On October 2nd, Governor Newsom signed into California State Law Senate Bill 205, which mandates that cities and counties check that their regulated industrial facilities (as defined in Section 13383.5 of the Water Code) retain enrollment under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permit program. Most importantly, SB 205 requires applicable facilities to prove their compliance with the industrial stormwater permit when applying for or renewing their business license.

Since 1991, all regulated industrial facilities in the United States have been required to have a stormwater permit. The State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and cities have collectively implemented and enforced the stormwater permit program based on requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.

SB 205 comes as a collaborative response between the California Coastkeeper Alliance and the State and Regional Water Boards to what some would say is California’s largest urban source of water pollution.

Stormwater remains highly regulated across the state via the industrial stormwater permit, but without consistent compliance across all industrial sectors, and thousands of industrial dischargers failing to comply, the health of our waterways, as well as communities, remains threatened.

Beginning January 1, 2020, industrial companies without a stormwater permit will not receive a business license.

• SB 205 allows cities and counties to provide up to 90 days for businesses to comply.

• Facilities with an already existing storm water permit, NONA, or NEC, do not require any action.

You can find a copy of SB 205 from California Legislative Information here.

Questions?

If you are a metals production facility and do not already have a stormwater permit, our professionals are ready to help. Since 1992, the California Metals Coalition (CMC) has run a state-recognized stormwater compliance group: the Metals Industry Storm Water Group (MISWG). As the MISWG Compliance Group Leader, KERAMIDA can help you find a cost-effective way to protect your business from fines, penalties, and third-party lawsuits. Please contact us or call KERAMIDA at (800) 508-8034 today for assistance.

Contact:

Jodie Crandell, QISP, QEP, TOR
Senior Project Manager
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Jodie at jcrandell@keramida.com.