Chino Hills Municipal Code Art. I Authority, Purpose, Definitions, and Policy

This chapter is enacted pursuant to authority conferred by law including but not limited to, the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251, et seq.); the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 122; Porter Cologne Act; and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit No. CA 8000200 issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region.

(Ord. 37 § 1 (part), 1993)

A. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure the future health, safety and general welfare by controlling and/or eliminating non-stormwater discharges into the city storm drain systems. This will be accomplished by eliminating all nonpermitted discharges to the municipal separate storm sewers, controlling the discharge to municipal separate storm sewers from spills, dumping or disposal of materials other than stormwater, and reducing pollutants in stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable.

B. The intent of this chapter is to protect and enhance the water quality of our water courses, water bodies, ground water and wetlands in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the regulations listed in the sections below.

(Ord. 37 § 1 (part), 1993)

Any terms defined in the federal Clean Water Act and acts amendatory to that act or supplementary to it, and/or defined in the regulations for the stormwater discharge permitting program issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on November 16, 1990 (as may from time to time be amended) as used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as in that statute or regulations.

"Authorized representative" means the City Engineer or the Director of the Public Works Department of the city of Chino Hills. He or she may assign any employee in the city to enforce this chapter, inspect the illegal discharges and illicit connections, and perform any activities related to NPDES permit.

"BMP" means any best management practice, best management guideline, or best management requirement as adopted by any federal, state, regional or local agency.

"City" means the city of Chino Hills.

"Construction activity" means any activity as defined by the State Water Resources Board or the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region, whichever is more restrictive, that necessitates securing an NPDES permit or NOI.

"Illegal discharge" means any connection to the stormwater drainage system that is not composed entirely of stormwater or contains constituents not provided for under prohibited discharges Section 13.16.100.

"Illicit connection" means any connection to the stormwater drainage system that is not permitted pursuant to a valid NPDES permit, or approved by the City Engineer with an engineering plan or written approval.

"NPDES" means the national pollutant discharge elimination system.

"NPDES permit" means any permit issued pursuant to the NPDES program under the federal Clean Water Act.

"NOI" means a notice of intent to comply with NPDES permit.

"Non-stormwater" is any water not associated with storm runoff and that originates on or traverses any property.

"Permit" means any permit issued by the city.

"Receiving water" means all waters of the United States and tributaries of waters of the United States that are used for recreational or other purposes; from which fish or shellfish are taken; or which are used for industrial purposes by industries in interstate commerce.

"Stormwater system" means and includes but is not limited to those facilities within the city by which stormwater may be conveyed to waters of the United States, including any roads with drainage systems, public and private streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, conduits, natural or artificial drains, lined and unlined channels, and natural watercourses, together with appurtenances, pumping station and equipment.

"SWPP" means stormwater pollution prevention plan as described in the General Construction Activity Stormwater Permit issued by the state Water Resources Control Board on August 20, 1992 and as may be amended.

(Ord. 37 § 1 (part), 1993)

The City Council may establish by ordinance and/or resolution more stringent limitations and requirements related to discharges into the city's storm drain system if deemed necessary.

(Ord. 37 § 1 (part), 1993)