San Diego Fined for Failing to Properly Enforce Storm Water Regulations

Last month, the City of San Diego was fined for failing to enforce rules that require storm water runoff to be properly treated before it enters nearby bays and the ocean through a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).  This news comes after a settlement was reached between San Diego and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.  The city has until November 1st to notify 142 property owners that they are required to bring their storm water management systems into compliance with city codes.
 
The California Storm Water Program uses an integrated approach to regulate storm water discharges from industrial facilities, construction sites and municipal systems.  City and county agencies have passed ordinances that address the standard of care that must be followed by property owners to ensure that storm water contaminants do not enter public storm drains.
 
After inspections showed problems in the design and implementation of many of these systems on private property, the Regional Water Quality Control Board contacted the city.  The city now owes up to $2.5 million in fines and upgrade costs. If the November deadline is missed, the City could face a fine of up to $10,000 per day for failure to comply. 
 
To help government agencies, businesses and developers comply with storm water permit requirements and avoid costly fines, Clark Seif Clark offers comprehensive storm water control, consulting, inspection and sampling services.  “Storm water management needs to be addressed and monitored during the entire property pre- and post-development process,” said Dave Broadbent, Technical Director at Clark Seif Clark, Inc.  “Our experts initially inspect the client’s operations to determine their storm water needs to achieve compliance with existing regulations at minimum cost.  This includes developing Best Management Practices that require the least amount of effort for compliance.  Whenever possible, we provide recommendations or procedures for the client to follow to avoid having their storm water discharged regulated.”
 
To learn more about storm water testing, monitoring and Best Management Practices or other environmental, health and safety consulting services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118. 
 
About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address environmental, IAQ, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the Western Coast and Southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

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