other relevant information.

• (D) Consult with the state board.

• (E) Consult with, and fully consider input from, the local government with land use planning authority and environmental health oversight over the affected area, particularly regarding any information in the general plan required by Section 65302.10 of the Government Code.

• (F) (i) Notify the potential receiving sewer system and affected residents within the disadvantaged community, and establish a reasonable deadline of no less than six months, unless a shorter period is justified, for the potential receiving sewer system and the affected property owners to negotiate annexation, extension of service, or another means of providing an adequate sewage service.

• (ii) During the period set forth in clause (i), the regional board shall provide technical assistance and work with the potential receiving sewer system and the affected residents to develop a financing package that benefits both the receiving sewer system and the affected residents by addressing the receiving sewer system's planning and capital costs and the affected residents' connection costs.

• (iii) Upon a showing of good cause, the deadline set forth in clause (i) may be extended by the regional board at the request of the potential receiving sewer system, the affected residents, or the local agency formation commission with jurisdiction over the sewer system.

• (G) Hold at least one public meeting at the initiation of the process established in this section in a place as close as feasible to the affected areas. The regional board shall make reasonable efforts to provide a 30-day notice of the meeting to the affected residents and all affected local government agencies and sewer service providers. The meeting shall provide representatives of the affected residents and the potential receiving sewer system an opportunity to present testimony. The meeting shall provide an opportunity for public comment.

• (H) Provide opportunity to submit comments by mail or electronic mail during the 30-day notice period and for at least one week after the public meeting.
• (I) Consider whether existing programs or alternative methods are available and feasible.
• (J) Consider the affordability of the provision of sewer service to the disadvantaged community.
• (2) Upon expiration of the deadline set by the regional board pursuant to subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1), the regional board shall do the following:
• (A) Consult with the potential receiving sewer system and the affected residents.
• (B) Review comments received during the public meeting held, and comments received, pursuant to subparagraph (G) of paragraph (1).
• (3) Before ordering the provision of sewer service, the regional board shall do both of the following:
• (A) Find all of the following:
• (i) One or more affected residences are served by an inadequate onsite sewage treatment system.
• (ii) Reasonable efforts to negotiate voluntary provision of sewer service were made.
• (iii) The provision of sewer service is appropriate and technically and economically feasible.
• (iv) There is no pending local agency formation commission process that is likely to resolve the problem in a reasonable amount of time.
• (v) The provision of sewer service is an effective and cost-effective means to address the inadequate onsite sewage treatment system.
• (vi) The capacity of the proposed interconnection needed to accomplish the provision of sewer service designed to serve the disadvantaged community, as determined by the regional board.
• (B) Hold a subsequent public meeting in a place as close as feasible to the affected areas if a period of six or more months has passed since the public meeting held pursuant to subparagraph (G) of paragraph (1). The regional board shall make reasonable effects to provide a 30-day written notice of the meeting to the affected residents and all affected local government agencies and sewer service providers. The meeting shall provide representatives of the affected residents and the potential receiving sewer system an opportunity to present testimony. The meeting shall provide an opportunity for public comment.
• (4) Upon the issuance of a regional board's order requiring provision of sewer service, the state board shall do all of the following:
• (A) As necessary and appropriate, make funds available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the receiving sewer system for the costs of completing the provision of sewer service, including, but not limited to,

compensation for any capacity lost as a result of the provision of sewer service, by paying the receiving sewer system's capacity connection fee at the rate it charges others, providing additional capacity needed as a result of the provision of sewer service, and paying legal fees. If capacity beyond what is needed for provision of sewer service is provided, the state board shall retain its rights to use the additional capacity without paying additional capacity charge fees for five years, unless it releases those rights in writing. Funding pursuant to this subparagraph is available for the general purpose of providing financial assistance for the water infrastructure needed for the provision of sewer service and does not need to be specific to each individual project. The state board shall provide appropriate financial assistance for the infrastructure needed for the provision of sewer service. The state board's existing financial assistance guidelines and policies shall be the basis for the financial assistance.

• (B) Ensure payment of standard local agency formation commission costs caused by the regional board's order. Additional costs or fees related to provision of sewer service, including, but not limited to, other public works costs or upgrades, shall not be used to delay the provision of sewer service required by the order.
• (C) Coordinate with the appropriate local agency formation commission and other relevant local agencies to document the change of organization or reorganization.
• (c) The receiving sewer system shall not increase charges on existing customers of the receiving sewer system solely as a consequence of the provision of sewer service unless the customers receive a corresponding benefit.
• (d) The receiving sewer system shall not charge rates to newly absorbed customers of the sewer system that are higher than those necessary to provide the sewage service.
• (e) Division 3 (commencing with Section 56000) of Title 5 of the Government Code shall not apply to an action taken by the state board or the regional board pursuant to this section.
• (f) The state board may develop and adopt policy, through the adoption of a policy handbook that is not subject to the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, that provides a process by which members of a disadvantaged community may petition the regional board for consideration of provision of sewer service pursuant to this chapter.
• (g) Article 5 (commencing with Section 13280) of Chapter 4 does not apply to any action taken by the state board or a regional board pursuant to this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 982, Sec. 2. (SB 1215) Effective January 1, 2019.)

§ 13289.5. [Provision of Sewer Services When the Provider has a History of Certain Failures]

• (a) Before implementing the actions authorized by this section, the state board shall, by resolution, make one or both of the following findings:
• (1) A sewer service provider is an inadequate sewer service, as defined in Section 13288, and that it is in the best interest of the customers of the sewer service provider and the State of California that an administrator be appointed to assist a sewer service provider with making improvements necessary to develop an adequate sewer system. When these findings are made, the sewer service provider shall be referred to as a designated sewer system.
• (2) A sewer service provider has demonstrated a history of continued failures to maintain technical, managerial, or financial capacity to prevent waste, fraud, or abuse. When this finding is made, the sewer service provider shall be referred to as a designated sewer system.
• (b) Following adoption of a resolution based on the findings required by subdivision (a) for identifying a sewer service provider as a designated sewer system, the state board may do any of the following:
• (1) (A) Require a designated sewer system to contract with an administrator designated or approved by the state board for administrative, technical, operational, legal, or managerial services, or any combination of those services, to assist the designated sewer system with the delivery of adequate sewer service.
• (B) To fulfill the requirements of this section, a designated sewer system may contract with administrators. Where administrator services are comprehensive, the sewer service provider may contract with no more than one administrator at a time. Where administrator services are limited in scope, a sewer service provider may contract with more than one limited scope provider at a time, provided that in no instance will the scopes overlap. An administrator that is not designated or approved by the state board shall not be used for purposes of this section.
• (C) An administrator may provide services to more than one designated sewer system.
• (D) If a designated sewer system is also a water system that has been ordered to consolidate or has been ordered to accept assistance from an administrator, the state board shall consider designating the same administrator for the designated sewer system that was designated to the water system, and requiring that administrator to consult with the management of both the designated water and the designated sewer systems in carrying out their duties.
• (2) Order a designated sewer system to accept administrative, technical, operational, legal, or managerial services, including full management and control of all aspects of the designated sewer system, from an administrator selected by the state board.

• (3) Order a designated sewer system to accept administrative, technical, operational, legal, or managerial services from an administrator for full oversight of construction or development projects, including, but not limited to, accepting loans and grants issued by the state board and entering into contracts on behalf of the designated sewer system.
• (c) The state board shall do all of the following before determining that a sewer service provider is a designated sewer system pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (1) Provide the sewer service provider with notice and an opportunity to show that the sewer service provider has taken steps to timely address its failure to be an adequate sewer system or has taken steps to timely address its failure to maintain technical, managerial, and financial capacity.
• (2) (A) Conduct a public meeting in a location as close as feasible to the affected community.
• (B) The state board shall make reasonable efforts to provide a 30-day notice of the public meeting to affected ratepayers, renters, and property owners.
• (C) The state board shall provide representatives of the sewer service provider, affected ratepayers, renters, and property owners with an opportunity to present oral and written comments at the public meeting.
• (D) The state board shall provide an opportunity for public comment at the meeting.
• (3) Provide the public with an opportunity to submit comments by mail or electronically during the 30-day notice period and for at least one week after the public meeting described in paragraph (2).
• (4) Consider whether designating a sewer system and ordering a designated sewer system to contract with an administrator is feasible, and not in conflict with any federal or state laws, regulations, or permit requirements.
• (d) The state board shall make financial assistance available to an administrator of a designated sewer system, as appropriate and to the extent that funding is available.
• (e) The state board shall not identify a designated sewer system or make findings that a sewer service provider has an inadequate sewer service or require a sewer service provider to contract with an administrator pursuant to this section on or after January 1, 2029. All other authorizations and requirements pursuant to this section shall remain in effect until December 31, 2029.
• (f) The authority granted to an administrator by the state board pursuant to subdivision (b) may include, but is not limited to, the authority to do all of the following:
• (1) Expend available money for capital infrastructure improvements that the designated sewer system needs to provide adequate sewer service.

• (2) Set and collect user sewer rates and fees. The provisions of this section are subject to all applicable constitutional requirements, including Article XIII D of the California Constitution.
• (3) Expend available money for operation and maintenance costs of the designated sewer system, including conducting feasibility or planning studies, or addressing outstanding technical or legal issues.
• (g) The state board shall work with the administrator of a designated sewer system and the communities served by that designated sewer system to develop, within the shortest practicable time, adequate technical, managerial, and financial capacity to deliver adequate sewer service so that the services of the administrator are no longer necessary.
• (h) A designated sewer system shall not be responsible for any costs associated with an administrator that are higher than the costs necessary to maintain the designated sewer system and deliver adequate sewer service.
• (i) Before ordering a designated sewer system to accept administrative, technical, operational, legal, or managerial services from an administrator pursuant to subdivision (b), the state board shall develop standards, terms, and procedures, to be incorporated in the handbook adopted pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 116686 of the Health and Safety Code, consistent with the process provided in subdivision (a) of Section 116760.43 of the Health and Safety Code, for all of the following:
• (1) The process and criteria for the state board to designate a sewer service provider as a designated sewer system, and the evidence required to support findings by the state board in a resolution pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (2) Ensuring compliance with subdivision (h).
• (3) Providing opportunity for public comment on the selection of an administrator and the services to be provided.
• (4) Providing public access to budgets, ownership and financial information, and other documents and records related to the provision of sewer service to affected residences and to the management of the designated sewer system by the administrator.
• (5) Providing regular public meetings, notifications, opportunities for public comment, and other forms of engagement with customers of the designated sewer system for significant decisions or actions made on behalf of the designated sewer system, including, but not limited to, establishing operating budgets, altering sewer rates, adopting system policies, entering into long-term contracts or financing commitments, and developing system projects or plans.
• (6) Formal requests to the state board to reverse or modify a decision of an administrator or to request substitution of an administrator.
• (7) Ensuring an administrator acts in the best interests of the community served.

• (8) Development and approval of a post-administrator sewer service plan to ensure compliance with subdivision (g). Development of the plan shall include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of long-term public governance or community ownership options.
• (9) The process for the state board to determine an administrator is no longer needed and to terminate the administrator's responsibilities.
• (j) An administrator appointed pursuant to this section for a designated sewer system shall not be liable for claims by past or current ratepayers, by those affected by the sewer service provided by the designated sewer system, or for enforcement actions taken by the state board in any of the following circumstances:
• (1) If good faith, reasonable effort, and ordinary care were used by the administrator to assume possession of, or to operate, the sewer service provider.
• (2) For any injury or damages that occurred before the commencement of the operation period.
• (3) For injury, violations, or damages after the administrator has assumed control of the designated system until the necessary upgrades to the infrastructure or managerial responsibilities have been completed to become an adequate sewer system.
• (k) This section does not limit or supersede any other law authorizing claims against the state board or providing a defense to liability, and shall not be construed to create any new or expanded basis for liability.
• (l) Nothing in this section shall be construed to do any of the following:
• (1) Relieve a designated sewer system or any other entity from complying with any provision of federal or state law, including those pertaining to water quality.
• (2) Impair any cause of action by the Attorney General, a district attorney, a city attorney, or other public prosecutor, or impair any other action or proceeding brought by, or on behalf of, a regulatory agency against a designated sewer system.
• (3) Impair any claim alleging the taking of property without compensation within the meaning of either the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution or Section 19 of Article I of the California Constitution.
• (4) Relieve any person or entity from liability for action or inaction in bad faith, or without reasonable effort or ordinary care.
• (m) Nothing in this section shall absolve, indemnify, or protect a prior operator, designated sewer system, or individual from liability based on an act or failure to act prior to the operation period.
• (n) Administrative and managerial contracts pursuant to this section shall be exempt from Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of

Division 2 of the Public Contract Code and may be awarded on a noncompetitive bid basis as necessary to implement the purposes of this section.

• (o) This section does not apply to a charter city, charter county, or charter city and county.

(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 505, Sec. 3. (AB 805) Effective September 24, 2024.)

CHAPTER 4.5. ONSITE SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS [13290. - 13291.7.]

(Chapter 4.5 added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 781, Sec. 1.)

§ 13290. [Definitions]

For the purposes of this chapter:

• (a) 'Local agency' means any of the following entities:
• (1) A city, county, or city and county.
• (2) A special district formed pursuant to general law or special act for the local performance of functions regarding onsite sewage treatment systems within limited boundaries.
• (b) 'Onsite sewage treatment systems' includes individual disposal systems, community collection and disposal systems, and alternative collection and disposal systems that use subsurface disposal.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 781, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)

§ 13291. [Adoption of regulations or standards]

• (a) On or before January 1, 2004, the state board, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health, the California Coastal Commission, the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health, counties, cities, and other interested parties, shall adopt regulations or standards for the permitting and operation of all of the following onsite sewage treatment systems in the state and shall apply those regulations or standards commencing six months

after their adoptions:

• (1) Any system that is constructed or replaced.
• (2) Any system that is subject to a major repair.
• (3) Any system that pools or discharges to the surface.
• (4) Any system that, in the judgment of a regional board or authorized local agency, discharges waste that has the reasonable potential to cause a violation of water quality objectives, or to impair present or future beneficial uses of water, to cause pollution, nuisance, or contamination of the waters of the state.
• (b) Regulations or standards adopted pursuant to subdivision (a), shall include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:
• (1) Minimum operating requirements that may include siting, construction, and performance requirements.

• (2) Requirements for onsite sewage treatment systems adjacent to impaired waters identified pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 303 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1313(d)).
• (3) Requirements authorizing a qualified local agency to implement those requirements adopted under this chapter within its jurisdiction if that local agency requests that authorization.
• (4) Requirements for corrective action when onsite sewage treatment systems fail to meet the requirements or standards.
• (5) Minimum requirements for monitoring used to determine system or systems performance, if applicable.
• (6) Exemption criteria to be established by regional boards.
• (7) Requirements for determining a system that is subject to a major repair, as provided in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).
• (c) This chapter does not diminish or otherwise affect the authority of a local agency to carry out laws, other than this chapter, that relate to onsite sewage treatment systems.
• (d) This chapter does not preempt any regional board or local agency from adopting or retaining standards for onsite sewage treatment systems that are more protective of the public health or the environment than this chapter.
• (e) Each regional board shall incorporate the regulations or standards adopted pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (b) into the appropriate regional water quality control plans.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13291.5. [Legislative intent]

It is the intent of the Legislature to assist private property owners with existing systems who incur costs as a result of the implementation of the regulations established under this section by encouraging the state board to make loans under Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 13475) to local agencies to assist private property owners whose cost of compliance with these regulations exceeds one-half of one percent of the current assessed value of the property on which the onsite sewage system is located.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 781, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)

§ 13291.7. [Non-limiting clause]

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the land use authority of any city, county, or city and county.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 781, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2001.)

CHAPTER 4.7. FAIRNESS AND DUE PROCESS [13292. - 13292.]

(Chapter 4.7 added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 604, Sec. 1.)

§ 13292. [Review of regional boards' public participation procedures; report to Legislature; copies of comments; training]

• (a) It is the responsibility of the state board to provide guidance to the regional boards in matters of procedure, as well as policy and regulation. In order to ensure that regional boards are providing fair, timely, and equal access to all participants in regional board proceedings, the state board shall undertake a review of the regional boards' public participation procedures. As part of the review process, and upon request by the state board, the regional boards shall solicit comments from participants in their proceedings. Upon completion of the review, the state board shall report to the Legislature regarding its findings and include recommendations to improve regional board public participation processes.
• (b) (1) The state board shall provide annual training to regional board members to improve public participation and adjudication procedures at the regional level.
• (2) Paragraph (1) shall be implemented only during fiscal years for which funding is provided for the purposes of that paragraph in the annual Budget Act or in another statute.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 404, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2007.)

CHAPTER 5. ENFORCEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION [13300. - 13365.]

(Chapter 5 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 1. Administrative Enforcement and Remedies [13300. - 13308.]

(Heading of Article 1 amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 27.)

§ 13300. [Time schedules]

Whenever a regional board finds that a discharge of waste is taking place or threatening to take place that violates or will violate requirements prescribed by the regional board, or the state board, or that the waste collection, treatment, or disposal facilities of a discharger are approaching capacity, the board may require the discharger to submit for approval of the board, with such modifications as it may deem necessary, a detailed time schedule of specific actions the discharger shall take in order to correct or prevent a violation of requirements.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1288.)

§ 13301. [Cease and desist order]

When a regional board finds that a discharge of waste is taking place, or threatening to take place, in violation of requirements or discharge prohibitions prescribed by the regional board or the state board, the board may issue an order to cease and desist and direct that those persons not complying with the requirements or discharge prohibitions (a) comply forthwith, (b) comply in accordance with a time schedule set by the board, or (c) in the event of a threatened violation, take appropriate remedial or preventive action. In the event of an existing or threatened violation of waste discharge requirements in

the operation of a community sewer system, cease and desist orders may restrict or prohibit the volume, type, or concentration of waste that might be added to that system by dischargers who did not discharge into the system prior to the issuance of the cease and desist order. Cease and desist orders may be issued directly by a board, after notice and hearing. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 420, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2003.)

§ 13301.1. [Assistance with order]

The regional board shall render to persons against whom a cease and desist order is issued pursuant to Section 13301 all possible assistance in making available current information on successful and economical water quality control programs, as such information is developed by the state board pursuant to Section 13167, and information and assistance in applying for federal and state funds necessary to comply with the cease and desist order. (Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 1464.)

§ 13303. [Effective date]

Cease and desist orders of the board shall become effective and final upon issuance thereof. Copies shall be served forthwith by personal service, certified mail, or by any method of physical delivery that provides a receipt, upon the person being charged with the violation of the requirements, and by first class or electronic mail upon other affected persons who appeared at the hearing and requested a copy. For purposes of this section, 'physical delivery that provides a receipt' includes physical delivery methods that provide electronic confirmation of delivery to the intended address.

(Amended by Stats..2023, Ch. 158 (S.B.756), Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2024.)

§ 13304. [Cleanup and abatement]

(a) A person who has discharged or discharges waste into the waters of this state in violation of any waste discharge requirement or other order or prohibition issued by a regional board or the state board, or who has caused or permitted, causes or permits, or threatens to cause or permit any waste to be discharged or deposited where it is, or probably will be, discharged into the waters of the state and creates, or threatens to create, a condition of pollution or nuisance, shall, upon order of the regional board, clean up the waste or abate the effects of the waste, or, in the case of threatened pollution or nuisance, take other necessary remedial action, including, but not limited to, overseeing cleanup and abatement efforts. A cleanup and abatement order issued by the state board or a regional board may require the provision of, or payment for, uninterrupted replacement water service, which may include wellhead treatment, to each affected public water supplier or private well owner. Upon failure of a person to comply with the cleanup or abatement order, the Attorney General, at the request of the board, shall petition the superior court for that

county for the issuance of an injunction requiring the person to comply with the order. In the suit, the court shall have jurisdiction to grant a prohibitory or mandatory injunction, either preliminary or permanent, as the facts may warrant.

• (b) (1) The regional board may expend available moneys to perform any cleanup, abatement, or remedial work required under the circumstances set forth in subdivision (a), including, but not limited to, supervision of cleanup and abatement activities that, in its judgment, is required by the magnitude of the endeavor or the urgency for prompt action to prevent substantial pollution, nuisance, or injury to any waters of the state. The action may be taken in default of, or in addition to, remedial work by the waste discharger or other persons, and regardless of whether injunctive relief is being sought.
• (2) The regional board may perform the work itself, or with the cooperation of any other governmental agency, and may use rented tools or equipment, either with operators furnished or unoperated. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the regional board may enter into oral contracts for the work, and the contracts, whether written or oral, may include provisions for equipment rental and in addition the furnishing of labor and materials necessary to accomplish the work. The contracts shall not be subject to approval by the Department of General Services.
• (3) The regional board shall be permitted reasonable access to the affected property as necessary to perform any cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work. The access shall be obtained with the consent of the owner or possessor of the property or, if the consent is withheld, with a warrant duly issued pursuant to the procedure described in Title 13 (commencing with Section 1822.50) of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure. However, in the event of an emergency affecting public health or safety, the regional board may enter the property without consent or the issuance of a warrant.
• (4) The regional board may contract with a water agency to perform, under the direction of the regional board, investigations of existing or threatened groundwater pollution or nuisance. The agency's cost of performing the contracted services shall be reimbursed by the regional board from the first available funds obtained from cost recovery actions for the specific site. The authority of a regional board to contract with a water agency is limited to a water agency that draws groundwater from the affected aquifer, a metropolitan water district, or a local public agency responsible for water supply or water quality in a groundwater basin.
• (5) (A) If the state board or regional board, either directly or by contracting for services, undertakes to perform an investigation, cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work, both of the following shall apply:
• (i) The state board, regional board, or an employee of the state board or regional board shall not be held liable in a civil proceeding for trespass or any

other act that is necessary to carry out an investigation, cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work.

• (ii) The state board, regional board, or any authorized person shall not incur any obligation to undertake additional investigation, cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work, solely as a result of having conducted the work.
• (B) The following applies for purposes of this paragraph:
• (i) 'Authorized person' means any of the following:
• (I) An employee or independent contractor of the state board or regional board.
• (II) A person from whom investigation, cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work is contracted by the state board or regional board.
• (III) An employee or independent contractor of a person described in subclause (I) or (II).
• (ii) 'Investigation, cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work' includes investigation, cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work performed pursuant to this section or Section 13267, or corrective action performed pursuant to Section 25296.10 or 25299.36 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (C) It is not the intent of this paragraph to do any of the following:
• (i) Impair any cause of action by the state board or regional board against any person, including, but not limited to, a cause of action for breach of contract or indemnity.
• (ii) Limit the state board's or regional board's authority over any person.
• (iii) Limit any other applicable defenses to liability or create a cause of action.
• (c) (1) If the waste is cleaned up or the effects of the waste are abated, or, in the case of threatened pollution or nuisance, other necessary remedial action is taken by a governmental agency, the person or persons who discharged the waste, discharges the waste, or threatened to cause or permit the discharge of the waste within the meaning of subdivision (a), are liable to that governmental agency to the extent of the reasonable costs actually incurred in cleaning up the waste, abating the effects of the waste, supervising cleanup or abatement activities, or taking other remedial action. The amount of the costs is recoverable in a civil action by, and paid to, the governmental agency and the state board to the extent of the latter's contribution to the cleanup costs from the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account or other available funds.
• (2) The amount of the costs constitutes a lien on the affected property upon service of a copy of the notice of lien on the owner and upon the recordation of a notice of lien, that identifies the property on which the condition was abated, the amount of the lien, and the owner of record of the property, in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the property is located. Upon recordation, the lien has the same force, effect, and

priority as a judgment lien, except that it attaches only to the property posted and described in the notice of lien, and shall continue for 10 years from the time of the recording of the notice, unless sooner released or otherwise discharged. No later than 45 days after receiving a notice of lien, the owner may petition the court for an order releasing the property from the lien or reducing the amount of the lien. In this court action, the governmental agency that incurred the cleanup costs shall establish that the costs were reasonable and necessary. The lien may be foreclosed by an action brought by the state board on behalf of the regional board for a money judgment. Moneys recovered by a judgment in favor of the state board shall be deposited in the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.

• (d) If, despite reasonable efforts by the regional board to identify the person responsible for the discharge of waste or the condition of pollution or nuisance, the person is not identified at the time cleanup, abatement, or remedial work is required to be performed, the regional board is not required to issue an order under this section.
• (e) 'Threaten,' for purposes of this section, means a condition creating a substantial probability of harm, when the probability and potential extent of harm make it reasonably necessary to take immediate action to prevent, reduce, or mitigate damages to persons, property, or natural resources.
• (f) Replacement water provided pursuant to subdivision (a) shall meet all applicable federal, state, and local drinking water standards, and shall have comparable quality to that pumped by the public water system or private well owner before the discharge of waste.
• (g) (1) A public water supplier or private well owner receiving replacement water by reason of an order issued pursuant to subdivision (a), or a person or entity who is ordered to provide replacement water pursuant to subdivision (a), may request nonbinding mediation of all replacement water claims.
• (2) If requested, the public water suppliers receiving the replacement water and the persons or entities ordered to provide the replacement water, within 30 days of the submittal of a water replacement plan, shall engage in at least one confidential settlement discussion before a mutually acceptable mediator.
• (3) Any agreement between parties regarding replacement water claims resulting from participation in the nonbinding mediation process shall be consistent with the requirements of any cleanup and abatement order.
• (4) A regional board or the state board is not required to participate in any nonbinding mediation requested pursuant to paragraph (1).
• (5) The party or parties requesting the mediation shall pay for the costs of the mediation.

• (h) As part of a cleanup and abatement order that requires the provision of replacement water, a regional board or the state board shall request a water replacement plan from the discharger in cases where replacement water is to be provided for more than 30 days. The water replacement plan is subject to the approval of the regional board or the state board before its implementation.
• (i) A 'water replacement plan' means a plan pursuant to which the discharger will provide replacement water in accordance with a cleanup and abatement order.
• (j) This section does not impose any new liability for acts occurring before January 1, 1981, if the acts were not in violation of existing laws or regulations at the time they occurred.
• (k) Nothing in this section limits the authority of a state agency under any other law or regulation to enforce or administer any cleanup or abatement activity.
• ( l ) The Legislature declares that the amendments made to subdivision (a) by Chapter 614 of the Statutes of 2003 do not constitute a change in, but are declaratory of, existing law.
• (m) Paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) shall apply to a claim presented pursuant to Part 3 (commencing with Section 900) of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code on or after January 1, 2015, or, if no claim is presented pursuant to those provisions, to a cause of action in a civil complaint or writ petition filed on or after January 1, 2015.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 739, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13304.1. [Groundwater cleanup systems; consultation]

• (a) A groundwater cleanup system that commences operation on or after January 1, 2002, and that is required to obtain a discharge permit from the regional board pursuant to the regional board's jurisdiction, and that discharges treated groundwater to surface water or groundwater, shall treat the groundwater to standards approved by the regional board, consistent with this division and taking into account the beneficial uses of the receiving water and the location of the discharge and the method by which the discharge takes place.
• (b) In making its determination of the applicable water quality standards to be achieved by the operator of a groundwater cleanup system that commences operation on or after January 1, 2002, that draws groundwater from an aquifer that is currently being used, or has been used at any time since 1979 as a source of drinking water supply by the owner or operator of a public water system, and that discharges treated groundwater to surface water or groundwater from which a public water system draws drinking water, the regional board shall consult with the affected groundwater management entity, if any, affected public water systems, and the state board to ensure that the discharge,

spreading, or injection of the treated groundwater will not adversely affect the beneficial uses of any groundwater basin or surface water body that is or may be used by a public water system for the provision of drinking water. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 28. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13304.2. [Human health or ecological risk assessment]

• (a) For purposes of this section, 'brownfield site' means a real estate parcel or improvements located on the parcel, or both that parcel and the improvements, that is abandoned, idled, or underused, due to environmental contamination and that is proposed to be redeveloped.
• (b) The state board or a regional board may require a person conducting cleanup, abatement, or other remedial action pursuant to Section 13304 for a brownfield site to assess the potential human health or ecological risks caused or created by the discharge, using human health and environmental screening levels or a site-specific assessment of risks.
• (c) In conducting a site-specific assessment of human health or ecological risks, the discharger shall address all of the following factors to the extent relevant based on site-specific conditions:
• (1) An evaluation of risks posed by acutely toxic hazardous substances.
• (2) An evaluation of risks posed by carcinogenic or other hazardous substances that may cause chronic disease.
• (3) Consideration of possible synergistic effects resulting from exposure to, or interaction with, two or more hazardous substances.
• (4) Consideration of the effect of hazardous substances upon subgroups that comprise a meaningful portion of the general population, including, but not limited to, infants, children, pregnant women, or other subpopulations that are identifiable as being at greater risk than the general population of adverse health effects due to exposure to hazardous substances.
• (5) Consideration of exposure level and body burden level that alter physiological function or structure in a manner that may significantly increase the risk of illness and of exposure to hazardous substances in all media, including, but not limited to, exposures in drinking water, food, ambient and indoor air, or soil.
• (6) The development of reasonable maximum estimates of exposure for both current land use conditions and reasonably foreseeable future land uses at the site.
• (7) The development of reasonable maximum estimates of exposure to volatile organic compounds that may enter structures that are on the site or that are proposed to be constructed on the site and that may cause exposure due to accumulation of these volatile organic compounds in the indoor air of those structures.

• (d) The state board or a regional board may document its decision to require a site-specific assessment of human health or ecological risks in a letter issued to the discharger pursuant to Section 13267, through amendment of the cleanup and abatement order issued pursuant to Section 13304, or through other written means that the board deems appropriate.
• (e) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), this section applies only to an order issued by the state board or a regional board issued pursuant to Section 13304 on or after January 1, 2008.
• (2) The state board or a regional board may require a site-specific assessment of human health or ecological risks at a brownfield site that is subject to an order issued before January 1, 2008, only if the state board or a regional board makes a determination that site-specific circumstances demonstrate the need for that assessment. A site-specific assessment pursuant to this paragraph shall be done in accordance with the authority granted to the state board or a regional board pursuant to this division, as it read on December 31, 2007.

(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 597, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

§ 13305. [Nonoperating location]

• (a) Upon determining that a condition of pollution or nuisance exists that has resulted from a nonoperating industrial or business location within its region, a regional board may cause notice of the condition to be posted upon the property in question. The notice shall state that the condition constitutes either a condition of pollution or nuisance that is required to be abated by correction of the condition, or a condition that will be corrected by the city, county, other public agency, or regional board at the property owner's expense. The notice shall further state that all property owners having any objections to the proposed correction of the condition may attend a hearing to be held by the regional board at a time not less than 10 days from the posting of the notice.
• (b) Notice of the hearing prescribed in this section shall be given in the county where the property is located pursuant to Section 6061 of the Government Code.
• (c) In addition to posting and publication, notice as required in this section shall be mailed to the property owners as their names and addresses appear from the last equalized assessment roll.
• (d) At the time stated in the notices, the regional board shall hear and consider all objections or protests, if any, to the proposed correction of the condition, and may continue the hearing from time to time.
• (e) (1) After final action is taken by the regional board on the disposition of any protests or objections, or if no protests or objections are received, the regional board shall request the city, county, or other public agency in which the condition of pollution or nuisance exists to abate the condition or nuisance.

• (2) If the city, county, or other public agency does not abate the condition within a reasonable time, the regional board shall cause the condition to be abated. The regional board may proceed by force account, contract or other agreement, or any other method deemed most expedient by the regional board, and shall apply to the state board for the necessary funds.
• (3) The regional board shall be permitted reasonable access to the affected property as necessary to perform any cleanup, abatement, or other remedial work. Access shall be obtained with the consent of the owner or possessor of the property, or, if the consent is withheld, with a warrant duly issued pursuant to the procedure described in Title 13 (commencing with Section 1822.50) of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure. However, in the event of an emergency affecting public health or safety, the regional board may enter the property without consent or the issuance of a warrant.
• (f) The owner of the property on which the condition exists, or is created, is liable for all reasonable costs incurred by the regional board or any city, county, or public agency in abating the condition. The amount of the cost for abating the condition upon the property in question constitutes a lien upon the property so posted upon the recordation of a notice of lien, which identifies the property on which the condition was abated, the amount the lien, and the owner of record of the property, in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the property is located. Upon recordation, the lien has the same force, effect, and priority as a judgment lien, except that it attaches only to the property so posted and described in the notice of lien, and shall continue for 10 years from the time of the recording of the notice unless sooner released or otherwise discharged. The lien may be foreclosed by an action brought by the city, county, other public agency, or state board, on behalf of the regional board, for a money judgment. Money recovered by a judgment in favor of the state board shall be returned to the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.
• (g) The city, county, other public agency, or state board on behalf of a regional board, may, at any time, release all, or any portion, of the property subject to a lien imposed pursuant to subdivision (f) from the lien or subordinate the lien to other liens and encumbrances if it determines that the amount owed is sufficiently secured by a lien on other property or that the release or subordination of the lien will not jeopardize the collection of the amount owed. A certificate by the state board, city, county, or other public agency to the effect that any property has been released from the lien or that the lien has been subordinated to other liens and encumbrances is conclusive evidence that the property has been released or that the lien has been subordinated as provided in the certificate.

• (h) As used in this section, the words 'nonoperating' or 'not in operation' mean the business is not conducting routine operations usually associated with that kind of business.
• (i) Nothing in this section limits the authority of any state agency under any other law or regulation to enforce or administer any cleanup or abatement activity.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 22, Sec. 210. Effective January 1, 2006.)

§ 13306. [Majority requirement]

A majority vote of the entire membership of a regional board shall be required to adopt, rescind, or modify any enforcement action authorized by Section 13301.

(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1165.)

§ 13307. [Supervision of abatement]

[This version of Section 13307 will become operative January 1, 2024; see below.]

• (a) The state board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control shall concurrently establish policies and procedures consistent with this division that the state board's representatives and the representatives of regional boards shall follow in overseeing and supervising the activities of persons who are carrying out the investigation of, and cleaning up or abating the effects of, a discharge of a hazardous substance which creates, or threatens to create, a condition of contamination, pollution, or nuisance. The policies and procedures shall be consistent with the policies and procedures established pursuant to Section 79000 of the Health and Safety Code and shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
• (1) The procedures the state board and the regional boards will follow in making decisions as to when a person may be required to undertake an investigation to determine if an unauthorized hazardous substance discharge has occurred.
• (2) Policies for carrying out a phased, step-by-step investigation to determine the nature and extent of possible soil and groundwater contamination or pollution at a site.
• (3) Procedures for identifying and utilizing the most cost-effective methods for detecting contamination or pollution and cleaning up or abating the effects of contamination or pollution.
• (4) Policies for determining reasonable schedules for investigation and cleanup, abatement, or other remedial action at a site. The policies shall recognize the dangers to public health and the waters of the state posed by an unauthorized discharge and the need to mitigate those dangers while at the same time taking into account, to the extent possible, the resources, both financial and technical, available to the person responsible for the discharge.

• (b) The state board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control shall jointly review the policies and procedures that were established pursuant to this section and Section 79000 of the Health and Safety Code prior to the enactment of this subdivision and shall concurrently revise those policies and procedures as necessary to make them as consistent as possible. Where they cannot be made consistent because of the differing requirements of this chapter and Part 2 (commencing with Section 78000) of Division 45 of the Health and Safety Code, the state board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control shall, by July 1, 1994, jointly develop, and send to the Legislature, recommendations for revising this chapter and Part 2 (commencing with Section 78000) of Division 45 of the Health and Safety Code in order to make consistent the hazardous substance release cleanup policies and procedures followed by the state board, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the regional boards. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258, Sec. 126. (AB 2327) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 130 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)

§ 13307.1. [Notification of owners]

• (a) The state board and the regional boards shall not consider cleanup or site closure proposals from the primary or active responsible discharger, issue a closure letter, or make a determination that no further action is required with respect to a site subject to a cleanup or abatement order pursuant to Section 13304, unless all current record owners of fee title to the site of the proposed action have been notified of the proposed action by the state board or regional board.
• (b) The state board and regional boards shall take all reasonable steps necessary to accommodate responsible landowner participation in the cleanup or site closure process and shall consider all input and recommendations from any responsible landowner wishing to participate.
• (c) In addition to the requirements of subdivision (a), if the state board or the regional board finds that the property is not suitable for unrestricted use and that a land use restriction is necessary for the protection of public health, safety, or the environment, then the state board and the regional boards may not issue a closure letter, or make a determination that no further action is required, with respect to a site that is subject to a cleanup or abatement order pursuant to Section 13304 and that is not an underground storage tank site, unless a land use restriction is recorded or required to be recorded pursuant to Section 1471 of the Civil Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 62, Sec. 313. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13307.5. [Notice and public participation for specified cleanup proposals]

• (a) The regional board shall take all of the following actions when reviewing or approving a cleanup proposal from a primary or active responsible

discharger with respect to a site issued a cleanup and abatement order pursuant to Section 13304:

• (1) Provide to all of the following, notification, in a factsheet format or another appropriate format, in English and any other languages commonly spoken in the area, as appropriate, of the proposed decision to approve the cleanup proposal for the site, including a contact list of appropriate regional board staff:
• (A) An affected or potentially affected property owner, resident, or occupant in the area of the site.
• (B) An appropriate governmental entity, including a local governmental entity with jurisdiction over the site.
• (2) Provide timely access to written material, including reports and plans, addenda, and other supporting documentation, including materials listed as references, at the regional board's office and at a local repository in the area of the site, and, to the maximum extent possible, by posting on the Internet and acting in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 13196.
• (3) Provide no less than 30 days for an interested person to review and comment on the cleanup proposal regarding the site. The regional board shall consider any comments received before taking final action on a cleanup proposal regarding the site.
• (4) Conduct a public meeting in the area of the site during the public comment period pursuant to paragraph (3), if any of the following conditions applies:
• (A) A public meeting is requested by an affected or potentially affected property owner, resident, or occupant, in the area of the site.
• (B) The level of expressed public interest warrants the conduct of a public meeting.
• (C) A public meeting is specifically mandated by statute.
• (D) The regional board determines that the existing site contamination poses a significant public health threat.
• (b) In undertaking the requirements of this section, a regional board shall, to the extent possible, coordinate and integrate the public participation activities described in this section with those undertaken by the host jurisdiction and other public entities associated with development, investigation, or the response action at the site, in order to avoid unnecessary duplication and to integrate the public participation efforts of local government.
• (c) For purposes of this section, 'site' has the same meaning as defined in Section 25395.79.2 of the Health and Safety Code. (Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 562, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)

§ 13307.6. [Optional public participation]

• (a) In addition to the requirements of Section 13307.5, the regional board may develop and use any of the following procedures to disseminate information and assist the regional board in gathering community input regarding a site, if the regional board determines there is expressed community interest in the site, or the existing site contamination poses a significant public health threat:
• (1) An annual factsheet.
• (2) Internet posting or electronic distribution of an electronic copy of a document or report.
• (3) An electronic comment or electronic feedback form.
• (4) Formation and facilitation of an advisory group.
• (5) An additional public meeting or workshop.
• (6) Extension of a public comment period.
• (7) Preparation of a public participation plan.
• (8) Creation of a mailing list for notifying an interested party of a major regional board decision and the regional board's proposed or planned activity regarding the site.
• (b) For purposes of this section, 'site' has the same meaning as defined in Section 25395.79.2 of the Health and Safety Code. (Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 562, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2007.)

§ 13308. [Violation of order; penalty]

• (a) If the regional board determines there is a threatened or continuing violation of any cleanup or abatement order, cease and desist order, or any order issued under Section 13267 or 13383, the regional board may issue an order establishing a time schedule and prescribing a civil penalty which shall become due if compliance is not achieved in accordance with that time schedule.
• (b) The amount of the civil penalty shall be based upon the amount reasonably necessary to achieve compliance, and may not include any amount intended to punish or redress previous violations. The amount of the penalty may not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (c) Any person who fails to achieve compliance in accordance with the schedule established in an order issued pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be liable civilly in an amount not to exceed the amount prescribed by the order. The regional board may impose the penalty administratively in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323). If the regional board imposes the penalty in an amount less than the amount prescribed in the order issued pursuant to subdivision (a), the regional board shall make express findings setting forth the reasons for its action based on the specific factors required to be considered pursuant to Section 13327.

• (d) The state board may exercise the powers of a regional board under this section if the violation or threatened violation involves requirements prescribed by an order issued by the state board.
• (e) Funds collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.
• (f) Civil liability may be imposed pursuant to this section only if civil liability is not imposed pursuant to Section 13261, 13265, 13268, 13350, or 13385.

(Added by Stats. 1994, Ch. 45, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1995.)

Article 2. Administrative Review by the State Board [13320. - 13321.]

(Heading of Article 2 amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 29.)

§ 13320. [Review by state board of regional board action]

• (a) Within 30 days of any action or failure to act by a regional board under subdivision (c) of Section 13225, Article 4 (commencing with Section 13260) of Chapter 4, Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13300), Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370), Chapter 5.9 (commencing with Section 13399.25), or Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 13500), an aggrieved person may petition the state board to review that action or failure to act. In case of a failure to act, the 30-day period shall commence upon the refusal of the regional board to act, or 60 days after request has been made to the regional board to act. The state board may, on its own motion, at any time, review the regional board's action or failure to act.
• (b) The evidence before the state board shall consist of the record before the regional board, and any other relevant evidence which, in the judgment of the state board, should be considered to effectuate and implement the policies of this division.
• (c) The state board may find that the action of the regional board, or the failure of the regional board to act, was appropriate and proper. Upon finding that the action of the regional board, or the failure of the regional board to act, was inappropriate or improper, the state board may direct that the appropriate action be taken by the regional board, refer the matter to another state agency having jurisdiction, take the appropriate action itself, or take any combination of those actions. In taking any action, the state board is vested with all the powers of the regional boards under this division.
• (d) If a waste discharge in one region affects the waters in another region and there is any disagreement between the regional boards involved as to the requirements that should be established, either regional board may submit the disagreement to the state board, which shall determine the applicable requirements.
• (e) If a petition for state board review of a regional board action on waste discharge requirements includes a request for a stay of the waste discharge

requirements, the state board shall act on the requested stay portion of the petition within 60 days of accepting the petition. The board may order any stay to be in effect from the effective date of the waste discharge requirements. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13321. [Stay of action]

• (a) (1) In the case of a review by the state board under Section 13320 or review by the state board of a decision or order issued under authority delegated to an officer or employee of the state board where the state board by regulation has authorized a petition for reconsideration, the state board, upon notice and hearing, if a hearing is requested, may stay in whole or in part the effect of the decision or order of a regional board or of the state board. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the state board shall issue or deny the stay within 90 days of receipt of a request for stay that complies with the applicable regulations for requesting a stay. The party requesting the stay may extend the 90-day period.
• (2) (A) If the request for stay relates to either of the following, the state board shall issue or deny the stay within 45 days of receipt of a request for stay that complies with the applicable regulations for requesting the stay:
• (i) A water quality certification issued under Section 13160 authority delegated to an officer or employee of the state board for a discharge for a proposed activity associated with a hydroelectric facility and the proposed activity requires a license or an amendment to a license issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• (ii) A cleanup and abatement order issued under Section 13304 authority delegated to an officer or employee of the state board or a regional board that requires the provision of alternate water supplies within 120 days of the date of the order.
• (B) The party requesting a stay may extend the 45-day period described in subparagraph (A).
• (3) If the state board fails to issue or deny the stay within the applicable period specified in paragraph (1) or (2), the request for stay shall be deemed denied on the first day following the applicable period.
• (b) (1) Within 30 days of any order of the state board issuing or denying a stay or within 30 days of a stay being deemed denied pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), any aggrieved party may file with the superior court a petition for writ of mandate for review of the state board's order issuing or denying a stay or failure to issue or deny a stay.
• (2) (A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall govern proceedings for which petitions are filed under this section.

• (B) If the superior court finds that the state board failed to follow the procedures specified in subdivision (a) or otherwise prejudicially abused its discretion, the superior court may set aside the state board's order issuing or denying the stay and may stay, in whole or in part, the effect of the decision or order of a regional board or of the state board pending review by the state board.
• (C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A) or (B), if a request for stay is subject to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), the superior court may proceed without a certified administrative record and may stay, in whole or in part, the effect of the order or decision issued under delegated authority pending the state board's review of the order or decision. The court shall not impose the stay if the court is satisfied that it is against the public interest.
• (3) In an action under this section or Section 13330 involving a water quality certification issued pursuant to Section 13160, the court shall not issue a stay or other order that enjoins or has the effect of preventing the state board from taking action necessary to avoid a waiver of water quality certification for failure to act within the period provided under federal law. In determining whether there is a risk of waiver, the court shall consider the applicable regulations or policies of the federal agency issuing the permit or license subject to the water quality certification.
• (c) If the state board or the superior court grants a stay under this section, the stay may be made effective as of the effective date of the regional board or state board decision or order.
• (d) If a petition is filed with the superior court under Section 13330, any stay in effect at the time of the filing of the petition shall remain in effect by operation of law for a period of 20 days from the date of the filing of that petition.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 261. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Article 2.5. Administrative Civil Liability [13323. - 13328.]

(Article 2.5 added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1541, Sec. 4.)

§ 13323. [Imposition of civil liability]

• (a) Any executive officer of a regional board may issue a complaint to any person on whom administrative civil liability may be imposed pursuant to this article. The complaint shall allege the act or failure to act that constitutes a violation of law, the provision of law authorizing civil liability to be imposed pursuant to this article, and the proposed civil liability.
• (b) The complaint shall be served by certified mail, in accordance with Article 3 (commencing with Section 415.10) of, and Article 4 (commencing with Section 416.10) of, Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or by any method of physical delivery that provides a receipt, and shall inform the party so served that a hearing before the regional board shall be conducted

within 90 days after the party has been served. For purposes of this subdivision, 'physical delivery that provides a receipt' includes physical delivery methods that provide electronic confirmation of delivery to the intended address. The person who has been issued a complaint may waive the right to a hearing.

(c) In proceedings under this article for imposition of administrative civil liability by the state board, the executive director of the state board shall issue the complaint and any hearing shall be before the state board, or before a member of the state board in accordance with Section 183, and shall be conducted not later than 90 days after the party has been served.

(d) Orders imposing administrative civil liability shall become effective and final upon issuance thereof, and are not subject to review by any court or agency except as provided by Sections 13320 and 13330. Payment shall be made not later than 30 days from the date on which the order is issued. The time for payment is extended during the period in which a person who is subject to an order seeks review under Section 13320 or 13330. Copies of these orders shall be served by certified mail, in accordance with Article 3 (commencing with Section 415.10) of, and Article 4 (commencing with Section 416.10) of, Chapter 4 of Title 5 of Part 2 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or by any method of physical delivery that provides a receipt, upon the party served with the complaint and shall be provided to other persons who appeared at the hearing and requested a copy. For purposes of this subdivision, 'physical delivery that provides a receipt' includes physical delivery methods that provide electronic confirmation of delivery to the intended address.

(e) Information relating to hearing waivers and the imposition of administrative civil liability, as proposed to be imposed and as finally imposed, under this section shall be made available to the public by means of the internet.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 158 (S.B.756), Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2024.)

§ 13326. [Limitation to civil liability]

No person shall be subject to both civil liability imposed under this article and civil liability imposed by the superior court under Articles 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and 6 (commencing with Section 13360) for the same act or failure to act.

(Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1541, Sec. 4.)

§ 13327. [Amount of liability]

In determining the amount of civil liability, the regional board, and the state board upon review of any order pursuant to Section 13320, shall take into consideration the nature, circumstance, extent, and gravity of the violation or violations, whether the discharge is susceptible to cleanup or abatement, the degree of toxicity of the discharge, and, with respect to the violator, the ability to pay, the effect on ability to continue in business, any voluntary cleanup

efforts undertaken, any prior history of violations, the degree of culpability, economic benefit or savings, if any, resulting from the violation, and other matters as justice may require.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 869, Sec. 4.5. Effective January 1, 2002.)

§ 13328. [Judgment to collect]

After the time for judicial review under Section 13330 has expired, the state board may apply to the clerk of the appropriate court in the county in which the civil liability or penalty was imposed, for a judgment to collect the civil liability or penalty. The application, which shall include a certified copy of the state board or regional board action, constitutes a sufficient showing to warrant issuance of the judgment. The court clerk shall enter the judgment immediately in conformity with the application. The judgment so entered has the same force and effect as, and is subject to all the provisions of law relating to, a judgment in a civil action, and may be enforced in the same manner as any other judgment of the court in which it is entered.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 420, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2003.)

Article 3. Judicial Review and Enforcement [13330. - 13331.]

(Article 3 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13330. [Petition for judicial review]

• (a) Not later than 30 days from the date of service of a copy of a decision or order issued by the state board under this division, other than a decision or order issued pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 13550) of Chapter 7, any aggrieved party may file with the superior court a petition for writ of mandate for review of the decision or order. An aggrieved party must file a petition for reconsideration with the state board to exhaust that party's administrative remedies only if the initial decision or order is issued under authority delegated to an officer or employee of the state board and the state board by regulation has authorized a petition for reconsideration. The state board shall order or deny reconsideration on a petition therefor not later than 90 days from the date the state board adopts the decision or order.
• (b) A party aggrieved by a final decision or order of a regional board subject to review under Section 13320 may obtain review of the decision or order of the regional board in the superior court by filing in the court a petition for writ of mandate not later than 30 days from the date on which the state board denies review.
• (c) The time for filing an action or proceeding subject to Section 21167 of the Public Resources Code for a person who seeks review of the regional board's decision or order under Section 13320, or who seeks reconsideration under a state board regulation authorizing a petition for reconsideration, shall commence upon the state board's completion of that review or reconsideration.

• (d) If no aggrieved party petitions for writ of mandate within the time provided by this section, a decision or order of the state board or a regional board shall not be subject to review by any court.
• (e) Except as provided in this section, Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure shall govern proceedings for which petitions are filed pursuant to this section. For the purposes of subdivision (c) of Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the court shall exercise its independent judgment on the evidence in any case involving the judicial review of a decision or order of the state board issued under Section 13320, or a decision or order of a regional board for which the state board denies review under Section 13320, other than a decision or order issued under Section 13323.
• (f) Except as provided in this section, no legal or equitable process shall issue in any proceeding in any court against the state board, a regional board, or any officer of the state board or a regional board to review, prevent, or enjoin any adjudicative proceeding under this division. Except as provided in this section and Section 13321, no legal or equitable process shall issue in any proceeding in any court against the state board, a regional board, or any officer or employee of the state board or a regional board to review, prevent, or enjoin a decision or order by the state board, a regional board, or any officer or employee of the state board or a regional board before a decision or order is issued and the procedures for administrative review of that decision or order have been exhausted.
• (g) A party aggrieved by a decision or order issued by the state board under Article 7 (commencing with Section 13550) of Chapter 7 may petition for reconsideration or judicial review in accordance with Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 1120) of Part 1 of Division 2.
• (h) For purposes of this section, a decision or order includes a final action in an adjudicative proceeding and an action subject to Section 11352 of the Government Code, but does not include an action subject to Section 11353 of the Government Code or the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a regulation under Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 523, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13331. [Injunction]

• (a) Upon the failure of any person or persons to comply with any cease and desist order issued by a regional board or the state board, the Attorney General, upon request of the board, shall petition the superior court for the issuance of a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, as may be appropriate, restraining such person or persons from continuing the discharge in violation of the cease and desist order.

• (b) The court shall issue an order directing defendants to appear before the court at a time and place certain and show cause why the injunction should not be issued. The court may grant such prohibitory or mandatory relief as may be warranted.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 1997.)

Article 4. Summary Judicial Abatement [13340. - 13340.]

(Article 4 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13340. [Injunctive relief for emergencies]

Whenever a regional board finds that a discharge of waste within its region is taking place or threatening to take place which does or will cause a condition of pollution or nuisance, constituting an emergency requiring immediate action to protect the public health, welfare, or safety, the Attorney General, upon request of the board, shall petition the superior court to enjoin such discharge. The court shall have jurisdiction to grant such prohibitory or mandatory injunctive relief as may be warranted by way of temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, and permanent injunction.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 5. Civil Monetary Remedies [13350. - 13351.]

(Article 5 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13350. [Civil liability; amount; recovery]

• (a) A person who (1) violates a cease and desist order or cleanup and abatement order hereafter issued, reissued, or amended by a regional board or the state board, or (2) in violation of a waste discharge requirement, waiver condition, certification, or other order or prohibition issued, reissued, or amended by a regional board or the state board, discharges waste, or causes or permits waste to be deposited where it is discharged, into the waters of the state, or (3) causes or permits any oil or any residuary product of petroleum to be deposited in or on any of the waters of the state, except in accordance with waste discharge requirements or other actions or provisions of this division, shall be liable civilly, and remedies may be proposed, in accordance with subdivision (d) or (e).
• (b) (1) A person who, without regard to intent or negligence, causes or permits a hazardous substance to be discharged in or on any of the waters of the state, except in accordance with waste discharge requirements or other provisions of this division, shall be strictly liable civilly in accordance with subdivision (d) or (e).
• (2) For purposes of this subdivision, the term 'discharge' includes only those discharges for which Section 13260 directs that a report of waste discharge shall be filed with the regional board.

• (3) For purposes of this subdivision, the term 'discharge' does not include an emission excluded from the applicability of Section 311 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1321) pursuant to Environmental Protection Agency regulations interpreting Section 311(a)(2) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1321(a)(2)).
• (c) A person shall not be liable under subdivision (b) if the discharge is caused solely by any one or combination of the following:
• (1) An act of war.
• (2) An unanticipated grave natural disaster or other natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character, the effects of which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight.
• (3) Negligence on the part of the state, the United States, or any department or agency thereof. However, this paragraph shall not be interpreted to provide the state, the United States, or any department or agency thereof a defense to liability for any discharge caused by its own negligence.
• (4) An intentional act of a third party, the effects of which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight.
• (5) Any other circumstance or event that causes the discharge despite the exercise of every reasonable precaution to prevent or mitigate the discharge.
• (d) The court may impose civil liability either on a daily basis or on a per gallon basis, but not on both.
• (1) The civil liability on a daily basis shall not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for each day the violation occurs.
• (2) The civil liability on a per gallon basis shall not exceed twenty dollars ($20) for each gallon of waste discharged.
• (e) The state board or a regional board may impose civil liability administratively pursuant to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 either on a daily basis or on a per gallon basis, but not on both.
• (1) The civil liability on a daily basis shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each day the violation occurs.
• (A) When there is a discharge, and a cleanup and abatement order is issued, except as provided in subdivision (f), the civil liability shall not be less than five hundred dollars ($500) for each day in which the discharge occurs and for each day the cleanup and abatement order is violated.
• (B) When there is no discharge, but an order issued by the regional board is violated, except as provided in subdivision (f), the civil liability shall not be less than one hundred dollars ($100) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) The civil liability on a per gallon basis shall not exceed ten dollars ($10) for each gallon of waste discharged.
• (f) A regional board shall not administratively impose civil liability in accordance with paragraph (1) of subdivision (e) in an amount less than the

minimum amount specified, unless the regional board makes express findings setting forth the reasons for its action based upon the specific factors required to be considered pursuant to Section 13327.

• (g) The Attorney General, upon request of a regional board or the state board, shall petition the superior court to impose, assess, and recover the sums. Except in the case of a violation of a cease and desist order, a regional board or the state board shall make the request only after a hearing, with due notice of the hearing given to all affected persons. In determining the amount to be imposed, assessed, or recovered, the court shall be subject to Section 13351.
• (h) Article 3 (commencing with Section 13330) and Article 6 (commencing with Section 13360) apply to proceedings to impose, assess, and recover an amount pursuant to this article.
• (i) A person who incurs any liability established under this section shall be entitled to contribution for that liability from a third party, in an action in the superior court and upon proof that the discharge was caused in whole or in part by an act or omission of the third party, to the extent that the discharge is caused by the act or omission of the third party, in accordance with the principles of comparative fault.
• (j) Remedies under this section are in addition to, and do not supersede or limit, any and all other remedies, civil or criminal, except that no liability shall be recoverable under subdivision (b) for any discharge for which liability is recovered under Section 13385.
• (k) Notwithstanding any other law, all funds generated by the imposition of liabilities pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Waste Discharge Permit Fund. These moneys shall be separately accounted for, and shall be expended by the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist regional boards, and other public agencies with authority to clean up waste or abate the effects of the waste, in cleaning up or abating the effects of the waste on waters of the state, or for the purposes authorized in Section 13443, or to assist in implementing Chapter 7.3 (commencing with Section 13560).
• ( l ) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2017. (Repealed (in Sec. 185) and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 35, Sec. 186. (SB 861) Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2017, by its own provisions.)

§ 13351. [Determining the amount of civil liability]

In determining the amount of civil liability to be imposed pursuant to this chapter, the superior court shall take into consideration the nature, circumstance, extent, and gravity of the violation or violations, whether the discharge is susceptible to cleanup or abatement, the degree of toxicity of the discharge, and, with respect to the violator, the ability to pay, the effect on ability to continue in business, any voluntary cleanup efforts undertaken, any prior history of violations, the degree of culpability, economic benefit or savings,

if any, resulting from the violation, and such other matters as justice may require.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 869, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2002.)

Article 6. General Provisions Relating to Enforcement and Review [13360. - 13362.]

(Article 6 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13360. [Manner of compliance]

• (a) No waste discharge requirement or other order of a regional board or the state board or decree of a court issued under this division shall specify the design, location, type of construction, or particular manner in which compliance may be had with that requirement, order, or decree, and the person so ordered shall be permitted to comply with the order in any lawful manner. However, the restrictions of this section shall not apply to waste discharge requirements or orders or decrees with respect to any of the following:
• (1) Discharge of solid waste to disposal sites other than evaporation ponds from which there is no drainage or seepage which requires the installation of riprap, the construction of walls and dikes, the installation of surface and underground drainage facilities to prevent runoff from entering the disposal area or leakage to underground or surface waters, or other reasonable requirements to achieve the above or similar purposes.
• (2) Discharges of waste or fluid to an injection well, except any well which is regulated by the Division of Oil and Gas in the Department of Conservation pursuant to Division 3 (commencing with Section 3000) of the Public Resources Code and Subpart F of Part 147 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and is in compliance with that division and Subpart A (commencing with Section 146.1) of Subchapter D of Chapter 1 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• (b) If the court, in an action for an injunction brought under this division, finds that the enforcement of an injunction restraining the discharger from discharging waste would be impracticable, the court may issue any order reasonable under the circumstances requiring specific measures to be undertaken by the discharger to comply with the discharge requirements, order, or decree.

(Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1013, Sec. 9. Effective September 23, 1986.)

§ 13361. [Civil action; venue; procedures]

• (a) Every civil action brought under the provisions of this division at the request of a regional board or the state board shall be brought by the Attorney General in the name of the people of the State of California and any of those actions relating to the same discharge may be joined or consolidated.

• (b) Any civil action brought pursuant to this division shall be brought in a county in which the discharge is made, or proposed to be made. However, any action by or against a city, city and county, county, or other public agency shall, upon motion of either party, be transferred to a county or city and county not a party to the action or to a county or city and county other than that in which the city or public agency is located.
• (c) In any civil action brought pursuant to this division in which a regional board or the state board seeks a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction, it shall not be necessary to allege or prove at any stage of the proceeding that irreparable damage will occur should the temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction not be issued, or that the remedy at law is inadequate, and the temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction shall issue without those allegations and proof.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 523, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13362. [Inspections]

[This version remains in the code, but has been superceded by a later enacted version; see below.]

A publicly owned treatment works (POTW) with an approved pretreatment program may conduct inspections in accordance with the provisions of Sections 403.8(f)(1)(v) and 403.8(f)(2)(v) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and assess and collect civil penalties and civil administrative penalties in accordance with Sections 54740, 54740.5, and 54740.6 of the Government Code, with regard to all dischargers of industrial waste to the POTW. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 92, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000. See the prevailing Section 13362 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 92, with the same substantive provisions.)

§ 13362. [Inspections]

• (a) A publicly owned treatment works (POTW) with an approved pretreatment program may conduct inspections in accordance with the provisions of Sections 403.8(f)(1)(v) and 403.8(f)(2)(v) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and assess and collect civil penalties and civil administrative penalties in accordance with Sections 54740, 54740.5, and 54740.6 of the Government Code, with regard to all dischargers of industrial waste to the POTW.
• (b) This section prevails over Section 13362, as added to the Water Code by Assembly Bill 1104 of the 1999-2000 Regular Session. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 93, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)

Article 7. Hazardous Substance Removal and Remedial Action Charges [13365. - 13365.]

(Article 7 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 607, Sec. 1.)

§ 13365. [Definitions; billing; cost recovery; requirements]

• (a) (1) For purposes of this article, unless the context otherwise requires, 'agency' means the state board or a regional board.
• (2) The terms used in this article shall have the same meaning as the definitions specified in the statutory authority under which the agency takes any action subject to this article, except that, notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 78075 of the Health and Safety Code, for purposes of this article, 'hazardous substance' includes a hazardous substance specified in subdivision (h) of Section 25281 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) On or before July 1, 1997, the agency shall adopt a billing system for the agency's cost recovery of investigation, analysis, planning, implementation, oversight, or other activity related to the removal or remedial or corrective action of a release of a hazardous substance that includes both of the following:
• (1) Billing rates and overhead rates by employee job classification.
• (2) Standardized description of work tasks.
• (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, after July 1, 1997, any charge imposed upon a responsible party by the agency, to compensate the agency for some, or all, of its costs incurred in connection with the agency's investigation, analysis, planning, implementation, oversight, or other activity related to a removal or remedial action or a corrective action to a release of a hazardous substance, shall not be assessed or collected unless all of the following requirements are met:
• (1) Except as provided in subdivision (f), prior to commencing the work or service for which the charge is assessed, and at least annually thereafter if the work or service is continuing, the agency shall provide all of the following information to the responsible party:
• (A) A detailed estimate of the work to be performed or services to be provided, including a statement of the expected outcome of that work, based upon data available to the agency at the time.
• (B) The billing rates for all individuals and classes of employees expected to engage in the work or service.
• (C) An estimate of all expected charges to be billed to the responsible party by the agency, including, but not limited to, any overhead assessments that the agency may be authorized to levy.
• (2) (A) Invoices shall be issued not less than semiannually with appropriate incentives for prompt payment.
• (B) Invoices shall be mailed to the correct person or persons for the responsible party or parties.

• (C) Invoices shall provide a daily detail of work performed and time spent by each employee and contractor employee using the billing and overhead rates and the standardized description of work tasks adopted pursuant to subdivision (b).
• (D) Invoices shall include the source and amount of all other charges.
• (E) Invoices shall be supplemented with statements of any changes in rates and a justification for any changes.
• (F) Invoices shall be reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness.
• (3) Upon request and within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 working days from the date of receipt of a request, the agency shall provide the responsible party with copies of time records and other materials supporting the invoice described in paragraph (2). No fees or charges may be assessed for the preparation and delivery of those copies pursuant to this section.
• (4) The agency shall identify a party who is responsible for resolving disputes regarding the charges subject to this section and who is not responsible for, or performing, the work or service for which the charges are assessed.
• (d) The agency may adjust the scope of the work or service, type of studies, or other tasks to be performed, based upon analyses necessary to accommodate new information regarding the extent of contamination of the site, and only after providing written notice of the change to the responsible party containing the information specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (c).
• (e) The agency may increase billing rates not more than once each calendar year, to the extent authorized by law. Any increase in billing rates or other charges, including, but not limited to, overhead charges, shall operate prospectively only, and shall take effect not sooner than 10 days from the date that written notice has been provided to the responsible party.
• (f) (1) Paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) shall not apply when a situation exists that requires prompt action to protect human health or safety or the environment.
• (2) Paragraph (1) of subdivision (c) does not apply with respect to those responsible parties who are not identified until after the beginning of a removal or remedial action or corrective action to a release of a hazardous substance. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258, Sec. 127. (AB 2327) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 130 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)

CHAPTER 5.2. PREPRODUCTION PLASTIC DEBRIS PROGRAM [13367. - 13367.] (Chapter 5.2 added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 735, Sec. 2.)

§ 13367. [Program for control of preproduction plastics; minimum BMPs to control discharge]

• (a) For purposes of this chapter, 'preproduction plastic' includes plastic resin pellets and powdered coloring for plastics.

• (b) (1) The state board and the regional boards shall implement a program to control discharges of preproduction plastic from point and nonpoint sources. The state board shall determine the appropriate regulatory methods to address the discharges from these point and nonpoint sources.
• (2) The state board, when developing this program, shall consult with any regional board with plastic manufacturing, handling, and transportation facilities located within the regional board's jurisdiction that has already voluntarily implemented a program to control discharges of preproduction plastic.
• (c) The program control measures shall, at a minimum, include waste discharge, monitoring, and reporting requirements that target plastic manufacturing, handling, and transportation facilities.
• (d) The program shall, at a minimum, require plastic manufacturing, handling, and transportation facilities to implement best management practices to control discharges of preproduction plastics. A facility that handles preproduction plastic shall comply with either subdivision (e) or the criteria established pursuant to subdivision (f).
• (e) At a minimum, the state board shall require the following best management practices in all permits issued under the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) program that regulate plastic manufacturing, handling, or transportation facilities:
• (1) Appropriate containment systems shall be installed at all onsite storm drain discharge locations that are down-gradient of areas where preproduction plastic is present or transferred. A facility shall install a containment system that is defined as a device or series of devices that traps all particles retained by a one millimeter mesh screen and has a design treatment capacity of not less than the peak flowrate resulting from a one-year, one-hour storm in each of the down-gradient drainage areas. When the installation of a containment system is not appropriate because one or more of a facility's down-gradient drainage areas is not discharged through a stormwater conveyance system, or when the regional board determines that a one millimeter or similar mesh screen is not appropriate at one or more down-gradient discharge locations, the regulated facility shall identify and propose for approval by the regional board technically feasible alternative storm drain control measures that are designed to achieve the same performance as a one millimeter mesh screen.
• (2) At all points of preproduction plastic transfer, measures shall be taken to prevent discharge, including, but not limited to, sealed containers durable enough so as not to rupture under typical loading and unloading activities.
• (3) At all points of preproduction plastic storage, preproduction plastic shall be stored in sealed containers that are durable enough so as not to rupture under typical loading and unloading activities.

• (4) At all points of storage and transfer of preproduction plastic, capture devices shall be in place under all transfer valves and devices used in loading, unloading, or other transfer of preproduction plastic.
• (5) A facility shall make available to its employees a vacuum or vacuum type system, for quick cleanup of fugitive preproduction plastic.
• (f) The state board shall include criteria for submitting a no exposure certification pursuant to Section 122.26(g) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations in all NPDES permits regulating plastic manufacturing, handling, or transportation facilities. Facilities that satisfy the no exposure certification criteria are conditionally exempt from the permitting requirements pursuant to Section 122.26 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The no exposure certification shall be required every five years or more frequently as determined by the state board or a regional board.
• (g) The state board and the regional boards shall implement this chapter by January 1, 2009.
• (h) Nothing in this chapter limits the authority of the state board or the regional boards to establish requirements in addition to the best management practices for the elimination of discharges of preproduction plastic. (Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 735, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

CHAPTER 5.4. NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM [13369. 13369.]

(Chapter 5.4 added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 560, Sec. 1.)

§ 13369. [Implementation of the nonpoint source management plan]

• (a) The state board, in consultation with the regional boards, the California Coastal Commission, and other appropriate state agencies and advisory groups, as necessary, shall prepare a detailed program for the purpose of implementing the state's nonpoint source management plan. The board shall address all applicable provisions of the Clean Water Act, including Section 319 (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1329), as well as Section 6217 of the federal Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1455b), and this division in the preparation of this detailed implementation program.
• (b) (1) The program shall include all of the following components:
• (A) Nonregulatory implementation of best management practices.
• (B) Regulatory-based incentives for best management practices.
• (C) The adoption and enforcement of waste discharge requirements that will require the implementation of best management practices.
• (2) In connection with its duties under this subdivision to prepare and implement the state's nonpoint source management plan, the state board shall develop, on or before February 1, 2001, guidance to be used by the state board and the regional boards for the purpose of describing the process by which the

state board and the regional boards will enforce the state's nonpoint source management plan, pursuant to this division.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 182. Effective January 1, 2013.)

CHAPTER 5.5. COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AS AMENDED IN 1972 [13370. - 13389.]

(Chapter 5.5 added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 1256.)

§ 13370. [Legislative intent]

The Legislature finds and declares as follows:

• (a) The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), as amended, provides for permit systems to regulate the discharge of pollutants and dredged or fill material to the navigable waters of the United States and to regulate the use and disposal of sewage sludge.
• (b) The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, provides that permits may be issued by states which are authorized to implement the provisions of that act.
• (c) It is in the interest of the people of the state, in order to avoid direct regulation by the federal government of persons already subject to regulation under state law pursuant to this division, to enact this chapter in order to authorize the state to implement the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto, and federal regulations and guidelines issued pursuant thereto, provided, that the state board shall request federal funding under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for the purpose of carrying out its responsibilities under this program. (Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1189, Sec. 1.)

§ 13370.5. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature finds and declares that, since the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), as amended, and applicable federal regulations (40 C.F.R. 403 et seq.) provide for a pretreatment program to regulate the discharge of pollutants into publicly owned treatment works and provide that states with approved national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit programs shall apply for approval of a state pretreatment program, it is in the interest of the people of the state to enact this section in order to avoid direct regulation by the federal government of publicly owned treatment works already subject to regulation under state law pursuant to this division.
• (b) The state board shall develop a state pretreatment program and shall, not later than September 1, 1985, apply to the Environmental Protection Agency for approval of the pretreatment program in accordance with federal requirements.

(Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1542, Sec. 1.)

§ 13372. [Consistency]

• (a) This chapter shall be construed to ensure consistency with the requirements for state programs implementing the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. To the extent other provisions of this division are consistent with the provisions of this chapter and with the requirements for state programs implementing the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto, those provisions apply to actions and procedures provided for in this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall prevail over other provisions of this division to the extent of any inconsistency. The provisions of this chapter apply only to actions required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.
• (b) The provisions of Section 13376 requiring the filing of a report for the discharge of dredged or fill material and the provisions of this chapter relating to the issuance of dredged or fill material permits by the state board or a regional board shall be applicable only to discharges for which the state has an approved permit program, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, for the discharge of dredged or fill material. (Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 683, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13373. [Definitions]

The terms 'navigable waters,' 'administrator,' 'pollutants,' 'biological monitoring,' 'discharge' and 'point sources' as used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto. (Amended by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1189, Sec. 4.)

§ 13374. [Waste discharge requirements defined]

The term 'waste discharge requirements' as referred to in this division is the equivalent of the term 'permits' as used in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended.

(Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 1256.)

§ 13375. [Discharges prohibited]

The discharge of any radiological, chemical, or biological warfare agent into the waters of the state is hereby prohibited.

(Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 1256.)

§ 13376. [Reports of discharges]

A person who discharges pollutants or proposes to discharge pollutants to the navigable waters of the United States within the jurisdiction of this state or a person who discharges dredged or fill material or proposes to discharge dredged or fill material into the navigable waters of the United States within the jurisdiction of this state shall file a report of the discharge in compliance with

the procedures set forth in Section 13260. Unless required by the state board or a regional board, a report need not be filed under this section for discharges that are not subject to the permit application requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. A person who proposes to discharge pollutants or dredged or fill material or to operate a publicly owned treatment works or other treatment works treating domestic sewage shall file a report at least 180 days in advance of the date on which it is desired to commence the discharge of pollutants or dredged or fill material or the operation of the treatment works. A person who owns or operates a publicly owned treatment works or other treatment works treating domestic sewage, which treatment works commenced operation before January 1, 1988, and does not discharge to navigable waters of the United States, shall file a report within 45 days of a written request by a regional board or the state board, or within 45 days after the state has an approved permit program for the use and disposal of sewage sludge, whichever occurs earlier. The discharge of pollutants or dredged or fill material or the operation of a publicly owned treatment works or other treatment works treating domestic sewage by any person, except as authorized by waste discharge requirements or dredged or fill material permits, is prohibited. This prohibition does not apply to discharges or operations if a state or federal permit is not required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13377. [Requirements and permits]

Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, the state board or the regional boards shall, as required or authorized by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, issue waste discharge requirements and dredged or fill material permits which apply and ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of the act and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary, thereto, together with any more stringent effluent standards or limitations necessary to implement water quality control plans, or for the protection of beneficial uses, or to prevent nuisance.

(Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 746.)

§ 13378. [Notice and hearing]

Waste discharge requirements and dredged or fill material permits shall be adopted only after notice and any necessary hearing. Such requirements or permits shall be adopted for a fixed term not to exceed five years for any proposed discharge, existing discharge, or any material change therein. (Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 746.)

§ 13380. [Review of requirements]

Any waste discharge requirements or dredged or fill material permits adopted under this chapter shall be reviewed at least every five years and, if appropriate, revised.

(Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 746.)

§ 13381. [Termination or modification of requirements]

Waste discharge requirements or dredged or fill material permits may be terminated or modified for cause, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

• (a) Violation of any condition contained in the requirements or permits.
• (b) Obtaining the requirements by misrepresentation, or failure to disclose fully all relevant facts.
• (c) A change in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent reduction or elimination of the permitted discharge. (Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 746.)

§ 13382. [Wells]

Waste discharge requirements shall be adopted to control the disposal of pollutants into wells or in areas where pollutants may enter into a well from the surrounding groundwater.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1461, Sec. 1.)

§ 13382.5. [Managed aquaculture]

Waste discharge requirements shall be adopted to permit the discharge of a specific pollutant or pollutants in a controlled manner from a point source to a defined managed aquaculture project if such discharge meets all applicable requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and acts amendatory thereof and supplementary thereto, together with any more stringent effluent standards or limitations necessary to implement water quality control plans. (Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 618.)

§ 13383. [Monitoring requirements]

• (a) The state board or a regional board may establish monitoring, inspection, entry, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements, as authorized by Section 13160, 13376, or 13377 or by subdivisions (b) and (c) of this section, for any person who discharges, or proposes to discharge, to navigable waters, any person who introduces pollutants into a publicly owned treatment works, any person who owns or operates, or proposes to own or operate, a publicly owned treatment works or other treatment works treating domestic sewage, or any person who uses or disposes, or proposes to use or dispose, of sewage sludge.
• (b) The state board or the regional boards may require any person subject to this section to establish and maintain monitoring equipment or methods, including, where appropriate, biological monitoring methods, sample effluent as prescribed, and provide other information as may be reasonably required.

• (c) The state board or a regional board may inspect the facilities of any person subject to this section pursuant to the procedure set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 13267.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 683, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13383.5. [Storm water discharge monitoring requirements]

• (a) As used in this section, 'regulated municipalities and industries' means the municipalities and industries required to obtain a storm water permit under Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1342(p)) and implementing regulations.
• (b) This section only applies to regulated municipalities that were subject to a storm water permit on or before December 31, 2001, and to regulated industries that are subject to the General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities Excluding Construction Activities.
• (c) Before January 1, 2003, the state board shall develop minimum monitoring requirements for each regulated municipality and minimum standard monitoring requirements for regulated industries. This program shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
• (1) Standardized methods for collection of storm water samples.
• (2) Standardized methods for analysis of storm water samples.
• (3) A requirement that every sample analysis under this program be completed by a state certified laboratory or by the regulated municipality or industry in the field in accordance with the quality assurance and quality control protocols established pursuant to this section.
• (4) A standardized reporting format.
• (5) Standard sampling and analysis programs for quality assurance and quality control.
• (6) Minimum detection limits.
• (7) Annual reporting requirements for regulated municipalities and industries.
• (8) For the purposes of determining constituents to be sampled for, sampling intervals, and sampling frequencies, to be included in a municipal storm water permit monitoring program, the regional board shall consider the following information, as the regional board determines to be applicable:
• (A) Discharge characterization monitoring data.
• (B) Water quality data collected through the permit monitoring program.
• (C) Applicable water quality data collected, analyzed, and reported by federal, state, and local agencies, and other public and private entities.
• (D) Any applicable listing under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1313).

• (E) Applicable water quality objectives and criteria established in accordance with the regional board basin plans, statewide plans, and federal regulations.
• (F) Reports and studies regarding source contribution of pollutants in runoff not based on direct water quality measurements.
• (d) The requirements prescribed pursuant to this section shall be included in all storm water permits for regulated municipalities and industries that are reissued following development of the requirements described in subdivision (c). Those permits shall include these provisions on or before July 1, 2008. In a year in which the Legislature appropriates sufficient funds for that purpose, the state board shall make available to the public via the Internet a summary of the results obtained from storm water monitoring conducted in accordance with this section.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 492, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2002.)

§ 13383.6. [School educational materials required by municipal stormwater permits]

On and after January 1, 2007, if a regional board or the state board issues a municipal stormwater permit pursuant to Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1342(p)) that includes a requirement to provide elementary and secondary public schools with educational materials on stormwater pollution, the permittee may satisfy the requirement, upon approval by the regional board or state board, by contributing an equivalent amount of funds to the Environmental Education Account established pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 71305 of the Public Resources Code.

(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 581, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2006.)

§ 13383.7. [Guidance on quantifiable effectiveness of municipal storm water programs]

• (a) No later than July 1, 2009, and after holding public workshops and soliciting public comments, the state board shall develop a comprehensive guidance document for evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of municipal stormwater management programs undertaken, and permits issued, in accordance with Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1342(p)) and this division.
• (b) For the purpose of implementing subdivision (a), the state board shall promote the use of quantifiable measures for evaluating the effectiveness of municipal stormwater management programs and provide for the evaluation of, at a minimum, all of the following:
• (1) Compliance with stormwater permitting requirements, including all of the following:
• (A) Inspection programs.
• (B) Construction controls.

• (C) Elimination of unlawful discharges.
• (D) Public education programs.
• (E) New development and redevelopment requirements.
• (2) Reduction of pollutant loads from pollution sources.
• (3) Reduction of pollutants or stream erosion due to stormwater discharge.
• (4) Improvements in the quality of receiving water in accordance with water quality standards.
• (c) The state board and the regional boards shall refer to the guidance document developed pursuant to subdivision (a) when establishing requirements in municipal stormwater programs and permits. (Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 610, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2008.)

§ 13383.8. [Stormwater management task force]

• (a) The state board shall appoint a stormwater management task force comprised of public agencies, representatives of the regulated community, and nonprofit organizations with expertise in water quality and stormwater management. The task force shall provide advice to the state board on its stormwater management program that may include, but is not limited to, program priorities, funding criteria, project selection, and interagency coordination of state programs that address stormwater management.
• (b) The state board shall submit a report, including, but not limited to, stormwater and other polluted runoff control information, to the Ocean Protection Council no later than January 1, 2009, on the way in which the state board is implementing the priority goals and objectives of the council's strategic plan.

(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 610, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2008.)

§ 13383.9. [Online Resources for Municipal Stormwater]

The state board shall establish an online resource center that addresses measures available for municipalities to comply with municipal stormwater permit requirements and may include the following information:

• (a) Links to the following:
• (1) Relevant state, federal, and local agencies regarding municipal separate storm sewer system national pollutant discharge elimination system permits.
• (2) Water quality mitigation measures for watershed management programs or enhanced watershed management programs.
• (3) Various regional agencies related to stormwater, including, but not limited to, public works departments and special districts.
• (b) A library of scientific studies relevant to stormwater issues confronting our communities.

(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 153, Sec. 1. (SB 1260) Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13383.10. [Posting of SIC Codes for Industrial Stormwater Discharges]

• (a) On or before April 1, 2020, the state board shall post on its internet website, for the purpose of the determinations made by the city pursuant to Section 16000.3 of the Business and Professions Code and a county pursuant to Section 16100.3 of the Business and Professions Code, a list of all Standard Industrial Classification codes applicable to a General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities Excluding Construction Activities, as referenced in Section 13383.5 and known as the Industrial General Permit. The state board shall update that list on its internet website within 90 days of any final updates by the United States Department of Labor or the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
• (b) On or before June 1, 2023, the state board shall require all recipients of a nonapplicability (NONA) identification number or no exposure certification (NEC) identification number issued for a facility by the state board on or after January 1, 2020, to upload all pertinent information used to seek a NONA or NEC to the state board's Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System database.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 678, Sec. 4. (SB 891) Effective January 1, 2023.)

§ 13384. [Hearings]

The state board or the regional boards shall ensure that the public, and that any other state, the waters of which may be affected by any discharge of pollutants or dredged or fill material to navigable waters within this state, shall receive notice of each application for requirements or report of waste discharge or application for a dredged or fill material permit or report of dredged or fill material discharge and are provided an opportunity for public hearing before adoption of such requirements or permit.

(Amended by Stats. 1978, Ch. 746.)

§ 13385. [Civil liability]

• (a) A person who violates any of the following shall be liable civilly in accordance with this section:
• (1) Section 13375 or 13376.
• (2) A waste discharge requirement or dredged or fill material permit issued pursuant to this chapter or any water quality certification issued pursuant to Section 13160.
• (3) A requirement established pursuant to Section 13383.
• (4) An order or prohibition issued pursuant to Section 13243 or Article 1 (commencing with Section 13300) of Chapter 5, if the activity subject to the order or prohibition is subject to regulation under this chapter.
• (5) A requirement of Section 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, 401, or 405 of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1311, 1312, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1341, or 1345), as amended.

• (6) A requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved pursuant to waste discharge requirements issued under Section 13377 or approved pursuant to a permit issued by the administrator.
• (b) (1) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in an amount not to exceed the sum of both of the following:
• (A) Twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (B) Where there is a discharge, any portion of which is not susceptible to cleanup or is not cleaned up, and the volume discharged but not cleaned up exceeds 1,000 gallons, an additional liability not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25) multiplied by the number of gallons by which the volume discharged but not cleaned up exceeds 1,000 gallons.
• (2) The Attorney General, upon request of a regional board or the state board, shall petition the superior court to impose the liability.
• (c) Civil liability may be imposed administratively by the state board or a regional board pursuant to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 in an amount not to exceed the sum of both of the following:
• (1) Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) Where there is a discharge, any portion of which is not susceptible to cleanup or is not cleaned up, and the volume discharged but not cleaned up exceeds 1,000 gallons, an additional liability not to exceed ten dollars ($10) multiplied by the number of gallons by which the volume discharged but not cleaned up exceeds 1,000 gallons.
• (d) For purposes of subdivisions (b) and (c), 'discharge' includes any discharge to navigable waters of the United States, any introduction of pollutants into a publicly owned treatment works, or any use or disposal of sewage sludge.
• (e) In determining the amount of any liability imposed under this section, the regional board, the state board, or the superior court, as the case may be, shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation or violations, whether the discharge is susceptible to cleanup or abatement, the degree of toxicity of the discharge, and, with respect to the violator, the ability to pay, the effect on its ability to continue its business, any voluntary cleanup efforts undertaken, any prior history of violations, the degree of culpability, economic benefit or savings, if any, resulting from the violation, and other matters that justice may require. At a minimum, liability shall be assessed at a level that recovers the economic benefits, if any, derived from the acts that constitute the violation.
• (f) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), for the purposes of this section, a single operational upset that leads to simultaneous violations of more than one pollutant parameter shall be treated as a single violation.

• (2) (A) For the purposes of subdivisions (h) and (i), a single operational upset in a wastewater treatment unit that treats wastewater using a biological treatment process shall be treated as a single violation, even if the operational upset results in violations of more than one effluent limitation and the violations continue for a period of more than one day, if all of the following apply:
• (i) The discharger demonstrates all of the following:
• (I) The upset was not caused by wastewater treatment operator error and was not due to discharger negligence.
• (II) But for the operational upset of the biological treatment process, the violations would not have occurred nor would they have continued for more than one day.
• (III) The discharger carried out all reasonable and immediately feasible actions to reduce noncompliance with the applicable effluent limitations.
• (ii) The discharger is implementing an approved pretreatment program, if so required by federal or state law.
• (B) Subparagraph (A) only applies to violations that occur during a period for which the regional board has determined that violations are unavoidable, but in no case may that period exceed 30 days.
• (g) Remedies under this section are in addition to, and do not supersede or limit, any other remedies, civil or criminal, except that no liability shall be recoverable under Section 13261, 13265, 13268, or 13350 for violations for which liability is recovered under this section.
• (h) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, and except as provided in subdivisions (j), (k), and (l), a mandatory minimum penalty of three thousand dollars ($3,000) shall be assessed for each serious violation.
• (2) For the purposes of this section, a 'serious violation' means any waste discharge that violates the effluent limitations contained in the applicable waste discharge requirements for a Group II pollutant, as specified in Appendix A to Section 123.45 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, by 20 percent or more or for a Group I pollutant, as specified in Appendix A to Section 123.45 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, by 40 percent or more.
• (i) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, and except as provided in subdivisions (j), (k), and (l), a mandatory minimum penalty of three thousand dollars ($3,000) shall be assessed for each violation whenever the person does any of the following four or more times in any period of six consecutive months, except that the requirement to assess the mandatory minimum penalty shall not be applicable to the first three violations:
• (A) Violates a waste discharge requirement effluent limitation.
• (B) Fails to file a report pursuant to Section 13260.
• (C) Files an incomplete report pursuant to Section 13260.

• (D) Violates a toxicity effluent limitation contained in the applicable waste discharge requirements where the waste discharge requirements do not contain pollutant-specific effluent limitations for toxic pollutants.
• (2) For the purposes of this section, a 'period of six consecutive months' means the period commencing on the date that one of the violations described in this subdivision occurs and ending 180 days after that date.
• (j) Subdivisions (h) and (i) do not apply to any of the following:
• (1) A violation caused by one or any combination of the following:
• (A) An act of war.
• (B) An unanticipated, grave natural disaster or other natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable, and irresistible character, the effects of which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight.
• (C) An intentional act of a third party, the effects of which could not have been prevented or avoided by the exercise of due care or foresight.
• (D) (i) The operation of a new or reconstructed wastewater treatment unit during a defined period of adjusting or testing, not to exceed 90 days for a wastewater treatment unit that relies on a biological treatment process and not to exceed 30 days for any other wastewater treatment unit, if all of the following requirements are met:
• (I) The discharger has submitted to the regional board, at least 30 days in advance of the operation, an operations plan that describes the actions the discharger will take during the period of adjusting and testing, including steps to prevent violations and identifies the shortest reasonable time required for the period of adjusting and testing, not to exceed 90 days for a wastewater treatment unit that relies on a biological treatment process and not to exceed 30 days for any other wastewater treatment unit.
• (II) The regional board has not objected in writing to the operations plan.
• (III) The discharger demonstrates that the violations resulted from the operation of the new or reconstructed wastewater treatment unit and that the violations could not have reasonably been avoided.
• (IV) The discharger demonstrates compliance with the operations plan.
• (V) In the case of a reconstructed wastewater treatment unit, the unit relies on a biological treatment process that is required to be out of operation for at least 14 days in order to perform the reconstruction, or the unit is required to be out of operation for at least 14 days and, at the time of the reconstruction, the cost of reconstructing the unit exceeds 50 percent of the cost of replacing the wastewater treatment unit.
• (ii) For the purposes of this section, 'wastewater treatment unit' means a component of a wastewater treatment plant that performs a designated treatment function.

• (2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a violation of an effluent limitation where the waste discharge is in compliance with either a cease and desist order issued pursuant to Section 13301 or a time schedule order issued pursuant to Section 13300, if all of the following requirements are met:
• (i) The cease and desist order or time schedule order is issued after January 1, 1995, but not later than July 1, 2000, specifies the actions that the discharger is required to take in order to correct the violations that would otherwise be subject to subdivisions (h) and (i), and the date by which compliance is required to be achieved and, if the final date by which compliance is required to be achieved is later than one year from the effective date of the cease and desist order or time schedule order, specifies the interim requirements by which progress towards compliance will be measured and the date by which the discharger will be in compliance with each interim requirement.
• (ii) The discharger has prepared and is implementing in a timely and proper manner, or is required by the regional board to prepare and implement, a pollution prevention plan that meets the requirements of Section 13263.3.
• (iii) The discharger demonstrates that it has carried out all reasonable and immediately feasible actions to reduce noncompliance with the waste discharge requirements applicable to the waste discharge and the executive officer of the regional board concurs with the demonstration.
• (B) Subdivisions (h) and (i) shall become applicable to a waste discharge on the date the waste discharge requirements applicable to the waste discharge are revised and reissued pursuant to Section 13380, unless the regional board does all of the following on or before that date:
• (i) Modifies the requirements of the cease and desist order or time schedule order as may be necessary to make it fully consistent with the reissued waste discharge requirements.
• (ii) Establishes in the modified cease and desist order or time schedule order a date by which full compliance with the reissued waste discharge requirements shall be achieved. For the purposes of this subdivision, the regional board may not establish this date later than five years from the date the waste discharge requirements were required to be reviewed pursuant to Section 13380. If the reissued waste discharge requirements do not add new effluent limitations or do not include effluent limitations that are more stringent than those in the original waste discharge requirements, the date shall be the same as the final date for compliance in the original cease and desist order or time schedule order or five years from the date that the waste discharge requirements were required to be reviewed pursuant to Section 13380, whichever is earlier.
• (iii) Determines that the pollution prevention plan required by clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) is in compliance with the requirements of Section 13263.3 and

that the discharger is implementing the pollution prevention plan in a timely and proper manner.

• (3) A violation of an effluent limitation where the waste discharge is in compliance with either a cease and desist order issued pursuant to Section 13301 or a time schedule order issued pursuant to Section 13300 or 13308, if all of the following requirements are met:
• (A) The cease and desist order or time schedule order is issued on or after July 1, 2000, and specifies the actions that the discharger is required to take in order to correct the violations that would otherwise be subject to subdivisions (h) and (i).
• (B) The regional board finds that, for one of the following reasons, the discharger is not able to consistently comply with one or more of the effluent limitations established in the waste discharge requirements applicable to the waste discharge:
• (i) The effluent limitation is a new, more stringent, or modified regulatory requirement that has become applicable to the waste discharge after the effective date of the waste discharge requirements and after July 1, 2000, new or modified control measures are necessary in order to comply with the effluent limitation, and the new or modified control measures cannot be designed, installed, and put into operation within 30 calendar days.
• (ii) New methods for detecting or measuring a pollutant in the waste discharge demonstrate that new or modified control measures are necessary in order to comply with the effluent limitation and the new or modified control measures cannot be designed, installed, and put into operation within 30 calendar days.
• (iii) Unanticipated changes in the quality of the municipal or industrial water supply available to the discharger are the cause of unavoidable changes in the composition of the waste discharge, the changes in the composition of the waste discharge are the cause of the inability to comply with the effluent limitation, no alternative water supply is reasonably available to the discharger, and new or modified measures to control the composition of the waste discharge cannot be designed, installed, and put into operation within 30 calendar days.
• (iv) The discharger is a publicly owned treatment works located in Orange County that is unable to meet effluent limitations for biological oxygen demand, suspended solids, or both, because the publicly owned treatment works meets all of the following criteria:
• (I) Was previously operating under modified secondary treatment requirements pursuant to Section 301(h) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1311(h)).
• (II) Did vote on July 17, 2002, not to apply for a renewal of the modified secondary treatment requirements.

• (III) Is in the process of upgrading its treatment facilities to meet the secondary treatment standards required by Section 301(b)(1)(B) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1311(b)(1)(B)).
• (C) (i) The regional board establishes a time schedule for bringing the waste discharge into compliance with the effluent limitation that is as short as possible, taking into account the technological, operational, and economic factors that affect the design, development, and implementation of the control measures that are necessary to comply with the effluent limitation. Except as provided in clause (ii), for the purposes of this subdivision, the time schedule shall not exceed five years in length.
• (ii) (I) For purposes of the upgrade described in subclause (III) of clause (iv) of subparagraph (B), the time schedule shall not exceed 10 years in length.
• (II) Following a public hearing, and upon a showing that the discharger is making diligent progress toward bringing the waste discharge into compliance with the effluent limitation, the regional board may extend the time schedule for an additional period not exceeding five years in length, if the discharger demonstrates that the additional time is necessary to comply with the effluent limitation. This subclause does not apply to a time schedule described in subclause (I).
• (iii) If the time schedule exceeds one year from the effective date of the order, the schedule shall include interim requirements and the dates for their achievement. The interim requirements shall include both of the following:
• (I) Effluent limitations for the pollutant or pollutants of concern.
• (II) Actions and milestones leading to compliance with the effluent limitation.
• (D) The discharger has prepared and is implementing in a timely and proper manner, or is required by the regional board to prepare and implement, a pollution prevention plan pursuant to Section 13263.3.
• (k) (1) In lieu of assessing all or a portion of the mandatory minimum penalties pursuant to subdivisions (h) and (i) against a publicly owned treatment works serving a small community, the state board or the regional board may elect to require the publicly owned treatment works to spend an equivalent amount towards the completion of a compliance project proposed by the publicly owned treatment works, if the state board or the regional board finds all of the following:
• (A) The compliance project is designed to correct the violations within five years.
• (B) The compliance project is in accordance with the enforcement policy of the state board, excluding any provision in the policy that is inconsistent with this section.
• (C) The publicly owned treatment works has prepared a financing plan to complete the compliance project.

• (2) For the purposes of this subdivision, 'a publicly owned treatment works serving a small community' means a publicly owned treatment works serving a population of 20,000 persons or fewer or a rural county, with a financial hardship as determined by the state board after considering such factors as median income of the residents, rate of unemployment, or low population density in the service area of the publicly owned treatment works.
• (l) (1) In lieu of assessing penalties pursuant to subdivision (h) or (i), the state board or the regional board, with the concurrence of the discharger, may direct a portion of the penalty amount to be expended on a supplemental environmental project in accordance with the enforcement policy of the state board. If the penalty amount exceeds fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000), the portion of the penalty amount that may be directed to be expended on a supplemental environmental project may not exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) plus 50 percent of the penalty amount that exceeds fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000).
• (2) For the purposes of this section, a 'supplemental environmental project' means an environmentally beneficial project that a person agrees to undertake, with the approval of the regional board, that would not be undertaken in the absence of an enforcement action under this section.
• (3) This subdivision applies to the imposition of penalties pursuant to subdivision (h) or (i) on or after January 1, 2003, without regard to the date on which the violation occurs.
• (m) The Attorney General, upon request of a regional board or the state board, shall petition the appropriate court to collect any liability or penalty imposed pursuant to this section. Any person who fails to pay on a timely basis any liability or penalty imposed under this section shall be required to pay, in addition to that liability or penalty, interest, attorney's fees, costs for collection proceedings, and a quarterly nonpayment penalty for each quarter during which the failure to pay persists. The nonpayment penalty shall be in an amount equal to 20 percent of the aggregate amount of the person's penalty and nonpayment penalties that are unpaid as of the beginning of the quarter.
• (n) (1) Subject to paragraph (2) and Section 1551, funds collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.
• (2) (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys collected for a violation of a water quality certification in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or for a violation of Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1341) in accordance with paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) that are not subject to Section 1551 shall be deposited into the Waste Discharge Permit Fund and separately accounted for in that fund.
• (B) The funds described in subparagraph (A) shall be expended by the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist regional boards, and

other public agencies with authority to clean up waste or abate the effects of the waste, in cleaning up or abating the effects of the waste on waters of the state or for the purposes authorized in Section 13443.

• (o) The state board shall continuously report and update information on its internet website. The state board shall report annually on or before December 31 regarding its enforcement activities. The information shall include all of the following:
• (1) A compilation of the number of violations of waste discharge requirements in the previous calendar year, including stormwater enforcement violations.
• (2) A record of the formal and informal compliance and enforcement actions taken for each violation, including stormwater enforcement actions.
• (3) An analysis of the effectiveness of current enforcement policies, including mandatory minimum penalties.
• (p) The amendments made to subdivisions (f), (h), (i), and (j) during the second year of the 2001-02 Regular Session apply only to violations that occur on or after January 1, 2003.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 401, Sec. 25. (AB 1520) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 13385.1. [Definitions of 'serious violation' and 'effluent limitation']

• (a) (1) For the purposes of subdivision (h) of Section 13385, a 'serious violation' also means a failure to file a discharge monitoring report required pursuant to Section 13383 for each complete period of 30 days following the deadline for submitting the report, if the report is designed to ensure compliance with limitations contained in waste discharge requirements that contain effluent limitations. This paragraph applies only to violations that occur on or after January 1, 2004.
• (2) (A) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a failure to file a discharge monitoring report is not a serious violation for purposes of subdivision (h) of Section 13385 at any time prior to the date a discharge monitoring report is required to be filed or within 30 days after receiving written notice from the state board or a regional board of the need to file a discharge monitoring report, if the discharger submits a written statement to the state board or the regional board that includes both of the following:
• (i) A statement that there were no discharges to waters of the United States reportable under the applicable waste discharge requirements during the relevant monitoring period.
• (ii) The reason or reasons the required report was not submitted to the regional board by the deadline for filing that report.
• (B) Upon the request of the state board or regional board, the discharger may be required to support the statement with additional explanation or evidence.

• (C) If, in a statement submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A), the discharger willfully states as true any material fact that he or she knows to be false, that person shall be subject to a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000). Any public prosecutor may bring an action for a civil penalty under this subparagraph in the name of the people of the State of California, and the penalty imposed shall be enforced as a civil judgment.
• (D) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), the failure to file a discharge monitoring report is subject to penalties in accordance with subdivisions (c) and (e) of Section 13385.
• (b) (1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), a mandatory minimum penalty shall continue to apply and shall be assessed pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 13385, but only for each required report that is not timely filed, and shall not be separately assessed for each 30-day period following the deadline for submitting the report, if both of the following conditions are met:
• (A) The discharger did not on any occasion previously receive, from the state board or a regional board, a complaint to impose liability pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 13385 arising from a failure to timely file a discharge monitoring report, a notice of violation for failure to timely file a discharge monitoring report, or a notice of the obligation to file a discharge monitoring report required pursuant to Section 13383, in connection with its corresponding waste discharge requirements.
• (B) The discharges during the period or periods covered by the report do not violate effluent limitations, as defined in subdivision (d), contained in waste discharge requirements.
• (2) Paragraph (1) shall only apply to a discharger who does both of the following:
• (A) Files a discharge monitoring report that had not previously been timely filed within 30 days after the discharger receives written notice, including notice transmitted by electronic mail, from the state board or regional board concerning the failure to timely file the report.
• (B) Pays all penalties assessed by the state board or regional board in accordance with paragraph (1) within 30 days after an order is issued to pay these penalties pursuant to Section 13385.
• (3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the failure to file a discharge monitoring report is subject to penalties in accordance with subdivisions (c) and (e) of Section 13385.
• (4) This subdivision shall become inoperative on January 1, 2014.
• (c) (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, moneys collected pursuant to this section for a failure to timely file a report, as described in subdivision (a), shall be deposited in the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.

• (2) Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the funds described in paragraph (1) are continuously appropriated, without regard to fiscal years, to the state board for expenditure by the state board to assist regional boards, and other public agencies with authority to clean up waste or abate the effects of the waste, in responding to significant water pollution problems.
• (d) For the purposes of this section, paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 13385, and subdivisions (h), (i), and (j) of Section 13385 only, 'effluent limitation' means a numeric restriction or a numerically expressed narrative restriction, on the quantity, discharge rate, concentration, or toxicity units of a pollutant or pollutants that may be discharged from an authorized location. An effluent limitation may be final or interim, and may be expressed as a prohibition. An effluent limitation, for those purposes, does not include a receiving water limitation, a compliance schedule, or a best management practice.
• (e) The amendments made to this section by Senate Bill 1284 of the 200910 Regular Session of the Legislature shall apply to violations for which an administrative civil liability complaint or a judicial complaint has not been filed before July 1, 2010, without regard to the date on which the violations occurred. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 645, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13385.2. [Compliance project funding demonstration]

• (a) Prior to the state board or regional board making its findings pursuant to subdivision (k) of Section 13385, the publicly owned treatment works shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the state board or regional board that the financing plan prepared pursuant to subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of that section is designed to generate sufficient funding to complete the compliance project within the time period specified pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of that section.
• (b) This section shall only become operative if Senate Bill 1733 of the 2005-06 Regular Session is enacted and becomes operative. (Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 725, Sec. 1. Effective September 29, 2006. Note: Condition in subd. (b) was satisfied by enactment of Stats. 2006, Ch. 404.)

§ 13385.3. [Operative date for 2006/2007 amendments to 13385(k)]

• (a) The amendments made to subdivision (k) of Section 13385 of the Water Code by Senate Bill 1733 of the 2005-06 Regular Session shall become operative on July 1, 2007.
• (b) This section shall only become operative if Senate Bill 1733 of the 2005-06 Regular Session is enacted and becomes operative. (Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 725, Sec. 2. Effective September 29, 2006. Note: Condition in subd. (b) was satisfied by enactment of Stats. 2006, Ch. 404.)

§ 13386. [Injunction]

Upon any threatened or continuing violation of any of the requirements listed in paragraphs (1) to (6), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 13385, or upon the failure of any discharger into a public treatment system to comply with any cost or charge adopted by any public agency under Section 204(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Attorney General, upon the request of the state board or regional board shall petition the appropriate court for the issuance of a preliminary or permanent injunction, or both, as appropriate, restraining that person or persons from committing or continuing the violation. Subdivision (b) of Section 13331 shall be applicable to proceedings under this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 659, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13387. [Criminal penalties]

• (a) Any person who knowingly or negligently does any of the following is subject to criminal penalties as provided in subdivisions (b), (c), and (d):
• (1) Violates Section 13375 or 13376.
• (2) Violates any waste discharge requirements or dredged or fill material permit issued pursuant to this chapter or any water quality certification issued pursuant to Section 13160.
• (3) Violates any order or prohibition issued pursuant to Section 13243 or 13301, if the activity subject to the order or prohibition is subject to regulation under this chapter.
• (4) Violates any requirement of Section 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, 401, or 405 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1311, 1312, 1316, 1317, 1318, 1328, 1341, or 1345), as amended.
• (5) Introduces into a sewer system or into a publicly owned treatment works any pollutant or hazardous substances that the person knew or reasonably should have known could cause personal injury or property damage.
• (6) Introduces any pollutant or hazardous substance into a sewer system or into a publicly owned treatment works, except in accordance with any applicable pretreatment requirements, which causes the treatment works to violate waste discharge requirements.
• (b) Any person who negligently commits any of the violations set forth in subdivision (a) shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), nor more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), for each day in which the violation occurs, by imprisonment for not more than one year in a county jail, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of the person under this subdivision, subdivision (c), or subdivision (d), punishment shall be by a fine of not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each day in which the violation occurs, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of

• Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 16, 20, or 24 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
• (c) Any person who knowingly commits any of the violations set forth in subdivision (a) shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000), nor more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), for each day in which the violation occurs, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of the person under this subdivision or subdivision (d), punishment shall be by a fine of not more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each day in which the violation occurs, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for two, four, or six years, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
• (d) (1) Any person who knowingly commits any of the violations set forth in subdivision (a), and who knows at the time that the person thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 5, 10, or 15 years, or by both that fine and imprisonment. A person that is an organization shall, upon conviction under this subdivision, be subject to a fine of not more than one million dollars ($1,000,000). If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of the person under this subdivision, the punishment shall be by a fine of not more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 10, 20, or 30 years, or by both that fine and imprisonment. A person that is an organization shall, upon conviction for a violation committed after a first conviction of the person under this subdivision, be subject to a fine of not more than two million dollars ($2,000,000). Any fines imposed pursuant to this subdivision shall be in addition to any fines imposed pursuant to subdivision (c).
• (2) In determining whether a defendant who is an individual knew that the defendant's conduct placed another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, the defendant is responsible only for actual awareness or actual belief that the defendant possessed, and knowledge possessed by a person other than the defendant, but not by the defendant personally, cannot be attributed to the defendant.
• (e) Any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any record, report, plan, notice to comply, or other document filed with a regional board or the state board, or who knowingly falsifies, tampers with, or renders inaccurate any monitoring device or method required under this division shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of

Section 1170 of the Penal Code for 16, 20, or 24 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of the person under this subdivision, punishment shall be by a fine of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) per day of violation, by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170 of the Penal Code for two, three, or four years, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

• (f) For purposes of this section, a single operational upset which leads to simultaneous violations of more than one pollutant parameter shall be treated as a single violation.
• (g) For purposes of this section, 'organization,' 'serious bodily injury,' 'person,' and 'hazardous substance' shall have the same meaning as in Section 309(c) of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1319(c)), as amended.
• (h) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), funds collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.
• (2) (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, fines collected for a violation of a water quality certification in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or for a violation of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1341) in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) shall be deposited in the Water Discharge Permit Fund and separately accounted for in that fund.
• (B) The funds described in subparagraph (A) shall be expended by the state board, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist regional boards, and other public agencies with authority to clean up waste or abate the effects of the waste, in cleaning up or abating the effects of the waste on waters of the state, or for the purposes authorized in Section 13443.

(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 616. Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.)

§ 13388. [Member eligibility]

• (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division or Section 175, and except as provided in subdivision (b), a person shall not be a member of the state board or a regional board if that person receives, or has received during the previous two years, a significant portion of his or her income directly or indirectly from any person subject to waste discharge requirements or applicants for waste discharge requirements pursuant to this chapter.
• (b) (1) A person shall not be disqualified from being a member of a regional board because that person receives, or has received during the previous two years, a significant portion of his or her income directly or indirectly from a person subject to waste discharge requirements, or an applicant for waste discharge requirements, that are issued pursuant to this chapter by the state board or regional board other than the regional board of which that person is a member.

• (2) Paragraph (1) shall be implemented only if the United States Environmental Protection Agency either determines that no program approval is necessary for that implementation, or approves of a change in California's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, to allow the state to administer the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program consistent with paragraph (1).

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 39, Sec. 121. Effective June 27, 2012.)

§ 13389. [CEQA exemption]

Neither the state board nor the regional boards shall be required to comply with the provisions of Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 21100) of Division 13 of the Public Resources Code prior to the adoption of any waste discharge requirement, except requirements for new sources as defined in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto.

(Added by Stats. 1972, Ch. 1256.)

CHAPTER 5.6. BAY PROTECTION AND TOXIC CLEANUP [13390. - 13396.9.]

(Chapter 5.6 added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 269, Sec. 50.)

§ 13390. [Legislative intent]

It is the intent of the Legislature that the state board and the regional boards establish programs that provide maximum protection for existing and future beneficial uses of bay and estuarine waters, and that these programs include a plan for remedial action at toxic hot spots. It is also the intent of the Legislature that these programs further compliance with federal law pertaining to the identification of waters where the protection and propagation of shellfish, fish, and wildlife are threatened by toxic pollutants and contribute to the development of effective strategies to control these pollutants. It is also the intent of the Legislature that these programs be structured and maintained in a manner which allows the state board and the regional boards to make maximum use of any federal funds which may be available for any of the purposes specified in this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 269, Sec. 50. Effective August 3, 1989.)

§ 13391. [California Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan]

• (a) The state board shall formulate and adopt a water quality control plan for enclosed bays and estuaries, which shall be known as the California Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan, in accordance with the procedures established by this division for adopting water quality control plans.
• (b) As part of its formulation and adoption of the California Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan, the state board shall review and update the Water Quality Control Policy for Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California, as adopted in 1974 pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 13140) of Chapter 3, and

incorporate the results of that review and update in the California Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan.

• (c) State and regional offices, departments, boards and agencies shall fully implement the California Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan. Pending adoption of the California Enclosed Bays and Estuaries Plan by the state board, state and regional offices, departments, boards and agencies shall fully implement the Water Quality Control Policy for Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California.
• (d) Each regional board shall review and, if necessary, revise waste discharge requirements that are inconsistent with those policies and principles. (Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1032, Sec. 30. Effective September 29, 1989.)

§ 13391.5. [Definitions]

The definitions in this section govern the construction of this chapter.

• (a) 'Enclosed bays' means indentations along the coast which enclose an area of oceanic water within distinct headlands or harbor works. 'Enclosed bays' include all bays where the narrowest distance between the headlands or outermost harbor works is less than 75 percent of the greatest dimension of the enclosed portion of the bay. 'Enclosed bays' include, but are not limited to, Humboldt Bay, Bodega Harbor, Tomales Bay, Drake's Estero, San Francisco Bay, Morro Bay, Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbor, Upper and Lower Newport Bay, Mission Bay, and San Diego Bay. For the purposes of identifying, characterizing, and ranking toxic hot spots pursuant to this chapter, Monterey Bay and Santa Monica Bay shall also be considered to be enclosed bays.
• (b) 'Estuaries' means waters, including coastal lagoons, located at the mouths of streams which serve as mixing zones for fresh and ocean waters. Coastal lagoons and mouths of streams which are temporarily separated from the ocean by sandbars shall be considered as estuaries. Estuarine waters shall be considered to extend from a bay or the open ocean to a point upstream where there is no significant mixing of fresh water and sea water. Estuarine waters include, but are not limited to, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, as defined in Section 12220, Suisun Bay, Carquinez Strait downstream to the Carquinez Bridge, and appropriate areas of the Smith, Mad, Eel, Noyo, Russian, Klamath, San Diego, and Otay Rivers.
• (c) 'Health risk assessment' means an analysis which evaluates and quantifies the potential human exposure to a pollutant that bioaccumulates or may bioaccumulate in edible fish, shellfish, or wildlife. 'Health risk assessment' includes an analysis of both individual and population wide health risks associated with anticipated levels of human exposure, including potential synergistic effects of toxic pollutants and impacts on sensitive populations.
• (d) 'Sediment quality objective' means that level of a constituent in sediment which is established with an adequate margin of safety, for the

reasonable protection of the beneficial uses of water or the prevention of nuisances.

• (e) 'Toxic hot spots' means locations in enclosed bays, estuaries, or any adjacent waters in the 'contiguous zone' or the 'ocean,' as defined in Section 502 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1362), the pollution or contamination of which affects the interests of the state, and where hazardous substances have accumulated in the water or sediment to levels which (1) may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to aquatic life, wildlife, fisheries, or human health, or (2) may adversely affect the beneficial uses of the bay, estuary, or ocean waters as defined in water quality control plans, or (3) exceeds adopted water quality or sediment quality objectives.
• (f) 'Hazardous substances' has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (h) of Section 25281 of the Health and Safety Code. (Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 999, Sec. 66. Effective January 1, 2003.)

§ 13392. [Toxic hot spots]

The state board and the regional boards, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall develop and maintain a comprehensive program to (1) identify and characterize toxic hot spots, as defined in Section 13391.5, (2) plan for the cleanup or other appropriate remedial or mitigating actions at the sites, and (3) amend water quality control plans and policies to incorporate strategies to prevent the creation of new toxic hot spots and the further pollution of existing hot spots. As part of this program, the state board and regional boards shall, to the extent feasible, identify specific discharges or waste management practices that contribute to the creation of toxic hot spots, and shall develop appropriate prevention strategies, including, but not limited to, adoption of more stringent waste discharge requirements, onshore remedial actions, adoption of regulations to control source pollutants, and development of new programs to reduce urban and agricultural runoff.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13392.5. [Monitoring and surveillance]

• (a) Each regional board that has regulatory authority for one or more enclosed bays or estuaries shall, on or before January 30, 1994, develop for each enclosed bay or estuary, a consolidated database that identifies and describes all known and potential toxic hot spots. Each regional board shall, in consultation with the state board, also develop an ongoing monitoring and surveillance program that includes, but is not limited to, the following components:
• (1) Establishment of a monitoring and surveillance task force that includes representation from agencies, including, but not limited to, the State

Department of Public Health and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, that routinely monitor water quality, sediment, and aquatic life.

• (2) Suggested guidelines to promote standardized analytical methodologies and consistency in data reporting.
• (3) Identification of additional monitoring and analyses that are needed to develop a complete toxic hot spot assessment for each enclosed bay and estuary.
• (b) Each regional board shall make available to state and local agencies and the public all information contained in the consolidated database, as well as the results of new monitoring and surveillance data.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13392.6. [Sediment quality objectives workplan]

• (a) On or before July 1, 1991, the state board shall adopt and submit to the Legislature a workplan for the adoption of sediment quality objectives for toxic pollutants that have been identified in known or suspected toxic hot spots and for toxic pollutants that have been identified by the state board or a regional board as a pollutant of concern. The workplan shall include priorities and a schedule for development and adoption of sediment quality objectives, identification of additional resource needs, and identification of staff or funding needs. The state board is not prohibited from adopting sediment quality objectives in the workplan for a constituent for which the workplan identifies additional research needs.
• (b) In preparing the workplan pursuant to subdivision (a), the state board shall conduct public hearings and workshops and shall consult with persons associated with municipal discharges, industrial discharges, other public agencies, research scientists, commercial and sport fishing interests, marine interests, organizations for the protection of natural resources and the environment, and the general public.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1032, Sec. 33. Effective September 29, 1989.)

§ 13393. [Adoption of objectives]

• (a) The state board shall adopt sediment quality objectives pursuant to the workplan submitted pursuant to Section 13392.6.
• (b) The state board shall adopt the sediment quality objectives pursuant to the procedures established by this division for adopting or amending water quality control plans. The sediment quality objectives shall be based on scientific information, including, but not limited to, chemical monitoring, bioassays, or established modeling procedures, and shall provide adequate protection for the most sensitive aquatic organisms. The state board shall base the sediment quality objectives on a health risk assessment if there is a potential for exposure of humans to pollutants through the food chain to edible fish, shellfish, or wildlife.

• (c) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), in adopting sediment quality objectives pursuant to this section, the state board shall consider the federal sediment criteria for toxic pollutants that are being prepared, or that have been adopted, by the Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to Section 1314 of Title 33 of the United States Code.
• (2) If federal sediment criteria have been adopted, the state board shall review the federal sediment criteria and determine if the criteria meet the requirements of this section. If the state board determines that a federal sediment criterion meets the requirements of this section, the state board shall adopt the criterion as a sediment quality objective pursuant to this section. If the state board determines that a federal sediment criterion fails to meet the requirements of this section, the state board shall adopt a sediment quality objective that meets the requirements of this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1157, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 13393.5. [Ranking of toxic hot spots]

On or before January 30, 1994, the state board, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, shall adopt general criteria for the assessment and priority ranking of toxic hot spots. The criteria shall take into account the pertinent factors relating to public health and environmental quality, including, but not limited to, potential hazards to public health, toxic hazards to fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and the extent to which the deferral of a remedial action will result, or is likely to result, in a significant increase in environmental damage, health risks, or cleanup costs. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13394. [Cleanup plan]

On or before January 1, 1998, each regional board shall complete and submit to the state board a toxic hot spots cleanup plan. On or before June 30, 1999, the state board shall submit to the Legislature a consolidated statewide toxic hot spots cleanup plan. The cleanup plan submitted by each regional board and the state board shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:

• (a) A priority ranking of all hot spots, including the state board's recommendations for remedial action at each toxic hot spot site.
• (b) A description of each hot spot site including a characterization of the pollutants present at the site.
• (c) An estimate of the total costs to implement the plan.
• (d) An assessment of the most likely source or sources of pollutants.
• (e) An estimate of the costs that may be recoverable from parties responsible for the discharge of pollutants that have accumulated in sediment.
• (f) A preliminary assessment of the actions required to remedy or restore a toxic hot spot.

• (g) A two-year expenditure schedule identifying state funds needed to implement the plan.
• (h) A summary of actions that have been initiated by the regional board to reduce the accumulation of pollutants at existing hot spot sites and to prevent the creation of new hot spots.
• (i) The plan submitted by the state board shall include findings and recommendations concerning the need for establishment of a toxic hot spots cleanup program.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1157, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 13394.5. [Expenditure plan]

The state board, as part of the annual budget process, shall prepare and submit to the Legislature a recommended annual expenditure plan for the implementation of this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 269, Sec. 50. Effective August 3, 1989.)

§ 13394.6. [Advisory committee]

• (a) The state board shall establish an advisory committee to assist in the implementation of this chapter. The members of the advisory committee shall be appointed by the state board to represent all of the following interests:
• (1) Trade associations whose members are businesses that use the bay, estuaries, and coastal waters of the state as a resource in their business activities.
• (2) Dischargers required to pay fees pursuant to Section 13396.5.
• (3) Environmental, public interest, public health, and wildlife conservation organizations.
• (b) The members of the advisory committee shall select a member as the chairperson of the committee. The chairperson shall convene meetings of the committee every three months in any calendar year. The members of the advisory committee shall serve without compensation.
• (c) The advisory committee shall have access to all information and documents, except for internal communications, that are prepared to implement this chapter and may provide the state board with its views on how that information should be interpreted and used. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1157, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 13395. [Reevaluation of discharge requirements]

Each regional board shall, within 120 days from the ranking of a toxic hot spot, initiate a reevaluation of waste discharge requirements for dischargers who, based on the determination of the regional board, have discharged all or part of the pollutants which have caused the toxic hot spot. These reevaluations shall be for the purpose of ensuring compliance with water quality control plans and water quality control plan amendments. These reevaluations shall be initiated

according to the priority ranking established pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13394 and shall be scheduled so that, for each region, the first reevaluation shall be initiated within 120 days from, and the last shall be initiated within one year from, the ranking of the toxic hot spots. The regional board shall, consistent with the policies and principles set forth in Section 13391, revise waste discharge requirements to ensure compliance with water quality control plans and water quality control plan amendments adopted pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 13240) of Chapter 4, including requirements to prevent the creation of new toxic hot spots and the maintenance or further pollution of existing toxic hot spots. The regional board may determine it is not necessary to revise a waste discharge requirement only if it finds that the toxic hot spot resulted from practices no longer being conducted by the discharger or permitted under the existing waste discharge requirement, or that the discharger's contribution to the creation or maintenance of the toxic hot spot is not significant. (Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 269, Sec. 50. Effective August 3, 1989.)

§ 13395.5. [Evaluation agreements]

The state board may enter into contracts and other agreements for the purpose of evaluating or demonstrating methods for the removal, treatment, or stabilization of contaminated bottom sediment. For the purpose of preparing health risk assessments pursuant to Section 13393, the state board shall enter into contracts or agreements with the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, or with other state or local agencies, subject to the approval of the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The costs incurred for work conducted by other state agencies pursuant to this chapter shall be reimbursed according to the terms of an interagency agreement between the state board and the agency.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 544, Sec. 13. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13396. [Dredging certification]

No person shall dredge or otherwise disturb a toxic hot spot site that has been identified and ranked by a regional board without first obtaining certification pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1341) or waste discharge requirements. The state board and any regional board to which the state board has delegated authority to issue certification shall not waive certification for any discharge resulting from the dredging or disturbance unless waste discharge requirements have been issued. If the state board or a regional board does not issue waste discharge requirements or a certification within the period provided for certification under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The certification shall be deemed denied without prejudice. On or after January 1, 1993, the state and regional boards shall not grant approval for a dredging project that involves the removal or disturbance of sediment which contains

pollutants at or above the sediment quality objectives established pursuant to Section 13393 unless the board determines all of the following:

• (a) The polluted sediment will be removed in a manner that prevents or minimizes water quality degradation.
• (b) Polluted dredge spoils will not be deposited in a location that may cause significant adverse effects to aquatic life, fish, shellfish, or wildlife or may harm the beneficial uses of the receiving waters, or does not create maximum benefit to the people of the state.
• (c) The project or activity will not cause significant adverse impacts upon a federal sanctuary, recreational area, or other waters of significant national importance.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1032, Sec. 36. Effective September 29, 1989.)

§ 13396.6. [Habitat for water-dependent wildlife]

No fees may be imposed pursuant to Section 13396.5 on dischargers who discharge into enclosed bays, estuaries, or adjacent waters in the contiguous zone or the ocean from lands managed solely to provide habitat for waterfowl and other water-dependent wildlife.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 203, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 13396.7. [Recreational water quality standards]

• (a) The state board, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health, shall contract with an independent contractor to conduct a study to determine the adverse health effects of urban runoff on swimmers at urban beaches. The contract shall include a provision that requires the study to be conducted as prescribed in the study proposal approved by the Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project. The study shall be paid for by using available resources or state funds appropriated in the annual Budget Act.
• (b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the state board and the State Department of Public Health use the results of the study undertaken pursuant to subdivision (a) to establish recreational water quality standards. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 36. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13396.9. [Los Angeles Basin Contaminated Sediments Task Force]

• (a) The California Coastal Commission and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board shall establish and participate in the multiagency Los Angeles Basin Contaminated Sediments Task Force, in cooperation with all interested parties, including, but not limited to, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of Los Angeles.
• (b) (1) On or before January 1, 2005, the California Coastal Commission shall, based upon the recommendations of the task force, develop a long-term management plan for the dredging and disposal of contaminated sediments in

the coastal waters adjacent to the County of Los Angeles. The plan shall include identifiable goals for the purpose of minimizing impacts to water quality, fish, and wildlife through the management of sediments. The plan shall include measures to identify environmentally preferable, practicable disposal alternatives, promote multiuse disposal facilities and beneficial reuse, and support efforts for watershed management to control contaminants at their source.

• (2) The California Coastal Commission and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board shall seek to enter into an agreement with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Army Corps of Engineers for those federal agencies to participate in the preparation of the long-term management plan.
• (c) The California Coastal Commission and the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, in cooperation with the task force, shall conduct not less than one annual public workshop to review the status of the plan and to promote public participation.

(Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 183. Effective January 1, 2013.)

CHAPTER 5.7. DRAINAGE FROM ABANDONED MINES [13397. - 13398.9.]

(Chapter 5.7 added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1.)

§ 13397. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
• (1) Thousands of abandoned mines have been identified in this state. Waste, including acid rock drainage from abandoned mines, has a devastating effect on aquatic life and has degraded some major water bodies in the state. Abandoned mines are the overwhelming source of copper loading to the Sacramento River and the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. In some instances, waste from abandoned mines can cause public health and safety problems.
• (2) The formation of acid rock drainage is a process that can continue for centuries after the abandonment of a mine and is difficult to control. The complete elimination of acid rock drainage is not possible at this time.
• (3) Unless action is taken either by public agencies or private parties, who are not responsible for creating the waste, abandoned mines will continue to discharge waste indefinitely. The cleanup of this waste for the protection of the public and the waterways of the state should be facilitated by limiting the financial responsibility for that cleanup.
• (4) Public agencies and private parties, who are not otherwise legally responsible for the abandoned mined land, are reluctant to remediate abandoned mined lands unless they are assured that they will be held responsible for completing only the remedial work that they undertake. The public agencies and private parties may be willing to implement partial

remediation but they do not have sufficient resources to pay the cost of meeting all applicable regulatory standards.

• (b) The Legislature further finds and declares that it is the policy of the state to establish a program that permits public agencies and cooperating private parties to reduce the threat to water quality caused by abandoned mined lands without becoming responsible for completely remediating abandoned mine waste to a point that meets water quality objectives and related regulatory requirements. This program should provide a streamlined process for the purpose of approving an abandoned mine remediation plan in lieu of certain state permits and requirements. The implementation of this program will foster projects to improve water quality while ensuring that the taxpayers are not unfairly burdened.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13397.5. [Definitions]

Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions govern the construction of this chapter:

• (a) 'Abandoned mine waste' means the residual of soil, rock, mineral, liquid, vegetation, equipment, machines, tools, or other materials or property on, or discharging from, abandoned mined lands, directly resulting from, or displaced by, surface mining operations.
• (b) 'Abandoned mined lands' has the same meaning as 'abandoned surface mined area,' as defined in clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 2796 of the Public Resources Code.
• (c) 'Acid rock drainage' means acid waste discharge that results from the oxidation of metal sulfide in minerals associated with mined lands.
• (d) 'Mined lands' has the same meaning as set forth in Section 2729 of the Public Resources Code.
• (e) 'Oversight agency' means either the state board or a regional board. If the remediating agency is a regional board, the state board shall be the oversight agency. If the remediating agency is the state board, the oversight agency shall be the Site Designation Committee established pursuant to Section 25261 of the Health and Safety Code. The committee shall have the powers and functions specified in Chapter 6.65 (commencing with Section 25260) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code, except that neither the chairperson of the state board, nor any designee, shall participate in the actions of the committee relating to the state board as a remediating agency.
• (f) 'Remediating agency' or 'agency' means any public agency, or any private individual or entity acting under a cooperative agreement with a public agency, that prepares and submits a remediation plan in accordance with this chapter. 'Remediating agency' includes, but is not limited to, a public agency that holds title to abandoned mined lands for the purpose of remediating those

lands or that is engaging in remediation activities that are incidental to the ownership of the lands for other than mining purposes. 'Remediating agency' does not include any person or entity that is not a public agency, that, before implementing an approved remediation plan, owns or has owned a property interest, other than a security interest, in the abandoned mined lands being remediated, or is or has been legally responsible for, or had a direct financial interest in, or participated in, any mining operation, including exploration, associated with the abandoned mined lands being remediated.

• (g) 'Remediation plan' means a plan to improve the quality of the waters of the state that have been directly and adversely impacted by abandoned mine waste.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 727, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2001.)

§ 13398. [Remediating agency responsibilities]

• (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a remediating agency that has implemented an approved remediation plan, or a public agency that is effecting reclamation of a mine site pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code), shall not be deemed, based on the actions taken to implement the remediation plan or the reclamation, to be the owner or operator of the abandoned mined lands, or any structure, improvement, waste management unit, or facility on the abandoned mined lands, and shall not be deemed, based on the actions taken to implement the remediation plan or the reclamation, to be responsible for any discharge, or the results of any discharge, of abandoned mine waste on or from any abandoned mined lands, including discharges which have been affected by the activities of the remediating agency or the public agency effecting reclamation of a mine site.
• (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370), and Section 13398.9, the responsibilities of a remediating agency are limited to the following:
• (1) Submitting a remediation plan to the oversight agency for approval in accordance with Section 13398.3. A remediation plan may be submitted in connection with a remediation project that was commenced or completed prior to January 1, 1996.
• (2) Implementing a remediation plan that has been approved by the oversight agency.
• (3) If required by a remediation plan approved by the oversight agency, maintaining any structure, waste management unit, improvement, or other facility constructed, improved, or placed on the abandoned mined lands.
• (4) Periodically monitoring and reporting as required by the oversight agency.

• (5) (A) Determining if the remediation plan implemented by the remediating agency has been effective to provide a substantial improvement in water quality affected by abandoned mine waste.
• (B) If the remediating agency determines that the remediation plan implemented by the agency is not effective, the remediating agency shall promptly report that determination to the oversight agency. If the remediating agency or the oversight agency determines that the remediation plan implemented by the remediating agency is not effective, the remediating agency shall submit a modified remediation plan to the oversight agency which includes a proposal to improve the plan to make it effective, or a proposal to cease remedial activities on the abandoned mined lands and return those lands, including the water quality on those lands, to a condition that approximates the quality that existed prior to commencing remedial activities. The remediating agency shall implement the modified remediation plan as approved by the oversight agency.
• (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except as provided in Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370), if the remediating agency implements or has implemented the approved remediation plan and any modifications to the plan approved by the oversight agency, the remediating agency, with regard to any discharge of abandoned mine waste that is the subject of the plan, shall not be required to achieve water quality objectives or to comply with other requirements of this division or other laws that are administered by the state board or the regional boards, and shall not be subject to any enforcement actions pursuant to state law based on actions taken to implement the approved remediation plan, except for violations involving gross negligence, including reckless, willful, or wanton misconduct, or intentional misconduct by the remediating agency.
• (c) The responsibilities of a remediating agency that engages in surface mining operations, as defined in Section 2735 of the Public Resources Code, in conjunction with the remediation or reclamation of abandoned mine waste or that performs reclamation of a surface mining operation pursuant to Section 2773.1 or 2796 of the Public Resources Code, include performing the applicable requirements of Section 2207 of the Public Resources Code and the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code). The State Mining and Geology Board may grant an exemption from the requirements of Section 2207 of the Public Resources Code or from the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 to a remediating agency and its contractors solely for the purpose of removing abandoned mine waste in connection with the implementation of an approved remediation plan.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13398.3. [Remediation plan]

The remediation plan to be submitted by a remediating agency to the oversight agency shall include all of the following:

• (a) Identification of the remediating agency, and a certification that the remediating agency is a remediating agency as defined in this chapter.
• (b) Identification of the abandoned mined lands that are the subject of the plan.
• (c) Identification of the waters of the state, if any, that are affected by the abandoned mined lands.
• (d) A description of the physical conditions at the abandoned mined lands that are causing or have caused adverse water quality impacts.
• (e) A description of the practices, including system design and construction plans, and operation and maintenance plans, proposed to reduce, control, mitigate, or eliminate the adverse water quality impacts and a schedule for implementing those practices. If the plan is prepared for an existing remediation project, the remediation plan shall include a description of practices that have been implemented and the practices that are proposed to improve the existing project, if any.
• (f) An analysis demonstrating that the implementation of the practices described in the plan have caused, or are expected to cause, a substantial improvement in water quality for the identified waters.
• (g) A description of monitoring or other assessment activities to be undertaken to evaluate the success of the implemented practices during and after implementation, including an assessment of baseline conditions.
• (h) A budget and identified funding to pay for the implementation of the plan.
• (i) Remediation goals and objectives.
• (j) Contingency plans.
• (k) A description of the remediating agency's legal right to enter and conduct remedial activities.
• ( l ) The signature of an authorized representative of the remediating agency.
• (m) Identification of the pollutants to be addressed by the plan. (Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13398.5. [Oversight agency responsibilities]

The oversight agency shall do all of the following:

• (a) Comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) in connection with the review of any remediation plan.
• (b) Provide an opportunity for public review of, and comment with regard to, the remediation plan.

• (c) Disapprove, approve, or modify and approve a remediation plan at a public meeting.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13398.7. [Approval of remediation plans]

• (a) The oversight agency may approve the remediation plan if the oversight agency finds that there is substantial evidence in the record that the plan will substantially improve water quality affected by abandoned mine waste.
• (b) The oversight agency may approve a remediation plan for a project that the remediating agency implemented prior to January 1, 1996, if that oversight agency finds that there is substantial evidence in the record that the project has substantially improved water quality adversely impacted by mining activities on the abandoned mined lands undertaken before the project was implemented.
• (c) The remediating agency is not required to include in the remediation plan a plan to achieve water quality objectives, with regard to any discharge of abandoned mine waste that is the subject of the plan, to comply with other requirements of this division, except for Chapter 5.5 (commencing with Section 13370), or to comply with any other law that is administered by the state board or the regional boards, with regard to that discharge.
• (d) The oversight agency may approve a modification of an approved remediation plan to permit additional time for completing the remediation project or to otherwise modify the plan, after an opportunity for public comment.
• (e) If the oversight agency determines that a remediating agency is not implementing the approved remediation plan in substantial compliance with its terms, that oversight agency shall notify the remediating agency of its determination, including the specific causes for that determination.
• (f) If the oversight agency determines that the specific causes for the determination are not adequately addressed pursuant to subdivision (e), or if a compliance plan is not submitted to, and approved by, the oversight agency within 180 days from the date of the notification pursuant to subdivision (e), the oversight agency may determine that the remediating agency is in violation of this chapter. A remediating agency that is in violation of this chapter is not protected by the limitations on responsibility for remediation of abandoned mined lands provided by this chapter and may be subject to any enforcement action authorized by law.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13398.9. [Remediating agency liability; Penn Mine]

• (a) This chapter has no effect on the tort liability of a remediating agency for personal injury or wrongful death.

• (b) This chapter has no effect on the liability of a remediating agency based upon activities other than those undertaken in connection with the implementation of an approved remediation plan.
• (c) This chapter has no effect on the liability of a remediating agency if that agency, following implementation of an approved remediation plan, benefits from, or participates in, any mining operation, including exploration, associated with the abandoned mined lands subject to the approved remediation plan.
• (d) For the purposes of this chapter, the remediation plan for the Penn Mine property located in Calaveras County shall, if a memorandum of understanding is entered into by the state and other appropriate parties, include the terms and conditions set forth in that memorandum of understanding.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 878, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

CHAPTER 5.8. MINOR VIOLATIONS [13399. - 13399.3.]

(Chapter 5.8 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 775, Sec. 4.)

§ 13399. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the purpose of this chapter is to establish an enforcement policy for violations of this division that the enforcement agency finds are minor when the danger they pose to, or the potential that they have for endangering, human health, safety, or welfare or the environment are taken into account.
• (b) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter to provide a more resource-efficient enforcement mechanism, faster compliance times, and the creation of a productive and cooperative working relationship between the state board, the regional boards, and the regulated community while maintaining protection of human health and safety and the environment.
• (c) This chapter applies solely to the actions of the state board and the regional boards in administering this division and has no application to the administrative enforcement actions of other public agencies.
• (d) The state board and each regional board shall implement this chapter by determining the types of violations of this division, or of the regulations, rules, standards, orders, permit conditions, or other requirements adopted pursuant to this division that the state board or the regional board finds are minor violations in accordance with subdivisions (e) and (f). The state board shall implement this chapter through adoption of regulations or state policy for water quality control pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 13140) of Chapter 3.
• (e) In determining the types of violations that are minor violations, the state board or regional board shall consider all of the following factors:
• (1) The magnitude of the violation.

• (2) The scope of the violation.
• (3) The severity of the violation.
• (4) The degree to which a violation puts human health, safety, or welfare or the environment into jeopardy.
• (5) The degree to which a violation could contribute to the failure to accomplish an important goal or program objective as established by this division.
• (6) The degree to which a violation may make it difficult to determine if the violator is in compliance with other requirements of this division.
• (f) For purposes of this chapter, a minor violation of this division shall not include any of the following:
• (1) Any knowing, willful, or intentional violation of this division.
• (2) Any violation of this division that enables the violator to benefit economically from noncompliance, either by realizing reduced costs or by gaining a competitive advantage.
• (3) Any violation that is a chronic violation or that is committed by a recalcitrant violator.
• (g) In determining whether a violation is chronic or a violator is recalcitrant, for purposes of paragraph (3) of subdivision (f), the state board or regional board shall consider whether there is evidence indicating that the violator has engaged in a pattern of neglect or disregard with respect to the requirements of this division or the requirements adopted pursuant to this division.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 775, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13399.1. [Notice to comply]

For purposes of this chapter, 'notice to comply' means a written method of alleging a minor violation that is in compliance with all of the following requirements:

• (a) The notice to comply is written in the course of conducting an inspection by an authorized representative of the state board or regional board. If testing is required by the state board or regional board to determine compliance, and the testing cannot be conducted during the course of the inspection, the representative of the state board or regional board shall have a reasonable period of time to conduct the required testing. If, after the test results are available, the representative of the state board or regional board determines that the issuance of a notice to comply is warranted, the representative shall immediately notify the facility owner or operator in writing.
• (b) A copy of the notice to comply is presented to a person who is an owner, operator, employee, or representative of the facility being inspected at the time that the notice to comply is written. If offsite testing is required

pursuant to subdivision (a), a copy of the notice to comply may be mailed to the owner or operator of the facility.

• (c) The notice to comply clearly states the nature of the alleged minor violation, a means by which compliance with the requirement cited by the representative of the state board or regional board may be achieved, and a time limit in which to comply, which shall not exceed 30 days.
• (d) The notice to comply shall contain the information specified in subdivision (h) of Section 13399.2 with regard to the possible reinspection of the facility.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 775, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13399.2. [Issuance of notice]

• (a) An authorized representative of the state board or regional board, who, in the course of conducting an inspection, detects a minor violation shall issue a notice to comply before leaving the site at which the minor violation is alleged to have occurred if the authorized representative finds that a notice to comply is warranted.
• (b) A person who receives a notice to comply pursuant to subdivision (a) shall have the period specified in the notice to comply from the date of receipt of the notice to comply in which to achieve compliance with the requirement cited on the notice to comply. Within five working days of achieving compliance, the person who received the notice to comply shall sign the notice to comply, and return it to the representative of the state board or regional board, stating that the person has complied with the notice to comply. A false statement that compliance has been achieved is a violation of this division pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13268, Section 13385, or subdivision (e) of Section 13387.
• (c) A single notice to comply shall be issued for all minor violations cited during the same inspection and the notice to comply shall separately list each cited minor violation and the manner in which each minor violation may be brought into compliance.
• (d) A notice to comply shall not be issued for any minor violation that is corrected immediately in the presence of the inspector. Immediate compliance in that manner may be noted in the inspection report, but the person shall not be subject to any further action by the representative of the state board or regional board.
• (e) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (g), a notice to comply shall be the only means by which the representative of the state board or regional board shall cite a minor violation. The representative of the state board or regional board shall not take any other enforcement action specified in this division against a person who has received a notice to comply if the person is in compliance with this section.

• (f) If a person who receives a notice to comply pursuant to subdivision (a) disagrees with one or more of the alleged violations cited in the notice to comply, the person shall give written notice of appeal to the state board or regional board.
• (g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a person fails to comply with a notice to comply within the prescribed period, or if the state board or regional board determines that the circumstances surrounding a particular minor violation are such that immediate enforcement is warranted to prevent harm to the public health or safety or to the environment, the state board or regional board may take any needed enforcement action authorized by this division.
• (h) A notice to comply issued to a person pursuant to this section shall contain a statement that the inspected facility may be subject to reinspection at any time. Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the reinspection of a facility to ensure compliance or to ensure that minor violations cited in a notice to comply have been corrected.
• (i) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the state board or regional board, on a case-by-case basis, from requiring a person subject to a notice to comply to submit reasonable and necessary documentation to support a claim of compliance by the person.
• (j) Nothing in this section restricts the power of a city attorney, district attorney, county counsel, or the Attorney General to bring, in the name of the people of California, any criminal proceeding otherwise authorized by law. Furthermore, nothing in this section prevents the state board or regional board, or a representative of the state board or regional board, from cooperating with, or participating in, such a proceeding.
• (k) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if the state board or regional board determines that the circumstances surrounding a particular minor violation are such that the assessment of a civil penalty pursuant to this division is warranted or required by federal law, in addition to issuance of a notice to comply, the state board or regional board shall assess a civil penalty in accordance with this division, if the state board or regional board makes written findings that set forth the basis for the determination of the state board or regional board.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 775, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13399.3. [Report to the Legislature]

On or before January 1, 2000, the state board shall report to the Legislature on actions taken by the state board and the regional boards to implement this chapter and the results of that implementation. Each regional board shall provide the state board with the information that the state board requests to

determine the degree to which the purposes described in subdivision (a) of Section 13399 have been achieved.

(Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 727, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 2001.)

CHAPTER 5.9. THE STORM WATER ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 1998 [13399.25. 13399.43.]

(Chapter 5.9 added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3.)

§ 13399.25. [Chapter defined]

This chapter supplements, and does not supplant, other laws relating to the discharge of storm water.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.27. [Reports]

On or before December 31, the state board, after any necessary investigation, shall annually prepare, and make available to the public, a report that includes both of the following for the previous calendar year:

• (a) A list of those persons that were notified of their duty to comply with applicable general storm water NPDES permits pursuant to Section 13399.30 and a description of the responses received to those notifications, including the filing of notices of intent to obtain coverage or notices of nonapplicability, returned mail and no response, appeals of filing or permitting requirements pursuant to this chapter, site inspections, enforcement actions taken, and penalties assessed therefor.
• (b) A list of those dischargers identified pursuant to Section 13399.31 that, during the previous calendar year, failed to submit an annual report or construction certification required by a regional board, and any penalties assessed therefor.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 524, Sec. 4. (AB 355) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13399.30. [Identification of dischargers]

• (a) (1) Each year the regional boards shall undertake reasonable efforts to identify dischargers of storm water that have not obtained coverage under an appropriate storm water NPDES permit.
• (2) Any person, including a person subject to waste discharge requirements under Section 1342(p) of Title 33 of the United States Code, that discharges, proposes to discharge, or is suspected by a regional board or the state board of discharging storm water associated with industrial activity that has not obtained coverage under an appropriate storm water NPDES permit, shall submit to the regional board, within 30 days from the date on which a notice is sent by the regional board, the appropriate notice of intent to obtain coverage or a notice of nonapplicability that specifies the basis for not needing to obtain coverage under an NPDES permit.

• (b) If a person to which a notice is sent pursuant to subdivision (a) fails to submit the appropriate notice of intent to obtain coverage or the required notice of nonapplicability to the regional board within 30 days from the date on which that notice is sent, the executive officer of the regional board shall send a second notice to that discharger.
• (c) (1) If a person to which a notice is sent pursuant to subdivision (b) fails to submit the required notice of nonapplicability to the regional board within 60 days from the date on which the notice pursuant to subdivision (a) was sent, the regional board shall impose the penalties described in subdivision (b) of Section 13399.33.
• (2) If a person to which a notice is sent pursuant to subdivision (b) fails to submit the required notice of intent to obtain coverage to the regional board within 60 days from the date on which the notice pursuant to subdivision (a) was sent, the regional board shall impose the penalties described in subdivision (a) of Section 13399.33.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.31. [Notice of noncompliance]

• (a) Each year the regional board shall conduct a review of the annual reports and construction certifications submitted in accordance with the requirements of an applicable NPDES permit and Section 1342(p) of Title 33 of the United States Code and shall identify the dischargers that have failed to submit that annual report or construction certification required by the regional board.
• (b) The regional board shall notify each discharger that is identified pursuant to subdivision (a) with regard to its noncompliance and the penalties therefor.
• (c) If a discharger to which a notice is sent pursuant to subdivision (b) fails to submit the annual report or construction certification required by the regional board to the regional board within 30 days from the date on which that notice is sent, the executive officer of the regional board shall send a second notice to that discharger.
• (d) If a discharger to which a notice is sent pursuant to subdivision (c) fails to submit the annual report or construction certification required by the regional board to the regional board within 60 days from the date on which the notice is sent pursuant to subdivision (b), the regional board shall impose the penalties described in subdivision (c) of Section 13399.33. (Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.33. [Penalties]

Except as provided in Section 13399.35, the regional board shall do all of the following with regard to a discharger that is subject to the requirements

prescribed in accordance with Section 1342(p) of Title 33 of the United States Code:

• (a) (1) With regard to a discharger of storm water associated with industrial activity that fails to submit the required notice of intent to obtain coverage in accordance with Section 13399.30, impose civil liability administratively in an amount that is not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) per year of noncompliance or fraction thereof, unless the regional board makes express findings setting forth the reasons for its failure to do so, based on the specific factors required to be considered pursuant to paragraph (2).
• (2) In determining the amount of the penalty imposed under this section, the regional board shall consider the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, and, with respect to the violator, the ability to pay, any prior history of violations, the degree of culpability, economic benefits or savings resulting from the violation, and other matters as justice may require. These considerations shall be balanced against the need for the regulatory costs of environmental protection to be borne equally by dischargers throughout the state, and the need for predictability of enforcement when making business decisions.
• (b) With regard to a person that fails to submit the required notice of nonapplicability in accordance with Section 13399.30, impose civil liability administratively in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
• (c) With regard to a person that fails to submit an annual report or construction certification in accordance with Section 13399.31, impose civil liability administratively in an amount that is not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000).
• (d) Recover from the persons described in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) the costs incurred by the regional board with regard to those persons.
• (e) It is an affirmative defense to the penalties imposed under this section for a person described in subdivision (a) or (b) to prove that he or she did not, in fact, receive the notices required under Section 13399.30 or 13399.31. (Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.35. [Reduction of penalties]

• (a) The regional board may allow a person to reduce the penalties described in subdivisions (a), (b), and (c) of Section 13399.33 by up to 50 percent by undertaking a supplemental environmental project in accordance with the enforcement policy of the state board and any applicable guidance document.
• (b) For the purposes of this section, a 'supplemental environmental project' means an environmentally beneficial project that a person agrees to undertake, with the approval of the regional board, which would not be undertaken in the absence of an enforcement action under Section 13399.33.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.37. [Deposit of funds]

• (a) The money generated from the imposition of liability and cost recovery pursuant to Section 13399.33 shall be deposited, and separately accounted for, in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund.
• (b) The money described in subdivision (a) shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the regional boards from which the revenues were generated for the purpose of carrying out storm water programs under this division.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.41. [Agency cooperation]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, appropriate state agencies, as requested by the executive director of the state board, shall provide the state board with the names, addresses, and standard industrial classifications or types of business facilities that are subject to storm water programs under this division. The information obtained pursuant to this section shall be used by the state board solely to regulate the discharge of storm water associated with industrial activity under this division. The state shall reimburse state agencies for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with complying with this section. (Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13399.43. [Definition]

For the purposes of this chapter, 'NPDES permit' means a permit issued under the national pollutant discharge elimination system program in accordance with the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C.A. Sec. 1251 et seq.).

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 998, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

CHAPTER 6. STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE [13400. - 13443.]

(Chapter 6 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 1. State Water Quality Control Fund [13400. - 13401.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13400. [Definitions]

As used in this chapter, unless otherwise apparent from the context:

• (a) 'Facilities' means any of the following:
• (1) Facilities for the collection, treatment, or export of waste when necessary to prevent water pollution.
• (2) Facilities to recycle wastewater and to convey recycled water.
• (3) Facilities or devices to conserve water.
• (4) Any combination of the facilities described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3).
• (b) 'Fund' means the State Water Quality Control Fund.

• (c) 'Not-for-profit organization' means an organization operated on a notfor-profit basis, including, but not limited to, an association, cooperative, or private corporation that is a public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code, that meets technical, managerial, and financial capacity criteria specified by the state board for public water systems, or that is subject to regulatory authority pursuant to this division.'Not-for-profit organization' includes only an organization that is either controlled by a local public body or bodies or has a broadly based ownership by, or membership of, people of the local community.
• 'Public agency' means any city, county, city and county, district, or
• (d) other political subdivision of the state. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13401. [The State Water Quality Control Fund]

• (a) The State Water Quality Control Fund is continued in existence. The following moneys in the fund are appropriated, without regard to fiscal years, for expenditure by the state board in making loans to public agencies in accordance with this chapter:
• (1) The balance of the original moneys deposited in the fund.
• (2) Any money repaid to the fund.
• (3) Any remaining balance of the money in the fund deposited therein after the specific appropriations for loans to the South Tahoe Public Utility District, the North Tahoe Public Utility District, the Tahoe City Public Utility District, the Truckee Sanitary District, and to any other governmental entity in the areas served by such districts have been made.
• (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), upon the order of the state board, the money in the State Water Quality Control Fund shall be transferred to the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. (Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 775, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

Article 2. Loans to Local Agencies [13410. - 13418.]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13410. [Construction loans]

Applications for construction loans under this chapter shall include:

• (a) A description of the proposed facilities.
• (b) A statement of facts showing the necessity for the proposed facilities and showing that funds of the public agency are not available for financing such facilities and that the sale of revenue or general obligation bonds through private financial institutions is impossible or would impose an unreasonable burden on the public agency.
• (c) A proposed plan for repaying the loan.
• (d) Other information as required by the state board.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13411. [Conditions]

Upon a determination by the state board, after consultation with the State Department of Health, that (a) the facilities proposed by an applicant are necessary to the health or welfare of the inhabitants of the state, (b) that the proposed facilities meet the needs of the applicant, (c) that funds of the public agency are not available for financing such facilities and that the sale of revenue or general obligation bonds through private financial institutions is impossible or would impose an unreasonable burden on the public agency, (d) that the proposed plan for repayment is feasible, (e) in the case of facilities proposed under Section 13400(c)(1) that such facilities are necessary to prevent water pollution, (f) in the case of facilities proposed under Section 13400(c)(2) that such facilities will produce recycled water and that the public agency has adopted a feasible program for use thereof, and (g) in the case of facilities proposed under Section 13400(c)(3) that such facilities are a cost effective means of conserving water, the state board, subject to approval by the Director of Finance, may loan to the applicant such sum as it determines is not otherwise available to the public agency to construct the proposed facilities. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13412. [Repayment]

No loan shall be made to a public agency unless it executes an agreement with the state board under which it agrees to repay the amount of the loan, with interest, within 25 years at 50 percent of the average interest rate paid by the state on general obligation bonds sold in the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which the loan agreement is executed. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 978, Sec. 1.)

§ 13413. [Special consideration]

It is the policy of this state that, in making construction loans under this article, the state board should give special consideration to facilities proposed to be constructed by public agencies in areas in which further construction of buildings has been halted by order of the State Department of Health or a local health department, or both, or notice has been given that such an order is being considered; provided, however, that the public agencies designated in this section shall otherwise comply with and meet all requirements of other provisions of this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1593.)

§ 13414. [Payments]

All money received in repayment of loans under this chapter shall be paid to the State Treasurer and credited to the fund.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13415. [Studies and investigations]

• (a) Loans may be made by the state board to public agencies to pay not more than one-half of the cost of studies and investigations made by such public agencies in connection with waste water reclamation.
• (b) Not more than a total of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,00) shall be loaned pursuant to this section in any fiscal year, and not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) shall be loaned to any public agency in any fiscal year pursuant to this section. In the event that less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) is available in any fiscal year for loans under this article, then not more than 10 pecent of the available amount shall be available for loans for studies and investigations pursuant to this section.
• (c) Applications for such loans shall be made in such form, and shall contain such information, as may be required by the state board.
• (d) Such loans shall be repaid within a period not to exceed 10 years, with interest at a rate established in the manner provided in Section 13412. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13416. [Election requirement]

Before a public agency may enter into a contract with the state board for a construction loan under this chapter, the public agency shall hold an election on the proposition of whether or not the public agency shall enter into the proposed contract and more than 50 percent of the votes cast at such election must be in favor of such proposition.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13417. [Election procedure]

The election shall be held in accordance with the following provisions:

• (a) The procedure for holding an election on the incurring of bonded indebtedness by such public agency shall be utilized for an election of the proposed contract as nearly as the same may be applicable. Where the law applicable to such agency does not contain such bond election procedure, the procedure set forth in the Revenue Bond Law of 1941 (Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 54300) Part 1, Division 2, Title 5 of the Government Code), as it may now or hereafter be amended, shall be utilized as nearly as the same may be applicable.
• (b) No particular form of ballot is required.
• (c) The notice of the election shall include a statement of the time and place of the election, the purpose of the election, the general purpose of the contract, and the maximum amount of money to be borrowed from the state under the contract.
• (d) The ballots for the election shall contain a brief statement of the general purpose of the contract substantially as stated in the notice of the election, shall state the maximum amount of money to be borrowed from the

state under the contract, and shall contain the words 'Execution of contractYes' and 'Execution of contract-No.'

• (e) The election shall be held in the entire public agency except where the public agency proposes to contract with the state board on behalf of a specified portion, or of specified portions of the public agency, in which case the election shall be held in such portion or portions of the public agency only. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13418. [Tahoe moratorium]

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or any other provision of law, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Chapter 47 and 137 of the Statutes of 1966, First Extraordinary Session, Chapter 1679 of the Statutes of 1967, Chapter 1356 of the Statutes of 1969, and Chapter 920 of the Statutes of 1970, or the provisions of any existing loan contract entered into pursuant to this chapter or any other such provision of law, there shall be a two-year moratorium following the effective date of this section on that portion of the principal and interest payments otherwise required in repayment of funds heretofore loaned to the North Tahoe Public Utility District, the Tahoe City Public Utility District, the South Tahoe Public Utility District, the Truckee Sanitary District, the Squaw Valley County Water District, and the Alpine Springs County Water District pursuant to this chapter or any act of the Legislature authorizing a state loan for the purpose of permitting any such agency to construct necessary sewage and storm drainage facilities to prevent and control water pollution in the area served by such agency, equal in percentage, as determined by the Department of Finance, to the percentage of property tax revenues lost to the agency by reason of the adoption of Article XIII A of the California Constitution, unless moneys are otherwise available for such repayment from state allocations or the sale of bonds authorized on or before July 1, 1978, but unissued. The provisions of this section do not apply to any sums which are required to be repaid immediately or in accordance with an accelerated time schedule pursuant to a duly entered stipulated judgment between the State of California and the Tahoe City Public Utility District. Interest on loans shall accrue during the moratorium period and be repaid by the recipients of the loans, in addition to the normal principal and interest payments. (Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 528.)

Article 2.5. Guarantees for Local Agency Bonds [13425. - 13433.]

(Article 2.5 added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1.)

§ 13425. [Applications]

Applications for guarantees for local agency bonds under this chapter shall include:

• (a) A description of the proposed facilities.

• (b) A financing plan for the proposed facilities, including the amount of debt and maximum term to maturity of the proposed local agency bond issue and identification of sources of revenue that will be dedicated to payment of principal and interest on the bonds.
• (c) Other information as required by the state board.

The state board may provide that the application may be combined with applications for any other source of funds administered by the state board. (Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13426. [Determinations]

The state board, subject to approval by the Director of Finance, may agree to provide a guarantee pursuant to this article for all or a specified part of the proposed local agency bond issue upon making all of the following determinations:

• (a) The facilities proposed by an applicant are necessary to the health or welfare of the inhabitants of the state and are consistent with water quality control plans adopted by regional boards.
• (b) The proposed facilities meet the needs of the applicant.
• (c) The proposed bond issue and plan repayment are sound and feasible.
• (d) In the case of facilities proposed under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 13400, the facilities will produce recycled water and the applicant has adopted a feasible program for the use of the facilities. The state board may adopt criteria for ranking and setting priorities among applicants for those guarantees.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13427. [Required agreement]

No guarantee shall be extended to any applicant unless it executes an agreement with the state board under which the applicant agrees to the following provisions:

• (a) To proceed expeditiously with, and complete, the proposed project.
• (b) To commence operation of the project on completion, and to properly operate and maintain the work in accordance with applicable provisions of law.
• (c) To issue bonds and to levy fines, charges, assessments, or taxes to pay the principal of, and interest on, the bonds as described in the application.
• (d) To diligently and expeditiously collect those levies, including timely exercise of available legal remedies in the event of delinquency or default.
• (e) To act in accordance with such other provisions as the state board may require.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13428. [Continuous appropriation]

Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, the money in the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund, which is hereby created, is continuously appropriated to the state board without regard to fiscal years for the purposes of this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13429. [Investment]

Money in the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund not needed for making payments on guaranteed bonds pursuant to this chapter shall be invested pursuant to law. All proceeds of the investment shall be deposited in that fund to the extent permitted by federal law.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13430. [Limitation]

The state board's authorization to guarantee bonds under this article shall be limited to bonds with a total principal amount of not more than 10 times the amount in the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund at the time the state board determines to extend each guarantee pursuant to Section 13426. (Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13431. [Limitation on amount available]

Under no circumstances shall the amount paid out as a result of bond guarantees extended pursuant to this article exceed the amount in the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund. This article does not express or imply any commitment by the state board or any other agency of the state to pay any money or levy any charge or tax or otherwise exercise its faith and credit on behalf of any local agency or bondholder beyond the funds in the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13432. [Fee]

The state board may charge an annual fee not to exceed one-tenth of 1 percent of the principal amount of each bond issue that it guarantees for guarantee coverage. The state board may charge a lesser amount. The proceeds of any fee shall be paid into the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund. (Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

§ 13433. [Rules and procedures]

The state board shall, by regulation, prescribe rules and procedures for all of the following:

• (a) To pay money from the Clean Water Bond Guarantee Fund to an insured local agency or bondholder in the event that the amount in the local agency's bond reserve fund falls below a minimum amount, or in the event of failure by the local agency to pay the principal of, or interest on, an insured bond issue on time, as the state board may require.

• (b) To require, by court action if necessary, a local agency to raise sewer service charges, levy additional assessments, collect charges or assessments, or foreclose or otherwise sell property as needed to prevent a reduction in the local agency's bond reserve fund, or to prevent default, or to collect funds to repay to the fund any payments made pursuant to subdivision (a). (Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 1. Effective March 18, 1988.)

Article 3. State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account [13440. - 13444.]

(Article 3 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13440. [The account]

There is in the State Water Quality Control Fund the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account (hereinafter called the 'account'), to be administered by the state board.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13441. [Fund sources]

• (a) There is to be paid into the account all moneys from the following sources:
• (1) All moneys appropriated by the Legislature for the account.
• (2) All moneys contributed to the account by any person and accepted by the state board.
• (3) Except as otherwise provided, one-half of all moneys collected by way of criminal penalty and all moneys collected civilly under any proceeding brought pursuant to any provision of this division.
• (4) All moneys collected by the state board or a regional board for the account under Chapter 6.7 (commencing with Section 25280) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (5) All moneys collected by the state board for the account under Section 13304 or for the account under other law allowing recovery of costs for cleanup or abatement of waste, pollution, or contamination.
• (6) Repayment of principal, interest, and fees on loans issued pursuant to this article.
• (7) Repayments of loan and grant moneys paid to a loan or grant recipient pursuant to this article in which the recipient was not eligible for that loan or grant.
• (8) Notwithstanding Sections 16305.7 and 16475 of the Government Code, any interest earned upon moneys deposited into the account.
• (b) The first unencumbered five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) paid into the account in any given fiscal year is available without regard to fiscal years, for expenditure by the state board in accordance with the provisions of this article. The next unencumbered five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000),

or any portion thereof, deposited in any given fiscal year, is available for expenditure by the state board for the purposes of this article, subject to the provisions set forth in Section 28 of the Budget Act of 1984 (Chapter 258 of the Statutes of 1984). The next unencumbered one million dollars ($1,000,000) deposited in the account in any given fiscal year is available for expenditure by the state board for the purposes of Section 13443. The remaining unencumbered funds deposited in the account in any given fiscal year is available without regard to fiscal years to the state board for expenditure for the purposes set forth in Sections 13442 and 13442.5.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 439, Sec. 1. (AB 339) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13441.5. [Transfers]

The State Treasurer, when requested by the state board and approved by the Director of Finance, shall transfer moneys in the nature of a loan from the State Water Quality Control Fund to the account created pursuant to Section 13440, which shall be repayable from the account to such fund; provided, that the moneys transferred from the fund to the account shall not exceed the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) at any one time. (Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 918.)

§ 13442. [Grants to public agencies and tribal governments]

• (a) Upon application by an eligible entity, as described in subdivision (b), the state board may approve the payment of grant moneys from the account to that entity to assist in cleaning up a waste, abating the effects of a waste on waters of the state, addressing actions required pursuant to Section 13289.5, or addressing an urgent drinking water need without regard to whether the need for drinking water is a result of the discharge of waste.
• (b) An entity is eligible to apply for funding pursuant to this section if that entity has authority to undertake the activity described in subdivision (a) for which it seeks moneys and the entity is any of the following:
• (1) A public agency.
• (2) A tribal government that is on the California Tribal Consultation List maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and is a disadvantaged community, as defined in Section 79505.5, that agrees to waive tribal sovereign immunity for the explicit purpose of regulation by the state board pursuant to this division.
• (3) A not-for-profit organization serving a disadvantaged community, as defined in Section 79505.5.
• (4) A community water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code, that serves a disadvantaged community, as defined in Section 79505.5.
• (5) An administrator, as defined in Section 13288.

• (c) An eligible entity shall not become liable to the state board for repayment of moneys paid to the entity under this section and expended in accordance with the state board's approval of payment, but this shall not be a defense to an action brought pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13304 for the recovery of moneys paid under this section.
• (d) Projects using moneys that are paid to an eligible entity pursuant to this section shall be exempt from state contracting and procurement requirements set forth in the Government Code and the Public Contract Code to the extent necessary to take immediate action to protect public health and safety.
• (e) The state board may adopt guidelines for the allocation and administration of these moneys that shall not be subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (f) The state board may expend funds for the purposes described in Section 13289.5, but is not authorized to use funds for these purposes for costs incurred after December 31, 2029.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 505, Sec. 4. (AB 805) Effective September 24, 2024.)

§ 13442.5. [Loans from Fund]

• (a) Upon application by an eligible entity, as described in subdivision (b), the state board may make funds available from the account for a loan to that entity to assist in cleaning up a waste, abating the effects of a waste on waters of the state, or addressing an urgent drinking water need without regard to whether the need for drinking water is a result of the discharge of waste.
• (b) An entity is eligible to apply for a loan pursuant to this section if that entity has authority to undertake the activity described in subdivision (a) for which it seeks moneys and the entity is any of the following:
• (1) A public agency.
• (2) A nonprofit organization.
• (3) A community water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (c) Loan applicants shall demonstrate all of the following:
• (1) The ability to repay the loan.
• (2) The availability of adequate collateral to secure the loan.
• (3) That the loaned funds will be used for purposes consistent with subdivision (a).
• (4) Other information that the state board determines to be necessary.
• (d) Any loan issued pursuant to this section shall be secured by adequate collateral. The term of the loan shall not exceed 10 years. The interest rate for the loan shall be set by the state board in guidelines adopted pursuant to subdivision (f).

• (e) Projects using moneys that are loaned pursuant to this section shall not be subject to state contracting and procurement requirements to the extent necessary to take immediate action to protect public health and safety.
• (f) The state board shall adopt guidelines for the allocation and administration of loans from the account. These guidelines shall not be subject to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (g) The state board may expend funds from the account to service loans, recover defaulted loan moneys, and protect the state's position as a lender creditor.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 439, Sec. 4. (AB 339) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13443. [Grants to regional boards]

Upon application by a regional board that is attempting to remedy a significant unforeseen water pollution problem, posing an actual or potential public health threat, or is overseeing and tracking the implementation of a supplemental environmental project required as a condition of an order imposing administrative civil liability, and for which the regional board does not have adequate resources budgeted, the state board may order moneys to be paid from the account to the regional board to assist it in responding to the problem. (Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 869, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2002.)

• § 13444. (a) No later than January 1 of each year, the board shall post on its internet website a report describing the receipts and expenditures of the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account for the most recent completed fiscal year.
• (b) The board shall complete the initial report no later than January 1, 2026, and that report shall include, but not be limited to, the data required pursuant to subdivision (c) for the period from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2025, inclusive.
• (c) Each report completed pursuant to this section shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
• (1) A list of applications that, for each application, contains the following:
• (A) The amount of funds the application requested.
• (B) The board's decision on the application.
• (C) The amount of funds granted to the applicant.
• (D) A description of the project funded, if applicable.
• (E) If the application was denied in whole or in part, the reasons for the denial or partial funding.
• (2) (A) The total and individual amount of deposits to the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account originating from enforcement fines.
• (B) The total amount of funds diverted to supplemental environmental projects from enforcement fines that would otherwise be deposited into the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.

• (3) The total amount of deposits to the account originating from each regional board and the total amount of grants provided to projects within each region.
• (d) Commencing no later than June 30, 2025, the board shall separately account within the State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account all categories of receipts, which shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following categories:
• (1) Enforcement fines.
• (2) Cost recovery in accordance with Section 13365.
• (3) Judicially approved settlements or judicial orders that include specified limitations on the use of the funds. (Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 957, Sec. 1. (AB 2318) Effective January 1, 2025.)

CHAPTER 6.1. WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER QUALITY BOND LAW OF 1986 [13450. - 13469.]

(Chapter 6.1 added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 6, Sec. 1.)

Chapter 6.1, which contains the Water Conservation and Water Quality Bond Law of 1986 as approved by the voters in Proposition 44, is omitted from this version of the PorterCologne Act.

CHAPTER 6.5. STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUND [13475. 13485.]

(Chapter 6.5 added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1313, Sec. 1.)

§ 13475. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that since the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) provides for establishment of a perpetual water pollution control revolving loan fund, which will be partially capitalized by federal contributions, it is in the interest of people of the state, in order to ensure full participation by the state under the federal Clean Water Act, to enact this chapter to authorize the state to establish and implement a state/federal water pollution control revolving fund in accordance with federal provisions, requirements, and limitations.
• (b) The primary purpose of this chapter is to enact a statute consistent with the provisions and requirements of the federal Clean Water Act, as those provisions, requirements, and limitations relate to establishment, management, and operation of a state/federal water pollution control revolving fund. It is the intent of the Legislature that the terms of this chapter shall be liberally construed to achieve this purpose.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1313, Sec. 1. Effective September 28, 1987.)

§ 13476. [Definitions]

Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this chapter:

• (a) 'Administration fund' means the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Administration Fund.
• (b) 'Board' means the State Water Resources Control Board.
• (c) 'Federal Clean Water Act' or 'federal act' means the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) and acts amendatory thereof or supplemental thereto.
• (d) (1) 'Financial assistance' means assistance authorized under Section 13480. Financial assistance includes loans, refinancing, installment sales agreements, purchase of debt, and loan guarantees for municipal revolving funds, but excludes grants.
• (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), financial assistance may include grants or other assistance directed by a federal grant deposited in the fund to the extent authorized.
• (e) 'Fund' means the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund.
• (f) 'Grant fund' means the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Small Community Grant Fund.
• (g) 'Matching funds' means money that equals that percentage of federal contributions required by the federal act to be matched with state funds.
• (h) 'Municipality' has the same meaning and construction as in the federal act and also includes all state, interstate, and intermunicipal agencies.
• (i) 'Publicly owned' means owned by a municipality.
• (j) 'Severely disadvantaged community' means a community with a median household income of less than 60 percent of the statewide median household income.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 60, Sec. 43. (AB 203) Effective June 30, 2022.)

§ 13477. [Creation and continuation of the revolving fund]

The State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury, and, notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, all moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated without regard to fiscal years to the board for expenditure in accordance with this chapter. The board is the state agency responsible for administering the fund. In order to facilitate compliance with the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-514), there is hereby established in the fund a Federal Revolving Loan Fund Account and a State Revolving Loan Fund Account. From time-to-time thereafter, the board may modify existing accounts in the fund and may establish other accounts in the fund, and in all other funds administered by the board, which the board deems appropriate or necessary for proper administration.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1313, Sec. 1. Effective September 28, 1987.)

§ 13477.5. [Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Administration Fund]

• (a) The State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Administration Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury.
• (b) The following moneys shall be deposited in the administration fund:
• (1) Moneys transferred to the administration fund to pay the costs incurred by the board in connection with the administration of this chapter.
• (2) The amounts collected for financial assistance services pursuant to subdivision (c).
• (3) Notwithstanding Section 16475 of the Government Code, any interest earned upon the moneys deposited in the administration fund.
• (c) (1) For any financial assistance made pursuant to Section 13480, the board may assess an annual charge for financial assistance services with regard to the financial assistance, not to exceed 1 percent of the financial assistance balance computed according to the true interest cost method.
• (2) Any amounts collected under this subdivision shall be deposited in the administration fund.
• (3) The financial assistance service rate authorized by this subdivision may be applied at any time during the term of the financial assistance, and once applied, shall remain unchanged for the duration of the financial assistance and shall not increase the financial assistance repayment amount as set forth in the terms and conditions imposed pursuant to this chapter.
• (d) Moneys in the administration fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature to the board, may be expended for payment of the reasonable costs of administering the fund.
• (e) The board shall set the total amount of revenue collected each year through the charges authorized by subdivision (c) at an amount that is as equal as practicable to the revenue levels set forth in the annual Budget Act for this activity. At least once each fiscal year, the board shall adjust the financial assistance service rate imposed pursuant to subdivision (c) to conform with the revenue levels set forth in the annual Budget Act.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 609, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2009.)

§ 13477.6. [State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Small Community Grant Fund]

• (a) The State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Small Community Grant Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury.
• (b) The following moneys shall be deposited in the grant fund:
• (1) Moneys transferred to the grant fund pursuant to subdivision (c).
• (2) Notwithstanding Section 16475 of the Government Code, any interest earned upon the moneys deposited in the grant fund.
• (3) Any moneys deposited pursuant to Section 79723.

• (c) (1) For any financing made pursuant to Section 13480, the board may assess an annual charge to be deposited in the grant fund in lieu of interest that would otherwise be charged.
• (2) The charge authorized by this subdivision may be applied at any time during the term of the financing, and, once applied, shall remain unchanged unless the board determines that the application of the charge is any of the following:
• (A) No longer consistent with federal requirements regarding the fund.
• (B) No longer necessary.
• (C) Negatively affecting the board's ability to fund projects that support its water quality goals.
• (3) The charge shall not increase the financing repayment amount as set forth in the terms and conditions imposed pursuant to this chapter.
• (4) If the board ceases collecting the charge before the financing repayment is complete, the board shall replace the charge with an identical interest rate.
• (d) (1) Moneys in the grant fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature to the board, may be expended, in accordance with this chapter, for grants for wastewater projects described in subdivision (c) of Section 1383 of Title 33 of the United States Code that serve small communities as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 30925 of the Public Resources Code. The board shall expend moneys appropriated from the grant fund within four years from the date of encumbrance.
• (2) For the purpose of approving grants, the board shall give priority to projects that serve severely disadvantaged communities.
• (3) In addition to the uses set forth in paragraph (1), moneys deposited in the grant fund pursuant to Section 79723, upon appropriation by the Legislature to the board, may be expended for technical assistance as authorized by Section 79725.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 673, Sec. 36. Effective January 1, 2016.)

§ 13478. [Board authority]

• (a) The board may undertake any of the following:
• (1) Enter into agreements with the federal government for federal contributions to the fund.
• (2) Accept federal contributions to the fund.
• (3) Enter into an agreement with, and accept matching funds from, a municipality. A municipality that seeks to enter into an agreement with the board and provide matching funds pursuant to this subdivision shall provide to the board evidence of the availability of those funds in the form of a written resolution adopted by the governing body of the municipality before it requests a preliminary financial assistance commitment.

• (4) Use moneys in the fund for the purposes permitted by the federal act.
• (5) Provide for the deposit of matching funds and any other available and necessary moneys into the fund.
• (6) Make requests on behalf of the state for deposit into the fund of available federal moneys under the federal act and determine on behalf of the state appropriate maintenance of progress toward compliance with the enforceable deadlines, goals, and requirements of the federal act.
• (7) Determine on behalf of the state that publicly owned treatment works that receive financial assistance from the fund will meet the requirements of, and otherwise be treated as required by, the federal act.
• (8) Provide for appropriate audit, accounting, and fiscal management services, plans, and reports relative to the fund.
• (9) Take additional incidental action as appropriate for the adequate administration and operation of the fund.
• (10) Charge municipalities that elect to provide matching funds a fee to cover the actual cost of obtaining the federal funds pursuant to Section 603(d)(7) of the federal act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1383(d)(7)) and processing the financial assistance application. The fee shall be waived by the board if sufficient funds to cover those costs are available from other sources.
• (11) Use money returned to the fund under clause (ii) of subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 13480, and any other source of matching funds, if not prohibited by statute, as matching funds for the federal administrative allowance under Section 603(d)(7) of the federal act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1383(d)(7)).
• (12) Expend money repaid by financial assistance recipients for financial assistance service under clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 13480 to pay administrative costs incurred by the board under this chapter.
• (13) Engage in the transfer of capitalization grant funds, as authorized by Section 35.3530(c) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations and reauthorized by Public Law 109-54, to the extent set forth in an Intended Use Plan, that shall be subject to approval by the board.
• (14) Cross-collateralize revenue bonds with the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund created pursuant to Section 116760.30 of the Health and Safety Code, as authorized by Section 35.3530(d) of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
• (b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2014. (Repealed (in Sec. 187) and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 35, Sec. 188. Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2014, by its own provisions.)

§ 13479. [Federal contributions]

• (a) The board may enter into an agreement with the federal government for federal contributions to the fund only if both of the following conditions have been met:
• (1) The state has identified any required matching funds.
• (2) The board is prepared to commit to the expenditure of any minimum amount in the fund in the manner required by the federal act.
• (b) Any agreement between the board and the federal government shall contain those provisions, terms, and conditions required by the federal act, and any implementing federal rules, regulations, guidelines, and policies, including, but not limited to, agreement to the following:
• (1) Moneys in the fund shall be expended in an expeditious and timely manner.
• (2) All moneys in the fund as a result of federal capitalization grants shall be used to assure maintenance of progress toward compliance with the enforceable deadlines, goals, and requirements of the federal act, including any applicable municipal compliance deadlines.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 370, Sec. 3. Effective August 4, 1995.)

§ 13480. [Authorized uses]

• (a) Moneys in the fund shall be used only for the permissible purposes allowed by the federal act or a federal grant deposited in the fund, to the extent authorized and funded by that grant.
• (b) Consistent with expenditure for authorized purposes, moneys in the fund may be used for the following purposes:
• (1) Loans that meet all of the following requirements:
• (A) Are made at or below market interest rates.
• (B) Require annual payments of principal and any interest, with repayment commencing not later than one year after completion of the project for which the loan is made and full amortization not later than 30 years after project completion unless otherwise authorized by a federal grant deposited in the fund to the extent authorized.
• (C) Require the loan recipient to establish an acceptable dedicated source of revenue for repayment of a loan.
• (D) (i) Contain other terms and conditions required by the board or the federal act or applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, and policies. To the extent permitted by federal law, the combined interest and loan service rate shall be set at a rate that does not exceed 50 percent of the interest rate paid by the state on the most recent sale of state general obligation bonds and the combined interest and loan service rate shall be computed according to the true interest cost method. If the combined interest and loan service rate so determined is not a multiple of one-tenth of 1 percent, the combined interest and loan service rate shall be set at the multiple of one-tenth of 1 percent next

above the combined interest and loan service rate so determined. A loan from the fund used to finance costs of facilities planning, or the preparation of plans, specifications, or estimates for construction of publicly owned treatment works shall comply with Section 603(e) of the federal act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1383(e)).

• (ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), if the loan applicant is a municipality, an applicant for a loan for the implementation of a management program pursuant to Section 319 of the federal act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1329), or an applicant for a loan for nonpoint source or estuary enhancement pursuant to Section 320 of the federal act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1330), and the applicant provides matching funds, the combined interest and loan service rate on the loan shall be 0 percent. A loan recipient that returns to the fund an amount of money equal to 20 percent of the remaining unpaid federal balance of an existing loan shall have the remaining unpaid loan balance refinanced at a combined interest and loan service rate of 0 percent over the time remaining in the original loan contract.
• (2) To buy or refinance the debt obligations of municipalities within the state at or below market rates if those debt obligations were incurred after March 7, 1985.
• (3) To guarantee, or purchase insurance for, local obligations where that action would improve credit market access or reduce interest rates.
• (4) As a source of revenue or security for the payment of principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the state, if the proceeds of the sale of those bonds will be deposited in the fund.
• (5) To establish loan guarantees for similar revolving funds established by municipalities.
• (6) To earn interest.
• (7) For payment of the reasonable costs of administering the fund and conducting activities under Subchapter VI (commencing with Section 601) of the federal act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1381 et seq.). Those costs shall not exceed 4 percent of all federal contributions to the fund, four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) per year, or one-fifth of 1 percent per year of the current valuation of the fund, whichever amount is greatest, plus the amount of any fees collected by the state for this purpose regardless of the source.
• (8) For financial assistance toward the nonfederal share of the costs of grant-funded treatment works projects, to the extent permitted by the federal act.
• (9) Grants, principal forgiveness, negative interest rates, and any other type of, or variation on the above types of, assistance authorized by a federal grant deposited in the fund, to the extent authorized and funded by that grant. (Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 60, Sec. 44. (AB 203) Effective June 30, 2022.)

§ 13481. [Limitations on use]

The fund shall be used to provide financial assistance only for projects which are (a) consistent with plans, if any, developed under Sections 205(j), 208, 303(e), 319, and 320 of the federal act, and (b) on the approved state priority list adopted under Section 216 of the federal act.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1313, Sec. 1. Effective September 28, 1987.)

§ 13481.5. [Projects that receive favorable consideration]

The board, for the purposes of administering the fund, shall give favorable consideration to the following types of eligible projects: projects that address public health problems or the pollution of impaired water bodies, projects necessary to comply with regulatory requirements, water recycling projects, projects undertaken to prevent or minimize water quality degradation, and projects undertaken in response to an administrative enforcement order. (Added by Stats. 2004, Ch. 559, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

§ 13481.6. [Project Labor Agreements for Certain Projects]

• (a) As a condition of receiving financial assistance under this chapter for work performed at the City of San Diego's North City Water Reclamation Plant, North City Pure Water Facility, or any other portion of the Pure Water San Diego Program, an applicant shall ensure that any construction contract awarded on or after January 1, 2020, for any phase of the Pure Water San Diego Program, including, but not limited to, expanding or modifying wastewater conveyance, detention, or treatment processes at the North City Water Reclamation Plant, work on the North City Pure Water Facility or the adjacent Pure Water Pump Station, or work on any other portion of the Pure Water San Diego Program, requires the contractor to enter into a project labor agreement that meets the requirements of Section 2500 of the Public Contract Code.
• (b) The condition on receiving financial assistance imposed pursuant to this section shall remain in effect only until completion of all phases of the Pure Water San Diego Program.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 755, Sec. 2. (AB 1290) Effective January 1, 2020.)

§ 13481.7. [Municipal indebtedness]

Subject to all applicable constitutional restrictions, a municipality may borrow money and incur indebtedness pursuant to this chapter. (Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 513, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 2012.)

§ 13482. [Transfer of funds]

• (a) In accordance with the Clean Water Bond Law of 1984 (Chapter 13 (commencing with Section 13999)), the board, with the approval of the Clean Water Finance Committee, may transfer funds from the Clean Water Construction Grant Account to the fund for the purpose of meeting federal requirements for matching moneys in the fund.

• (b) Any repayment of fund moneys, including interest payments, and all interest earned on, or accruing to, any moneys in the fund, shall be deposited in the fund and shall be available, in perpetuity, for expenditure for the purposes and uses authorized by the federal act.
• (c) A municipality that elects to provide matching funds shall do all of the following:
• (1) Establish an account or other funding mechanism permitted by law for the deposit and use of those funds.
• (2) Pay the state's share of the amount of money owed to any contractor for services rendered to that municipality and transmit evidence of payment to that contractor to the board before the federal matching funds become available pursuant to the federal act.
• (3) Grant to the state access to the financial records of the account or other funding mechanism established pursuant to paragraph (1). (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 370, Sec. 5. Effective August 4, 1995.)

§ 13483. [Rebate to federal government]

• (a) To the extent permitted by federal and state law, moneys in the fund may be used to rebate to the federal government all arbitrage profits required by the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-514), or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto. To the extent that this use of the moneys in the fund is prohibited by federal or state law, any rebates required by federal law shall be paid from the General Fund or other sources, upon appropriation by the Legislature.
• (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law or regulation, the board may enter into contracts, or may procure those services and equipment, which may be necessary to ensure prompt and complete compliance with any provisions relating to the fund imposed by either the federal Tax Reform Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-514) or the federal Clean Water Act.

(Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1313, Sec. 1. Effective September 28, 1987.)

§ 13485. [Regulations]

• (a) The board may adopt rules and regulations necessary or convenient to implement this chapter and to meet federal requirements pursuant to the federal act.
• (b) The board may implement this chapter through a policy handbook that shall not be subject to the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of the Government Code.
• (c) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2014. (Repealed (in Sec. 189) and added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 35, Sec. 190. Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2014, by its own provisions.)

CHAPTER 6.6. WATER AND WASTEWATER LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM [13486 13489]

(Chapter 6.6 added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1.)

§ 13486. [Program to Extend Wastewater Service]

• (a) To the extent that funding is made available, the state board may establish a program in accordance with this chapter to provide funding as described in subdivision (a) of Section 13487.5 to eligible applicants for any of the following purposes:
• (1) Extending or connecting service lines from a water or wastewater system to the point of entry into a residential structure.
• (2) Paying reasonable charges or fees for connecting to a water or wastewater system.
• (3) Paying costs to properly abandon or destroy septic tanks and water wells, as necessary, to protect health and safety as required by local or state law.
• (4) Improving, rehabilitating, replacing, or repairing existing water wells, including associated equipment.
• (5) Installing a water treatment system if the groundwater exceeds a primary or secondary drinking water standard, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) The state board may adopt any guidelines it determines are necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. A guideline adopted pursuant to this subdivision shall not be subject to the rulemaking requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13486.5. [Definitions]

• (a) As used in this chapter:
• (1) 'Qualified nonprofit organization' means an organization with experience in providing financial and technical assistance to disadvantaged communities that is qualified to operate in California and qualified for exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• (2) 'Small water system' means a system for the provision of piped water to the public for human consumption that serves at least two, but not more than 14, service connections and is not a public water system as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13487. [Sources of Funding]

• (a) To fund the program authorized in this chapter, the state board may use a funding source that is authorized for and consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
• (b) The state board shall use reasonable and feasible efforts to secure local matching funds for the purposes of funding projects pursuant to this chapter. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13487.5. [County or Nonprofit to Administer Loans and Grants]

• (a) A county or qualified nonprofit organization may apply to the state board for a grant to award loans or grants, or both, to eligible applicants in the county in accordance with this chapter. The state board may award a grant to a qualified nonprofit organization only for a county that has not been awarded a grant pursuant to this subdivision.
• (b) A county or qualified nonprofit organization that receives funding pursuant to this chapter shall annually provide the following information to the state board:
• (1) The number of loans and grants awarded.
• (2) The types of projects funded.
• (3) Project costs.
• (4) Whether there is demand for additional funding.
• (c) The state board may advance funds pursuant to an agreement with a county or qualified nonprofit organization in accordance with this chapter. Section 11019 of the Government Code does not apply to an advance made pursuant to this subdivision. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13488. [Criteria for Loan Eligibility]

• (a) An eligible applicant for a loan shall meet all of the following criteria:
• (1) Have a household income at or below 120 percent of the statewide median household income or, for a small water system, serve households with a median household income at or below 120 percent of the statewide median household income.
• (2) Have an ownership interest in the residence or small water system.
• (3) Be unable to obtain financial assistance at reasonable terms and conditions from private lenders and lack the resources to undertake these improvements.
• (4) Demonstrate an ability to repay the loan. This requirement may be satisfied by having another party join the application as a cosigner.
• (b) Any loan provided shall be secured by appropriate collateral, which may include a mortgage on the residence and shall be repaid within 10 to 30 years in accordance with terms established by the state board. The interest rate on the loan shall not exceed 3 percent. Throughout the useful life of the improvement, a loan recipient shall furnish evidence of and continually maintain

homeowner's insurance on the security residence to protect the state's interest in the residence.

• (c) The county may enter into a contract with a private financial institution to provide loans consistent with the purposes of this chapter. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13489. [Criteria for Grant Eligibility]

• (a) An eligible applicant for a grant shall meet all of the following criteria:
• (1) Have a household income at or below 120 percent of the statewide median household income or, for a small water system, serve households with a median household income at or below 120 percent of the statewide median household income.
• (2) Have an ownership interest in the residence or small water system.
• (3) Be unable to obtain financial assistance at reasonable terms and conditions from private lenders and lack the resources to undertake these improvements.
• (b) A grant recipient shall repay to the county or qualified nonprofit organization the grant amount in full if that recipient sells or transfers ownership of the residence or small water system less than five years from the date that the grant agreement was signed.

(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 438, Sec. 1. (AB 277) Effective January 1, 2018.)

CHAPTER 6.7. COST RECOVERY, ENFORCEMENT, AND ADMINISTRATION [13490 13499.4]

(Chapter 6.7 added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6.)

§ 13490. [Purpose]

The purpose of this chapter is to consolidate administrative enforcement authority available to the state board to enforce the terms, conditions, and requirements of its financial assistance programs.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13491. [Definitions]

As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

• (a) 'Agreement' means any agreement or contract for financial assistance from the state board to an eligible recipient, including, but not limited to, a loan, grant, installment sale agreement, contract, or other form of agreement made for the purpose of providing financial assistance.
• (b) 'Recipient' means any person or entity that receives any financial assistance from the state board, including, but not limited to, a recipient's contractors or consultants who performs work for a recipient. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13492. [Recovery of costs of enforcing agreement]

• (a) The state board may recover any costs incurred in the enforcement of an agreement, including any criminal, civil, or administrative action related to the agreement.
• (b) (1) The state board may recover any amount of financial assistance provided to a recipient not expended for purposes authorized by the agreement up to the full amount of the agreement.
• (2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Attorney General, upon request of the state board, shall bring an action in superior court to recover costs under this section.
• (3) The state board may recover costs administratively as civil liability under Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5.
• (c) The amount of the costs constitutes a lien on any property, including real property and personal property, obtained through, or improved with the proceeds of, the agreement. For real property liens under this section, the lien shall attach upon service of a copy of the notice of lien on the owner and upon the recordation of a notice of lien, if the notice identifies the property purchased with the financial assistance, the amount of the lien, and the owner of record of the property, in the office of the county recorder of the county in which the property is located. Upon recordation of a real property lien or notice to the recipient of a personal property lien, the lien shall have the same force, effect, and priority as a judgment lien, except that it attaches only to the property posted and described in the notice of lien, and shall continue for 10 years from the time of the recording of the notice, unless sooner released or otherwise discharged. Not later than 45 days from the date of receipt of a notice of lien, the owner may petition the court for an order releasing the property from the lien or reducing the amount of the lien. In that court action, the state board shall establish that the costs were reasonable and necessary. The lien may be foreclosed by an action brought by the state board for a money judgment. The lien shall be renewable at the expiration of each 10-year period from the time of the recording of the notice unless it has been discharged or foreclosed. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13493. [Disqualification of persons]

• (a) (1) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c), if a person is convicted under Section 13499.2 of this code or Section 25299.80.5 of the Health and Safety Code or is found to be civilly liable under Section 13499 of this code or Section 25299.78 or 25299.80 of the Health and Safety Code, the state board may permanently disqualify that person from receiving financial assistance from the state board. If the state board determines that the disqualified person is a contractor or consultant, a recipient shall not submit invoices to the state board for any work performed or directed by that person.

• (2) For purposes of this section, 'contractor or consultant' means a person whose professional services are engaged to perform work for which public moneys are expended.
• (b) If the person convicted under Section 13499.2 or found to be civilly liable under Section 13499 is a recipient, the state board may permanently disqualify the recipient from further receipt of moneys from the state board, with respect to only the financial assistance programs that are the subject of that conviction under Section 13499.2 or found civilly liable under Section 13499, and only if the state board makes a finding that the alleged violation is knowing, willful, or intentional.
• (c) If the person convicted under Section 13499.2 of this code or Section 25299.80.5 of the Health and Safety Code or found to be civilly liable under Section 13499 of this code or Section 25299.78 or 25299.80 of the Health and Safety Code is a contractor or consultant, the state board may permanently disqualify the contractor or consultant from requesting reimbursement for work conducted pursuant to any financial assistance program administered by the state board, including participation in work conducted pursuant to financial assistance programs that are not the subject of that conviction under Section 13499.2 of this code or Section 25299.80.5 of the Health and Safety Code or finding of liability under Section 13499 of this code or Section 25299.78 or 25299.80 of the Health and Safety Code, if the state board makes one of the following findings:
• (1) The alleged violation is knowing, willful, or intentional.
• (2) The contractor or consultant received a material economic benefit from the action that caused the violation.
• (3) The alleged violation is chronic or the contractor or consultant is a recalcitrant violator, as determined pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 13399.
• (d) In addition to the requirements of subdivisions (b) and (c), in determining the extent to which a person, including, but not limited to, a recipient, contractor, or consultant, convicted under Section 13499.2 of this code or Section 25299.80.5 of the Health and Safety Code or found civilly liable under Section 13499 of this code or Section 25299.78 or 25299.80 of the Health and Safety Code may be disqualified from receiving any funds from the state board, including the extent to which the person may be reimbursed for pending or future claims or disbursement requests from the state board, the state board shall take into account the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, any prior history of misrepresentations by the person to the state board or a local agency, any economic benefits or savings that resulted or would have resulted from the false statement, and any other matters as justice may require.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13494. [Joinder of persons liable]

Upon motion and sufficient showing by any party, the court or board, as appropriate, shall join to the action a person who may be liable for costs or expenditures of the type recoverable under this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13495. [Strict liability]

The standard of liability for any costs recoverable pursuant to this chapter is strict liability.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13496. [Effect of indemnification]

• (a) A recipient's indemnification, hold harmless, conveyance, or similar contract with a third party shall not preclude any liability for costs recoverable under this chapter. This section does not bar any contract to insure, hold harmless, or indemnify a party to the contract.
• (b) The entry of judgment against any party to the action does not bar any future action by the state board against any person who is later discovered to be potentially liable for costs incurred by the state board related to any financial assistance program.
• (c) Payment of a claim or disbursement request by the state board under this chapter is subject to the state acquiring by subrogation the rights of the recipient to recover financial assistance moneys from a third party under the financial assistance agreement.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13497. [Civil penalty]

• (a) Any person, including a recipient, recipient's contractor, consultant, employee, agent, assignee, or grantee who violates any requirement or term of a financial assistance agreement is liable for a civil penalty of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day of violation, not to exceed 25 percent of the total amount of the financial assistance agreement.
• (b) The Attorney General, upon request of the state board, shall bring an action in superior court to impose the civil penalty specified in subdivision (a).
• (c) The state board may impose the civil penalty administratively pursuant to Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13498. [Information requests and liability for noncompliance or false information]

• (a) A recipient or a recipient's consultant or contractor or other agent furnishing any information related to funds disbursed or costs claimed for reimbursement pursuant to a financial assistance agreement under this chapter as the state board may require shall personally attest that the information is

true, accurate, and complete to the best of one's knowledge, under penalty of law.

• (b) A person who fails or refuses to furnish information under subdivision (a) or furnishes false information to the state board is subject, in accordance with the requirements of subdivision (c), to civil liability of not more than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) for each violation of this subdivision.
• (c) (1) A recipient shall not be liable under subdivision (b) unless the court or the state board, as the case may be, finds any of the following:
• (A) The alleged violation is knowing, willful, or intentional.
• (B) The recipient or a recipient's consultant or contractor or other agent received a material economic benefit from the action that caused the alleged violation.
• (C) The alleged violation is chronic or that the recipient or a recipient's consultant or contractor or other agent is a recalcitrant violator, as determined pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 13399.
• (d) The Attorney General, upon request of the state board, shall bring an action in superior court to impose the civil liability specified in subdivision (b).
• (e) The state board may impose the civil liability specified in subdivision (b) administratively under Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13499. [Liability for misrepresentations]

• (a) A person who makes a misrepresentation in any submittal to the state board, including, but not limited to, an application, report, certification, record, invoice, form, or other document that is submitted to the state board relating to a financial assistance agreement, is subject to civil liability of not more than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) for each violation of this subdivision.
• (b) The Attorney General, upon request of the state board, shall bring an action in superior court to impose the civil liability specified in subdivision (a).
• (c) The state board may impose the civil liability administratively under Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5.
• (d) The state board shall file a complaint with any applicable licensing board against any person licensed or otherwise regulated by that licensing board who is found to be liable under this section.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13499.2. [Criminal liability for certain statements]

• (a) A person who knowingly makes or causes to be made any false statement, material misrepresentation, or false certification in any submittal to the state board relating to an agreement, including, but not limited to, applications, records, reports, certifications, plans, invoices, forms, or other documents that are submitted, filed, or required to be received by the state

board for purposes of obtaining or administering a financial assistance agreement, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a criminal fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year, or in the state prison for 16 months, two years, or three years, or by both that fine and imprisonment.

• (b) The Attorney General, or a district attorney, upon request of the state board, may bring an action in superior court to impose the criminal penalty specified in subdivision (a).
• (c) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the state board from refusing to enter into an agreement with a recipient if the recipient has been convicted for a fraud crime or found civilly liable for fraud or misrepresentation in a civil or administrative proceeding.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13499.4. [Limitations on liability]

• (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), remedies under this chapter are in addition to, and do not supersede or limit, any other remedy, civil or criminal, including, but not limited to, the state board's rights and remedies under an agreement.
• (b) Civil liability shall not be imposed both administratively and by the superior court for the same violation.
• (c) In determining the appropriate amount of liability under Section 13497, 13498, or 13499, the court, or the state board, as the case may be, shall take into consideration all relevant circumstances, including, but not limited to, the extent of harm caused by the violation, the nature and persistence of the violation, the length of time over which the violation occurs, and the corrective action, if any, taken by the violator.
• (d) (1) Unless the state board determines that deposit in another fund would be more effective for providing financial assistance for the same or substantially similar purpose, all moneys collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the fund from which the financial assistance agreement that is the subject of the action originated.
• (2) If the moneys deposited pursuant to paragraph (1) are derived from the imposition of penalties and are deposited into a fund that is continuously appropriated, that continuous appropriation shall not apply to the moneys. The moneys shall be separately accounted for and shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the purposes for which expenditures from that fund are authorized.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 187, Sec. 6. (SB 776) Effective January 1, 2022.)

CHAPTER 7. WATER RECLAMATION [13500. - 13557.]

(Chapter 7 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 1. Short Title [13500. - 13500.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13500. [Citation]

This chapter shall be known as and may be cited as the Water Recycling Law. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 1996.)

Article 2. Declaration of Policy [13510. - 13512.]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13510. [Legislative declaration]

It is hereby declared that the people of the state have a primary interest in the development of facilities to recycle water containing waste to supplement existing surface and underground water supplies and to assist in meeting the future water requirements of the state.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13511. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares that a substantial portion of the future water requirements of this state may be economically met by beneficial use of recycled water.

The Legislature further finds and declares that the utilization of recycled water by local communities for domestic, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and fish and wildlife purposes will contribute to the peace, health, safety and welfare of the people of the state. Use of recycled water constitutes the development of 'new basic water supplies' as that term is used in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 12880) of Part 6 of Division 6.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13512. [Legislative intent]

It is the intention of the Legislature that the state undertake all possible steps to encourage development of water recycling facilities so that recycled water may be made available to help meet the growing water requirements of the state. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 28. Effective January 1, 1996.)

Article 3. State Assistance [13515. - 13515.]

(Article 3 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13515. [Authorization to provide loans]

In order to implement the policy declarations of this chapter, the state board is authorized to provide loans for the development of water reclamation facilities, or for studies and investigations in connection with water reclamation, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 13400) of this division.

Article 4. Regulation of Reclamation [13520. - 13529.4.]

(Article 4 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13520. [Definition]

As used in this article 'recycling criteria' are the levels of constituents of recycled water, and means for assurance of reliability under the design concept which will result in recycled water safe from the standpoint of public health, for the uses to be made.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 29. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13521. [Statewide criteria]

The State Department of Public Health shall establish uniform statewide recycling criteria for each varying type of use of recycled water where the use involves the protection of public health.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 700, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13521.1. [Evaluation of recycled water for animal use]

• (a) By December 31, 2016, the state board, in consultation with impacted state agencies, shall determine whether the use of disinfected tertiary treated recycled water, as defined by Section 60301.230 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, for the purpose of providing water to animals, would not pose a significant risk to public and animal health. If the state board determines that the use of disinfected tertiary treated recycled water for the purpose of providing water to animals would pose a significant risk to public or animal health, the state board shall establish uniform statewide recycling criteria for the use of disinfected tertiary treated recycled water for the purpose of providing water to animals. Except as provided in subdivision (c), if the state board determines that the use of disinfected tertiary treated recycled water for the purpose of providing water to animals would not pose a significant risk to public or animal health, the state board may approve the use of disinfected tertiary treated recycled water for these purposes.
• (b) In evaluating the use of disinfected tertiary treated recycled water for the purpose of providing water to animals, the state board shall consider, at minimum, all of the following:
• (1) Recommendations from the existing Advisory Panel on Constituents of Emerging Concerns in Recycled Water.
• (2) State-funded research performed pursuant to Section 79144 and subdivision (b) of Section 79145.
• (3) Research by the state board relating to unregulated pollutants.
• (c) Disinfected tertiary treated recycled water shall not be used in the water supply for dairy animals that are currently producing dairy products for human consumption.

• (d) A person shall not be required to use disinfected tertiary treated recycled water for the purposes described in this section.
• (e) The adoption of uniform statewide recycling criteria pursuant to this section shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (f) For purposes of this section, 'animal' includes any domesticated bird, bovine animal, horse, mule, burro, sheep, goat, or swine. (Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 731, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13521.2. [Statewide Criteria for Nonpotable Recyled Water Uses]

• (a) On or before January 1, 2023, the state board shall update the uniform statewide criteria for nonpotable recycled water uses established in Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 60301.050) of Division 4 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The deadline imposed by this section is mandatory only if the Legislature has appropriated sufficient funds, as determined by the executive director of the state board, in the annual Budget Act or otherwise to cover the state board's costs associated with the performance of the duties imposed by this section.
• (b) For purposes of the update to the uniform statewide criteria for nonpotable recycled water uses described in subdivision (a), the state board shall adopt a regulation that incorporates by reference the criteria and applicable backflow protection provisions, including the provisions for the use of a swivel or changeover device for dual-plumbed systems, that are contained in the most recently adopted version of the policy handbook adopted pursuant to Section 116407 of the Health and Safety Code and any future versions of the policy handbook.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 455, Sec. 3. (AB 1180) Effective January 1, 2020.)

§ 13522. [Abatement order]

• (a) If the State Department of Public Health or a local health officer finds that a contamination exists as a result of the use of recycled water, the department or local health officer shall order the contamination abated in accordance with the procedure provided for in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 5400) of Part 3 of Division 5 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (b) The use of recycled water in accordance with the uniform statewide recycling criteria established pursuant to Section 13521, [Reports] for the purpose of this section, does not cause, constitute, or contribute to, any form of contamination, unless the department or the regional board determines that contamination exists.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 40. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13522.5. [Reports]

• (a) Except as provided in subdivision (e), any person recycling or proposing to recycle water, or using or proposing to use recycled water, within any region for any purpose for which recycling criteria have been established, shall file with the appropriate regional board a report containing information required by the regional board.
• (b) Except as provided in subdivision (e), every person recycling water or using recycled water shall file with the appropriate regional board a report of any material change or proposed change in the character of the recycled water or its use.
• (c) Each report under this section shall be sworn to, or submitted under penalty of perjury.
• (d) This section shall not be construed so as to require any report in the case of any producing, manufacturing, or processing operation involving the recycling of water solely for use in the producing, manufacturing, or processing operation.
• (e) Except upon the written request of the regional board, a report is not required pursuant to this section from any user of recycled water which is being supplied by a supplier or distributor for whom a master recycling permit has been issued pursuant to Section 13523.1.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 32. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13522.6. [Misdemeanor]

Any person failing to furnish a report under Section 13522.5 when so requested by a regional board is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 918.)

§ 13522.7. [Enforcement]

The Attorney General, at the request of the regional board, shall petition the superior court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, temporary injunction or permanent injunction, or combination thereof, as may be appropriate, requiring any person not complying with Section 13522.5 to comply forthwith.

(Added by Stats. 1970, Ch. 918.)

§ 13523. [Reclamation requirements]

• (a) Each regional board, after consulting with and receiving the recommendations of the State Department of Public Health and any party who has requested in writing to be consulted, and after any necessary hearing, shall, if in the judgment of the board, it is necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare, prescribe water recycling requirements for water that is used or proposed to be used as recycled water.
• (b) The requirements may be placed upon the person recycling water, the user, or both. The requirements shall be established in conformance with the

uniform statewide recycling criteria established pursuant to Section 13521. The regional board may require the submission of a preconstruction report for the purpose of determining compliance with the uniform statewide recycling criteria. The requirements for a use of recycled water not addressed by the uniform statewide recycling criteria shall be considered on a case-by-case basis. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 51 (S.B.122), Sec. 41. Effective July 10, 2023.)

§ 13523.1. [Master reclamation permit]

• (a) Each regional board, after consulting with, and receiving the recommendations of, the State Department of Public Health and any party who has requested in writing to be consulted, with the consent of the proposed permittee, and after any necessary hearing, may, in lieu of issuing waste discharge requirements pursuant to Section 13263 or water recycling requirements pursuant to Section 13523 for a user of recycled water, issue a master recycling permit to a supplier or distributor, or both, of recycled water.
• (b) A master recycling permit shall include, at least, all of the following:
• (1) Waste discharge requirements, adopted pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 13260) of Chapter 4.
• (2) A requirement that the permittee comply with the uniform statewide recycling criteria established pursuant to Section 13521. Permit conditions for a use of recycled water not addressed by the uniform statewide water recycling criteria shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• (3) A requirement that the permittee establish and enforce rules or regulations for recycled water users, governing the design and construction of recycled water use facilities and the use of recycled water, in accordance with the uniform statewide recycling criteria established pursuant to Section 13521.
• (4) A requirement that the permittee submit a quarterly report summarizing recycled water use, including the total amount of recycled water supplied, the total number of recycled water use sites, and the locations of those sites, including the names of the hydrologic areas underlying the recycled water use sites.
• (5) A requirement that the permittee conduct periodic inspections of the facilities of the recycled water users to monitor compliance by the users with the uniform statewide recycling criteria established pursuant to Section 13521 and the requirements of the master recycling permit.
• (6) Any other requirements determined to be appropriate by the regional board. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 42. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13523.5. [Salinity standards]

A regional board may not deny issuance of water reclamation requirements to a project which violates only a salinity standard in the basin plan. (Added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1541, Sec. 9.)

§ 13524. [Recycling criteria and requirements]

No person shall recycle water or use recycled water for any purpose for which recycling criteria have been established until water recycling requirements have been established pursuant to this article or a regional board determines that no requirements are necessary.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13525. [Injunction]

Upon the refusal or failure of any person or persons recycling water or using recycled water to comply with the provisions of this article, the Attorney General, at the request of the regional board, shall petition the superior court for the issuance of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, or permanent injunction, or combination thereof, as may be appropriate, prohibiting forthwith any person or persons from violating or threatening to violate the provisions of this article.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13525.5. [Misdemeanor]

Any person recycling water or using recycled water in violation of Section 13524, after such violation has been called to his attention in writing by the regional board, is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of such recycling or use shall constitute a separate offense.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 35. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13526. [Misdemeanor]

Any person who, after such action has been called to his attention in writing by the regional board, uses recycled water for any purpose for which recycling criteria have been established prior to the establishment of water recycling requirements, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 36. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13527. [Financial assistance]

• (a) In administering any statewide program of financial assistance for water pollution or water quality control which may be delegated to it pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 13400) of this division, the state board shall give added consideration to water quality control facilities providing optimum water recycling and use of recycled water.
• (b) Nothing in this chapter prevents the appropriate regional board from establishing waste discharge requirements if a discharge is involved. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 37. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13528. [Disclaimer]

This chapter shall not be construed as affecting the powers of the State Department of Public Health.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 43. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13528.5. [State Board authority]

• (a) The state board may carry out the duties and authority granted to a regional board pursuant to this chapter.
• (b) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2014. (Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 35, Sec. 191. Effective June 20, 2014. Section operative July 1, 2014, by its own provisions.)

§ 13529. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:

• (a) The purpose of Section 13529.2 is to establish notification requirements for unauthorized discharges of recycled water to waters of the state.
• (b) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to promote the efficient and safe use of recycled water.
• (c) The people of the state have a primary interest in the development of facilities to recycle water to supplement existing water supplies and to minimize the impacts of growing demand for new water on sensitive natural water bodies.
• (d) A substantial portion of the future water requirements of the state may be economically met by the beneficial use of recycled water.
• (e) The Legislature has established a statewide goal to recycle 700,000 acre-feet of water per year by the year 2000 and 1,000,000 acre-feet of water per year by the year 2010.
• (f) The use of recycled water has proven to be safe and the State Department of Health Services is drafting regulations to provide for expanded uses of recycled water.

(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 833, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1998.)

§ 13529.2. [Unauthorized discharges]

• (a) Any person who , without regard to intent or negligence, causes or permits an unauthorized discharge of 50,000 gallons or more of recycled water, as defined in subdivision (c), or 1,000 gallons or more of recycled water, as defined in subdivision (d), in or on any waters of the state , or causes or permits such unauthorized discharge to be discharged where it is, or probably will be, discharged in or on any waters of the state, shall, as soon as (1) that person has knowledge of the discharge, (2) notification is possible, and (3) notification can be provided without substantially impeding cleanup or other emergency measures, immediately notify the appropriate regional board.
• (b) For the purposes of this section, an unauthorized discharge means a discharge not authorized by waste discharge requirements pursuant to Article 4 of Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 13260), water reclamation requirements pursuant to Section 13523, a master reclamation permit pursuant to Section 13523.1, or any other provision of this division.

• (c) For the purposes of this section, 'recycled water' means wastewater treated as 'disinfected tertiary 2.2 recycled water,' as defined or described by the State Department of Health Services or wastewater receiving advanced treatment beyond disinfected tertiary 2.2 recycled water.
• (d) For purposes of this section, 'recycled water' means 'recycled water,' as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 13050, which is treated at a level less than 'disinfected tertiary 2.2 recycled water,' as defined or described by the State Department of Health Services.
• (e) The requirements in this section supplement, and shall not supplant, any other provisions of law. (Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 833, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1998.)

§ 13529.4. [Administrative liability]

• (a) Any person refusing or failing to provide the notice required by Section 13529.2, or as required by a condition of waste discharge requirements requiring notification of unauthorized releases of recycled water as defined in Section 13529.2, may be subject to administrative civil liability in an amount not to exceed the following:
• (1) For the first violation, or a subsequent violation occurring more than 365 days from a previous violation, five thousand dollars ($5,000).
• (2) For a second violation occurring within 365 days of a previous violation, ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
• (3) For a third or subsequent violation occurring within 365 days of a previous violation, twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
• (b) The penalties in this section supplement, and shall not supplant, any other provisions of law. (Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 833, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1998.)

Article 5. Surveys and Investigations [13530. - 13530.]

(Article 5 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13530. [Surveys]

The department, either independently or in cooperation with any person or any county, state, federal, or other agency, or on request of the state board, to the extent funds are allocated therefor, shall conduct surveys and investigations relating to the reclamation of water from waste pursuant to Section 230. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 6. Waste Well Regulation [13540. - 13541.]

(Article 6 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13540. [In water-bearing strata]

• (a) A person shall not construct, maintain, or use any waste well extending to or into a subterranean water-bearing stratum that is used or intended to be used as, or is suitable for, a source of water supply for domestic purposes.
• (b) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), when a regional board finds that water quality considerations do not preclude controlled recharge of the stratum by direct injection, and when the State Department of Public Health, following a public hearing, finds the proposed recharge will not degrade the quality of water in the receiving aquifer as a source of water supply for domestic purposes, recycled water may be injected by a well into the stratum. The State Department of Public Health may make and enforce any regulations pertaining to this subdivision as it deems proper.
• (2) This section shall not be construed to do either or both of the following:
• (A) Affect the authority of the state board or regional boards to prescribe and enforce requirements for the discharge.
• (B) Preempt the exercise by a water district of its existing ordinance authority to impose or implement stricter standards for protecting groundwater quality in the receiving aquifer.
• (c) If the State Department of Public Health makes the findings provided for in subdivision (b), the department shall consider the state board's Statement of Policy with Respect to Maintaining High Quality of Waters in California, as set forth in Resolution 68-16, dated October 28, 1968, and shall also consider current and potential future public health consequences of the controlled recharge.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 44. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13541. ['Waste well']

As used in this article, 'waste well' includes any hole dug or drilled into the ground, used or intended to be used for the disposal of waste. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 7. Water Reuse [13550. - 13557.]

(Heading of Article 7 amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 724, Sec. 6.)

§ 13550. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the use of potable domestic water for nonpotable uses, including, but not limited to, cemeteries, golf courses, parks, highway landscaped areas, and industrial and irrigation uses, is a waste or an unreasonable use of the water within the meaning of Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution if recycled water is available which meets all of the following conditions, as determined by the state board, after notice to any person or entity who may be ordered to use recycled water or to cease using potable water and a hearing held pursuant to Article 2 (commencing

with Section 648) of Chapter 1.5 of Division 3 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations:

• (1) The source of recycled water is of adequate quality for these uses and is available for these uses. In determining adequate quality, the state board shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, food and employee safety, and level and types of specific constituents in the recycled water affecting these uses, on a user-by-user basis. In addition, the state board shall consider the effect of the use of recycled water in lieu of potable water on the generation of hazardous waste and on the quality of wastewater discharges subject to regional, state, or federal permits.
• (2) The recycled water may be furnished for these uses at a reasonable cost to the user. In determining reasonable cost, the state board shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, the present and projected costs of supplying, delivering, and treating potable domestic water for these uses and the present and projected costs of supplying and delivering recycled water for these uses, and shall find that the cost of supplying the treated recycled water is comparable to, or less than, the cost of supplying potable domestic water.
• (3) After concurrence with the State Department of Public Health, the use of recycled water from the proposed source will not be detrimental to public health.
• (4) The use of recycled water for these uses will not adversely affect downstream water rights, will not degrade water quality, and is determined not to be injurious to plantlife, fish, and wildlife.
• (b) In making the determination pursuant to subdivision (a), the state board shall consider the impact of the cost and quality of the nonpotable water on each individual user.
• (c) The state board may require a public agency or person subject to this article to furnish information which the state board determines to be relevant to making the determination required in subdivision (a).

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 544, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13551. [Availability of recycled water]

• (a) A person or public agency, including a state agency, city, county, city and county, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, shall not use water from any source of quality suitable for potable domestic use for nonpotable uses, including cemeteries, golf courses, parks, highway landscaped areas, and industrial and irrigation uses if suitable recycled water is available as provided in Section 13550.
• (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), any use of recycled water in lieu of water suitable for potable domestic use shall, to the extent of the recycled water so used, be deemed to constitute a reasonable beneficial use of that

water and the use of recycled water shall not cause any loss or diminution of any existing water right.

• (c) Incidental amounts of spray, mist, or runoff shall be permitted to enter outdoor eating areas of parks and open spaces when irrigated with disinfected tertiary treated recycled water that complies with Section 493.4 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 736, Sec. 3. (SB 31) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 13552. [Legislative intent]

The amendments to Sections 13550 and 13551 of the Water Code made during the first year of the 1991-92 Regular Session are not intended to alter any rights, remedies, or obligations which may exist prior to January 1, 1992, pursuant to, but not limited to, those sections or Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 1501) of Part 1 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code. (Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 553, Sec. 3.)

§ 13552.2. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the use of potable domestic water for the irrigation of residential landscaping is a waste or an unreasonable use of water within the meaning of Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution if recycled water, for this use, is available to the residents and meets the requirements set forth in Section 13550, as determined by the state board after notice and a hearing.
• (b) The state board may require a public agency or person subject to this section to submit information that the state board determines may be relevant in making the determination required in subdivision (a). (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 41. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13552.4. [Required use for landscaping]

• (a) Any public agency, including a state agency, city, county, city and county, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, may require the use of recycled water for irrigation of residential landscaping, if all of the following requirements are met:
• (1) Recycled water, for this use, is available to the user and meets the requirements set forth in Section 13550, as determined by the state board after notice and a hearing.
• (2) The use of recycled water does not cause any loss or diminution of any existing water right.
• (3) The irrigation systems are constructed in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 60301.050) of Division 4 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
• (b) This section applies to both of the following:

• (1) New subdivisions for which the building permit is issued on or after March 15, 1994, or, if a building permit is not required, new structures for which construction begins on or after March 15, 1994, for which the state board has approved the use of recycled water.
• (2) Any residence that is retrofitted to permit the use of recycled water for landscape irrigation and for which the state board has approved the use of recycled water.
• (c) (1) Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code does not apply to any project that only involves the repiping, redesign, or use of recycled water for irrigation of residential landscaping necessary to comply with a requirement prescribed by a public agency under subdivision (a).
• (2) The exemption in paragraph (1) does not apply to any project to develop recycled water, to construct conveyance facilities for recycled water, or any other project not specified in this subdivision.
• (d) Outdoor landscape irrigation of common areas that does not enter the boundaries of a residence is not to be considered a part of the same premises as an individual residence and shall not be considered a dual plumbed system. Recycled water used for this purpose shall comply with Section 13550. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 736, Sec. 4. (SB 31) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 13552.5. [General statewide permit for recycled water use to irrigate landscape]

• (a) (1) On or before July 31, 2009, the state board shall adopt a general permit for landscape irrigation uses of recycled water for which the State Department of Public Health has established uniform statewide recycling criteria pursuant to Section 13521.
• (2) The state board shall establish criteria to determine eligibility for coverage under the general permit.
• (3) For the purpose of developing the general permit and establishing eligibility criteria to carry out paragraph (1), the state board shall hold at least one workshop and shall consult with and consider comments from the regional boards, groundwater management agencies and water replenishment districts with statutory authority to manage groundwater pursuant to their principal act, and any interested party.
• (4) The general permit shall include language that provides for the modification of the terms and conditions of the general permit if a regulatory or statutory change occurs that affects the application of the general permit or as necessary to ensure protection of beneficial uses.
• (b) The state board shall establish a reasonable schedule of fees to reimburse the state board for the costs it incurs in implementing, developing, and administering this section.

• (c) Following the adoption of the general permit pursuant to this section, an applicant may obtain coverage for a landscape irrigation use of recycled water by filing a notice of intent to be covered under the general permit and submitting the appropriate fee established pursuant to subdivision (b) to the state board.
• (d) Coverage under the general permit adopted pursuant to this section is effective if all of the following apply:
• (1) The applicant has submitted a completed application.
• (2) The state board has determined that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a).
• (3) The state board has made the application available for public review and comment for 30 days.
• (4) The state board has consulted with the appropriate regional board.
• (5) The executive officer of the state board approves the application.
• (e) (1) Except as provided by modification of the general permit, a person eligible for coverage under the general permit pursuant to subdivision (d) is not required to become or remain subject to individual waste discharge requirements or water reclamation requirements.
• (2) For a landscape irrigation use of recycled water, a person who is subject to general or individual waste discharge requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13263 or 13377, or is subject to individual or master water reclamation requirements prescribed pursuant to Section 13523 or 13523.1, may apply for coverage under the general permit adopted pursuant to this section in lieu of remaining subject to requirements prescribed pursuant to those sections.
• (f) (1) The state board shall designate an ombudsperson to coordinate and facilitate communication on recycled water, on the issuance of water reclamation requirements or waste discharge requirements, as applicable, pursuant to Section 13523 or 13523.1 or this section, and on the promotion of water recycling while ensuring reasonable protection of water quality in accordance with applicable provisions of state and federal water quality law.
• (2) The person appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall facilitate consultations between the state board and the regional boards relating to matters described in that paragraph.

(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 535, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2008.)

§ 13552.6. [Regarding cooling]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the use of potable domestic water for floor trap priming, cooling towers, and air-conditioning devices is a waste or an unreasonable use of water within the meaning of Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution if recycled water, for these

uses, is available to the user, and the water meets the requirements set forth in Section 13550, as determined by the state board after notice and a hearing.

• (b) The state board may require a public agency or person subject to this section to submit information that the state board determines may be relevant in making the determination required in subdivision (a). (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 43. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13552.8. [Required use for cooling]

• (a) Any public agency, including a state agency, city, county, city and county, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, may require the use of recycled water in floor trap priming, cooling towers, and air-conditioning devices, if all of the following requirements are met:
• (1) Recycled water, for these uses, is available to the user and meets the requirements set forth in Section 13550, as determined by the state board after notice and a hearing.
• (2) The use of recycled water does not cause any loss or diminution of any existing water right.
• (3) If public exposure to aerosols, mist, or spray may occur, appropriate mist mitigation or mist control is provided, such as the use of mist arrestors or the addition of biocides to the water in accordance with criteria established pursuant to Section 13521.
• (4) The person intending to use recycled water has prepared an engineering report pursuant to Section 60323 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations that includes plumbing design, cross-connection control, and monitoring requirements for the public agency, which are in compliance with criteria established pursuant to Section 13521.
• (b) This section applies to both of the following:
• (1) New industrial facilities and subdivisions for which the building permit is issued on or after March 15, 1994, or, if a building permit is not required, new structures for which construction begins on or after March 15, 1994, for which the State Department of Public Health has approved the use of recycled water.
• (2) Any structure that is retrofitted to permit the use of recycled water for floor traps, cooling towers, or air-conditioning devices, for which the State Department of Public Health has approved the use of recycled water.
• (c) (1) Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code does not apply to any project which only involves the repiping, redesign, or use of recycled water for floor trap priming, cooling towers, or airconditioning devices necessary to comply with a requirement prescribed by a public agency under subdivision (a).
• (2) The exemption in paragraph (1) does not apply to any project to develop recycled water, to construct conveyance facilities for recycled water, or any other project not specified in this subdivision.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 544, Sec. 15. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13553. [Regarding toilet flushing]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that the use of potable domestic water for toilet and urinal flushing in structures is a waste or an unreasonable use of water within the meaning of Section 2 of Article X of the California Constitution if recycled water, for these uses, is available to the user and meets the requirements set forth in Section 13550, as determined by the state board after notice and a hearing.
• (b) The state board may require a public agency or person subject to this section to furnish any information that may be relevant to making the determination required in subdivision (a).
• (c) For purposes of this section and Section 13554, 'structure' or 'structures' means commercial, retail, and office buildings, theaters, auditoriums, condominium projects, schools, hotels, apartments, barracks, dormitories, jails, prisons, food handling and processing facilities, reformatories, and other structures as determined by the state board.
• (d) Recycled water may be used in condominium projects, as defined in Section 4125 or 6542 of the Civil Code, subject to all of the following conditions:
• (1) Prior to the indoor use of recycled water in any condominium project, the agency delivering the recycled water to the condominium project shall file a report with, and receive written approval of the report from, the state board. The report shall be consistent with the provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations generally applicable to dual-plumbed structures and shall include all the following:
• (A) That potable water service to each condominium project will be provided with a backflow protection device approved by the state board to protect the agency's public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code. The backflow protection device approved by the state board shall be inspected and tested annually by a person certified in the inspection of backflow prevention devices.
• (B) That any plumbing modifications in the condominium unit or any physical alteration of the structure will be done in compliance with state and local plumbing codes.
• (C) That each condominium project will be tested by the recycled water agency or the responsible local agency at least once every four years to ensure that there are no indications of a possible cross connection between the condominium's potable and nonpotable systems.
• (D) That recycled water lines will be color coded consistent with current statutes and regulations.
• (2) The recycled water agency or the responsible local agency shall maintain records of all tests and annual inspections conducted.

• (3) The condominium's declaration, as defined in Section 4135 or 6546 of the Civil Code, shall provide that the laws and regulations governing recycled water apply, shall not permit any exceptions to those laws and regulations, shall incorporate the report described in paragraph (1), and shall contain the following statement:

'NOTICE OF USE OF RECYCLED WATER

This property is approved by the State Water Resources Control Board for the use of recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing. This water is not potable, is not suitable for indoor purposes other than toilet and urinal flushing purposes, and requires dual plumbing. Alterations and modifications to the plumbing system require a permit and are prohibited without first consulting with the appropriate local building code enforcement agency and your property management company or owners' association to ensure that the recycled water is not mixed with the drinking water.'

• (e) The state board may adopt regulations as necessary to assist in the implementation of this section.
• (f) This section shall only apply to condominium projects that are created, within the meaning of Section 4030 or 6580 of the Civil Code, on or after January 1, 2008.
• (g) This section and Section 13554 do not apply to a pilot program adopted pursuant to Section 13553.1.

(Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 736, Sec. 5. (SB 31) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 13553.1. [Legislative findings]

• (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that certain coastal areas of the state have been using sea water to flush toilets and urinals as a means of conserving potable water; that this practice precludes the beneficial reuse of treated wastewater and has had a deleterious effect on the proper wastewater treatment process, and has led to corrosion of the sea water distribution pipelines and wastewater collection systems; and that this situation must be changed.
• (b) There is a need for a pilot program to demonstrate that conversion to the use of recycled water in residential buildings for toilet and urinal flushing does not pose a threat to public health and safety.
• (c) A city that is providing a separate distribution system for sea water for use in flushing toilets and urinals in residential structures may, by ordinance, authorize the use of recycled water for the flushing of toilets and urinals in residential structures if the level of treatment and the use of the recycled water meets the criteria set by the State Department of Public Health. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 544, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13554. [Required use for toilet flushing]

• (a) Any public agency, including a state agency, city, county, city and county, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, may require the use of recycled water for toilet and urinal flushing in structures, except a mental hospital or other facility operated by a public agency for the treatment of persons with mental disorders, if all of the following requirements are met:
• (1) Recycled water, for these uses, is available to the user and meets the requirements set forth in Section 13550, as determined by the state board after notice and a hearing.
• (2) The use of recycled water does not cause any loss or diminution of any existing water right.
• (3) The public agency has prepared an engineering report pursuant to Section 60323 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations that includes plumbing design, cross-connection control, and monitoring requirements for the use site, which are in compliance with criteria established pursuant to Section 13521.
• (b) This section applies only to either of the following:
• (1) New structures for which the building permit is issued on or after March 15, 1992, or, if a building permit is not required, new structures for which construction begins on or after March 15, 1992.
• (2) Any construction pursuant to subdivision (a) for which the State Department of Public Health has, before January 1, 1992, approved the use of recycled water.
• (c) Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code does not apply to any project which only involves the repiping, redesign, or use of recycled water by a structure necessary to comply with a requirement issued by a public agency under subdivision (a). This exemption does not apply to any project to develop recycled water, to construct conveyance facilities for recycled water, or any other project not specified in this subdivision.
• (d) (1) Recycled water for toilet or urinal flushing or outdoor irrigation shall be permissible in and around food handling or processing facilities, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings, and cafeterias, provided the recycled water does not enter the room where food handling or processing occurs.
• (2) Closed piping conveying recycled water may pass through the room where food handling or processing occurs.
• (3) Outdoor irrigation with recycled water at facilities that handle or process food outside is prohibited while food is being handled or processed outside. (Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 736, Sec. 6. (SB 31) Effective January 1, 2026.)

§ 13554.2. [Reimbursement of costs]

• (a) Any person or entity proposing the use of recycled water shall reimburse the State Department of Public Health for reasonable costs that department actually incurs in performing duties pursuant to this chapter.

• (b) (1) Upon a request from the person or entity proposing the use of recycled water, the State Department of Public Health shall, within a reasonable time after the receipt of the request, provide an estimate of the costs that it will reasonably incur in the performance of its duties pursuant to this chapter.
• (2) For purposes of implementing subdivision (a), that department shall maintain a record of its costs. In determining those costs, that department may consider costs that include, but are not limited to, costs relating to personnel requirements, materials, travel, and office overhead. The amount of reimbursement shall be equal to, and may not exceed, that department's actual costs.
• (c) With the consent of the person or entity proposing the use of recycled water, the State Department of Public Health may delegate all or part of the duties that department performs pursuant to this chapter within a county to a local health agency authorized by the board of supervisors to assume these duties, if, in the judgment of that department, the local health agency can perform these duties. Any person or entity proposing the use of recycled water shall reimburse the local health agency for reasonable costs that the local health agency actually incurs in the performance of its duties delegated pursuant to this subdivision.
• (d) (1) Upon a request from the person or entity proposing the use of recycled water, the local health agency shall, within a reasonable time after the receipt of the request, provide an estimate of the cost it will reasonably incur in the performance of its duties delegated under subdivision (c).
• (2) The local health agency, if delegated duties pursuant to subdivision (c), shall maintain a record of its costs that include, but is not limited to, costs relating to personnel requirements, materials, travel, and office overhead. The amount of reimbursement shall be equal to, and may not exceed, the local health agency's actual costs.
• (e) The State Department of Public Health or local health agency shall complete its review of a proposed use of recycled water within a reasonable period of time. That department shall submit to the person or entity proposing the use of recycled water a written determination as to whether the proposal submitted is complete for purposes of review within 30 days from the date of receipt of the proposal and shall approve or disapprove the proposed use within 30 days from the date on which that department determines that the proposal is complete.
• (f) An invoice for reimbursement of services rendered shall be submitted to the person or entity proposing the use of recycled water subsequent to completion of review of the proposed use, or other services rendered, that specifies the number of hours spent by the State Department of Public Health or local health agency, specific tasks performed, and other costs actually incurred. Supporting documentation, including receipts, logs, timesheets, and other

standard accounting documents, shall be maintained by that department or local health agency and copies, upon request, shall be provided to the person or entity proposing the use of recycled water.

• (g) For the purposes of this section, 'person or entity proposing the use of recycled water' means the producer or distributor of recycled water submitting a proposal to the department.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 544, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13554.3. [Fees]

The State Water Resources Control Board may establish a reasonable schedule of fees by which it is reimbursed for the costs it incurs pursuant to Sections 13553 and 13554.

(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 723, Sec. 4.)

§ 13555.2. [Finding on dual delivery systems]

The Legislature hereby finds and declares that many local agencies deliver recycled water for nonpotable uses and that the use of recycled water is an effective means of meeting the demands for new water caused by drought conditions or population increases in the state. It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage the design and construction of water delivery systems on private property that deliver water for both potable and nonpotable uses in separate pipelines.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 47. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13555.3. [Requirement of dual delivery systems]

• (a) Water delivery systems on private property that could deliver recycled water for nonpotable uses described in Section 13550, that are constructed on and after January 1, 1993, shall be designed to ensure that the water to be used for only potable domestic uses is delivered, from the point of entry to the private property to be served, in a separate pipeline which is not used to deliver the recycled water.
• (b) This section applies to water delivery systems on private property constructed within either of the following jurisdictions:
• (1) One that has an urban water management plan that includes the intent to develop recycled water use.
• (2) One that does not have an urban water management plan that includes recycled water use, but that is within five miles of a jurisdiction that does have an urban water management plan that includes recycled water use, and has indicated a willingness to serve the water delivery system.
• (c) This section does not preempt local regulation of the delivery of water for potable and nonpotable uses and any local governing body may adopt requirements which are more restrictive than the requirements of this section. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 48. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13555.5. [Proposed delivery of recycled water for state landscape use; pipe installation]

• (a) If a recycled water producer determines that within 10 years the recycled water producer proposes to provide recycled water for use for state landscape irrigation that meets all of the conditions set forth in Section 13550, the recycled water producer shall so notify the Department of Transportation and the Department of General Services, and shall identify in the notice the area that is eligible to receive the recycled water, and the necessary infrastructure that the recycled water producer or the retail water supplier proposes to provide, to facilitate delivery of the recycled water.
• (b) If notice has been provided pursuant to subdivision (a), all pipe installed by the Department of Transportation or the Department of General Services for landscape irrigation within the identified area shall be of the type necessary to meet the requirements of Section 116815 of the Health and Safety Code and applicable regulations.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 541, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)

§ 13556. [Delivery of recycled water]

In addition to any other authority provided in law, any water supplier described in subdivision (b) of Section 1745 may acquire, store, provide, sell, and deliver recycled water for any beneficial use, including, but not limited to, municipal, industrial, domestic, and irrigation uses, if the water use is in accordance with statewide recycling criteria and regulations established pursuant to this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 49. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13557. [DPH regulations for plumbing recycled water delivery]

• (a) On or before December 31, 2009, the department, in consultation with the State Department of Public Health, shall adopt and submit to the California Building Standards Commission regulations to establish a state version of Chapter 16 of the Uniform Plumbing Code adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials to provide design standards to safely plumb buildings with both potable and recycled water systems.
• (b) Commencing July 1, 2011, and annually thereafter, the department shall review and update, as necessary, the regulations developed pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (c) This section shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 161. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 178, Sec. 1. Effective October 11, 2009.)

Article 8. Water Quality Criteria for Onsite Treated Nonpotable Water Systems [13558. - 13558.1.]

(Article 8 added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. (SB 966) Effective January 1, 2019.)

§ 13558. [Regulations for Onsite Treatment and Reuse of Nonpotable Water]

• (a) On or before December 1, 2022, the state board, in consultation with the California Building Standards Commission and the Department of Housing and Community Development, shall adopt regulations for risk-based water quality standards for the onsite treatment and reuse of nonpotable water for nonpotable end uses in multifamily residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings. The state board shall address in those regulations, at a minimum, all of the following:
• (1) Risk-based log reduction targets for the removal of pathogens such as enteric viruses, parasitic protozoa, and enteric bacteria for nonpotable water sources, graywater, rainwater, stormwater, and blackwater, and nonpotable end uses, toilet and urinal flushing, clothes washing, irrigation, and dust suppression.
• (2) Water quality monitoring requirements.
• (3) Reporting requirements for the water quality monitoring results.
• (4) Notification and public information requirements.
• (5) Cross-connection controls.
• (b) A local jurisdiction that elects to establish a program for onsite treated nonpotable water systems shall do all of the following:
• (1)(A) Adopt a local program through a local ordinance that includes the risk-based water quality standards established by the state board.
• (B)(i) A local jurisdiction that does not provide water service or sewer service shall consult with a water service provider or sewer service provider, respectively, that provides water service or sewer service within the boundaries of the jurisdiction before adopting, amending, or repealing an ordinance that institutes a program for onsite treated nonpotable water system installation and regulation. In consulting with a water service provider or sewer service provider, a local jurisdiction shall give the water service provider or sewer service provider the opportunity to demonstrate that the proposed ordinance could result in a significant adverse impact to any of the following:
• (I) Operations, maintenance, or management of the existing sewer collection or treatment system due to reduced flows.
• (II) Existing or planned centralized recycled water or potable reuse facilities or projects due to reduced flows.
• (III) Receiving waters.
• (ii) If a water service provider or sewer service provider demonstrates to a local jurisdiction a significant risk of a significant adverse impact listed in clause (i), the local jurisdiction shall avoid the impacts or mitigate the impacts to a point where no significant impact on the system, facilities, projects, or receiving waters would occur before adopting the proposed ordinance.
• (2) Establish onsite treated nonpotable water system design criteria, permitting, cross-connection control, and enforcement procedures.
• (3) Provide an annual report to the state board that includes the number, location, and description of permits issued for new and replacement onsite

treated nonpotable water systems, the types and quantity of nonpotable water for nonpotable end uses, water quality monitoring data, and a summary of any violations and corrective actions taken in the local jurisdiction's program.

• (4) Terminate the operation of, and modify to render inoperable, any onsite treated nonpotable water system at the direction of the state board.
• (5)(A) Implement its program for the protection of public health.
• (B)(i) If a local jurisdiction determines that it can no longer effectively implement its program while protecting public health, or if it decides to terminate its program, the local jurisdiction shall rescind its issued permits and require all installed systems to be rendered inoperable prior to the cessation of its program.
• (ii) Before a local jurisdiction terminates its program pursuant to this subparagraph, it shall publicly state the financial or logistical hardship that justifies termination of the program and provide the public with an opportunity for comment.
• (C) The state board shall not administer a local jurisdiction's program in place of a local jurisdiction that is unable to effectively implement its program while protecting public health or that decides to terminate its program.
• (c) The standards established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not address untreated graywater systems that are used exclusively for subsurface irrigation that are regulated by Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 1501.0) of the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
• (d) The standards established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not address untreated rainwater systems that are used exclusively for surface, subsurface, or drip irrigation that are regulated by Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 1601.0) of the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).

(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other law, the standards established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not be considered building standards and shall be treated as program regulations promulgated pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

• (2) Within 12 months of the state board adopting regulations pursuant to subdivision (a), the Department of Housing and Community Development, in consultation with the state board, shall develop and propose for adoption any necessary corresponding building standards to support the risk-based water quality standards established by the state board pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (f) The standards established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be effective commencing on the date on which the regulations are approved and final. An onsite treated nonpotable water system in operation before the effective date of the regulations shall comply with the regulations within two years of the effective date. If the permitting local jurisdiction finds that the permittee is

working to come into compliance with the regulations, but due to extenuating circumstances related to the engineering, repair, or replacement of the system a further extension is warranted, the local jurisdiction may grant an extension to comply with the regulations not to exceed five years after the effective date.

• (g) The state board may contract with public or private entities to advise the state board on public health issues and scientific and technical matters regarding the content of the standards established pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (h) For purposes of this section, 'local jurisdiction' means a city, county, or city and county.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 884 (S.B.745), Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2024.)

§ 13558.1. [Limitations of Chapter]

• (a) An onsite treated nonpotable water system shall not be installed except under a program established in compliance with subdivision (b) of Section 13558.
• (b) This section does not apply to untreated graywater systems that are used exclusively for subsurface irrigation that are regulated by Chapter 15 (commencing with Section 1501.0) of the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
• (c) This section does not apply to untreated rainwater systems that are used exclusively for surface, subsurface, or drip irrigation that are regulated by Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 1601.0) of the California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
• (Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 890, Sec. 1. (SB 966) Effective January 1, 2019.)

CHAPTER 7.3. DIRECT AND INDIRECT POTABLE REUSE [13560. - 13570.]

(Chapter 7.3 added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 700, Sec. 3.)

§ 13560. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares the following:

• (a) In February 2009, the state board unanimously adopted, as Resolution No. 2009-0011, an updated water recycling policy, which includes the goal of increasing the use of recycled water in the state over 2002 levels by at least 1,000,000 acre-feet per year by 2020 and by at least 2,000,000 acre-feet per year by 2030.
• (b) Section 13521 requires the department to establish uniform statewide recycling criteria for each varying type of use of recycled water where the use involves the protection of public health.
• (c) Achievement of the state's goals depends on the timely development of uniform statewide recycling criteria for potable water reuse and of a clear pathway for approval of potable reuse projects.

• (d) This chapter is not intended to delay, invalidate, or reverse any study or project, or development of regulations by the department, the state board, or the regional boards regarding the use of recycled water for potable reuse.
• (e) This chapter shall not be construed to delay, invalidate, or reverse the state board's ongoing review of projects consistent with Section 116551 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (f) The water recycling goals of 700,000 acre-feet of water per year by the year 2000 and 1,000,000 acre-feet of water per year by the year 2010, established in Section 13577, have not been met.
• (g) It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage the development of potable reuse to mitigate the impact of long-term drought and climate change.
• (h) A 2014 report by the WateReuse Research Foundation, 'The Opportunities and Economics of Direct Potable Reuse' found that potable reuse could provide up to 1.1 million acre-feet per year of new drinking water supplies for California.
• (i) The state board adopted uniform water recycling criteria for the replenishment of groundwater basins in June 2014 and is developing uniform water recycling criteria for the augmentation of surface water reservoirs pursuant to Section 13562.
• (j) The state board report to the Legislature, 'Investigation on the Feasibility of Developing Uniform Water Recycling Criteria for Direct Potable Reuse,' found that it is feasible to develop uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse that is protective of public health.
• (k) The state board report to the Legislature stated that the state board should develop a common framework across various types of direct potable reuse projects to help avoid discontinuities in the risk assessment and then sequentially develop uniform water recycling criteria.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 528, Sec. 2. (AB 574) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13560.5. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares that on or before June 1, 2018, the state board should establish a framework for the regulation of potable reuse projects. When establishing the framework, the state board should include all of the following:

• (a) The consideration of recommendations provided in the state board's 'Investigation on the Feasibility of Developing Uniform Water Recycling Criteria for Direct Potable Reuse.'
• (b) A schedule for completing the recommended research described in 'Investigation on the Feasibility of Developing Uniform Water Recycling Criteria for Direct Potable Reuse.'
• (c) A regulatory framework for potable reuse projects that will be protective of public health.

• (d) A process and timeline for updating, if necessary, uniform water recycling criteria for potable reuse through reservoir water augmentation. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 528, Sec. 3. (AB 574) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13561. [Definitions]

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:

• (a) 'Department' or 'state board' means the State Water Resources Control Board.
• (b) 'Direct potable reuse' means the planned introduction of recycled water either directly into a public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code, or into a raw water supply immediately upstream of a water treatment plant. Direct potable reuse includes, but is not limited to, the following:
• (1) 'Raw water augmentation,' which means the planned placement of recycled water into a system of pipelines or aqueducts that deliver raw water to a drinking water treatment plant that provides water to a public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (2) 'Treated drinking water augmentation,' means the planned placement of recycled water into the water distribution system of a public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (c) 'Indirect potable reuse for groundwater recharge' means the planned use of recycled water for replenishment of a groundwater basin or an aquifer that has been designated as a source of water supply for a public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (d) 'Reservoir water augmentation' means the planned placement of recycled water into a raw surface water reservoir used as a source of domestic drinking water supply for a public water system, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code, or into a constructed system conveying water to such a reservoir.
• (e) 'Uniform water recycling criteria' has the same meaning as in Section 13521.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 528, Sec. 4. (AB 574) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13561.2. [Adoption of Regulations]

• (a) On or before December 31, 2023, the state board shall adopt uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse through raw water augmentation. In adopting the initial uniform recycling criteria for direct potable reuse through raw water augmentation, the state board shall comply with all of the following:
• (1) The state board shall develop the uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse through raw water augmentation using information from the recommended research described in subdivision (b) of Section 13560.5 after

soliciting stakeholder input from water agencies, wastewater agencies, local public health officers, environmental organizations, environmental justice organizations, public health nongovernmental organizations, and the business community.

• (2) Before adopting uniform water recycling criteria for raw water augmentation, the state board shall submit the proposed criteria to the expert review panel established pursuant to subdivision (c). The expert review panel shall review the proposed criteria and shall adopt a finding as to whether, in its expert opinion, the proposed criteria would adequately protect public health.
• (3) The state board shall not adopt uniform water recycling criteria for raw water augmentation pursuant to this subdivision unless and until the expert review panel adopts a finding that the proposed criteria would adequately protect public health.
• (4) If the state board finds it will be unable to adopt the uniform water recycling criteria by December 31, 2023, the state board may, by June 30, 2023, extend the uniform water recycling criteria deadline by up to 18 months.
• (5) If the state board finds that it needs longer than the deadline that has been extended pursuant to paragraph (4), the state board shall do all of the following:
• (A) Post on its Internet Web site the date by which it intends to adopt the uniform water recycling criteria.
• (B) If the state board determines that the recommended research described in subdivision (b) of Section 13560.5 is insufficient, consult with the expert review panel described in subdivision (c) regarding the research and, if necessary, the need for additional scientific and technical research. The expert review panel shall also determine the scientific and technical research necessary for the state board to complete the uniform water recycling criteria, including an estimated timeframe needed to conduct the scientific and technical research.
• (C) No later than June 30, 2024, post on its Internet Web site the findings and determinations made, if any, by the expert review panel described in subdivision (c) under subparagraph (B).
• (b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the state board from using its existing authority to permit potable reuse projects pursuant to Section 116550 of the Health and Safety Code before the adoption of uniform recycling criteria pursuant to this section.
• (c) (1) Before adopting the initial uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse through raw water augmentation, the state board shall establish and administer an expert review panel for purposes of subdivision (a) and, if the state board deems it necessary, to provide additional scientific and technological research or to recommend a source of either existing research or research to be produced on direct potable reuse through raw water

augmentation. After the state board has adopted the initial uniform water recycling criteria for raw water augmentation, the state board may reconvene or reestablish the expert review panel, if the state board deems it necessary, to provide additional scientific and technological research or to recommend a source of either existing research or research to be produced on raw water augmentation. In establishing and administering an expert review panel, the state board may contract with public or nonprofit research entities.

• (2) Each member of the expert review panel shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) for each day the member attends a meeting of the expert review panel or of the state board plus actual and necessary travel expenses, including expenses for lodging and meals, and for each day the member spends conducting other official business of the expert review panel. (Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 528, Sec. 5. (AB 574) Effective January 1, 2018.)

§ 13561.5. [State Board agreement to assist]

The state board shall enter into an agreement with the department to assist in implementing this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 700, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13562. [Uniform water recycling criteria]

• (a) (1) On or before December 31, 2013, the department shall adopt uniform water recycling criteria for indirect potable reuse for groundwater recharge.
• (2) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), on or before December 31, 2016, the department shall develop and adopt uniform water recycling criteria for surface water augmentation.
• (B) Prior to adopting uniform water recycling criteria for surface water augmentation, the department shall submit the proposed criteria to the expert panel convened pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13565. The expert panel shall review the proposed criteria and shall adopt a finding as to whether, in its expert opinion, the proposed criteria would adequately protect public health.
• (C) The department shall not adopt uniform water recycling criteria for surface water augmentation pursuant to subparagraph (A), unless and until the expert panel adopts a finding that the proposed criteria would adequately protect public health.
• (b) Adoption of uniform water recycling criteria by the department is subject to the requirements of Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 700, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13562.5. [Groundwater replenishment emergency regulations]

Notwithstanding any other law, no later than June 30, 2014, the department shall adopt, by emergency regulations in accordance with Chapter 3.5

(commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, requirements for groundwater replenishment using recycled water. The adoption of these regulations is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, emergency regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this section shall not be subject to review by the Office of Administrative Law and shall remain in effect until revised by the department.

(Added by Stats. 2014, Ch. 3, Sec. 15. Effective March 1, 2014.)

§ 13563. [Investigation and report to the Legislature on uniform water recycling criteria]

• (a) (1) On or before December 31, 2016, the department, in consultation with the state board, shall investigate and report to the Legislature on the feasibility of developing uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse.
• (2) The department shall complete a public review draft of its report by September 1, 2016. The department shall provide the public not less than 45 days to review and comment on the public review draft.
• (3) The department shall provide a final report to the Legislature by December 31, 2016. The department shall make the final report available to the public.
• (b) In conducting the investigation pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall examine all of the following:
• (1) The availability and reliability of recycled water treatment technologies necessary to ensure the protection of public health.
• (2) Multiple barriers and sequential treatment processes that may be appropriate at wastewater and water treatment facilities.
• (3) Available information on health effects.
• (4) Mechanisms that should be employed to protect public health if problems are found in recycled water that is being served to the public as a potable water supply, including, but not limited to, the failure of treatment systems at the recycled water treatment facility.
• (5) Monitoring needed to ensure protection of public health, including, but not limited to, the identification of appropriate indicator and surrogate constituents.
• (6) Any other scientific or technical issues that may be necessary, including, but not limited to, the need for additional research.
• (c) (1) Notwithstanding Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the requirement for submitting a report imposed under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) is inoperative on December 31, 2020.

• (2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 637, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2014.)
• § 13564. [Considerations for recycling criteria for surface water augmentation] In developing uniform water recycling criteria for surface water augmentation, the department shall consider all of the following:
• (a) The final report from the National Water Research Institute Independent Advisory Panel for the City of San Diego Indirect Potable Reuse/Reservoir Augmentation (IPR/RA) Demonstration Project.
• (b) Monitoring results of research and studies regarding surface water augmentation.
• (c) Results of demonstration studies conducted for purposes of approval of projects using surface water augmentation.
• (d) Epidemiological studies and risk assessments associated with projects using surface water augmentation.
• (e) Applicability of the advanced treatment technologies required for recycled water projects, including, but not limited to, indirect potable reuse for groundwater recharge projects.
• (f) Water quality, limnology, and health risk assessments associated with existing potable water supplies subject to discharges from municipal wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural runoff.
• (g) Recommendations of the State of California Constituents of Emerging Concern Recycled Water Policy Science Advisory Panel.
• (h) State funded research pursuant to Section 79144 and subdivision (b) of Section 79145.
• (i) Research and recommendations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines for Water Reuse.
• (j) The National Research Council of the National Academies' report titled 'Water Reuse: Potential for Expanding the Nation's Water Supply Through Reuse of Municipal Wastewater.'
• (k) Other relevant research and studies regarding indirect potable reuse of recycled water.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 637, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2014.)

§ 13565. [Expert panel and advisory group]

• (a) (1) On or before February 15, 2014, the department shall convene and administer an expert panel for purposes of advising the department on public health issues and scientific and technical matters regarding development of uniform water recycling criteria for indirect potable reuse through surface water augmentation and investigation of the feasibility of developing uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse. The expert panel shall assess what, if any, additional areas of research are needed to be able to establish uniform

regulatory criteria for direct potable reuse. The expert panel shall then recommend an approach for accomplishing any additional needed research regarding uniform criteria for direct potable reuse in a timely manner.

• (2) The expert panel shall be comprised, at a minimum, of a toxicologist, an engineer licensed in the state with at least three years' experience in wastewater treatment, an engineer licensed in the state with at least three years' experience in treatment of drinking water supplies and knowledge of drinking water standards, an epidemiologist, a limnologist, a microbiologist, and a chemist. The department, in consultation with the advisory group and the state board, shall select the expert panel members.
• (3) Members of the expert panel may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary travel expenses.
• (b) (1) On or before January 15, 2014, the department shall convene an advisory group, task force, or other group, comprised of no fewer than nine representatives of water and wastewater agencies, local public health officers, environmental organizations, environmental justice organizations, public health nongovernmental organizations, the department, the state board, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, ratepayer or taxpayer advocate organizations, and the business community, to advise the expert panel regarding the development of uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse and the draft report required by Section 13563. The department, in consultation with the state board, shall select the advisory group members.
• (2) Environmental, environmental justice, and public health nongovernmental organization representative members of the advisory group, task force, or other group may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary travel expenses.
• (3) In order to ensure public transparency, the advisory group established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act (Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).
• (c) On or before June 30, 2016, the department shall prepare a draft report summarizing the recommendations of the expert panel.
• (d) The department may contract with a public university or other research institution with experience in convening expert panels on water quality or potable reuse to meet all or part of the requirements of this section should the department find that the research institution is better able to fulfill the requirements of this section by the required date. (Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 637, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2014.)
• § 13566. [Considerations for feasibility for direct potable reuse]

In performing its investigation of the feasibility of developing the uniform water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse, the department shall consider all of the following:

• (a) Recommendations from the expert panel appointed pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13565.
• (b) Recommendations from an advisory group, task force, or other group appointed by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 13565.
• (c) Regulations and guidelines for these activities from jurisdictions in other states, the federal government, or other countries.
• (d) Research by the state board regarding unregulated pollutants, as developed pursuant to Section 10 of the recycled water policy adopted by state board Resolution No. 2009-0011.
• (e) Results of investigations pursuant to Section 13563.
• (f) Water quality and health risk assessments associated with existing potable water supplies subject to discharges from municipal wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural runoff.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 700, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13567. [Consistency with Federal Act]

An action authorized pursuant to this chapter shall be consistent, to the extent applicable, with the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.), the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300f et seq.), this division, and the California Safe Drinking Water Act (Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 116270) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code). (Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 700, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13569. [Acceptance of funds]

The department may accept funds from nonstate sources and may expend these funds, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the purposes of this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 637, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2014.)

§ 13570. [Advanced purified demonstration water]

• (a) As used in this section, 'advanced purified demonstration water' means product water from an advanced water purification facility that satisfies both of the following requirements:
• (1) The product water is treated by means of all of the following treatment processes:
• (A) Microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or other filtration processes to remove particulates before reverse osmosis.
• (B) Reverse osmosis.
• (C) Advanced oxidation.

• (2) The product water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards and is produced in accordance with the advanced treatment criteria for purified water specified in Section 60320.201 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
• (b) As used in this section, 'advanced water purification facility' means a water recycling treatment plant that produces advanced purified demonstration water in accordance with the advanced treatment criteria specified in Section 60320.201 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations.
• (c) As used in this section, 'batch' means an increment of advanced purified treatment water that has completed the treatment process, is separate from incoming water, and is not receiving any additional source water.
• (d) Except as expressly set forth in this section, the operator of an advanced water purification facility may cause advanced purified demonstration water to be bottled and distributed as samples for educational purposes and to promote water recycling, without complying with the requirements of Article 12 (commencing with Section 111070) of Chapter 5 of Part 5 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code. The volume of advanced purified demonstration water in each bottle shall not exceed eight ounces.
• (e) Any operator of an advanced water purification facility seeking to bottle advanced purified demonstration water shall collect water samples from the batch prior to the commencement of the bottling process, and test that batch in accordance with Section 111165 of the Health and Safety Code. Advanced purified demonstration water shall not be distributed unless the following requirements are met:
• (1) The water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, including all maximum contaminant levels applicable to public drinking water systems.
• (2) The advanced water purification facility meets or exceeds all purification requirements imposed by regulatory agencies to produce the advanced purified demonstration water, including the removal of constituents of emerging concern where the removal is otherwise required of an advanced water purification facility.
• (3) The water is produced using a treatment process that is consistent with the advanced treatment criteria for purified water specified in Section 60320.201 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and, if established by the state board, in accordance with any uniform statewide water recycling criteria developed for the direct potable reuse of recycled water.
• (f) (1) Advanced purified demonstration water may be bottled only at a licensed water-bottling plant in compliance with Sections 111070.5, 111080, 111120, 111145, and 111155 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (2) Before bottling advanced purified demonstration water, an advanced water purification facility shall follow all pretreatment and labeling regulations

for water bottling, including the requirements described in Section 111070.5 of the Health and Safety Code and the requirements for bottled water and vended water pursuant to Section 111080 of the Health and Safety Code.

• (g) Advanced purified demonstration water shall be handled from the point of production to the completion of bottling in accordance with all regulations governing the transportation, bottling, labeling, and handling of bottled water, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 111070 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, subdivisions (a), (b), (f), and (h) of Section 111075 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 111070.5 of the Health and Safety Code. A water-bottling plant that bottles advanced purified demonstration water in accordance with this section may also bottle potable water, subject to compliance with Article 12 (commencing with Section 111070) of Chapter 5 of Part 5 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (h) An advanced water purification facility shall not provide bottled advanced purified demonstration water to any person under 18 years of age without the consent of that person's parent or legal guardian.
• (i) An advanced water purification facility shall not provide advanced purified demonstration water for human consumption, as defined in Section 116275 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, in bottles, to more than 25 individuals per day for 60 or more days in a calendar year.
• (j) Advanced purified demonstration water shall be bottled in nonreturnable (one-way) bottles or packages with labels containing the following information in an easily readable format that complies with all of the following:
• (1) The label shall state 'sample water--not for sale' and 'Advanced Purified Water Sourced From Wastewater.'
• (2) The label shall set forth the name, address, telephone number, and Internet Web site of the operator of the facility producing the advanced purified demonstration water.
• (3) The label shall include a brief description of the advanced purified demonstration water, including its source and the treatment processes to which the water is subjected.
• (k) A single advanced water purification facility shall not cause more than 1,000 gallons of advanced purified demonstration water to be bottled in a calendar year.
• ( l ) Advanced purified demonstration water shall not be sold or otherwise distributed in exchange for financial consideration.
• (m) Any operator of an advanced water purification facility seeking to bottle advanced purified demonstration water shall establish a collection and recycling program for distributed bottles.
• (n) The operator of an advanced water purification facility that is bottling advanced purified demonstration water shall do all of the following:

• (1) Maintain a daily record of the number of individuals to whom advanced purified demonstration water is distributed, served, made available, or otherwise provided, including, but not limited to, from a bottle.
• (2) Compile a report of all daily records described in paragraph (1) for each calendar year.
• (3) Certify under penalty of perjury that the report is accurate.
• (4) Provide the report within 45 days of the end of the calendar year for which the report was made to the deputy director of the Division of Drinking Water of the State Water Resources Control Board.
• (o) This section does not exempt an advanced water purification facility from any standard for bottling water imposed pursuant to federal law. (Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 408, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2017.)

CHAPTER 7.5. WATER RECYCLING ACT OF 1991 [13575. - 13583.]

(Chapter 7.5 added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 187, Sec. 3.)

§ 13575. [Citation; definitions]

• (a) This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Water Recycling Act of 1991.
• (b) As used in this chapter, the following terms have the following meanings:
• (1) 'Customer' means a person or entity that purchases water from a retail water supplier.
• (2) 'Entity responsible for groundwater replenishment' means any person or entity authorized by statute or court order to manage a groundwater basin and acquire water for groundwater replenishment.
• (3) 'Recycled water' has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (n) of Section 13050.
• (4) 'Recycled water producer' means any local public entity that produces recycled water.
• (5) 'Recycled water wholesaler' means any local public entity that distributes recycled water to retail water suppliers and which has constructed, or is constructing, a recycled water distribution system.
• (6) 'Retail water supplier' means any local entity, including a public agency, city, county, or private water company, that provides retail water service.
• (7) 'Retailer' means the retail water supplier in whose service area is located the property to which a customer requests the delivery of recycled water service.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 753, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13576. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature hereby makes the following findings and declarations:

• (a) The State of California is subject to periodic drought conditions.
• (b) The development of traditional water resources in California has not kept pace with the state's population, which is growing at the rate of over 700,000 per year and which is anticipated to reach 36,000,000 by the year 2010.
• (c) There is a need for a reliable source of water for uses not related to the supply of potable water to protect investments in agriculture, greenbelts, and recreation and to replenish groundwater basins, and protect and enhance fisheries, wildlife habitat, and riparian areas.
• (d) The environmental benefits of recycled water include a reduced demand for water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta that is otherwise needed to maintain water quality, reduced discharge of waste into the ocean, and the enhancement of groundwater basins, recreation, fisheries, and wetlands.
• (e) The use of recycled water has proven to be safe from a public health standpoint, and the State Department of Public Health is updating regulations for the use of recycled water.
• (f) The use of recycled water is a cost-effective, reliable method of helping to meet California's water supply needs.
• (g) The development of the infrastructure to distribute recycled water will provide jobs and enhance the economy of the state.
• (h) Retail water suppliers and recycled water producers and wholesalers should promote the substitution of recycled water for potable water and imported water in order to maximize the appropriate cost-effective use of recycled water in California.
• (i) Recycled water producers, retail water suppliers, and entities responsible for groundwater replenishment should cooperate in joint technical, economic, and environmental studies, as appropriate, to determine the feasibility of providing recycled water service.
• (j) Retail water suppliers and recycled water producers and wholesalers should be encouraged to enter into contracts to facilitate the service of recycled and potable water by the retail water suppliers in their service areas in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
• (k) Recycled water producers and wholesalers and entities responsible for groundwater replenishment should be encouraged to enter into contracts to facilitate the use of recycled water for groundwater replenishment if recycled water is available and the authorities having jurisdiction approve its use.
• ( l ) Wholesale prices set by recycled water producers and recycled water wholesalers, and rates that retail water suppliers are authorized to charge for recycled water, should reflect an equitable sharing of the costs and benefits associated with the development and use of recycled water.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 47. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13577. [Water recycling goals]

This chapter establishes a statewide goal to recycle a total of 700,000 acre-feet of water per year by the year 2000 and 1,000,000 acre-feet of water per year by the year 2010.

(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 187, Sec. 3.)

§ 13578. [Report to the Legislature; task force]

• (a) In order to achieve the statewide goal for recycled water use established in Section 13577 and to implement the Governor's Advisory Drought Planning Panel Critical Water Shortage Contingency Plan recommendations, Section F2, as submitted December 29, 2000, the department shall identify and report to the Legislature on opportunities for increasing the use of recycled water, as defined in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 13575, and identify constraints and impediments, including the level of state financial assistance available for project construction, to increasing the use of recycled water.
• (b) The department shall convene a task force, to be known as the 2002 Recycled Water Task Force, to advise the department in implementation of subdivision (a), including making recommendations to the Legislature regarding the following:
• (1) How to further the use of recycled water in industrial and commercial applications, including, but not limited to, those applications set forth in Section 13552.8. The task force shall evaluate the current regulatory framework of state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and permits to identify the obstacles and disincentives to industrial and commercial reuse. Issues to be investigated include, but are not limited to, applicability of visual inspections instead of pressure tests for cross-connections between potable and nonpotable water systems, dual piping trenching restrictions, fire suppression system design, and backflow protections.
• (2) Changes in the Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, that are appropriate to facilitate the use of recycled water in industrial and commercial settings. The department shall make recommendations to the California Building Standards Commission with regard to suggested revisions to the California Plumbing Code necessary to incorporate the changes identified by the task force.
• (3) Changes in state statutes or the current regulatory framework of state and local rules, regulations, ordinances, and permits appropriate to increase the use of recycled water for commercial laundries and toilet and urinal flushing in structures including, but not limited to, those defined in subdivision (c) of Section 13553. The department shall identify financial incentives to help offset the cost of retrofitting privately and publicly owned structures.

• (4) The need to reconvene the California Potable Reuse Committee established by the department in 1993 or convene a successor committee to update the committee's finding that planned indirect potable reuse of recycled water by augmentation of surface water supplies would not adversely affect drinking water quality if certain conditions were met.
• (5) The need to augment state water supplies using water use efficiency strategies identified in the CALFED Bay-Delta Program. In its report pursuant to subdivision (a), the department shall identify ways to coordinate with CALFED to assist local communities in educating the public with regard to the statewide water supply benefits of local recycling projects and the level of public health protection ensured by compliance with the uniform statewide water recycling criteria developed by the State Department of Public Health in accordance with Section 13521.
• (6) Impediments or constraints, other than water rights, related to increasing the use of recycled water in applications for agricultural, environmental, or irrigation uses, as determined by the department.
• (c) (1) The task force shall be convened by the department and be comprised of one representative from each of the following state agencies:
• (A) The department.
• (B) The State Department of Public Health.
• (C) The state board.
• (D) The California Environmental Protection Agency.
• (E) The CALFED Bay-Delta Program.
• (F) The Department of Food and Agriculture.
• (G) The California Building Standards Commission.
• (H) The University of California.
• (I) The Natural Resources Agency.
• (2) The task force shall also include one representative from a recognized environmental advocacy group and one representative from a consumer advocacy group, as determined by the department, and one representative of local agency health officers, one representative of urban water wholesalers, one representative from a groundwater management entity, one representative of water districts, one representative from a nonprofit association of public and private members created to further the use of recycled water, one representative of commercial real estate, one representative of land development, one representative of industrial interests, and at least two representatives from each of the following as defined in Section 13575:
• (A) Recycled water producer.
• (B) Recycled water wholesaler.
• (C) Retail water supplier.
• (d) The department and the task force shall report to the Legislature not later than July 1, 2003.

• (e) The department shall carry out the duties of this section only to the extent that funds pursuant to Section 79145, enacted as part of the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water, Watershed Protection, and Flood Protection Act (Division 26 (commencing with Section 79000)), are made available for the purposes of this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 48. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13579. [Potential uses and sources]

• (a) In order to achieve the goals established in Section 13577, retail water suppliers shall identify potential uses for recycled water within their service areas, potential customers for recycled water service within their service areas, and, within a reasonable time, potential sources of recycled water.
• (b) Recycled water producers and recycled water wholesalers may also identify potential uses for recycled water, and may assist retail water suppliers in identifying potential customers for recycled water service within the service areas of those retail water suppliers.
• (c) Recycled water producers, retail water suppliers, and entities responsible for groundwater replenishment may cooperate in joint technical, economic, and environmental studies, as appropriate, to determine the feasibility of providing recycled water service and recycled water for groundwater replenishment consistent with the criteria set forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (a) of Section 13550 and in accordance with Section 60320 of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. (Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 164, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13580. [Application for supply]

• (a) A retail water supplier that has identified a potential use or customer pursuant to Section 13579 may apply to a recycled water producer or recycled water wholesaler for a recycled water supply.
• (b) A recycled water producer or recycled water wholesaler that has identified a potential use or customer pursuant to Section 13579, that is within the service territory or jurisdiction of a retail water supplier, may, in writing, request a retail water supplier to enter into an agreement to provide recycled water to the potential customer.
• (c) A customer may request, in writing, a retailer to enter into an agreement to provide recycled water to the customer.
• (d) (1) An entity responsible for groundwater replenishment that is a customer of a retail water supplier and that has identified the potential use of recycled water for groundwater replenishment purposes may, in writing, request that retail water supplier to enter into an agreement to provide recycled water for that purpose consistent with Sections 13580.5, 13580.7, and 13580.8, as applicable. That entity may not obtain recycled water for that purpose from a

• recycled water producer, a recycled water wholesaler, or another retail water supplier without the agreement of the entity's retail water supplier.
• (2) An entity responsible for groundwater replenishment that is not a customer of a retail water supplier and that has identified the potential use of recycled water for groundwater replenishment purposes may, in writing, request a retail water supplier, a recycled water producer, or a recycled water wholesaler to enter into an agreement to provide recycled water for that purpose.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 817, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13580.5. [Agreement to provide recycled water]

• (a) (1) Subject to subdivision (e) of Section 13580.7, a retail water supplier that receives a request from a customer pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13580 shall enter into an agreement to provide recycled water, if recycled water is available, or can be made available, to the retail water supplier for sale to the customer.
• (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), in accordance with a written agreement between a recycled water producer or a recycled water wholesaler and a retail water supplier, the retail water supplier may delegate to a recycled water producer or a recycled water wholesaler its responsibility under this section to provide recycled water.
• (b) A customer may not obtain recycled water from a recycled water producer, a recycled water wholesaler, or a retail water supplier that is not the retailer without the agreement of the retailer.
• (c) If either a recycled water producer or a recycled water wholesaler provides a customer of a retail water supplier with a written statement that it can and will provide recycled water to the retailer, the retail water supplier shall, not later than 120 days from the date on which the retail water supplier receives the written statement from the customer, by certified mail, return receipt requested, submit a written offer to the customer that includes the items listed in subdivision (f) of Section 13580.7. A determination of availability pursuant to Section 13550 is not required.
• (d) If the state board pursuant to Section 13550 makes a determination that there is available recycled water to serve a customer of a retail water supplier, the retail water supplier, not later than 120 days from the date on which the retail water supplier receives a copy of that determination from the customer, by certified mail, return receipt requested, shall submit a written offer to the customer.

(Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 817, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13580.7. [Public agency supplier]

• (a) This section applies only to a retail water supplier that is either a mutual water company, formed and operating pursuant to Part 7 (commencing

with Section 14300) of Division 3 of Title 1 of the Corporations Code, or a public agency.

• (b) A customer may request, in writing, a retail water supplier to enter into an agreement or adopt recycled water rates in order to provide recycled water service to the customer. The retail water supplier, by certified mail return receipt requested, shall submit a written offer to the customer not later than 120 days from the date on which the retail water supplier receives the written request from the customer that complies with subdivision (f).
• (c) If no rate is in effect for recycled water service within the service area of a retail water supplier, the rate and conditions for recycled water service shall be established by contract between the retail water supplier and the customer, not later than 120 days from the date on which the customer requests a contract, or, by resolution or ordinance by the retail water supplier if it is a public agency, or by resolution if the retail water supplier is a mutual water company, not later than 120 days from the date on which the retail water supplier receives the customer's written request for an ordinance or resolution.
• (d) A rate for recycled water service established by contract, ordinance, or resolution, shall reflect a reasonable relationship between the amount of the rate and the retail cost of obtaining or producing the recycled water, the cost of conveying the recycled water, and overhead expenses for providing and administering the use of recycled water service. Capital costs of facilities required to serve the customer shall be amortized over the economic life of the facility, or the length of time the customer agrees to purchase recycled water, whichever is less. The rate shall not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service, and any additional costs agreed to by the customer for recycled water supplemental treatment.
• (e) To the extent feasible, the rate for recycled water shall be comparable to, or less than, the retail water supplier's rate for potable water. If recycled water service cannot be provided at a rate comparable to, or less than, the rate for potable water, the retail water supplier is not required to provide the recycled water service, unless the customer agrees to pay a rate that reimburses the retail water supplier for the costs described in subdivision (c).
• (f) The offer required by subdivision (b) and subdivisions (c) and (d) of Section 13580.5 shall identify all of the following:
• (1) The source for the recycled water.
• (2) The method of conveying the recycled water.
• (3) A schedule for delivery of the recycled water.
• (4) The terms of service.
• (5) The rate for the recycled water, including the per-unit cost for that water.
• (6) The costs necessary to provide service and the basis for determining those costs.

• (g) This section does not apply to recycled water service rates established before January 1, 1999, or any amendments to those rates. (Amended by Stats. 2014, Ch. 817, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2015.)

§ 13580.8. [Suppliers regulated by the P.U.C.]

• (a) This section applies only to a retail water supplier that is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.
• (b) Rates for recycled water that is provided to the customer by a retail water supplier regulated by the Public Utilities Commission shall be established by the commission pursuant to Section 455.1 of the Public Utilities Code. A regulated water utility may request the commission to establish the rate or rates for the delivery of recycled or nonpotable water, with the objective of providing, where practicable, a reasonable economic incentive for the customer to purchase recycled or nonpotable water in place of potable water.
• (c) A regulated water utility may propose a rate or rates for recycled or nonpotable water by tariff or by contract between the retail water supplier and the customer. Where the rate or rates are set by contract, the water utility and its customer shall meet, confer, and negotiate in good faith to establish a contract rate.
• (d) The commission shall, as appropriate, provide a discount from the general metered rate of the water utility for potable water by either of the following means:
• (1) Passing through to the customer the net reduction in cost to the water utility in purchasing and delivering recycled or nonpotable water as compared to the cost of purchasing and delivering potable water.
• (2) Granting to the customer a uniform discount from the water utility's general metered potable water rate when the discount in paragraph (1) is determined to be an insufficient incentive for the customer to convert to the use of recycled or nonpotable water. If the commission provides for a discount pursuant to this paragraph that is greater than the water utility's reduction in cost, the commission shall authorize the water utility to include the aggregate amount of that discount in its revenue requirements to be applied to, and recovered in, rates that are applicable to all general metered customers. (Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 753, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13580.9. [West Covina]

• (a) Notwithstanding any other law, and except as otherwise previously provided for in a contract agreed to by the customer and the City of West Covina, if the purchaser, contractor, or lessee of, or successor to, all or a portion of the water utility owned by the City of West Covina is a retail water supplier that is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, rates for recycled or nonpotable water service to a closed hazardous waste and solid waste facility located within the boundaries of the City of West Covina for the purposes of

irrigation, recreation, or dust suppression or any other use at that facility shall be established in accordance with subdivisions (a) to (e), inclusive, of Section 13580.7, and if there is a failure to agree on the terms and conditions of a recycled or nonpotable water supply agreement for the delivery of water for those purposes by that purchaser, contractor, lessee, or successor, Section 13581 shall apply.

• (b) For the purpose of this section, nonpotable water that is not the result of the treatment of waste shall be treated as the equivalent of recycled water if it is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is therefor considered a valuable resource, if the use of that water will not adversely affect downstream water rights, degrade water quality, or be injurious to plant life, fish, or wildlife, as provided by statute or by regulations of the State Department of Public Health and the state board or a regional board, as appropriate.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 49. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13581. [Mediation of agreements]

• (a) If there is a failure to agree on terms and conditions of a recycled water supply agreement involving a retail water supplier that is a public agency within 180 days from the date of the receipt of a request for recycled water pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13580, a written statement pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13580.5, or a determination of availability pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 13580.5, any party may request a formal mediation process. The parties shall commence mediation within 60 days after the mediation request is made. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator, the director shall appoint a mediator. The mediator may recommend to the parties appropriate terms and conditions applicable to the service of recycled water. The cost for the services of the mediator shall be divided equally among the parties to the mediation and shall not exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
• (b) If the parties in mediation reach agreement, both parties together shall draft the contract for the recycled water service. The parties shall sign the contract within 30 days.
• (c) If the parties in mediation fail to reach agreement, the affected retail water supplier shall, within 30 days, by resolution or ordinance, adopt a rate for recycled water service. The agency action shall be subject to validating proceedings pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 860) of Part 2 of Title 10 of the Code of Civil Procedure, except that there shall not be a presumption in favor of the retail water supplier under the action taken to set the rate for recycled water service. The mediator shall file a report with the superior court setting forth the recommendations provided to the parties regarding appropriate terms and conditions applicable to the service of recycled water. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorney's fees.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 753, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13581.2. [Determination by the P.U.C.]

If the retail water supplier is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, and there is a failure to agree on terms and conditions of a recycle water supply agreement with a customer within 180 days from the date of the receipt of a request for recycled water pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13580, a written statement pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 13580.5, or a determination of availability pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 13580.5, the matter shall be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission for resolution, and the commission shall determine a contract rate or rates for recycled water as provided in Section 13580.8.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 753, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13582. [Rights, remedies, obligations]

This chapter is not intended to alter either of the following:

• (a) Any rights, remedies, or obligations which may exist pursuant to Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 1210) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 2 of this code or Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 1501) of Part 1 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code.
• (b) Any rates established or contracts entered into prior to January 1, 1999.

(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 753, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 1999.)

§ 13583. [Failure to comply]

• (a) If a retail water supplier that is a public agency does not comply with this chapter, the customer may petition a court for a writ of mandate pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1084) of Title 1 of Part 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
• (b) If a retail water supplier is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission and does not comply with this chapter, the Public Utilities Commission may order the retailer to comply with this chapter after receiving a petition from the customer specifying the provisions of this chapter with which the retailer has failed to comply.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 753, Sec. 10. Effective January 1, 1999.)

CHAPTER 8. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR TREATMENT FACILITIES [13600. - 13609.] (Chapter 8 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13600. [Administration]

The state board shall administer any program of financial assistance for water quality control which may be delegated to it by law, and may accept funds from the United States or any person to that end.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13601. [Needs survey]

The state board, in cooperation with the regional boards, shall survey the statewide need for waste collection, treatment and disposal facilities which will be required during the five-year period, January 1, 1968, to December 31, 1972, inclusive, to adequately protect the waters of the state for beneficial use. The state board shall also, biennially, commencing in 1970, survey the need for facilities which will be required by public agencies for the ensuing five-year period. The state board may request a local public agency operating such facilities to transmit to its regional board a report on the following:

• (a) A summary of the construction or improvement of its waste collection, treatment and disposal facilities and amounts expended therefor.
• (b) An estimate of its needs for the five-year period, January 1, 1968, to December 31, 1972, inclusive, and for any ensuing five-year period.

The state board shall review the information contained in the reports made by the local public agencies. The state board shall submit to the Legislature findings and conclusions as to the anticipated local, state, and federal financing necessary to provide the needed facilities for such periods. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13602. [Fund availability]

The state board shall make no commitment or enter into any agreement pursuant to an exercise of authority under this chapter until it has determined that any money required to be furnished as the state's share of project cost is available for such purpose.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13603. [Budget bill]

The Governor may request the funds required to finance the state's share of project costs for each fiscal year through inclusion of the anticipated state's share in the annual Budget Bill.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13604. [State board review]

The state board shall review and approve each waste collection, treatment, and disposal project for which an application for a grant under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act has been made. The state board shall, in reviewing each project, determine whether such project is in conformity with state policy for water quality control and in conformity with water quality control plans adopted by regional boards, and shall certify that such project is entitled to priority over other eligible projects on the basis of financial as well as water pollution control needs.

(Amended by Stats. 1970, Ch. 254.)

§ 13605. [Optimum recycling and use]

For the purpose of reviewing applications for grants made pursuant to authority granted in Section 13600, the state board shall give added consideration to applicants having facilities providing optimum water recycling and use of recycled water.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 28, Sec. 50. Effective January 1, 1996.)

§ 13606. [Sewerage service charge]

If an application states that the applicant is not able to finance the local agency share of the project, the state board shall consider whether the applicant should be required to levy a sewerage service charge. If the state board determines a sewerage service charge is necessary to pay such costs, the state board shall not approve the grant application unless, as a condition to such approval, the applicant agrees to levy a reasonable and equitable sewerage service charge in connection with the proposed project.

Any such applicant, not otherwise authorized, is authorized by this section to levy a sewerage service charge pursuant to such an agreement, and shall levy such charge in the manner provided in the agreement. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13607. [Continuing appropriation]

All money appropriated by the Legislature for the state's share of the project costs shall be appropriated without regard to fiscal years, or shall augment an appropriation without regard to fiscal years. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13608. [Certification requirements]

After the effective date of the amendment of this section by the 1972 Regular Session of the Legislature, no application for a grant under this division or under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, or amendment thereof, or for a loan pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 13400) of this division, shall be accepted by the state board unless such application contains assurances that supervisors and operators of the plant meet or will meet certification requirements, adopted pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 13625) of this division, for the proposed plant, as well as the plant in current operation. (Amended by Stats. 1972, Ch. 1315.)

§ 13609. [Transfer of funds]

The money in the State Clean Water Grants Administration Revolving Fund is transferred to the State Clean Water Fund to pay, upon appropriation, for administrative costs relating to adjustments of grant processing fees paid pursuant to this chapter.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 426, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1993.)

CHAPTER 8.5. PERCHLORATE [13610. - 13613.]

(Chapter 8.5 added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 614, Sec. 3.)

§ 13610. [Definitions]

Unless the context otherwise requires, the definitions set forth in this section govern the construction of this chapter:

• (a) (1) Subject to paragraph (2), 'perchlorate' means all perchloratecontaining compounds, including ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium perchlorate.
• (2) Perchlorate does not include perchlorate located in unused military munitions, as defined in Section 260.10 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, that were stored on or after January 1, 2004.
• (b) Subject to Section 13610.5, 'perchlorate storage facility' means a facility, not including a military munitions storage facility within a military installation that meets the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board requirements set forth in DOD 6055.9-STD (Department of Defense Ammunition and Explosives Safety Standards), that stores over 500 pounds of perchlorate in any calendar year.
• (c) For the purposes of this section, 'military munitions storage facility' does not include the entire military installation within which the military munitions storage facility is located. (Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 508, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

§ 13610.5. [Applicability of chapter]

This chapter does not apply to the following:

• (a) A facility that stores perchlorate for retail purposes or for law enforcement purposes.
• (b) Drinking water storage reservoirs. (Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 614, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13611. [Notification Requirements]

• (a) The notification required by Section 13611.5 does not apply to a discharge that is in compliance with this division, or to a water agency conveying water in compliance with all state and federal drinking water standards.
• (b) Any person who fails to provide the notifications required by Section 13271 relating to perchlorate or by Section 13611.5 may be civilly liable in accordance with subdivision (c).
• (c) (1) Civil liability may be administratively imposed by a regional board in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5 for a violation described in subdivision (b) in an amount that does not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day in which the violation occurs.
• (2) Civil liability may be imposed by the superior court in accordance with Article 5 (commencing with Section 13350) and Article 6 (commencing with

Section 13360) of Chapter 5 for a violation described in subdivision (b) in an amount that is not less than five hundred dollars ($500), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), for each day in which the violation occurs.

• (d) Notwithstanding Section 13441, all moneys collected by the state pursuant to this section shall be available to the state board upon appropriation by the Legislature.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 538, Sec. 679. Effective January 1, 2007.)

§ 13611.5. [Reporting requirements]

• (a) On or before January 1, 2005, and annually thereafter, unless the owner or operator has met the alternative compliance requirements of subdivision (b), an owner or operator of a storage facility that has stored in any calendar year since January 1, 1950, over 500 pounds of perchlorate shall submit to the state board, to the extent feasible, all of the following information:
• (1) The volume of perchlorate stored each year.
• (2) The method of storage.
• (3) The location of storage. To the extent authorized by federal law, in the case of a perchlorate storage facility under the control of the Armed Forces of the United States, 'location' means the name and address of the property within which the perchlorate storage facility is located.
• (4) Copies of documents relating to any monitoring undertaken for potential leaks into the water bodies of the state.
• (b) The owner or operator of a storage facility that has stored in any calendar year since January 1, 1950, over 500 pounds of perchlorate, is in compliance with this section if both of the following conditions are met:
• (1) The owner or operator has provided substantially similar information as required pursuant to subdivision (a) to a state, local, or federal agency pursuant to any of the following:
• (A) An order issued by a regional board pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13300) of Division 7.
• (B) An order, consent order, or consent decree issued or entered into by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Chapter 6.8 (commencing with Section 25300) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (C) An order, consent order, or consent decree issued or entered into by the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq.).
• (D) The requirement under Section 25504.1 of the Health and Safety Code, as added by Assembly Bill 826 of the 2003-04 Regular Session.
• (2) The owner or operator, on or before January 1, 2005, and annually thereafter, notifies the state board of the governmental entity to which the

information is provided and the state board determines the information supplied is substantially similar as the information required to be reported pursuant to subdivision (a). In the case of any information submitted to a federal or local agency, the state board may require the owner or operator, in addition, to submit that information to the state board if the state board determines that the information is not otherwise reasonably available to the state board.

• (c) This section shall not be administered or implemented if the state board receives notification from the Secretary for Environmental Protection pursuant to Section 13613 that the Secretary for Environmental Protection has established a database that is able to receive perchlorate inventory information.
• (d) Information on perchlorate storage need only be submitted pursuant to this section one time, unless information originally submitted pursuant to this section has changed.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 183, Sec. 365. Effective January 1, 2005. Superseded on January 1, 2024; see amendment by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)

§ 13611.5. [Reporting requirements]

• (a) On or before January 1, 2005, and annually thereafter, unless the owner or operator has met the alternative compliance requirements of subdivision (b), an owner or operator of a storage facility that has stored in any calendar year since January 1, 1950, over 500 pounds of perchlorate shall submit to the state board, to the extent feasible, all of the following information:
• (1) The volume of perchlorate stored each year.
• (2) The method of storage.
• (3) The location of storage. To the extent authorized by federal law, in the case of a perchlorate storage facility under the control of the Armed Forces of the United States, 'location' means the name and address of the property within which the perchlorate storage facility is located.
• (4) Copies of documents relating to any monitoring undertaken for potential leaks into the water bodies of the state.
• (b) The owner or operator of a storage facility that has stored in any calendar year since January 1, 1950, over 500 pounds of perchlorate, is in compliance with this section if both of the following conditions are met:
• (1) The owner or operator has provided substantially similar information as required pursuant to subdivision (a) to a state, local, or federal agency pursuant to any of the following:
• (A) An order issued by a regional board pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 13300) of Division 7.
• (B) An order, consent order, or consent decree issued or entered into by the Department of Toxic Substances Control pursuant to Part 2 (commencing with Section 78000) of Division 45 of the Health and Safety Code.

• (C) An order, consent order, or consent decree issued or entered into by the United States Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec. 9601 et seq.).
• (D) The requirement under Section 25504.1 of the Health and Safety Code, as added by Assembly Bill 826 of the 2003-04 Regular Session.
• (2) The owner or operator, on or before January 1, 2005, and annually thereafter, notifies the state board of the governmental entity to which the information is provided and the state board determines the information supplied is substantially similar as the information required to be reported pursuant to subdivision (a). In the case of any information submitted to a federal or local agency, the state board may require the owner or operator, in addition, to submit that information to the state board if the state board determines that the information is not otherwise reasonably available to the state board.
• (c) This section shall not be administered or implemented if the state board receives notification from the Secretary for Environmental Protection pursuant to Section 13613 that the Secretary for Environmental Protection has established a database that is able to receive perchlorate inventory information.
• (d) Information on perchlorate storage need only be submitted pursuant to this section one time, unless information originally submitted pursuant to this section has changed.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 258, Sec. 128. (AB 2327) Effective January 1, 2023. Operative January 1, 2024, pursuant to Sec. 130 of Stats. 2022, Ch. 258.)

§ 13612. [List of Facilities]

• (a) The state board shall publish and make available to the public on or before January 1, 2006, a list of past and present perchlorate storage facilities within the state. The state board may charge an annual fee to each owner of a storage facility that provides information to the board for that purpose, which fee shall not exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each year information is provided. The fees shall be deposited in the State Water Quality Control Fund, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, shall be available to the state board upon appropriation by the Legislature.
• (b) The state board shall compile and maintain centrally all information obtained pursuant to Section 13611.5. The information shall be available for public review.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 614, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)

§ 13613. [Reporting to Secretary]

Upon notification from the Secretary for Environmental Protection that he or she has established a database that is able to receive perchlorate inventory information pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 25404 of the Health and Safety Code, the state board shall submit to the Secretary for

Environmental Protection all perchlorate storage information obtained pursuant to Section 13611.5.

(Added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 614, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)

CHAPTER 9. WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT CLASSIFICATION AND OPERATOR CERTIFICATION [13625. - 13633.]

(Heading of Chapter 9 amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 653, Sec. 2.)

§ 13625. [Definitions]

As used in this chapter unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply:

• (a) 'Chief plant operator' means the person designated by the owner of the wastewater treatment plant as the person responsible for the overall operation of the wastewater treatment plant, including compliance with effluent limitations established in the wastewater treatment plant's waste discharge requirements.
• (b) 'Operates' means actions or decisions to control performance or outcome of one or more wastewater treatment processes and includes the supervision of any other person who acts or makes decisions to control the performance or outcome of one or more wastewater treatment processes.
• (c) 'Wastewater certificate' means a certificate of competency issued by the state board stating that a person has met the requirements to be certified for a specific classification and grade level in the certification program. At a minimum, wastewater certificate classifications shall include operators and operators-in-training.
• (d) (1) 'Wastewater treatment plant' means any of the following:
• (A) Any facility owned by a state, local, or federal agency and used in the treatment or reclamation of sewage or industrial wastes.
• (B) Any privately owned facility used in the treatment or reclamation of sewage or industrial wastes, and regulated by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Sections 216 and 230.6 of, and Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 701) of Part 1 of Division 1 of, the Public Utilities Code.
• (C) Any privately owned facility used primarily in the treatment or reclamation of sewage for which the state board or a regional board has issued waste discharge requirements.
• (2) 'Wastewater treatment plant' does not include onsite sewage treatment systems as regulated by the state board or a regional water quality control board pursuant to Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 13290).
• (e) 'Wastewater treatment process' means a process that improves the quality of wastewater before it is discharged from a wastewater treatment plant and includes all of the following:
• (1) Use of preliminary, primary, pond, secondary, or tertiary treatment for liquid-solids separation of wastewater.

• (2) Use of disinfection to inactivate or destroy pathogens in wastewater.
• (3) Use of solids treatment for solids stabilization and volume reduction before removal from the wastewater treatment plant site.
• (f) 'Water treatment operator certificate' has the same meaning as defined in Section 106876 of the Health and Safety Code.
• (g) 'Water recycling treatment plant' means a wastewater treatment plant that further treats secondary or tertiary effluent, or both, for the purpose of meeting the uniform statewide recycling criteria established pursuant to Section 13521 for the use of recycled water.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 19. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13625.1. [Exemption for certain Class 1 plants]

• (a) The state board may exempt from the requirements of this chapter any facility that is classified as a Class 1 plant by the state board under Section 3675 of Title 23 of the California Code of Regulations, and the facility could not, due to operator error, violate water quality objectives.
• (b) An exemption granted pursuant to this section is valid for four years, and may be renewed by the state board upon request.
• (c) The state board may condition an exemption under this section, and the exemption may be terminated at any time by the board.
• (d) The state board may charge a reasonable administrative fee for processing a facility's original or renewal application for exemption. (Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 422, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2003.)

§ 13626. [Treatment plant classification]

The state board shall classify types of wastewater treatment plants for the purpose of determining the levels of competence necessary to operate them. The state board shall adopt regulations setting forth the types of plants and the factors on which the state board based its classification. (Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13627. [Operator certification]

• (a) Except as provided in Section 13625.1 and subdivision (b), a person who operates a wastewater treatment plant shall possess a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade.
• (b) A person who operates a water recycling treatment plant may comply with subdivision (a) by possessing a valid, unexpired water treatment operator certificate of the appropriate grade.
• (c) (1) All wastewater certificates shall be issued in accordance with regulations adopted by the state board. The state board shall develop and specify in its regulations the training necessary to qualify a person for a wastewater certificate for each type and class of plant. The state board may accept experience in lieu of qualification training.

• (2) The state board shall evaluate opportunities for the following:
• (A) Issuing a wastewater certificate by examination waiver to persons who performed duties comparable to the duties of an operator at a wastewater treatment plant while serving in the United States military.
• (B) Award experience and education credits to persons who performed duties comparable to the duties of an operator at a wastewater treatment plant while serving in the United States military.
• (3) The state board shall seek consultation with the United States Department of Defense in carrying out paragraph (2).
• (4) If the state board identifies opportunities pursuant to paragraph (2), the state board shall, where appropriate, issue a wastewater certificate by examination waiver or award experience or education credits to persons who performed duties comparable to the duties of an operator at a wastewater treatment plant while serving in the United States military.
• (d) The state board may refuse to grant, suspend, or revoke any wastewater certificate, or may place on probation or reprimand the certificate holder, upon any reasonable ground, including, but not limited to, all of the following reasons:
• (1) Submitting false or misleading information on an application for a wastewater certificate or an examination for a wastewater certificate.
• (2) The employment of fraud or deception in the course of operating the wastewater treatment plant.
• (3) A wastewater certificate holder's failure to use reasonable care or judgment in the operation of the plant.
• (4) A wastewater certificate holder's inability to perform operating duties properly.
• (5) Willfully or negligently violating, or causing or allowing the violation of, waste discharge requirements or permits issued pursuant to the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) or this division.
• (6) Engaging in dishonest conduct during an examination for a wastewater certificate.
• (e) The state board shall conduct all proceedings for the refusal to grant a wastewater certificate, and suspension or revocation of a certificate pursuant to subdivision (d), in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to Section 185. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 760, Sec. 3. (AB 1588) Effective January 1, 2020.)

§ 13627.1. [Misdemeanor; civil liability]

• (a) Any person who commits either of the following violations is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be liable civilly in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each day of violation:

• (1) Operates a wastewater treatment plant that is not a water recycling treatment plant but does not hold a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade issued pursuant to this chapter.
• (2) Operates a water recycling treatment plant but does not hold either a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade issued pursuant to this chapter or a valid, unexpired water treatment operator certificate of the appropriate grade.
• (b) Any person or entity who commits either of the following violations is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be liable civilly in an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) for each day of violation:
• (1) Owns or operates a wastewater treatment plant that is not a water recycling treatment plant that employs, or allows the employment of, any person who operates the wastewater treatment plant but does not hold a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade issued pursuant to this chapter.
• (2) Owns or operates a water recycling treatment plant that employs, or allows the employment of, any person who operates the water recycling treatment plant but does not hold a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade issued pursuant to this chapter or a valid, unexpired water treatment operator certificate of the appropriate grade.
• (c) Any person who commits any of the acts listed in paragraph (2), (3), (5), or (6) of subdivision (d) of Section 13627 or paragraph (3) or (5) of subdivision (c) of Section 13627.3 may be liable civilly in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 22. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13627.2. [Civil liability]

Any person who submits to the state board false or misleading information on an application for a wastewater certificate, on an application for an examination for a wastewater certificate, or on an application for registration may be liable civilly in an amount not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13627.3. [Operator registration]

• (a) Any person or entity that contracts with the owner of a wastewater treatment plant to operate that plant shall register with the state board, and shall, within a year after the registration or the renewal of the registration, and annually thereafter, prepare and submit to the state board a report with all of the following information:
• (1) The name and address of the person or entity.
• (2) The name and address of the wastewater treatment plants that the person or entity operates, or has operated during the preceding year, and the

name of the applicable regional board that oversees each wastewater treatment plant.

• (3) The name and grade of each wastewater treatment plant operator employed at each plant.
• (4) Other information that the state board requires.
• (b) The state board shall, by regulation, prescribe the procedures, and requirements for, registration pursuant to subdivision (a).
• (c) The state board may refuse to grant, and may suspend or revoke, any registration issued by the state board pursuant to this section for good cause, including, but not limited to, any of the following reasons:
• (1) The submission of false or misleading information on an application for registration.
• (2) (A) Employment of a person to operate a wastewater treatment plant that is not a water recycling treatment plant who does not hold a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade.
• (B) Employment of a person to operate a water recycling treatment plant who does not hold either a valid, unexpired wastewater certificate of the appropriate grade issued pursuant to this chapter or a valid, unexpired water treatment operator certificate of the appropriate grade.
• (3) Willfully or negligently causing or allowing a violation of waste discharge requirements or permits issued pursuant to the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) or this division.
• (4) Failure to meet the registration requirements prescribed by the state board pursuant to subdivision (b).
• (5) Failure to use reasonable care in the management or operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
• (d) The state board shall conduct all proceedings relating to the refusal to grant, or the suspension or revocation of, registration pursuant to subdivision (c) in accordance with the rules adopted pursuant to Section 185.
• (e) The state board shall establish a fee schedule to pay for its costs to implement this section.
• (f) Any person or entity that fails to comply with subdivision (a) is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be civilly liable in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day of the violation.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13627.4. [Imposition of civil liability]

• (a) The state board may administratively impose the civil liability described in Section 13627.1, 13627.2, or 13627.3 in accordance with Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 13323) of Chapter 5.
• (b) A remedy under this chapter is in addition to, and does not supersede or limit, any other remedy, civil or criminal, except that liability is not

recoverable against an operator under subdivision (c) of Section 13627.1 for a violation for which liability is recovered against the operator under Section 13350 or 13385.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 51. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13627.5. [Written examination]

• (a) Any operator employed at a wastewater treatment plant described in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 13625 shall pass any written examination that may be administered by the state board. Upon passage of the examination, the operator shall be credited with one year of experience for purposes of operator certification.
• (b) The state board may charge a reasonable fee for administering this section.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 422, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2003.)

§ 13627.6. [Regulations]

The state board, by regulation, shall prescribe the procedures and requirements for designation of a person as the chief plant operator and the duties that a chief plant operator is required to perform.

(Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13628. [Certification fees]

• (a) Wastewater certificates issued or renewed pursuant to this chapter on or after January 1, 2017, shall be renewed triennially, subject to compliance by applicants with renewal requirements prescribed by regulations.
• (b) Fees shall be payable to the state board at the time of issuance of a wastewater certificate and at the time of renewal. The state board shall establish a fee schedule to provide revenues that shall not exceed the amount necessary, but shall be sufficient, to recover all the costs of this program.
• (c) The state board may establish reduced fees for the issuance or renewal of a wastewater certificate for applicants who hold a valid, unexpired water treatment operator certificate or a valid, unexpired water distribution operator certificate.
• (d) The state board shall set the amount of total revenue collected each year through the fee schedules established pursuant to this chapter at an amount equal to the amount appropriated by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act from the Wastewater Operator Certification Fund for expenditure for the administration of this chapter, taking into account the reserves in the fund. The state board shall review the fees each fiscal year and revise the fees as necessary to conform with the amounts appropriated by the Legislature. If the state board determines that the revenue collected during the preceding year was greater than, or less than, the amounts appropriated by the Legislature, the

state board may further adjust the fees to compensate for the overcollection or undercollection of the revenue.

• (e) The state board may adopt regulations pursuant to this section, including any subsequent adjustments to the fees or subsequent amendments to the regulations, as emergency regulations in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The adoption of these emergency regulations is an emergency and shall be considered by the Office of Administrative Law as necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare. Notwithstanding Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, any emergency regulations adopted by the state board, or any adjustment to the fees made by the state board pursuant to this section, shall remain in effect until revised by the state board.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13628.5. [Wastewater Operator Certification Fund]

• (a) The Wastewater Operator Certification Fund is hereby created in the State Treasury.
• (b) All of the following moneys shall be deposited in the Wastewater Operator Certification Fund:
• (1) Any moneys made available by the Legislature for the purposes of the fund.
• (2) Fees collected pursuant to this chapter.
• (3) Notwithstanding Section 16305.7 of the Government Code, all interest earned upon moneys that are deposited in the fund.
• (c) The state board may expend the moneys in the Wastewater Operator Certification Fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for purposes of administering this chapter.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 28. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13629. [Certification instruction]

The state board may approve courses of instruction at higher educational institutions that will qualify operators for each grade of certification. The state board shall also approve courses of instruction given by professional associations, or other private or public agencies that shall be deemed equivalent to courses of instruction given by higher educational institutions. (Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 305, Sec. 29. Effective January 1, 2017.)

§ 13630. [Training funds]

The state board is the state agency which is authorized to represent the state and its local governmental agencies in administering any federal or state funds available for wastewater treatment plant operator training. The state board may

provide technical and financial assistance to organizations providing operator training programs.

(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 422, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2003.)

§ 13631. [Advisory committee]

Prior to adopting or amending any regulations or approving any courses for operator training, the state board shall appoint an advisory committee to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities under this chapter.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 420, Sec. 3. Effective July 30, 1985.)

§ 13632. [Committee membership]

The advisory committee appointed pursuant to Section 13631 shall consist of the following:

• (a) Two persons from a statewide organization representing wastewater treatment plant operators who shall be employed at a wastewater treatment plant as operators.
• (b) Two persons from statewide organizations representing municipalities, including counties or private utility wastewater treatment plants.
• (c) Two persons from statewide organizations representing local sanitation agencies, other than agencies specified in subdivision (b).
• (d) One person who is employed as an operator at a water recycling treatment plant.
• (e) One person from an educational institution's school or division of engineering.
• (f) One person who is a member of an organized labor union that represents wastewater treatment plant operators.
• (g) One person who is a professional engineer specializing in sanitary engineering.
• (h) One person who is an active or former member of the United States military who is working, supervising, or managing or who has previously worked, supervised, or managed in wastewater treatment or distribution within their military service.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 760, Sec. 4. (AB 1588) Effective January 1, 2020.)

§ 13633. [Committee duties]

The advisory committee shall review all proposed regulations and make recommendations to the state board prior to adoption of any regulations or amendments thereto.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 420, Sec. 3. Effective July 30, 1985.)

CHAPTER 10. WATER WELLS AND CATHODIC PROTECTION WELLS [13700. 13806.]

(Chapter 10 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

Article 1. Declaration of Policy [13700. - 13701.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13700. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds that the greater portion of the water used in this state is obtained from underground sources and that those waters are subject to impairment in quality and purity, causing detriment to the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state. The Legislature therefore declares that the people of the state have a primary interest in the location, construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction of water wells, cathodic protection wells, groundwater monitoring wells, and geothermal heat exchange wells, which activities directly affect the quality and purity of underground waters.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 581, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13701. [Legislative declarations]

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

• (a) Improperly constructed and abandoned water wells, cathodic protection wells, groundwater monitoring wells, and geothermal heat exchange wells can allow contaminated water on the surface to flow down the well casing, thereby contaminating the usable groundwater.
• (b) Improperly constructed and abandoned water wells, cathodic protection wells, groundwater monitoring wells, and geothermal heat exchange wells can allow unusable or low quality groundwater from one groundwater level to flow along the well casing to usable groundwater levels, thereby contaminating the usable groundwater.
• (c) Contamination of groundwater poses serious public health and economic problems for many areas of the state. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 581, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1997.)

Article 2. Definitions [13710. - 13713.]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13710. ['Well']

'Well' or 'water well' as used in this chapter, means any artificial excavation constructed by any method for the purpose of extracting water from, or injecting water into, the underground. This definition shall not include: (a) oil and gas wells, or geothermal wells constructed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation, except those wells converted to use as water

wells; or (b) wells used for the purpose of (1) dewatering excavation during construction, or (2) stabilizing hillsides or earth embankments. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13711. ['Cathodic protection well']

'Cathodic protection well,' as used in this chapter, means any artificial excavation in excess of 50 feet constructed by any method for the purpose of installing equipment or facilities for the protection electrically of metallic equipment in contact with the ground, commonly referred to as cathodic protection.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13712. ['Monitoring well']

'Monitoring well' as used in this chapter, means any artificial excavation by any method for the purpose of monitoring fluctuations in groundwater levels, quality of underground waters, or the concentration of contaminants in underground waters.

(Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1373, Sec. 1.)

§ 13712.5. [Exemption]

Notwithstanding Section 13712, all wells constructed for the purpose of monitoring the presence of groundwater which has adversely affected, or threatens to adversely affect, crop root zones are exempt from the reporting requirements of this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 622, Sec. 1.)

§ 13713. ['Geothermal heat exchange well']

'Geothermal heat exchange well,' as used in this chapter, means any uncased artificial excavation, by any method, that uses the heat exchange capacity of the earth for heating and cooling, in which excavation the ambient ground temperature is 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) or less, and which excavation uses a closed loop fluid system to prevent the discharge or escape of its fluid into surrounding aquifers or other geologic formations. Geothermal heat exchange wells include ground source heat pump wells.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 581, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1997.)

Article 3. Reports [13750.5. - 13755.]

(Article 3 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13750.5. [License]

No person shall undertake to dig, bore, or drill a water well, cathodic protection well, groundwater monitoring well, or geothermal heat exchange well, to deepen or reperforate such a well, or to abandon or destroy such a well, unless the person responsible for that construction, alteration, destruction, or abandonment possesses a C-57 Water Well Contractor's License.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 581, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13751. [Report of completion]

• (a) Every person who digs, bores, or drills a water well, cathodic protection well, groundwater monitoring well, or geothermal heat exchange well, abandons or destroys such a well, or deepens or reperforates such a well, shall file with the department a report of completion of that well within 60 days from the date its construction, alteration, abandonment, or destruction is completed.
• (b) The report shall be made on forms furnished by the department and shall contain information as follows:
• (1) In the case of a water well, cathodic protection well, or groundwater monitoring well, the report shall contain information as required by the department, including, but not limited to all of the following information:
• (A) A description of the well site sufficiently exact to permit location and identification of the well.
• (B) A detailed log of the well.
• (C) A description of type of construction.
• (D) The details of perforation.
• (E) The methods used for sealing off surface or contaminated waters.
• (F) The methods used for preventing contaminated waters of one aquifer from mixing with the waters of another aquifer.
• (G) The signature of the well driller.
• (2) In the case of a geothermal heat exchange well, the report shall contain all of the following information:
• (A) A description of the site that is sufficiently exact to permit the location and identification of the site and the number of geothermal heat exchange wells drilled on the same lot.
• (B) A description of borehole diameter and depth and the type of geothermal heat exchange system installed.
• (C) The methods and materials used to seal off surface or contaminated waters.
• (D) The methods used for preventing contaminated water in one aquifer from mixing with the water in another aquifer.
• (E) The signature of the well driller. (Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 581, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13752. [Availability of report]

• (a) Reports made in accordance with paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 13751 shall be made available as follows:
• (1) To governmental agencies.
• (2) To the public, upon request, in accordance with subdivision (b).
• (b) (1) The department may charge a fee for the provision of a report pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) that does not exceed the reasonable

costs to the department of providing the report, including costs of promulgating any regulations to implement this section.

• (2) Notwithstanding subdivision (g) of Section 1798.24 of the Civil Code, the disclosure of a report in accordance with paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) in the possession of the department or another governmental agency shall comply with the Information Practices Act of 1977 (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1798) of Title 1.8 of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code).

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 24, Sec. 42. Effective June 24, 2015.)

§ 13753. [Conversion of oil or gas well]

Every person who hereafter converts, for use as a water well, cathodic protection well, or monitoring well, any oil or gas well originally constructed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Conservation pursuant to Article 4 (commencing with Section 3200) of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of the Public Resources Code, shall comply with all provisions of this chapter. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1373, Sec. 5.)

§ 13754. [Misdemeanor]

Failure to comply with any provision of this article, or willful and deliberate falsification of any report required by this article, is a misdemeanor.

Before commencing prosecution against any person, other than for willful and deliberate falsification of any report required by this article, the person shall be given reasonable opportunity to comply with the provisions of this article. (Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13755. [Compliance]

This chapter does not affect the powers and duties of the State Department of Public Health with respect to water and water systems pursuant to Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 116270) of Part 12 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code. Every person shall comply with this chapter and any regulation adopted pursuant thereto, in addition to standards adopted by any city or county.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 52. Effective January 1, 2011.)

Article 4. Quality Control [13800. - 13806.]

(Article 4 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13800. [Required reports]

The department, after the studies and investigations pursuant to Section 231 as it finds necessary, on determining that water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction standards are needed in an area to protect the quality of water used or that may be used for any beneficial use, shall so report to the appropriate regional water quality control board and to the State Department of Public Health. The report shall contain the recommended standards for water well, cathodic protection

well, and monitoring well construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction as, in the department's opinion, are necessary to protect the quality of any affected water.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 53. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13800.5. [Recommended standards]

• (a) (1) The department shall develop recommended standards for the construction, maintenance, abandonment, or destruction of geothermal heat exchange wells.
• (2) Until the department develops recommended standards pursuant to paragraph (1), a local enforcement agency with authority over geothermal heat exchange wells may adopt temporary regulations applicable to geothermal heat exchange wells that the local enforcement agency determines to be consistent with the intent of existing department standards to prevent wells from becoming conduits of contamination.
• (3) The department, not later than July 1, 1997, shall submit to the state board a report containing the recommended geothermal heat exchange well standards.
• (b) The state board, not later than January 1, 1998, shall adopt a model geothermal heat exchange well ordinance that implements the recommended standards developed by the department pursuant to subdivision (a). The state board shall circulate the model ordinance to all cities and counties.
• (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, each county, city, or water agency, where appropriate, not later than April 1, 1998, shall adopt a geothermal heat exchange well ordinance that meets or exceeds the recommended standards developed by the department pursuant to subdivision (a). If a water agency that has permit authority over well drilling adopts a geothermal heat exchange well ordinance that meets or exceeds the recommended standards developed by the department pursuant to subdivision (a), a county or city shall not be required to adopt an ordinance for the same area.
• (d) If a county, city, or water agency, where appropriate, fails to adopt an ordinance that establishes geothermal heat exchange well standards, the model ordinance adopted by the state board pursuant to subdivision (b) shall take effect on May 1, 1998, and shall be enforced by the county or city and have the same force and effect as if adopted as a county or city ordinance. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 581, Sec. 8. Effective January 1, 1997.)

§ 13801. [Regional board hearing]

• (a) The regional board, upon receipt of a report from the department pursuant to Section 13800, shall hold a public hearing on the need to establish well standards for the area involved. The regional board may hold a public hearing with respect to any area regardless of whether a report has been

received from the department if it has information that standards may be needed.

• (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the state board shall, not later than September 1, 1989, adopt a model water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment ordinance implementing the standards for water well construction, maintenance, and abandonment contained in Bulletin 74-81 of the department. If the model ordinance is not adopted by this date, the state board shall report to the Legislature as to the reasons for the delay. The state board shall circulate the model ordinances to all cities and counties.
• (c) Notwithstanding any other law, each county, city, or water agency, where appropriate, shall, not later than January 15, 1990, adopt a water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment ordinance that meets or exceeds the standards contained in Bulletin 74-81. Where a water agency that has permit authority over well drilling within the agency adopts a water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment ordinance that meets or exceeds the standards contained in Bulletin 74-81, a county or city shall not be required to adopt an ordinance for the same area.
• (d) If a county, city, or water agency, where appropriate, fails to adopt an ordinance establishing water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment standards, the model ordinance adopted by the state board pursuant to subdivision (b) shall take effect on February 15, 1990, and shall be enforced by the county or city and have the same force and effect as if adopted as a county or city ordinance.
• (e) The minimum standards recommended by the department and adopted by the state board or local agencies for the construction, maintenance, abandonment, or destruction of monitoring wells or class 1 hazardous injection wells shall not be construed to limit, abridge, or supersede the powers or duties of the State Department of Public Health in their application of standards to the construction, maintenance, abandonment, or destruction of monitoring wells or class 1 hazardous injection wells at facilities that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste or at any site where the State Department of Public Health is the lead agency responsible for investigation and remedial action at that site, as long as the standards used by the State Department of Public Health meet or exceed those in effect by any city, county, or water agency where appropriate, responsible for developing ordinances for the area in question. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 54. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13802. [Well standards]

If the regional board finds that standards of water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction

are needed in any area to protect the quality of water used, or which may be used, for any beneficial use, it shall determine the area to be involved and so report to each affected county and city in the area. The report shall also contain any well standards which have been recommended by the department. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1373, Sec. 7.)

§ 13803. [Local ordinances]

Each such affected county and city shall, within 120 days of receipt of the report, adopt an ordinance establishing standards of water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction for the area designated by the regional board. Prior to adoption of the ordinance each affected county and city shall consult with all interested parties, including licensed well drillers. A copy of the ordinance shall be sent to the regional board on its adoption and the regional board shall transmit the ordinance to the department for its review and comments. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1373, Sec. 8.)

§ 13804. [Effective dates of standards]

Such county and city well standards shall take effect 60 days from the date of their adoption by the county or city unless the regional board, on its own motion, or on the request of any affected person, holds a public hearing on the matter and determines that the county or city well standards are not sufficiently restrictive to protect the quality of the affected waters. If the board makes such a determination it shall so report to the affected county or city and also recommend the well standards, or the modification of the county or city well standards, which it determines are necessary.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13805. [Regional standards by default]

If a county or city fails to adopt an ordinance establishing water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction standards within 120 days of receipt of the regional board's report of its determination and those standards are necessary pursuant to Section 13802, or fails to adopt or modify those well standards in the manner determined as necessary by the regional board pursuant to Section 13804 within 90 days of receipt of the regional board's report, the regional board shall adopt standards for water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well construction, maintenance, abandonment, and destruction for the area. The regional board well standards shall take effect 30 days from the date of their adoption by the regional board and shall be enforced by the city or county and have the same force and effect as if adopted as a county or city ordinance. (Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 1373, Sec. 9.)

§ 13806. [State board review]

Any action, report, or determination taken or adopted by a regional board or any failure of a regional board to act pursuant to this article, or any county or city ordinance in the event of the failure of a regional board to review such ordinance pursuant to Section 13804, may be reviewed by the state board on its own motion, and shall be reviewed by the state board on the request of any affected county or city, in the same manner as other action or inaction of the regional board is reviewed pursuant to Section 13320. The state board has the same powers as to the review of action or inaction of a regional board or of a county or city ordinance under this article as it has as to other action or inaction of a regional board under Section 13320, including being vested with all the powers granted a regional board under this article, with like force and effect if it finds that appropriate action has not been taken by a regional board. Any action of a regional board under this article or any county or city ordinance affected by the review of the state board shall have no force or effect during the period of the review by the state board. (Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 800.)

CHAPTER 10.2. CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER BOND LAW OF 1984 [13810. - 13845.]

(Chapter 10.2 added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 378, Sec. 1.)

Chapter 10.2, which contains the California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1984 as approved by the voters in Proposition 28, is omitted from this version of the PorterCologne Act.

CHAPTER 10.5. CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER BOND LAW OF 1976 [13850. - 13875.]

(Chapter 10.5 added by Stats. 1975, Ch. 1008.)

Chapter 10.5, which contains the California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1976 as approved by the voters in Proposition 3, is omitted from this version of the PorterCologne Act.

CHAPTER 10.6. CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER GRANT PROGRAM [13880. 13892.]

(Chapter 10.6 added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 322.)

Chapter 10.6, which contains the California Safe Drinking Water Grant Program, is omitted from this version of the Porter-Cologne Act.

CHAPTER 10.7. CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER BOND LAW OF 1986 [13895. - 13898.5.]

(Chapter 10.7 added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 410, Sec. 1.)

Chapter 10.7, which contains the California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1986 as approved by the voters in Proposition 55, is omitted from this version of the PorterCologne Act.

CHAPTER 11. DISCHARGES FROM HOUSEBOATS ON OR IN THE WATERS OF THE STATE [13900. - 13908.]

(Chapter 11 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13900. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and hereby declares that discharges from houseboats in or on the waters of the state constitute a significant source of waste as defined in Section 13050; that discharges of waste from houseboats in or on the waters of the state may impair the beneficial uses of the waters of the state to the detriment of the health, safety, and welfare of the people of the state; and that the discharges of waste from houseboats are not adequately regulated. The Legislature therefore declares that the people of the state have a primary interest in the coordination and implementation of the regulation of discharges of waste from houseboats on or in the waters of the state. (Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13901. [Definitions]

As used in this article, 'houseboat' means a watercraft or industrial or commercial structure on or in the waters of the state, floating or nonfloating, which is designed or fitted out as a place of habitation and is not principally used for transportation. 'Houseboat' includes platforms, and waterborne hotels and restaurants. 'City or county' means any city, county, city and county, or port authority.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13902. [Regional Board investigations]

Each regional board shall investigate its region to determine areas in which discharges of waste from houseboats are inadequately regulated by local ordinance.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13903. [Regional Board reports]

Each regional board shall notify each affected city or county, the State Department of Public Health and the Department of Boating and Waterways of areas of inadequate regulation by ordinance of discharges of waste from

houseboats and shall recommend provisions necessary to control the discharges of waste from houseboats into the waters.

(Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 55. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13904. [Adoption of ordinances]

Each affected city or county shall within 120 days of receipt of the notice from the regional board, adopt an ordinance for control of discharges of waste from houseboats within the area for which notice was given by the board. A copy of the ordinance shall be sent to the regional board on its adoption and the regional board shall transmit the ordinance to the state board, the State Department of Public Health and the Department of Boating and Waterways. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 56. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13905. [Effective date]

Such city or county ordinance shall take effect 60 days from the date of adoption by the city or county, unless the regional board holds a public hearing on the matter and determines that the city or county ordinance is not sufficiently restrictive to protect the quality of the waters affected. If the board makes such a determination, it shall so report to the affected city or county and also recommend the ordinance, or modification of the city or county ordinance, which it determines is necessary.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13906. [Failure to adopt ordinance]

If a city or county fails to adopt an ordinance controlling discharges of waste from houseboats within 120 days of receipt of the regional board's notice pursuant to Section 13903, or fails to adopt or modify such ordinance in the manner determined as necessary by the regional board pursuant to Section 13905, within 90 days of receipt of the regional board's notice, the regional board may adopt regulations necessary for the control of discharges of waste from houseboats for the area designated. Such regional board regulations shall take effect 30 days from the date of their adoption and shall be enforced by the city or county and have the same force and effect as if adopted as a city or county ordinance.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

§ 13907. [State Board review]

Any action, report, determination, or regulation taken or adopted by a regional board, or any failure of a regional board to act may be reviewed by the state board, and shall be reviewed by the state board on the request of any affected city or county. The state board has all powers as to the review of action or inaction of a regional board under this article as it has to other action or inaction of a regional board, including all powers granted to a regional board to initially determine areas in which discharges of waste from houseboats are inadequately

regulated by local ordinance and to adopt regulations when a city or county fails to do so, if the state board finds that appropriate action has not been taken by a regional board. Any action of a regional board under this chapter or any city or county ordinance affected by the review of the state board shall have no force or effect during the period of the review by the state board. (Amended by Stats. 1969, Ch. 800.)

§ 13908. [Nonlimiting clause]

No provision in this chapter and no action thereunder by a regional board or the state board is a limitation on the power of a city or county to adopt and enforce additional ordinances or regulations not in conflict therewith imposing further conditions, restrictions, or limitations with respect to the discharges of waste from houseboats.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 482.)

CHAPTER 11.5. MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AGENCIES [13910 - 13915]

(Chapter 11.5 added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1.)

§ 13910. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

• (a) Fostering regional cooperative efforts to improve water quality and local sustainable water supply is fundamental for developing California's 21st century water portfolio.
• (b) Stormwater capture, treatment, and use as a water supply is increasingly viewed as an innovative opportunity to improve water quality where it is viable and economically feasible.
• (c) Municipal wastewater agencies have existing infrastructure, capacity, and expertise that could be used to assist in meeting the state's water quality and water supply goals when circumstances allow, while allowing wastewater agencies to still meet their primary goals of meeting water quality requirements for wastewater discharge and avoiding sanitary sewer overflows. However, in some circumstances municipal wastewater agencies may need explicit legislative authority before they can pursue certain types of projects.
• (d) In order to promote regional interagency cooperation, improve the quality of the waters of the state, and make efficient use of publicly owned infrastructure, it would be beneficial if municipal wastewater agencies had the authority to enter into voluntary agreements for stormwater projects in the future, where cost effective and regionally suitable.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 273) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13911. [Agreements between wastewater agencies and stormwater dischargers]

• (a) A municipal wastewater agency may enter into agreements with entities responsible for stormwater management, including, but not limited to,

municipal, industrial, and commercial stormwater dischargers subject to this division, for the purpose of managing stormwater and dry weather runoff.

• (b) A municipal wastewater agency may acquire, construct, expand, operate, maintain, and provide facilities for any of the following purposes:
• (1) The diversion of stormwater and dry weather runoff from the stormwater system to the wastewater collection or treatment system.
• (2) The management and treatment of stormwater and dry weather runoff.
• (3) The discharge of treated dry weather runoff and stormwater to the stormwater drainage system or receiving waters.
• (4) The beneficial reuse of captured dry weather runoff and stormwater. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 273) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13912. [Powers of municipal wastewater agencies]

• (a) A municipal wastewater agency may do any of the following:
• (1) To the extent permitted by federal law, authorize the discharge of stormwater or dry weather runoff captured at industrial and commercial sites to the wastewater collection or treatment system subject to any requirements that may be imposed by the municipal wastewater agency or public agency that owns and operates the tributary collection system.
• (2) In order to carry out the powers granted, and the purposes established, under this chapter, exercise any of the powers otherwise granted to it by law, including, but not limited to, enforcing compliance with local, state, and federal water quality requirements through the implementation of the municipal wastewater agency's industrial pretreatment programs and ensuring that the project or program is consistent with local watershed priorities, obligations, and circumstances.
• (3) Levy taxes, fees, and charges consistent with the municipal wastewater agency's existing authority in order to fund projects undertaken pursuant to this chapter.
• (b) The exercise of any new authority granted under this chapter is subject to and shall comply with the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000 (Division 3 (commencing with Section 56000) of Title 5 of the Government Code).
• (c) (1) If, after January 1, 2022, a municipal wastewater agency enters into a new agreement or amends an agreement pursuant to this chapter, the agency shall, within 30 days after the effective date of the new agreement or amendment, file a copy of the agreement or amendment with the local agency formation commission in each county where any part of the municipal wastewater agency's territory is located.

• (2) The local agency formation commission's approval of an agreement or an amendment to an agreement as described in paragraph (1) shall not be required, except as required by subdivision (b).

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 273) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13913. [Voluntary nature of agreements and scope of authorization]

• (a) An agreement, project, or use of authority authorized under this chapter shall be completely voluntary for all participating entities.
• (b) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to interfere with any existing programs or projects, authorities, or obligations for municipal wastewater agencies or stormwater dischargers.
• (c) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter merely to allow local agencies interested in pursuing the types of projects described in this chapter to proceed without additional legislative changes to their authorizing statutes.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 273) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13914. [Limitations on authority]

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to alter or interfere with any of the following:

• (a) Existing water rights to water from any source, including any adjudicated rights allocated by a court judgment or order, including any physical solution, rights issued by the state or a state agency, and rights acquired pursuant to any federal or state statute.
• (b) Existing water rights law.
• (c) Any rights, remedies, or obligations that may exist pursuant to Article 1 (commencing with Section 1200) or Article 1.5 (commencing with Section 1210) of Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 2 of this code, Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 1700) of Part 2 of Division 2 of this code, or Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 1501) of Part 1 of Division 1 of the Public Utilities Code. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 273) Effective January 1, 2022.)

§ 13915. [Definitions]

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

• (a) 'Dry weather runoff' has the same meaning as defined in Section 10561.5.
• (b) 'Local agency' includes, but is not limited to, a city, county, special district, joint powers authority, sanitary district, sanitation district, county sanitation district, community services district, and municipal utility district.
• (c) 'Municipal wastewater agency' means a local agency that chooses to exercise any authority granted under this chapter.
• (d) 'Stormwater' has the same meaning as defined in Section 10561.5. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 241, Sec. 1. (SB 273) Effective January 1, 2022.)

CHAPTER 12. SPECIAL WATER QUALITY PROVISIONS [13950. - 13952.5.]

(Chapter 12 added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 800.)

§ 13950. [Lake Tahoe Basin cesspools]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon any district in the Lake Tahoe Basin providing in any area of the district a sewer system and treatment facilities sufficient to handle and treat any resultant waste and transportation facilities sufficient to transport any resultant effluent outside the Lake Tahoe Basin, the further maintenance or use of cesspools or other means of waste disposal in such area is a public nuisance and the district shall require all buildings from which waste is discharged to be connected with the sewer system within a period of not less than 90 days from the completion of such system and facilities.

(Added by Stats. 1969, Ch. 800.)

§ 13951. [Exceptions]

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, on or after January 1, 1972, waste from within the Lake Tahoe watershed shall be placed only into a sewer system and treatment facilities sufficient to handle and treat any such waste and transportation facilities sufficient to transport any resultant effluent outside the Lake Tahoe watershed, except that such waste may be placed in a holding tank which is pumped and transported to such treatment and transportation facilities.

As used in this section 'waste' shall not include solid waste refuse.

The further maintenance or use of cesspools, septic tanks, or other means of waste disposal in the Lake Tahoe watershed on or after January 1, 1972, by any person, except as permitted pursuant to this section, is a public nuisance. The occupancy of any building from which waste is discharged in violation of this section is a public nuisance, and an action may be brought to enjoin any person from occupying any such building.

This section shall not be applicable to a particular area of the Lake Tahoe watershed whenever the regional board for the Lahontan region finds that the continued operation of septic tanks, cesspools, or other means of waste disposal in such area will not, individually or collectively, directly or indirectly, affect the quality of the waters of Lake Tahoe and that the sewering of such area would have a damaging effect upon the environment.

This section shall not be applicable to any area or areas within the Fallen Leaf Lake watershed in the event the regional board for the Lahontan region finds that with the export of toilet wastes by single-family residences or with the export of toilet and kitchen wastes with respect to any commercial properties, the continued use of septic tanks, cesspools, or other means of waste disposal in such area or areas for the treatment and disposal of the remaining wastes, will not, individually or collectively, directly or indirectly, affect the quality of the

waters of Lake Tahoe, and that the sewering of such area or areas would have a damaging effect upon the environment.

This section shall not affect the applicability of Section 13950. (Amended by Stats. 1975, Ch. 637.)

§ 13952. [Pilot reclamation projects]

Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 13950 and 13951, water containing waste which has been placed in a sanitary sewer system for treatment and transportation outside of the Lake Tahoe Basin may be reclaimed in a pilot reclamation project to demonstrate the technological and environmental feasibility of using such water for beneficial purposes within the Lake Tahoe Basin in accordance with the provisions of the Water Reclamation Law (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 13500) of this division) and the provisions of this section.

Prior to the initiation of any pilot reclamation project within the Lake Tahoe Basin, the reclaimer or reuser shall submit the project with technical data to the regional board for the Lahontan region for approval. Only those projects submitted before January 1, 1984, shall be considered. The technical data submitted shall demonstrate that such pilot reclamation project will not, individually or collectively, directly or indirectly, adversely affect the quality of the waters of Lake Tahoe. The intended operational life of the project shall be at least 10 years.

No pilot reclamation project shall be initiated unless and until such regional board approves the project, and finds that such pilot reclamation project or projects will not, individually or collectively, directly or indirectly, adversely affect the quality of the waters of Lake Tahoe. The regional board for the Lahontan region shall place conditions on any approved project to include specification of maximum project size. The regional board for the Lahontan region may suspend or terminate an approved project for cause at any time. (Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 682.)

§ 13952.1. [South Tahoe Public Utility District; Luther Pass]

• (a) Notwithstanding Section 13951, the South Tahoe Public Utility District may provide recycled water only to prevent the destruction of its Luther Pass recycled water pump station from a catastrophic fire if all of the following conditions are met:
• (1) The district submits an engineering report to the Lahontan Regional Board and the State Department of Public Health, as required by that regional board and that department.
• (2) The Lahontan Regional Board, the State Department of Public Health, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency authorize the use of recycled water, and the specified area or areas in the immediate vicinity of the pump station

where that recycled water may be used, only to prevent the destruction of the district's Luther Pass recycled water pump station from a catastrophic fire.

• (3) The fire incident commander authorizes the use of the recycled water to prevent the destruction of the district's Luther Pass recycled water pump station from a catastrophic fire, as authorized pursuant to this section.
• (b) For purposes of this section, 'catastrophic fire' means a condition exists that will result in severe harm to life, property, and the environment if the use of recycled water as authorized pursuant to this section is not used, and all other methods to extinguish the fire have been exhausted. (Amended by Stats. 2010, Ch. 288, Sec. 57. Effective January 1, 2011.)

§ 13952.5. [Waste discharge requirements]

The declared statewide interest in the preservation of Lake Tahoe, and the state and federal actions mandating the transportation of treated sewage effluent out of the Lake Tahoe watershed, requires that the law relating to the authority for prescribing waste discharge requirements for the effluent, and requirements pertaining to the storage of the effluent, the receiving waters, and the disposal areas, be clarified, and that law is hereby clarified and confirmed, to provide that, notwithstanding Section 13002 or any other provision of law, the regional board for the Lahontan region has exclusive authority to prescribe, under existing law, waste discharge requirements for treated sewage effluent transported out of the Lake Tahoe watershed to Alpine County within the Lahontan region, including requirements pertaining to the storage of the effluent, the receiving waters, and the disposal areas in Alpine County within the Lahontan region. However, any such action by that regional board is subject to review as provided in Sections 13320 and 13330. (Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 447, Sec. 1.)

CHAPTER 12.2. SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AGRICULTURAL DRAIN [13953. - 13953.4.]

(Chapter 12.2 added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 33, Sec. 1.)

§ 13953. [State and federal discharge requirements]

There shall be no discharge from a San Joaquin Valley agricultural drain to the Delta, Suisun Bay, or Carquinez Straits until the requirements of this division and the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) are satisfied. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 33, Sec. 1.)

§ 13953.1. [Prohibited discharges]

There shall be no discharge from a San Joaquin Valley drain into Monterey Bay or tributaries draining into Monterey Bay. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 33, Sec. 1.)

§ 13953.2. [Delta discharge requirements]

If a San Joaquin Valley agricultural drain, including the drainage facility authorized as part of the San Luis Unit of the federal Central Valley Project, is

constructed and discharges to the Delta, Suisun Bay, or Carquinez Straits, the state board shall permit the discharge pursuant to this division only if the state board finds that the following additional requirements are satisfied:

• (a) The discharge of the drain, which is to carry only subsurface agricultural drainage effluent, shall be located and shall discharge at rates of flow to protect the beneficial uses of the Delta, Suisun Marsh, and the bays westerly to the Golden Gate. If it is determined to be in the public interest to provide a substitute water supply to water users in lieu of modifying the operation or changing the discharge point of the drain, no added financial burden shall be placed on the water users solely by virtue of that substitution.
• (b) The drainage facility shall include built-in operational flexibility, control, and treatment to protect the beneficial uses of the Delta, Suisun Marsh, and the bays westerly to the Golden Gate.
• (c) There is established an acceptable comprehensive monitoring program prior to and during the operation of the drain to determine the impact of the discharge effluent, if any, on the Delta, Suisun Marsh, and the bays westerly to the Golden Gate.
• (d) A program has been developed, funded, and initiated to evaluate the feasibility of using drain water to establish wetland habitat capable of producing wintering waterfowl food supplies.
• (e) The repayment schedule for the drain takes into account the following:
• (1) The quantity of effluent discharged into the drain by the discharger.
• (2) The concentration of salts in the effluent of the discharger.
• (3) The distance the effluent of the discharger is carried in the drain.
• (4) The quantity of water applied in the areas contributing to the drainage problem.
• (f) There is an enforceable provision in the permit that any surface or subsurface effluent leakage shall be confined within the drainage facility rightof-way, and that in the event that this condition is violated the drainage facility shall not be operated until the leakage is stopped.
• (g) The alignment of the drainage facility, to the extent feasible, shall be designed to minimize severance and access problems to land, roadways, and other facilities along the right-of-way. (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 33, Sec. 1.)

§ 13953.3. [Beneficial use of subsurface drainage]

Subsurface drainage effluent may be made available for any beneficial uses for which it is suitable, including, but not limited to, industrial uses, powerplant cooling, energy development, enhancement of fish and wildlife resources, and irrigation. These programs may reduce the demands for new fresh water supplies.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 33, Sec. 1.)

§ 13953.4. [Legislative intent]

It is the intent of the Legislature that, to the extent feasible, features for the enhancement of fish and wildlife resources shall be incorporated into the drain. The state's participation in the drain shall be subject to the Davis-Dolwig Act (Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 11900) of Part 3 of Division 10). (Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 33, Sec. 1.)

CHAPTER 12.5. CLEAN WATER AND WATER CONSERVATION BOND LAW OF 1978 [13955. - 13969.]

(Chapter 12.5 added by Stats. 1977, Ch. 1160.)

Chapter 10.5, which contains the Clean Water and Water Conservation Bond Law of 1978 as approved by the voters in Proposition 2, is omitted from this version of the PorterCologne Act.

CHAPTER 15. CLEAN WATER BOND LAW OF 1984 [13999. - 13999.19.]

(Chapter 15 added by Stats. 1984, Ch. 377, Sec. 1.)

Chapter 10.5, which contains the Clean Water Bond Law of 1978 as approved by the voters in Proposition 25, is omitted from this version of the Porter-Cologne Act.

CHAPTER 16. CALIFORNIA SAFE DRINKING WATER BOND LAW OF 1988 [14000. 14040.]

(Chapter 16 added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 45, Sec. 1.)

Chapter 16, which contains the California Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1988 as approved by the voters in Proposition 81, is omitted from this version of the Porter-Cologne Act.

CHAPTER 17. CLEAN WATER AND WATER RECLAMATION BOND LAW OF 1988 [14050. - 14076.]

(Chapter 17 added by Stats. 1988, Ch. 47, Sec. 2.)

Chapter 17, which contains the Clean Water and Water Reclamation Bond Law of 1988 as approved by the voters in Proposition 83, is omitted from this version of the PorterCologne Act.

CHAPTER 23. THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY DRAINAGE RELIEF ACT [14900. - 14920.]

(Chapter 23 added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1.)

Article 1. General Provisions [14900. - 14902.]

(Article 1 added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1.)

§ 14900. [Short title]

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Act.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14901. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares as follows:

• (a) A report on the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program entitled, 'A Management Plan for Agricultural Subsurface Drainage and Related Problems on the Westside San Joaquin Valley,' has identified 75,000 acres of irrigated agricultural lands that should be retired by the year 2040 primarily due to characteristics of low productivity, poor drainability, and high levels of selenium in shallow groundwater.
• (b) Federal, state, and local water organizations and officials should consider the management plan and adopt those parts appropriate for their longterm strategy of contributing to the management or solution of the drainage problems of the west side of the San Joaquin Valley.
• (c) The United States Department of the Interior and the State of California should jointly develop a technical assistance program to ameliorate the drainage problems.
• (d) The people of the state are concerned with the continued leaching of harmful elements from these lands.
• (e) Continued irrigation of these lands could create significant drainage and environmental problems.
• (f) Implementing solutions to the drainage and environmental problems associated with these lands will be very costly.
• (g) The department is responsible for water planning and development activities throughout the state, has participated in the development of the plan for the management of subsurface drainage problems, and shall take an active leadership role in implementing the plan, including the land retirement element of the plan.
• (h) Local agencies have decisionmaking authority, and are subject to court judgments, and statutory and contractual obligations, relating to water use and distribution. The department shall coordinate its activities under this chapter with those local agencies.
• (i) The federal government has ongoing statutory and contractual obligations to provide drainage service to the lands within the San Luis Unit of the Central Valley Project. The department shall recognize those obligations and shall coordinate land retirement activities with appropriate federal agencies.
• (j) The Department of Fish and Game is responsible for the stewardship of the state's fish and wildlife resources and the habitat on which they depend, and can offer its considerable expertise to the department on matters relating

to the management of lands in accordance with this chapter and shall be consulted concerning the management of the lands acquired pursuant to this chapter and managed as fish and wildlife habitat.

• (k) The Department of Conservation is responsible for administering programs to conserve the state's agricultural lands and has information on the state's soil and farmlands and shall be consulted for the purpose of identifying agricultural lands that may be acquired pursuant to this chapter. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14901.5. [Legislative intent]

• (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that the initial funding for the administrative costs of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Program be appropriated by the Legislature for the 1993-94 fiscal year from the water quality program component of the Environmental Water Fund.
• (b) It is the further intent of the Legislature that, upon full implementation of the program, the program shall become self-supporting. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14902. [Definitions]

Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms used in this chapter have the following meanings:

• (a) 'Fund' means the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Fund.
• (b) 'Management plan' or 'plan' means the management plan for agricultural subsurface drainage and related problems as described in the final report of the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program, dated September 1990, described in subdivision (a) of Section 14901.
• (c) 'Program' means the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Program.
• (d) 'Retirement land' means the lands recommended for retirement in the management plan, other irrigated agricultural lands characterized by low productivity, poor drainability, and high levels of dissolved selenium in shallow groundwater, or lands that contribute to agricultural subsurface drainage problems.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

Article 2. The San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Program [14903. 14920.]

(Article 2 added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1.)

§ 14903. [Establishment, regulations, purpose]

• (a) The San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Program is hereby established in the department.

• (b) The department shall carry out the program and may develop, in consultation with the state board, the Department of Conservation, and the Department of Fish and Game, a land retirement demonstration program.
• (c) The department may adopt regulations to carry out the program.
• (d) The purpose of the program is to encourage the cessation of irrigation of retirement land and to otherwise assist in the resolution of the agricultural subsurface drainage problems in the San Joaquin Valley through the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners who elect to participate in the program.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14904. [Funding]

The San Joaquin Valley Drainage Relief Fund is hereby created for purposes of the program.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14905. [Interagency cooperation]

The department may enter into agreements with the state board, the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Conservation, possessors of water rights, and other appropriate public agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide for the purchase and management of retirement land and water pursuant to this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14906. [Land management]

Property acquired pursuant to this chapter shall be managed as upland habitat, wetlands, riparian habitat, or nonirrigated agricultural land, as appropriate. The department shall coordinate with the Department of Fish and Game to ensure that adequate funding is available for management of the retirement land and use of water for environmental purposes.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14907. [Water sale or distribution]

• (a) Agreements to sell water that is conserved as a result of the retirement of land pursuant to this chapter to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, investor-owned water utilities, corporations, or persons shall carry out the intent of the Legislature set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 14901.5.
• (b) (1) Agreements to distribute water that is conserved as a result of the retirement of land pursuant to this chapter shall maximize amounts for

environmental purposes, including the restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat, wetlands, fisheries, and instream flows.

• (2) It is the intent of the Legislature that water distributed pursuant to paragraph (1) be deemed contributions to a water resources mitigation bank, if established by the state, to meet state or federal requirements to dedicate water for environmental purposes.
• (c) Up to one-third of the amount of water conserved as a result of the retirement of land pursuant to this chapter and not sold pursuant to subdivision (a) may be used by local public agencies for environmental purposes, including the restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat, wetlands, fisheries, instream flows, or replenishment of groundwater resources. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14907.5. [Water rights]

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the possessor of the water right determines the final disposition of the water.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14907.6. [Participation]

Participation in the program by local public agencies and landowners is voluntary and shall be undertaken in accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, court judgments, and contractual obligations. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14908. [Fund management]

The funds received from the sale of water pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 14907 shall be deposited in the fund. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, money in the fund is continuously appropriated, without regard to fiscal years, to pay for the purchase of the title to, or interests in, the retirement land from landowners who elect to participate in the program, for the management of that land, applicable charges and assessments for water and land, administrative costs, grants and loans made pursuant to Section 14913, and for related water transfer costs.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14909. [Other financial support]

The department may apply for, and accept, federal and state grants and receive gifts, donations, and other financial support from public and private sources to be deposited in the fund to carry out this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14910. [Acquiring other interests]

The department may acquire or accept the gift or dedication of fee title, easements, including conservation easements, leases, development rights, or other interests in retirement lands to carry out this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14911. [Payments]

The department may accept advance payments for future water deliveries undertaken pursuant to this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14912. [Departmental authority]

• (a) The department may purchase, lease, rent, sell, exchange, or otherwise transfer any land, interest in land or water, or option acquired pursuant to this chapter.
• (b) The proceeds from any lease, rental, sale, exchange, or transfer of land or water, or any interest therein, or option, shall be deposited in the fund.
• (c) The department, in consultation with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies, shall determine the minimum acreage of contiguous land in which interests are needed to be acquired to carry out the purposes of this chapter with regard to drainage reduction. The determination required by this subdivision is exempt from Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
• (d) No interest in land is eligible for purchase unless the department determines that the purchase of the interest, by itself or together with other interest in land, is consistent with the minimum acreage determination made pursuant to subdivision (c).
• (e) The rate of acquisition of title to, and interests in, retirement lands is within the discretion of the department, based on the availability of funds and other appropriate factors.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14913. [Grants and loans]

The department may, by contract or agreement, make grants or loans to local public entities, state agencies, or nonprofit organizations to carry out this chapter.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14914. [Price reflective of benefit]

The purchase price of any interest in land or water acquired pursuant to this chapter may reflect the benefit to the state of alleviating drainage problems in the San Joaquin Valley and the conversion of property to wildlife habitats. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14915. [Price of water sold]

The price of water conserved and sold pursuant to this chapter shall be determined by the department so as to carry out the intent of the Legislature set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 14901.5.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14916. [Return to irrigated use]

Purchase agreements entered into pursuant to this chapter may provide for the return of the property, that is the subject of the purchase, to irrigated agricultural use if affordable technological solutions to the drainage and environmental problems are identified and implemented.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14917. [Economic considerations]

In carrying out this chapter, the department shall consider the effects of purchases of property pursuant to this chapter on the overall economy of the local communities, including the impact on job opportunities and businesses. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14918. [Coordination with C.V.P.]

The department shall coordinate with the United States Department of the Interior regarding water distribution undertaken pursuant to this chapter in those areas served by the federal Central Valley Project.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Section operative July 1, 1993, pursuant to Section 14920.)

§ 14920. [Operative date]

This chapter shall become operative on July 1, 1993. (Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 959, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1993. Note: This section prescribes a delayed operative date (July 1, 1993) for Chapter 23, commencing with Section 14900.)

CHAPTER 24. SHELLFISH PROTECTION ACT OF 1993 [14950. - 14958.]

(Chapter 24 added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1.)

§ 14950. [Short title]

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Shellfish Protection Act of 1993.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14951. [Legislative findings]

The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

• (a) Commercial shellfish harvesting is a beneficial use of the waters of the state and, in addition, benefits the economy of the state through the creation of jobs.
• (b) Pollution, from both point and nonpoint sources, currently threatens many of the state's commercial shellfish growing areas.
• (c) In order to maintain the health, and encourage the expansion, of commercial shellfish harvesting within the state, it is necessary to protect the commercial shellfish growing areas from ongoing point and nonpoint sources of pollution.
• (d) The regional boards whose jurisdictions include commercial shellfish growing areas shall have primary responsibility for the protection of commercial shellfish harvesting from the effects of point and nonpoint pollution sources. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14952. [Commercial shellfish growing area]

For the purposes of this chapter, a commercial shellfish growing area is an area certified pursuant to Section 112170 of the Health and Safety Code in which shellfish are grown and harvested.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1023, Sec. 452. Effective September 29, 1996.)

§ 14953. [Technical advisory committee]

• (a) If a commercial shellfish growing area is threatened by point or nonpoint source pollution, as specified in Section 14954, the regional board shall form a technical advisory committee, within 90 days of the effective date of this act, devoted solely to the threatened area. A technical advisory committee shall be formed for any subsequently threatened area within 90 days of the date the threat is identified pursuant to Section 14954. The technical advisory committee shall advise and assist that board in developing a strategy for appropriate investigation and remediation pursuant to Sections 14955 and 14956 to reduce pollution affecting that area. The regional board shall give public notice of the formation of the technical advisory committee. All meetings of the technical advisory committee shall be public.
• (b) For the purpose of subdivision (a), the technical advisory committee shall include both of the following:
• (1) One commercial shellfish grower from the threatened area, one representative from the State Department of Health Services, one representative from the Department of Fish and Game, one representative from

the California Coastal Commission, one representative from each category of potential pollution source, one representative from a local environmental group, and one representative from the local health department.

• (2) Additional members and a chairperson appointed by the regional board.
• (c) Members of the technical advisory committee established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not receive a per diem or other compensation, and shall not be reimbursed for any expenses.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14954. ['Threatened' conditions]

For the purpose of Section 14953, a commercial shellfish growing area is threatened if any of the following applies:

• (a) The State Department of Health Services downgrades the classification applicable to the commercial shellfish growing area.
• (b) The commercial shellfish growing area is subjected to harvest closure for more than 30 days per calendar year during the previous three years.
• (c) The State Department of Health Services classifies the commercial shellfish growing area as restricted.
• (d) The regional board, the Department of Fish and Game, or the California Coastal Commission determines that the commercial shellfish growing area is threatened.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14955. [Additional efforts]

• (a) The technical advisory committee shall review existing data to determine whether additional investigatory efforts are needed to identify the pollution sources that threaten the commercial shellfish growing area, the scope of the pollution sources, and the degree to which those sources threaten the commercial shellfish growing area.
• (b) If the technical advisory committee determines pursuant to subdivision (a) that additional investigatory efforts are needed, the regional board shall develop, with the assistance of the technical advisory committee, a water quality investigation project for funding under Sections 205 and 319 of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.; Secs. 1285 and 1329) or any other appropriate funding sources.
• (c) Any water quality investigation project developed pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be limited to accomplishing that which is reasonably necessary for the regional board to gather sufficient data to determine the appropriate remedial actions.
• (d) The regional board shall not undertake any investigatory efforts determined to be necessary pursuant to subdivision (a) unless the regional board determines that funding is available to carry out those efforts.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14956. [Remedial action]

• (a) Once the nature, sources, scope, and degree of the pollution affecting a commercial shellfish growing area have been determined, the regional board, with the advice of the local technical advisory committee, shall order appropriate remedial action, including the adoption of best management practices, to abate the pollution affecting that area. The regional board shall monitor water quality in the threatened area during the implementation of pollution abatement measures to ensure that the measures are effective and shall provide the results of the monitoring to the technical advisory committee. The regional board shall give public notice of any actions proposed for adoption.
• (b) If agricultural sources of pollution have been identified as contributing to the degradation of shellfish growing areas, the regional board shall invite members of the local agricultural community representing the type of agricultural discharge affecting the local shellfish growing area, the local resource conservation district, the local soil conservation service, the local agricultural stabilization and conservation service, the cooperative extension of the University of California, and affected shellfish growers to develop and implement appropriate short- and long-term remediation strategies that will lead to a reduction in the pollution affecting the commercial shellfish growing area.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14957. [Rating proposals]

When rating project proposals affecting shellfish growing areas for state and federal funding under Sections 205 and 319 of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.; Secs. 1285 and 1329) or from other funding sources, the state board and regional boards shall give timely notice to the California Aquaculture Association and shall provide shellfish growers with the opportunity to comment on the following types of project proposals:

• (a) Project proposals that seek to identify the nature, sources, scope, and degree of pollution threatening a commercial shellfish growing area.
• (b) Project proposals that seek to reduce or eliminate the impact of point or nonpoint pollution that affects a commercial shellfish growing area. Proposals under this subdivision shall include waste reclamation projects. (Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

§ 14958. [Dissolving advisory committee]

When a commercial shellfish area is no longer threatened, as specified in Section 14954, the regional board shall dissolve the technical advisory committee for that area. If the area is subsequently threatened, as specified in

Section 14954, the regional board shall re-form the committee pursuant to Section 14953.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 1081, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1994.)

CHAPTER 27. CALIFORNIA WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2009 [16100. 16104.]

(Chapter 27 added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 577, Sec. 1.)

§ 16100. [Title]

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the California Watershed Improvement Act of 2009.

(Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 577, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2010.)

§ 16101. [Watershed improvement plan development and requirements]

• (a) Each county, city, or special district that is a permittee or copermittee under a national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit for municipal separate storm sewer systems may develop, either individually or jointly with one or more permittees or copermittees, a watershed improvement plan that addresses major sources of pollutants in receiving water, stormwater, urban runoff, or other surface runoff pollution within the watershed or subwatershed to which the plan applies. The principal purpose of a watershed improvement plan is to implement existing and future water quality requirements and regulations by, among other things, where appropriate, identifying opportunities for stormwater detention, infiltration, use of natural treatment systems, water recycling, reuse, and supply augmentation; and providing programs and measures designed to promote, maintain, or achieve compliance with water quality laws and regulations, including water quality standards and other requirements of statewide plans, regional water quality control plans, total maximum daily loads, and NPDES permits.
• (b) The process of developing a watershed improvement plan shall be open and transparent, and shall be conducted consistent with all applicable open meeting laws. A county, city, special district, or combination thereof, shall solicit input from entities representing resource agencies, water agencies, sanitation districts, the environmental community, landowners, home builders, agricultural interests, and business and industry representatives.
• (c) Each county, city, special district, or combination thereof shall notify the appropriate regional board of its intention to develop a watershed improvement plan. The regional board may, in its discretion, participate in the preparation of the plan. A watershed improvement plan shall be consistent with the regional board's water quality control plan.
• (d) A watershed improvement plan shall include all of the following elements relevant to the waters within the watershed or subwatershed to which the plan applies:

• (1) A description of the watershed or subwatershed improvement plan area, the rivers, streams, or manmade drainage channels within the plan area, the agencies with regulatory jurisdiction over matters to be addressed in the plan, the relevant receiving waters within or downstream from the plan area, and the county, city, special district, or combination thereof, participating in the plan.
• (2) A description of the proposed facilities and actions that will improve the protection and enhancement of water quality and the designated beneficial uses of waters of the state, consistent with water quality laws and regulations.
• (3) Recommendations for appropriate action by any entity, public or private, to facilitate achievement of, or consistency with, water quality objectives, standards, total maximum daily loads, or other water quality laws, regulations, standards, or requirements, a time schedule for the actions to be taken, and a description of appropriate measurement and monitoring to be undertaken to determine improvement in water quality.
• (4) A coordinated economic analysis and financing plan that identifies the costs, effectiveness, and benefits of water quality improvements specified in the watershed improvement plan, and, where feasible, incorporates user-based and cost recovery approaches to financing, which place the cost of managing and treating surface runoff pollution on the generators of the pollutants.
• (5) To the extent applicable, a description of regional best management practices, watershed-based natural treatment systems, low-flow diversion systems, stormwater capture, urban runoff capture, other measures constituting structural treatment best management practices, pollution prevention measures, low-impact development strategies, and site design, source control, and treatment control best management practices to promote improved water quality.
• (6) A description of the proposed structure, operations, powers, and duties of the implementing entity for the watershed improvement plan. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 577, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2010.)

§ 16102. [Watershed improvement plan review by regional boards]

• (a) A regional board shall review, in accordance with the reimbursement requirement described in subdivision (c), a watershed improvement plan developed pursuant to Section 16101 and may approve the plan, including any appropriate conditions to the approval, if the regional board finds that the proposed watershed improvement plan will facilitate compliance with water quality requirements. A regional board's review and approval of the watershed improvement plan shall be limited to components described in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (5) of subdivision (d) of Section 16101.
• (b) A regional board may not approve a proposed watershed improvement plan that includes a geographical area included in an existing approved

watershed improvement plan unless the regional board determines that it is infeasible to amend either the proposed watershed improvement plan or the approved watershed improvement plan to achieve the purposes of this chapter.

• (c) The entity or entities that develop a watershed improvement plan that is submitted to the regional board for approval shall reimburse the regional board for its costs, including the costs to review and oversee the implementation of the plan, if nonstate funds are not available to cover the costs of the review and oversight. For the purpose of this paragraph, the state board shall adopt a fee schedule by emergency regulation in the manner prescribed in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 13260. Fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited in the Waste Discharge Permit Fund established by Section 13260.
• (d) A regional board may, if it deems appropriate, utilize provisions of approved watershed improvement plans to promote compliance with one or more of the regional board's regulatory plans or programs.
• (e) Unless a regional board incorporates the provisions of a watershed improvement plan into waste discharge requirements issued to a permittee, the implementation of a watershed improvement plan by a permittee shall not be deemed to be compliance with those waste discharge requirements. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 577, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2010.)

§ 16103. [Fees for watershed improvement plan]

• (a) In addition to making use of other financing mechanisms that are available to local agencies to fund watershed improvement plans and plan measures and facilities, a county, city, special district, or combination thereof may impose fees on activities that generate or contribute to runoff, stormwater, or surface runoff pollution, to pay the costs of the preparation of a watershed improvement plan, and the implementation of a watershed improvement plan if all of the following requirements are met:
• (1) The regional board has approved the watershed improvement plan.
• (2) The entity or entities that develop the watershed improvement plan make a finding, supported by substantial evidence, that the fee is reasonably related to the cost of mitigating the actual or anticipated past, present, or future adverse effects of the activities of the feepayer. 'Activities,' for the purposes of this paragraph, means the operations and existing structures and improvements subject to regulation under an NPDES permit for municipal separate storm sewer systems.
• (3) The fee is not imposed solely as an incident of property ownership.
• (b) A county, city, special district, or combination thereof may plan, design, implement, construct, operate, and maintain controls and facilities to improve water quality, including controls and facilities related to the infiltration, retention and reuse, diversion, interception, filtration, or collection of surface

runoff, including urban runoff, stormwater, and other forms of runoff, the treatment of pollutants in runoff or other waters subject to water quality regulatory requirements, the return of diverted and treated waters to receiving water bodies, the enhancement of beneficial uses of waters of the state, or the beneficial use or reuse of diverted waters.

• (c) The fees authorized under subdivision (a) may be imposed as userbased or regulatory fees consistent with this chapter. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 577, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2010.)

§ 16104. [No effect on water diversion requirements]

Nothing in this chapter alters requirements that govern the diversion of water. (Added by Stats. 2009, Ch. 577, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2010.)

CHAPTER 28. CALIFORNIA WETLANDS POLICY ACT [16200 - 16201]

(Chapter 28 added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 579, Sec. 1.)

§ 16200. [Legislative Findings]

The Legislature finds and declares the following:

• (a) California's wetland resources provide an abundance of benefits for humans and the environment, including, but not limited to, flood risk reduction, filtration of water pollutants, surface and groundwater supplies, shoreline protection, erosion reduction, wildlife habitat, open space, and public recreational opportunities. Wetlands are an important habitat for migratory waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway, endangered species, and many other resident wildlife and fish populations.
• (b) Scientists have determined that though small in area, wetlands are carbon sinks and wetland drainage leads to significant carbon and greenhouse gas emissions as stored carbon is oxidized. Management and restoration of wetlands provide many opportunities to restore carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• (c) Historical filling and development projects have reduced California wetlands to a mere 10 percent of their original extent. The loss of coastal wetlands is even more alarming with 95 percent of the formerly abundant lagoons and marshes along California's 1,100-mile coastline having been destroyed.
• (d) In 1972, Congress enacted the Clean Water Act, which included a program designed to preserve the nation's dwindling wetlands. In recent decades, litigation over the extent of federal authority to protect wetlands and federal regulators' failure to delineate clearly that authority has combined to threaten the nation's few remnant wetlands.
• (e) The United States Supreme Court issued a ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (2023) 598 U.S. 651 that has had enormous ramifications for the health of the nation's and California's wetlands and

• waterways because it excluded many types of state waters, including certain wetlands, from federal Clean Water Act protection.
• (f) The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act applies to waters of the state, which includes wetlands and other isolated and ephemeral waters. The State of California and the state board possess independent power to protect and preserve the state's remaining wetlands.
• (g) In 2019, the state board adopted the 'State Policy for Water Quality Control: State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State.' The state board adopted this state policy to ensure that California would protect wetlands no longer protected by federal law.
• (h) The action by the state board builds on the history of California's efforts to conserve, protect, and restore wetlands. On August 23, 1993, Governor Pete Wilson issued Executive Order No. W-59-93, in which he recognized the importance of wetlands to California, the extreme loss of wetlands during the 19th and 20th centuries, and the need to ensure no net loss and long-term gain in the quantity, quality, and permanence of wetlands acreage and values in a manner that fosters creativity, stewardship, and respect for private property.
• (i) Since Governor Wilson's executive order establishing a state policy of no net loss and long-term gain of wetlands, California has continued to lose more wetland acres than it replaces through restoration or mitigation. As these wetlands disappear, more wetland-dependent fish and wildlife slide closer to extinction and migratory birds are crowded into shrinking habitat areas that cause devastating outbreaks of disease and fail to provide the food necessary for these birds to make their long journeys between their summer and winter homes. California continues to remove lands that, if conserved, would provide important public benefits.
• (j) It is essential that California protect its last remaining wetlands and restore wetlands to achieve long-term gains for climate mitigation and resilience, flood risk reduction, clean water, biodiversity conservation, and recreation.
• (k) It is the intent of the Legislature that the implementation of the state policy of no net loss and long-term gain of wetlands is not measured on a permit-by-permit basis. This state policy will take efforts on multiple scales to achieve, including thoughtful project design and implementation, conservation of wetlands, restoration of wetlands, and landscape scale conservation planning.
• ( l ) It is the intent of the Legislature to codify the fundamental principles of the state wetlands policy to protect, restore, and expand California wetlands, and to concurrently ensure the state facilitates and encourages the enhancement and restoration of wetlands to prevent the loss of habitat due to inundation from sea level rise and other impacts associated with climate change.

(Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 579, Sec. 1. (AB 2875) Effective January 1, 2025.)

§ 16201. [State Policy of No Net Loss and Long-Term Gain of Wetlands]

It is the policy of the state to ensure no net loss and long-term gain in the quantity, quality, and permanence of wetlands acreage and values in California. (Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 579, Sec. 1. (AB 2875) Effective January 1, 2025.)