HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/11/20 Item 19CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STATEMENT
_ J ~V// CITY OF
~`CHULAVISTA
11/20/12, Item
ITEM TITLE: ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
SECTIONS 14.20.030 AND 14.20.110 OF THE CHULA VISTA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO "STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CO TROL"
SUBMITTED BY: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS ~~ yy~~ jj`,
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENGINE G U/c7~
REVIEWED BY: CITY MANAGER S7' ~ Tr
ASSISTANT CITY MANA ER ST
4/STAS VOTE: YES ^ NO
SUMMARY
In October 2010, City Council directed the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) to develop
recommendations for Climate Adaptation Strategies. Representatives from diverse stakeholder
workgroups met in public meetings and forums and reviewed more than 180 strategies. Eleven
of these strategies were presented to City Council, who directed the CCWG to develop plans for
these strategies. Subsequently, on May 3, 2011, the City Council approved the implementation
plan for the Climate Adaptation Strategies.
One of the strategies involves water resources protection through urban runoff pollution
prevention. The CCWG's recommendation for this strategy was to "Revise the City's storm
water regulations and applicable landscape/building codes to efficiently manage higher
concentrations of pollutants in runoff by minimizing water waste, using natural landscapes which
help drain or reuse runoff, and b}~ ensuring that irrigation systems are properly
installed/maintained." One of the components of the storm water strategy is "Landscape water
waste reductions -remove storm water exemption for landscape runoff" In order to implement
this strategy, the Public Works Department is proposing amendments to Chula Vista Municipal
Code (CVMC) Section 14.20.030, Definitions, and Section 14.20.110, Exemptions to Dischazge
Prohibitions. Under current City regulations, dischazges of landscape irrigation, lawn watering,
and agricultural irrigation water are exempted from dischazge prohibitions. The proposed
resolution would make it illegal to dischazge landscape irrigation water into public right-of--way
or storm drains, except for minor incidental dischazges such as minimal over-spray.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity qualifies for
a Class 8 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15308 [Actions by Regulatory Agencies for
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11/20/12, Item `='
Page 2 of 2
Protection of the Environment] of the State CEQA Guidelines because the proposed actions,
consisting of arendments to certain sections of the Chula Vista Municipal Code relating to
"Storm water management and discharge control", will result in the implementation of water
resource strategies designed to reduce pollution from urban rtmoff. Thus, no further
environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION
Council place ordinance on first reading.
BOARDS/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Staff presented the proposed muilicipa] code revisions to the Resource Conservation
Commission at their August 13, 2012 meeting. The Resource Conservation Commission
unanimously recommended that City Council adopt the code revisions.
DISCUSSION
On January 24, 2007, the Regional Water Quality Control Boazd adopted the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Mwticipal Permit, Order No. R9-2007-0001 (Permit).
The Permit requires jurisdictions within San Diego County to develop and enforce ordinances
that prohibit the discharge of pollutants to their storm drainage systems and rewire all persons
who engage iu activities which may result in pollutants entering storm drainage systems to
implement Best Management Practices to minimize pollution. CVMC Chapter 14.20, Storm
Water Management and Discharge Control, is the City's storm water ordinance and is largely
based on Permit requirements. The Permit and CVMC Chapter 14.20 prohibit all non-stoma
water discharges with a few exemptions. Some of the exemptions include landscape irrigation,
lawn watering, and agricultural irrigation water.
Observations during many years of urban runoff monitoring in the San Diego region indicate that
landscape over-irrigation is a major contributor to non-storm water discharges. Over-irrigation
in residential, commercial, and municipal areas occur when: 1) sprinkler heads are not correctly
adjusted, 2) irrigation systems are not properly maintained and result in breakages, S) timer
controls are set without regard to landscape watering needs or soil properties, 4) sensors are not
installed to prevent irrigation during or immediately after precipitation events. The City of
Chula Vista Landscape Water Conservation Ordinance incorporated in CVMC Chapter 20.12
already requires new irrigation systems covered by that ordinance, to be installed so that they do
not create over spray. The recommended amendments to CVCM Chapter 14.20 cover both
existing and new irrigation systems. Irrigation water comes into contact with many pollutants
such as pesticides, fertilizers, nutrients, bacteria, etc., and may cause soil erosion on slopes. If
allowed to enter storm drains, landscape irrigation runoff transports such pollutants into storm
drains and eventually into downstream receiving waters such as creeks, rivers, potable water
sources, etc.
Testing on water san7ples taken from Chula Vista storm drains during the past few years
indicates that nitrate is a persistent pollutant in urban nmoff. Nitrates and phosphates are the
main ingredients of fertilizers. Landscape runoff, which may contain high levels of these
pollutants, is a potential source of introduction of nitrates and phosphates into stone drains.
Nitrates are considered polluta~tts because excessive concentrations of nitrate can be harmful to
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11/20/12, Item f
Page 3 of 3
humans and wildlife. Excessive amounts of phosphorus and nitrates in water bodies may cause
over-growth of algae and other aquatic plants, which in addition to being aesthetically
unpleasant, can use up available dissolved oxygen in water and result in fish kills and
obliteration of other aquatic species. This process is called eutrophication.
Imgation runoff can also carry pesticides that are toxic to most. living organisms and small
creatures. The State Water Resources Control Boazd has conducted water sampling and testing
in the City's Poggi Creek and Sweetwater River under the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring
Program, and has determined that test results warrant placing Poggi Creek and Sweetwater River
on the list of impaired water bodies (303(d) list) for toxicity. Although a variety of pollutants
may cause toxicity in water, regional monitoring data suggest that pesticides are the most
probable cause.
Chapter 14.20.110 currently allows for an exemption for landscape irrigation, lawn watering, and
agricultural irrigation water. By removing these exemptions, responsible persons will be
required to implement Best Management Practices to prevent landscape over-irrigation discharge
into storm drains, which will ultimately result in the protection of beneficial uses of water
resources threatened by climate change. As a side benefit, potable and recycled water will be
conserved to protect against water supply shortages. This municipal code amendment would
allow for the implementation of this climate adaptation strategy. Enforcement would start with
the public works department storm water management staff through public education and
outreach, but would also allow for stricter enforcement by means of violation notices and civil
penalties in extreme cases.
DECISION MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-
specific and, consequently the 500-foot rule found in California Code of Regulations Section
18704.2(a)(1) is not applicable to this decision. Staff is not independently aware, nor has staff
been informed by any City Councilmember, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a
decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The requested action by itself will not result in any fiscal impact to the City.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no ongoing fiscal impact to the City.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A -Amended CVMC Sections 14.20.030 and 14.20.110
Prepared by: Khosro Aminpour, Senior Civil Engineer, Department of Public Workr
H:\PUBLIC WORKS- ENG\AGENDA\CAS2012\1 ]-20-12\S[ortn water muni code amendment.doc
19-3
~TTACF-Ml1ENT ~1"
14.20.030 Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in this section:
A. "Basin plan" shall mean the "Comprehensive Water Quality Control Plan for the San
Diego Basin" adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region
(September 1994), and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board,
together with subsequent amendments.
B. "Best management practices (BMPs)" shall mean schedules of activities, prohibitions
of practices, general good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational
practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or
reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the discharge of pollutants directly or
indirectly to waters of the United States. BMPs also include treatment requirements,
operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge
or waste disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
C. "Building permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Building Official pursuant to
Chapter 15.20 CVMC.
D. "California ocean plan" shall mean the "California Ocean Plan: Water Quality Control
Plan for Ocean Waters of California" adopted by the State Water Resources Control
Board in July, 1997, and any subsequent amendments.
E. "Clean Water Act" shall mean the federal Water Pollution Control Act enacted by
Public Law 92-500, as amended by Public Laws 95-217, 95-576, 96-483, and 95-117
(33 USCA Section 1251, et seq.), and any subsequent amendments.
F. "County Health Officer" shall mean the Health Officer of the County of San Diego
Department of Public Health or designee.
G. "Development" shall mean
1. The placement or erection of any solid material or structure on land, in water, or
under water;
2. The discharge or disposal of any dredged material or of any gaseous, liquid,
solid, or thermal waste;
3. The grading, removing, dredging, mining, or extraction of any materials;
4. A change in the density or intensity of the use of land, including, but not limited
to, a subdivision pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Section
19-4
66410, et seq.) and any other division of land, except where the division of land is
brought about in connection with the purchase of such land by a public agency for
public recreational use;
5. A change in the intensity of the use of water, or of access thereto;
6. The construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of the size of any
structure, including any facility of any private, public, or municipal entity; and
7. The removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural
purposes.
As used in this definition, "structure" includes, but is not limited to, any building, road,
pipe, flume, conduit, siphon, aqueduct, telephone line, and electrical power transmission
and distribution line. (Source: Government Code Section 65927).
H. "Employee training program" shall mean a documented employee training program
for all persons responsible for implementing a storm water pollution prevention plan.
The employee training program shall include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
1. Laws, regulations, and local ordinances associated with storm water pollution
prevention, and an overview of the potential impacts of polluted storm water on the
receiving waters of the San Diego region;
2. Proper handling of all materials and wastes to prevent spillage;
3. Mitigation of spills including spill response, containment and cleanup
procedures;
4. Visual monitoring of all effluent streams to ensure that no illegal discharges
enter the storm water conveyance system;
5. Discussion of the differences between the storm water conveyance system and
the sanitary sewer system;
6. Identification of all on-site connections to the storm water conveyance system;
7. Preventive maintenance and good housekeeping procedures;
8. Material management practices employed by the facility to reduce or eliminate
pollutant contact with storm water discharge.
I. "Enclosed bays and estuaries plan" means the "California Enclosed Bays and
Estuaries Plan: Water Quality Control Plan for Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of
19-5
California," adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board April 1991, and all
subsequent amendments.
J. "Enforcement agency" shall mean the City of Chula Vista or its authorized agents
charged with ensuring compliance with this chapter.
K. "Enforcement official" shall mean the Director of Public Works or his or her designee.
L. "Hazardous materials" shall mean any substance or mixture of substances which is
toxic, corrosive, flammable, an irritant, a strong sensitizer, or generates pressure
through decomposition, heat or other means, if such a substance or mixture of
substances may cause substantial injury, serious illness or harm to humans, domestic
livestock, or wildlife.
M. "Illegal connection" shall mean any physical connection to the storm water
conveyance system which has not been permitted by the City of Chula Vista or the San
Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, or which drains illegal discharges either
directly or indirectly into the storm water conveyance system.
N. "Illegal discharge" shall mean any discharge to the storm water conveyance system
that is not composed entirely of storm water, or is expressly prohibited by federal, state,
or local regulations, laws, codes, or ordinances, NPDES Permit No. CAS 0108758, or
degrades the quality of receiving waters in violation of any plan water quality objective.
O. Inc~~erttal C}3scha~gr ,sh~',i„mein ~u~:rte_n_~e~ 5m<_I!_rxmourits {vc(rame) of r~~r~a~trgfn
- -- -
ia~~~is~a~~_,~srigat~or~,__ r~ch_„_as minima( over-spray _frgm sprink{ers,_that e~c~:~es „the
irrir,~ated area Wale Ve~3Nin~r an irria`~tt=c1 area is no_t cons~det_ed ~ncicJ~ntal if it_~s„d:~::_fa
rr~ioper_{e a during ~ pr,ec~~~t~ti~n ev~nt.._ar excessiv_e__~~p+j~.atit~n, if ~t_is__due...te
r~tent~cr~4xi__overf~oinr or a~s.t~lFCr,tEon,_t~r if it is d~~e_.to negi~en~e _jeaks ~i~~ ctf~e,r
eischarg~s jeg h_~_~ken slarink~er headsi_are_not cq(~s}~ered_inc~dent~I_,if nat_currected
~i~ithin 72 hoL~rs ~#_iearE~i~~ __of_ he cs~schargc_9r_~f_th~ ~ischa_rge cxceads„1u00 ~3aI(ans,
9P. "Inland surface water plan" means the "California Inland Surface Waters Plan:
Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters of California" adopted by the State
Water Resources Control Board on April 1991, and all amendments thereto.
PQ. "Land development permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Director of Public
Works pursuant to Chapter 15.04 CVMC.
t~fZ. "Maximum extent practicable (MEP)" shall mean the technology-based standard
established by Congress in Clean Water Act Section 402(p)(3)(B)(iii) that municipal
dischargers of storm water discharges must meet. MEP generally emphasizes pollution
19-6
prevention and source control BMPs primarily in combination with treatment methods
serving as a backup.
?~S. "National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit" shall mean a
permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board or the State Water
Resources Control Board, pursuant to Chapter 5.5, Division 7 of the California Water
Code, to control discharges from point sources to waters of the United States, including,
but not limited to:
1. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, (NPDES
No. CAS 0108758), NPDES municipal permit -Waste discharge requirements for
storm water and urban runoff from the County of San Diego, the incorporated cities
of San Diego County, and the San Diego Unified Port District;
2. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with industrial
activities;
3. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with construction
activity; and
4. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, general
dewatering permits.
ST. "NPDES general permit" shall mean a permit issued by the State Water Resources
Control Board, including, but not limited to:
1. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with industrial
activities; and
2. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with construction
activity.
~U. "Non-storm water' shall mean any water conveyed to the storm water conveyance
system that is not entirely composed of storm water (also see definition of "storm
water").
6tV. "Parking lot" shall mean an open area, other than a street or other public way, used
for the parking of motorized vehicles, whether for a fee or free, to accommodate clients
or customers, or to accommodate residents of multifamily dwellings (i.e., apartments,
condominiums, townhomes, mobilehomes, dormitories, group quarters, etc.).
1lVd. "Person" shall mean any individual, organization, business trust, company,
partnership, entity, firm, association, corporation, or public agency, including the state of
California and the United States of America.
19-7
l=`~rX. "Plan water quality objective" means any or all applicable requirements of the basin
plan, the enclosed bays and estuaries plan, the inland surface water plan, and the
California ocean plan.
7~y'. "Pollutant" may include, but is not limited to, solid waste, sewage, garbage, medical
waste, wrecked or discarded equipment, radioactive materials, dredged soil, rock, sand,
sediment, industrial waste, and any organic or inorganic contaminant whose presence
degrades the quality of the receiving waters in violation of basin plan or California ocean
plan standards. "Pollutant" includes, but is not limited to, fecal coliform, fecal
streptococcus, enterococcus, volatile organic carbon (VOC), surfactants, oil and grease,
petroleum hydrocarbons, total organic carbon (TOC), lead, copper, chromium,
cadmium, silver, nickel, zinc, cyanides, phenols, and biocides.
A "pollutant" also includes any substance defined as a pollutant under 40 CFR Section
122.2 and any contaminant which degrades the quality of the receiving waters in
violation of basin plan or California ocean plan standards by altering any of the following
parameters: pH, total suspended and settleable solids, biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nutrients, and temperature.
Y7. "Premises" shall mean any building, lot, parcel, real estate, land, or portion of land,
whether improved or unimproved.
~'~A. "Receiving waters" shall mean surface bodies of water, as described in NPDES
Permit No. CAS 0108758, which serve as discharge points for the storm water
conveyance system, including creeks, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, lagoons, estuaries,
harbors, bays, and the Pacific Ocean.
AAL~~. "Significant quantities" shall mean the volume, concentrations, or mass of a
pollutant in a discharge that can cause or threaten to cause pollution, contamination, or
nuisance; or adversely impact human health or the environment; or cause or contribute
to a violation of any water quality standards applicable to the receiving water.
t3E'fCC_. "Storm water" shall mean urban runoff and snow melt runoff consisting of only
those discharges which originate from precipitation events. Storm water is that portion
of precipitation that flows across a surface to the storm water conveyance system or
receiving waters.
For the purposes of this chapter, storm water runoff and drainage from areas that are in
a natural state, have not been significantly disturbed or altered, either directly or
indirectly, as a result of human activity, and the character and type of pollutants
naturally appearing in the runoff that have not been significantly altered, either directly
or indirectly, as a result of human activity, shall be considered "unpolluted" and shall
satisfy the definition of "storm water" in this chapter.
19-8
~G;CD. "Storm water conveyance system" means those municipal, private and/or
natural facilities within the City of Chula Vista by which storm water may be conveyed to
waters of the United States, including any roads with drainage systems, municipal
streets, catch basins, and watercourses.
~B_E~. "Storm water pollution prevention plan" shall mean a document which describes
the on-site program activities to utilize BMPs to eliminate or reduce pollutant discharges
to the storm water conveyance system to the maximum extent practicable.
A storm water pollution prevention plan prepared and implemented pursuant to any
NPDES permit shall meet the definition of a "storm water pollution prevention plan" for
the purposes of this chapter.
E-EFF. "Watercourse" shall mean any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch,
channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine, arroyo or wash in which
waters flow in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and
which has a definite channel and a bed or banks. A "channel" is not limited to land
covered by minimal or ordinary flow but also includes land covered during times of high
water. "Watercourse" does not include any surface drainage prior to its collection in a
stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully,
ravine, arroyo or wash.
i=1=CHG. "Watercourse permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Director of Public Works
pursuant to Chapter 14.08 CVMC.
C3~~4-'N. "Wetlands" shall mean areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
ground waters at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions. "Wetlands" generally includes swamps, marshes, bogs, and
similar areas. (Ord. 2854 § 3, 2002; Ord. 2790, 1999; Ord. 2597 § 11, 1994).
19-9
14.20.110 Exemptions to discharge prohibition.
The following discharges are exempt from the prohibition set forth in CVMC 14.20.100;
provided, that they do not cause or significantly contribute to violations of the water
quality standards set forth in any plan water quality objective or convey significant
quantities of pollutants to receiving waters, or are a danger to public health and safety:
A. Any discharge or connection regulated under an NPDES permit issued to the
discharger and administered by the state of California pursuant to Chapter 5.5, Division
7 of the California Water Code; provided, that the discharger is in compliance with all
requirements of the permit and other applicable laws, and regulations, and programs.
B. Discharges from the following activities will not be considered a source of pollutants
to waters of the United States:
1. Diverted stream flows;
2. Rising ground water;
3. Uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(20)) to
MS4s;
4. Uncontaminated pumped ground water;
5. Foundation drains;
6. Springs;
7. Water from crawl space pumps;
8. Footing drains;
9. Air conditioning condensation; ,
10. Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
11. Water line flushing;
12. ; Ivlinor, ir~cidenTai discharges of landscape irrigation grater
13. Discharges from potable water sources not subject to NPDES Permit No.
CAG679001, other than water main breaks;
14. Individual residential car washing; and
19-10
15. Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges.
C. Any discharge which the enforcement agency, the County Health Officer, the
Regional Water Quality Control Board and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
determines in writing is necessary for the protection of the public health and safety.
(Ord. 3103 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2854 § 6, 2002; Ord. 2597 § 11, 1994).
19-11
ORDINANCE 2012-
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING
SECTIONS 14.20.030 AND 14.20.110 OF THE CHULA VISTA
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO "STORM WATER
MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROL"
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2007, the Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Petmit, Order No. R9-
2007-0001 (Permit); and
WHEREAS, the Permit requires jurisdictions within San Diego County to develop and
enforce ordinances that prohibit the discharge of pollutants to their storm drainage systems and
require all persons who engage in activities which may result in pollutants entering storm
drainage systems to implement Best Management Practices to minimize pollution; and
WHEREAS, CVMC Chapter 14.20, Storm Water Management and Discharge Control, is
the City's storm water ordinance and is largely based on Permit requirements. The Permit and
CVMC Chapter 14.20 prohibit all non-storm water discharges with a few exemptions. Some of
the exemptions include landscape irrigation, lawn watering, and agricultural irrigation water; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 14.20.110 currently allows for an exemption for landscape
irrigation, lawn watering, and agricultural irrigation water. By removing these exemptions,
responsible persons will be required to implement Best Management Practices to prevent
landscape over-irrigation discharge into storm drains, which will ultimately result in the
protection of beneficial uses of water resources threatened by climate change; and
WHEREAS, this municipal code amendment would allow for the implementation of this
climate adaptation strategy; and
WHEREAS, enforcement would start with the public works department storm water
management staff through public education and outreach, but would also allow for stricter
enforcement by means of violation notices and civil penalties in extreme cases.
The City Council of the City of Chula Vista does ordain Sections 14.20.030 and
14.20.110 of the Chula Vista Municipal Code relating to "Storm Water Management and
Discharge Control as follows:
19-12
Ordinance No.
Page 2
14.20.030 Definitions.
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in this section:
A. "Basin plan" shall mean the "Comprehensive Water Quality Control Plan for the San
Diego Basin" adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region
(September 1994), and approved by the State Water Resources Control Board,
together with subsequent amendments.
B. "Best management practices (BMPs)" shall mean schedules of activities, prohibitions
of practices, general good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational
practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or
reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the discharge of pollutants directly or
indirectly to waters of the United States. BMPs also include treatment requirements,
operating procedures, and practices to control plant site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge
or waste disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
C. "Building permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Building Official pursuant to
Chapter 15.20 CVMC.
D. "California ocean plan" shall mean the "California Ocean Plan: Water Quality Control
Plan for Ocean Waters of California" adopted by the State Water Resources Control
Board in July, 1997, and any subsequent amendments.
E. "Clean Water Act" shall mean the federal Water Pollution Control Act enacted by
Public Law 92-500, as amended by Public Laws 95-217, 95-576, 96-483, and 95-117
(33 USCA Section 1251, et seq.), and any subsequent amendments.
F. "County Health Officer" shall mean the Health Officer of the County of San Diego
Department of Public Health or designee.
G. "Development" shall mean:
1. The placement or erection of any solid material or structure on land, in water, or
under water;
2. The discharge or disposal of any dredged material or of any gaseous, liquid,
solid, or thermal waste;
3. The grading, removing, dredging, mining, or extraction of any materials;
4. A change in the density or intensity of the use of land, including, but not limited
to, a subdivision pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Section
19-13
Ordinance No.
Page 3
66410, et seq.) and any other division of land, except where the division of land is
brought about in connection with the purchase of such land by a public agency for
public recreational use;
5. A change in the intensity of the use of water, or of access thereto;
6. The construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of the size of any
structure, including any facility of any private, public, or municipal entity; and
7. The removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural
purposes.
As used in this definition, "structure" includes, but is not limited to, any building, road,
pipe, flume, conduit, siphon, aqueduct, telephone line, and electrical power transmission
and distribution line. (Source: Government Code Section 65927).
H. "Employee training program" shall mean a documented employee training program
for all persons responsible for implementing a storm water pollution prevention plan.
The employee training program shall include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
1. Laws, regulations, and local ordinances associated with storm water pollution
prevention, and an overview of the potential impacts of polluted storm water on the
receiving waters of the San Diego region;
2. Proper handling of all materials and wastes to prevent spillage;
3. Mitigation of spills including spill response, containment and cleanup
procedures;
4. Visual monitoring of all effluent streams to ensure that no illegal discharges
enter the storm water conveyance system;
5. Discussion of the differences between the storm water conveyance system and
the sanitary sewer system;
6. Identification of all on-site connections to the storm water conveyance system;
7. Preventive maintenance and good housekeeping procedures;
8. Material management practices employed by the facility to reduce or eliminate
pollutant contact with storm water discharge.
I. "Enclosed bays and estuaries plan" means the "California Enclosed Bays and
Estuaries Plan: Water Quality Control Plan for Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of
19-14
Ordinance No.
Page 4
California," adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board April 1991, and all
subsequent amendments.
J. "Enforcement agency" shall mean the City of Chula Vista or its authorized agents
charged with ensuring compliance with this chapter.
K. "Enforcement official" shall mean the Director of Public Works or his or her designee.
L. "Hazardous materials" shall mean any substance or mixture of substances which is
toxic, corrosive, flammable, an irritant, a strong sensitizer, or generates pressure
through decomposition, heat or other means, if such a substance or mixture of
substances may cause substantial injury, serious illness or harm to humans, domestic
livestock, or wildlife.
M. "Illegal connection" shall mean any physical connection to the storm water
conveyance system which has not been permitted by the City of Chula Vista or the San
Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, or which drains illegal discharges either
directly or indirectly into the storm water conveyance system.
N. "Illegal discharge" shall mean any discharge to the storm water conveyance system
that is not composed entirely of storm water, or is expressly prohibited by federal, state,
or local regulations, laws, codes, or ordinances, NPDES Permit No. CAS 0108758, or
degrades the quality of receiving waters in violation of any plan water quality objective.
O. "Incidental Discharge" shall mean unintended small amounts (volume) of runoff from
landscape irrigation, such as minimal over-spray from sprinklers that escapes the
irrigated area. Water leaving an irrigated area is not considered incidental if it is due to
improper (e.g. during a precipitation event) or excessive application, if it is due to
intentional overflow or application, or if it is due to negligence. Leaks and other
discharges (e.g. broken sprinkler heads) are not considered incidental if not corrected
within 72 hours of learning of the discharge or if the discharge exceeds 1000 gallons.
P. "Inland surface water plan" means the "California Inland Surface Waters Plan: Water
Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters of California" adopted by the State Water
Resources Control Board on April 1991, and all amendments thereto.
Q. "Land development permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Director of Public
Works pursuant to Chapter 15.04 CVMC.
R. "Maximum extent practicable (MEP)" shall mean the technology-based standard
established by Congress in Clean Water Act Section 402(p)(3)(B)(iii) that municipal
dischargers of storm water discharges must meet. MEP generally emphasizes pollution
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prevention and source control BMPs primarily in combination with treatment methods
serving as a backup.
S. "National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit" shall mean a
permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board or the State Water
Resources Control Board, pursuant to Chapter 5.5, Division 7 of the California Water
Code, to control discharges from point sources to waters of the United States, including,
but not limited to:
1. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, (NPDES
No. CAS 0108758), NPDES municipal permit -Waste discharge requirements for
storm water and urban runoff from the County of San Diego, the incorporated cities
of San Diego County, and the San Diego Unified Port District;
2. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with industrial
activities;
3. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with construction
activity; and
4. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region, general
dewatering permits.
T. "NPDES general permit" shall mean a permit issued by the State Water Resources
Control Board, including, but not limited to:
1. NPDES general permit for storm. water discharges associated with industrial
activities; and
2. NPDES general permit for storm water discharges associated with construction
activity.
U. "Non-storm water" shall mean any water conveyed to the storm water conveyance
system that is not entirely composed of storm water (also see definition of "storm
water").
V. "Parking lot" shall mean an open area, other than a street or other public way, used
for the parking of motorized vehicles, whether for a fee or free, to accommodate clients
or customers, or to accommodate residents of multifamily dwellings (i.e., apartments,
condominiums, townhomes, mobilehomes, dormitories, group quarters, etc.).
W. "Person" shall mean any individual, organization, business trust, company,
partnership, entity, firm, association, corporation, or public agency, including the state of
California and the United States of America.
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X. "Plan water quality objective" means any or all applicable requirements of the basin
plan, the enclosed bays and estuaries plan, the inland surface water plan, and the
California ocean plan.
Y. "Pollutant" may include, but is not limited to, solid waste, sewage, garbage, medical
waste, wrecked or discarded equipment, radioactive materials, dredged soil, rock, sand,
sediment, industrial waste, and any organic or inorganic contaminant whose presence
degrades the quality of the receiving waters in violation of basin plan or California ocean
plan standards. "Pollutant" includes, but is not limited to, fecal coliform, fecal
streptococcus, enterococcus, volatile organic carbon (VOC), surfactants, oil and grease,
petroleum hydrocarbons, total organic carbon (TOC), lead, copper, chromium,
cadmium, silver, nickel, zinc, cyanides, phenols, and biocides.
A "pollutant" also includes any substance defined as a pollutant under 40 CFR Section
122.2 and any contaminant which degrades the quality of the receiving waters in
violation of basin plan or California ocean plan standards by altering any of the following
parameters: pH, total suspended and settleable solids, biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), nutrients, and temperature.
Z. "Premises" shall mean any building, lot, parcel, real estate, land, or portion of land,
whether improved or unimproved.
AA. "Receiving waters" shall mean surface bodies of water, as described in NPDES
Permit No. CAS 0108758, which serve as discharge points for the storm water
conveyance system, including creeks, rivers, reservoirs, lakes, lagoons, estuaries,
harbors, bays, and the Pacific Ocean.
BB. "Significant quantities" shall mean the volume, concentrations, or mass of a
pollutant in a discharge that can cause or threaten to cause pollution, contamination, or
nuisance; or adversely impact human health or the environment; or cause or contribute
to a violation of any water quality standards applicable to the receiving water.
CC. "Storm water" shall mean urban runoff and snow melt runoff consisting of only
those discharges which originate from precipitation events. Storm water is that portion
of precipitation that flows across a surface to the storm water conveyance system or
receiving waters.
For the purposes of this chapter, storm water runoff and drainage from areas that are in
a natural state, have not been significantly disturbed or altered, either directly or
indirectly, as a result of human activity, and the character and type of pollutants
naturally appearing in the runoff that have not been significantly altered, either directly
or indirectly, as a result of human activity, shall be considered "unpolluted" and shall
satisfy the definition of "storm water" in this chapter.
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DD. "Storm water conveyance system" means those municipal, private and/or natural
facilities within the City of Chula Vista by which storm water may be conveyed to waters
of the United States, including any roads with drainage systems, municipal streets,
catch basins, and watercourses.
EE. "Storm water pollution prevention plan" shall mean a document which describes the
on-site program activities to utilize BMPs to eliminate or reduce pollutant discharges to
the storm water conveyance system to the maximum extent practicable.
A storm water pollution prevention plan prepared and implemented pursuant to any
NPDES permit shall meet the definition of a "storm water pollution prevention plan" for
the purposes of this chapter.
FF. "Watercourse" shall mean any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch,
channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully, ravine, arroyo or wash in which
waters flow in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and
which has a definite channel and a bed or banks. A "channel" is not limited to land
covered by minimal or ordinary flow but also includes land covered during times of high
water. "Watercourse" does not include any surface drainage prior to its collection in a
stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drain, waterway, gully,
ravine, arroyo or wash.
GG. "Watercourse permit" shall mean a permit issued by the Director of Public Works
pursuant to Chapter 14.08 CVMC.
HH. "Wetlands" shall mean areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground
waters at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions. "Wetlands" generally includes swamps, marshes, bogs, and
similar areas. (Ord. 2854 § 3, 2002; Ord. 2790, 1999; Ord. 2597 § 11, 1994):
14.20.110 Exemptions to discharge prohibition.
The following discharges are exempt from the prohibition set forth in CVMC 14.20.100;
provided, that they do not cause or significantly contribute to violations of the water
quality standards set forth in any plan water quality objective or convey significant
quantities of pollutants to receiving waters, or are a danger to public health and safety:
A. Any discharge or connection regulated under an NPDES permit issued to the
discharger and administered by the state of California pursuant to Chapter 5.5, Division
7 of the California Water Code; provided, that the discharger is in compliance with all
requirements of the permit and other applicable laws, and regulations, and programs.
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B. Discharges from the following activities will not be considered a source of pollutants
to waters of the United States:
1. Diverted stream flows;
2. Rising ground water;
3. Uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(20)) to
MS4s;
4. Uncontaminated pumped ground water;
5. Foundation drains;
6. Springs;
7. Water from crawl space pumps;
8. Footing drains;
9. Air conditioning condensation;
10. Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
11. Water line flushing;
12. ;Minor, incidental discharges of landscape irrigation water;
13. Discharges from potable water sources not subject to NPDES Permit No.
CAG679001, other than water main breaks;
14. Individual residential car washing; and
15. Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges.
C. Any discharge which the enforcement agency, the County Health Officer, the
Regional Water Quality Control Board and/or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
determines in writing is necessary for the protection of the public health and safety.
(Ord. 3103 § 1, 2008; Ord. 2854 § 6, 2002; Ord. 2597 § 11, 1994).
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Ordinance No.
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Presented by
Richard A. Hopkins
Director of Public Works
Approved as to form by
C~ ~j~-
Glen R. Googins
City Attorney
19-20