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
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-May 2022
This month we continue focusing on the final draft of the Construction General Permit stormwater. Many thanks to our fellow construction members who supported the comment letter effort. In other news, the California drought remains challenging amidst announcements of the record-low snowpack. Get informed about the Pacific Institute's release of a report on Urban Water Conservation.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-Apr 2022
This month we are laser-focused on the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWB) final draft of the Construction General Permit (CGP) for stormwater. This permit was released on March 30th for stakeholder and public comment. It directly impacts CICWQ’s member companies and workforce building projects in California.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-Mar 2022
With the new year comes new water-related legislation under consideration by our legislators in Sacramento. We are closely watching AB 2106 (Rivas and Garcia), which, if approved, imposes new and unnecessary water quality regulations on existing…
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-Feb 2022
Catch up on our latest news and information on the CGP renewal and check out a new presentation by our Technical Director, Dr. Mark Grey on California CGP enforcement violation data and five-year trends. Regionally in Southern California, the DRAFT Santa Ana…
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-Jan 2022
As we begin the new year, CICWQ anticipates action on the renewal of the Santa Ana Watershed Regional Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit covering portions of Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
CICWQ Year-In-Review 2021
Let’s face it, 2021 was a challenging year for everyone, but in the face of challenge comes adaptation and change. During 2021 CICWQ stepped up its digital communication effort to better connect with you during…
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-Dec 2021
In this December edition of the CICWQ News and Information Summary we highlight important water quality regulatory and policy actions and developments from last month and look ahead to 2022.
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Updates-Nov 2021
CICWQ’s November updates. Our regulatory priority is the renewal process for the Construction General Permit for stormwater, which affects nearly all CICWQ member …
Podcast Recording: California Construction General Permit for Stormwater Renewal
Listen to a podcast produced by Rebuild SoCal Partnership featuring Dave Mercier, P.E., from Michael Baker International (MBI) and Mark Grey, Ph.D…
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…
Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Updates-Sep 2021
CICWQ’s September updates. The CICWQ team presented a 50-minute presentation on the impact of water quality TMDL pollutant removal requirements. And there is a new Executive Officer at the Santa Ana Regional…
CICWQ Presentation on TMDL Compliance in the DRAFT California Construction General Permit
This presentation focuses on how the construction industry in California is approaching potential compliance with Numeric Effluent Limits (NELs) and Numeric Action Levels (NALs) as proposed in the renewal of the California Construction General Permit for Stormwater.
Developing in the Dry Times
Dr. Mark Grey recently gave an update on the housing industry’s efforts to continue to build new housing under the current drought conditions in California.
The presentation covers key issues facing housing development, and shows empirical data from past and recent research studies on the efficiency and conservation measures the home building industry has been using to build new housing stock, while reducing overall water use.
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.
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