Water runoff
As we weather the recent storms I am reminded of our December 6th Mission Viejo City council meeting’s Agenda Item #23. Another state mandate.
Staff Member Richard Schlesinger shared part of our latest 574 page Storm Water Program, Local Implementation Plan. This update relates to compliance with the latest National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region.
In his presentation Richard references a new addition to the existing “Plan.” Irrigation runoff from lawns into the streets is now prohibited. We can now be fined.
I have no intent to copy the entire 574 page document but will share a few highlights related to enforcement.
“City inspectors will apply or recommend any of the enforcement steps as appropriate based on the enforcement consistency guide.” Section 9-15.
9.7.2 Residential, CIA or HOA
The enforcement mechanisms are: Notice of Non-compliance, Administrative Compliance Order, Cease and Desist Orders followed by Infractions and Misdemeanors
OK. Let’s address enforcement of this new requirement.
“Enforcement actions may be initiated by the City as a response to hotline reports and complaints, or by observations by City representatives.” Ref. Section 9-15
Yes, we will organize neighbors to report on their neighbors sprinkler activities.
What next. I wonder who the city will issue citations to. Our homeowners who have water runoff into the streets the past few days caused by the recent downpour?
As thousands of OC residents are currently seeking employment this is a great job opening driven by what else, another state mandate.
While the State Regional Water Quality Control Board may have precipitated this anti-runoff law or regulation, the culprit is the Federal Clean Water Act that states must implement to assure that streams and rivers run with water of drinkable quality. So, blame the Congress, which in turn is responding to the environmental lobby. I would not be surprised if the San Diego Regional Board has more stringent requirements than the Santa Ana Regional Board that has jurisdiction over the northern part of the county. The San Diego Regional Board is known for the most restrictive policies. Lucky you. Wouldn’t it be nice if state agencies had uniform state-wide policies? Maybe Governor Brown can work on that.