California Code of Regulations
Title 23 - Waters
Division 3 - State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards
Chapter 23 - Water Quality Control Plans
Section 3009 - Amendment to the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for the Ocean Waters of California Addressing Desalination Facility Intakes, Brine Discharges, and to Incorporate Other Non-Substantive Changes
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
On May 6, 2015, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) adopted Resolution 2015-0033 that approved an Amendment to the Statewide Water Quality Control Plan for the Ocean Waters of California Addressing Desalination Facility Intakes, Brine Discharges, and to Incorporate Other Non-substantive Changes (Desalination Amendment).
(1) The Desalination Amendment provides a consistent statewide approach for minimizing intake and mortality of all forms of marine life and protecting water quality and related beneficial uses of ocean waters at and near desalination facilities.
(2) The Desalination Amendment clarifies the State Water Board's authority over desalination facility intakes and discharges and provides direction to the regional water boards regarding the determination required by California Water Code section 13142.5, subdivision (b).
(3) The Desalination Amendments includes implementation provisions for a statewide narrative receiving water limitation for salinity, an option for dischargers to apply for a facility-specific receiving water limitation, provisions that promote interagency collaboration for siting, design, and permitting of desalination facilities, and monitoring and reporting requirements.
1. New section summarizing amendments to State Water Quality Control Plan for the Ocean Waters of California filed 1-28-2016; amendments approved by State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2015-0033 on 5-6-2015; amendments approved by OAL pursuant to Government Code section 11353 on 1-28-2016 (Register 2016, No. 5).
