Project 4a: Implement Senate Bill 985 - Incorporate Principles of Storm Water Resource Plan Guidelines into Storm Water Programs

Project Contact Information

Project Lead:
Jeffrey Albrecht
(916) 322-8569

What's New

Update: 9/1/2016

Implementation grant applications are in review. The Final Grant Funding List release date is anticipated for November 11, 2016. See the Department of Financial Assistance website for more information.

Project Description

Priority

Very High, Assessment: Critically important, required by statute

Project Objective

Monitor application of Storm Water Resource Plan Guidelines pursuant to the Storm Water Resource Planning Act of 2014, and in accordance with Water Code section 10565 (Senate Bill 985, Pavley, Statutes of 2014). Assist in modifying storm water planning, permitting, and funding programs to support the priority actions identified in Storm Water Resource Plan Guidelines.

Scope

Implement Senate Bill 985:

  1. Develop review criteria for Water Board staff to evaluate Storm Water Resource Plans.
  2. Review current storm water permits, policies, plans, and funding programs to identify how to best incorporate storm water resource planning efforts.

Background

Water Code section 10563(c)(1), as amended by Senate Bill (SB) 985, requires a public agency to develop a Storm Water Resource Plan (Plan) as a condition of receiving funds from any bond approved by voters after January 2014. The intent of SB 985 was to encourage the use of storm water and dry weather runoff as a resource to improve water quality, reduce localized flooding, and increase water supplies for beneficial uses and the environment. Accordingly, the development of Plans will encourage public agencies to identify opportunities to use existing publicly owned lands and easements to capture, treat, store, and use storm water and dry weather runoff either onsite or offsite. The Plans should prioritize projects that will assist in attaining water quality outcomes. Water Code section 10565 also requires the State Water Board to specify the types of local agencies that must be consulted in Plan development, which provides an opportunity to ensure collaboration with water supply and groundwater sustainability agencies.

Products and Timelines

Spring 2018: Monitor application of Storm Water Resource Plan Guidelines in accordance with Water Code section 10565 (as amended by SB 985).

Ongoing: Review Storm Water Resource Plans. Work with other watershed planning efforts to incorporate the principles of Storm Water Resource Plan Guidelines in related programs. Update the Storm Water Resources Plan Guidelines as necessary to incorporate lessons learned from relevant Proposition 1 grant programs.