California Code of Regulations
Title 23 - Waters
Division 3 - State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards
Chapter 22 - State Policy for Water Quality Control
Section 2917 - Water Quality Control Policy for Addressing Impaired Waters: Regulatory Structure and Options

Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) have wide latitude, numerous options, and some legal constraints that apply when determining how to address impaired waters. Irrespective of whether Clean Water Act section 303(d) requires a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the process for addressing waters that do not meet applicable standards must be accomplished through existing regulatory tools and mechanisms. This policy outlines those tools and mechanisms, and explains how the federal requirement to establish TMDLs fits within those confines. This policy also establishes a certification process whereby the Regional Water Boards can formally recognize regulatory or nonregulatory actions of other entities as appropriate implementation programs when the Regional Water Boards determine those actions will result in attainment of standards.

1. New section summarizing amendments to the Policy for Implementation of Toxics Standards for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (SIP), Resolution No. 2005-0019 adopted 2-24-2005 by the State Water Resources Control Board; approved by OAL and operative 5-31-2005 pursuant to Government Code section 11353; filed 5-31-2005 (Register 2005, No. 22.)
2. Renumbering of former section 2917 to section 2914.5 and new section 2917 filed 4-10-2006; operative 4-10-2006 pursuant to Government Code section 11353 (Register 2006, No. 15).