§ 9-603

This Chapter prohibits the discharge of wastes into the surface and ground waters of the County, consistent with water quality objectives, to reduce the adverse cumulative effect or possible adverse cumulative effect which may result from the discharge of wastes and ensure that no nuisances are created. These regulations are enacted pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Division 7, Chapter 1, Section 13002 (a) and (b) and include conditions, restrictions, or limitations for the disposal of waste or any other activity that might degrade the quality of the waters of the State. This is done for the following reasons:

(a)

Public Interest. It is in the best public interest of the citizens of the County to provide and be provided with the best quality of water possible;

(b)

Environmental Quality. The quality of water affects the quality of the environment as well as its economic value;

(c)

Beneficial Uses. The surface waters and ground waters of the County provide beneficial uses that include, but are not necessarily limited to, domestic, municipal, agricultural, and industrial supply; power generation; recreation; aesthetic enjoyment; navigation; and preservation and enhancement of fish, wildlife, and other aquatic resources or preserves; and

(d)

Welfare. It is the responsibility of the Environmental Health Department to preserve and protect water quality for the health and welfare of the citizens of the County.

(a)

Discharge Adjacent to Waterway. It shall be unlawful to dump or discharge any treated or untreated waste within 150 feet of the high-water mark of any watercourse or impoundment for either natural or unnatural surface water or at any other location where the discharge may be detrimental to the surface or ground waters of the County. All wastewater discharges shall meet the discharge standards set by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and the requirements contained in this Chapter.

(b)

Compliance with Standards Required. The Board of Supervisors shall adopt and may from time to time amend standards for implementation of this Chapter. Such standards shall not conflict with this Title or with the laws of the State of California. The standards shall be adopted only after the Board has considered the matter at a public hearing at which all interested persons have been afforded the opportunity to urge or oppose adoption of the proposed standards. This Chapter and these standards shall not be a limitation on the power of any city or political subdivision to develop and/or enforce laws and/or standards that are equal to, or more restrictive than, the County's standards.

(a)

Violation of the provisions of this Chapter shall constitute a public nuisance and, if not made to conform, shall be subject to the enforcement procedures outlined in Chapter 9-805, except that the Director of Environmental Health shall be responsible for enforcement.

(b)

The Director of Environmental Health shall have authority to review discharge requirements set by the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) and impose more restrictive discharge requirements not in conflict with RWQCB regulations.

(c)

When determined to be necessary, the Director of Environmental Health shall notify owners of wells on properties adjacent to property containing a well on an adjacent property has been identified as containing contaminants above the maximums set in California drinking water standards.

Chapter 9-604 - Wastewater Treatment and Disposal