Stay Informed on Construction Industry Water Quality News
News on recent important developments in water quality regulatory and policy-making activities in California and Washington D.C.
Construction & Building Industry News
Each month, CICWQ collects news and information on water quality and water supply reliability topics. Articles cover a wide range of issues affecting the construction industry: water quality and wetlands regulations and policies, water supply, sewer system, and stormwater drainage improvement efforts, and multi-benefit, regional water supply reliability project development.
CICWQ also publishes technical articles and reports periodically and prepares presentations that emphasize water quality research and findings specific to the construction industry.
LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS
CICWQ-APRIL 2024 Recap
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board proposes a new Phase I MS4 Permit, consolidating three existing permits for better stormwater management. Concerns arise over the slow progress of LA County's Safe Clean Water Program. Recent Supreme Court rulings impact the EPA's definition of "waters of the United States.” Lastly, efforts persist to address California's water supply and reliability issues.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-APRIL 2024
Spring brings hope for California's water supply. Positive snowpack levels ease concerns, with focus on sustainability and a new stormwater pollution permit in the Santa Ana River watershed.
CICWQ-MARCH 2024 Recap
New tools for CGP compliance & SWPPP training. Proposed MS4 permit for Santa Ana region. Public comment open for water conservation regulations. Snow survey results released by DWR. Stay updated!
2023 Year In Review: Advancements in Water Quality for the Construction Industry
As we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on a year of significant achievements and milestones in the realm of water quality and the construction industry. The Construction Industry Coalition on Water Quality (CICWQ) has tirelessly worked to safeguard the interests of those shaping California's landscapes. Here's a comprehensive look.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-APR 2023
Maybe, just maybe, the firehose of rain directed at California this winter and early spring is finally running out. What a year in water we have shared together, and it is truly remarkable given the painful drought the past three years. We must make the most of what we have and increase our efforts to capture more water in years just like this.
City of Anaheim Water Quality Credit Trading Program Public Review
The City of Anaheim is developing a water quality credit trading program, which would apply to new public works projects built by the City. Under review by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board for approval, the program, if approved, would allow the city to create and apply water quality credits for City-owned new development projects as a means of complying with the North Orange County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for stormwater runoff.
Renewal of the Santa Ana Watershed Regional Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit
The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board is revising and updating three existing MS4 permits issued. The three existing permits cover northern Orange County and western areas of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, located within the Santa Ana River watershed.
CICWQ 2022 Year In Review
2022 was a year of accomplishment for CICWQ and its advocacy efforts. We finally got to the finish line with the State Water Board’s adoption of the Construction General Permit for stormwater. Governor Newsom vetoed AB 2106, a win for the construction industry. This year also marked another year of battling the California drought while coming up with ways for water conservation.
Riverside County Santa Ana River Watershed Stormwater Resource Plan Development
The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District prepared a Stormwater Resource Plan for Riverside County and held its first stakeholder meeting in January 2021. During the meeting, the District discussed the need for the plan and how plan development…
Orange County, California Model Water Quality Credit Trading Program Development
CICWQ and Orange County Public Works are collaborating on a watershed-scale demonstration and research project to develop a water quality credit trading program for north Orange County, within the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Updates-Oct 2021
CICWQ’s October updates. Our regulatory priority is the renewal process for the Construction General Permit for stormwater, which affects nearly all CICWQ member companies and workforce. Water quality MS4 permits are being renewed…
Cost of Low Impact Development Stormwater Retention Best Management Practices in Orange County, California
CICWQ prepared an extensive analysis of the cost of implementation of low impact development (LID) stormwater best management practices which are required for installation at most private land development projects in Orange County, California greater than 5,000 square feet.
Benefit Cost Analysis of Regional Urban Stormwater Retention in Orange County, California
As part of proof of concept work done to analyze the feasibility of implementing a Water Quality Credit Trading Program in Orange County, California, CICWQ led an engineering and scientific team to prepare a benefit cost analysis comparing use of a regional water quality credit generating facility versus use of distributed, decentralized surface retention best practices for urban runoff from land development projects. The case studies illustrate how different approaches in managing urban runoff result in benefits to the community and how fast or slow benefits are realized.
Regional Solutions for Treating Stormwater in Los Angeles County: A Macrofeasibility Study.
CICWQ retained Brown and Caldwell to evaluate the potential for achieving stormwater quality improvements through effective regional approaches. Regional approaches would employ comprehensive best management practices to treat urban runoff from new development sites, and surrounding sites that have already been developed. Many groups in the Los Angeles area are interested in applying regional, watershed scale approaches to achieve long-term water quality improvements.
A Review of the Los Angeles Basin Plan Administrative Record
In 2003 CIWQ funded a detailed analysis and study of the administrative record of the Los Angeles Region Water Quality Control Basin Plan. The study was done to review national and state water quality regulations and policy documents and to assess regulatory compliance actions within the Los Angeles Region for conformity with these policies and regulations. In particular, the study evaluated the designation of beneficial uses, the establishment of water quality objectives, and the implementation of the Basin Plan in the NPDES permitting process, the TMDL process, and other regulatory actions.
Stormwater Funding Options Report
CICWQ provided input, information, and peer review for the preparation of the foundational Stormwater Funding Report, prepared by Ken Farfsing from the City of Signal Hill and Richard Watson from Richard Watson Associates. The Stormwater Funding Report was a major step forward in developing the funding strategy and goals for Los Angeles County, eventually realized in 2018 with the passage of Measure W, Safe Clean Water Program.
CICWQ FOUNDED IN 2001 BY OUR TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Major funding for CICWQ is provided by the Construction Industry Advancement Fund and the Fund for Construction Industry Advancement