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1. What is the SWQ Maintenance Program?

The SWQ Maintenance program was made part of the County’s Stormwater Quality Program as one of the requirements of the State’s General Strom Water Permit (https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/stormwater/phase_ii_municipal.html). The intent of the maintenance program is to ensure that privately installed storm water management devices are properly maintained throughout their effective life cycle and that they continue to lessen the long-term impacts of storm water discharges resulting from new and development projects within the County.

2. What mandates the SWQ Maintenance Program?

In 1972 Congress adopted the Clean Water Act (CWA). As a result, the County was required to obtain a state stormwater discharge permit for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The County is currently under the Statewide General Storm Water Permit that was issued in 2013. The MS4 permit required the County to develop a storm water maintenance program. 

3. What is required by the Program?

Landowners that own, operate, or construct one or more stormwater quality treatment devices shall provide annual maintenance of private stormwater treatment devices that meet manufacture’s recommendations, to assure proper operation and functionality.

4. What is a stormwater management plan?

The stormwater management plan shows details of how stormwater quality treatment devices will slow, clean, infiltrate and capture urban runoff in an effort to reduce water pollution to the County’s receiving waters. The stormwater management plan together with the site development improvement plans indicate the size and location of all stormwater quality treatment devices. The plans are submitted with all development applications as required by the County’s Stormwater Quality Design Manual.

5. What is a stormwater maintenance plan?

A stormwater maintenance plan consists of stormwater quality treatment devices that will treat stormwater runoff in conformance with the County’s MS4 permit. The maintenance plan shall include a schedule for when and how often maintenance of the devices shall occur. A list of any special equipment or skills required for proper maintenance and a schedule for periodic inspections to ensure proper performance between maintenance events shall also be included.

6. When is the maintenance performed?

Depending on the device, the approved maintenance plan shall reference the maintenance protocol. Typically, maintenance will be performed during the months of April and May, or just after the rainy season subsides. Periodic inspection shall be performed to ensure the control measures are operating sufficiently.

7. Who can perform the maintenance?

Depending on the size and type of device, some maintenance can be done independently by the owner or their representative. Other protocols may be specialized and require special equipment and confined space certification and will be provided by contract vendors. 

Ensure that your maintenance provider disposes the waste material at an appropriate hazardous waste facility.

8. Where can I find information on my device maintenance requirements?

The Post Construction Design Manuals contain fact sheets for each treatment device which includes typical maintenance requirements or follow manufacturer recommendations. The County can provide a list of maintenance providers but does not endorse any of them. Ensure your maintenance provider disposes of the waste material at an appropriate hazardous waste material facility. 

9. What is the timeframe to comply?

Self-Certification is due annually by June 30.

10. What are the penalties/repercussions for non-compliance?

If a stormwater management permittee fails to submit the required self-certification report, the Stormwater Quality Division inspector or enforcement officer may conduct an inspection of the stormwater quality treatment devices to verify compliance with the approved stormwater maintenance plan. If the inspector or enforcement officer determines the stormwater management permittee is not in compliance with the stormwater maintenance plan, or the stormwater quality control devices are not in good working order, the inspector or enforcement officer may issue a compliance order based on County’s Municipal Code 8.28.150.B setting forth a schedule for compliance. The inspector or enforcement officer shall perform a follow-up reinspection at the conclusion of the schedule for compliance.

11. How do I find out the location of any treatment devices on my property?

All of the stormwater treatment device locations are noted on the County’s GIS map.

Stormwater Quality staff can also provide you with a map showing those locations. Additionally, staff is available to visit on-site to assist in locating your treatment device(s).

12. Who can I contact for further information and details?

Contact the Department of Public Works, Stormwater Quality Division (530) 745-3553 or email us, or access the County website.