The State Parks Stormwater Program was created in 2013 when the Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) General Permit (Phase II Permit) was adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board. In this permit, the agency was named a new, non-traditional permittee.
The core objectives of the stormwater program are to:
- Identify and control those manmade pollutants in stormwater runoff that exceed water quality objectives;
- Protect the beneficial uses of receiving waters;
- Comply with federal and state regulations to eliminate or control the discharge of manmade pollutants associated with stormwater runoff from State Park's stormwater drainage system, to the Maximum Extent Practical;
- Develop a cost-effective program that focuses on the prevention of manmade pollution in stormwater;
- Seek cost-effective, alternative solutions where prevention is not a practical solution for exceedances of water quality objectives; and
- Coordinate the implementation of control measures with other agencies.
State Parks identified the following four high priority pollutants of concern (POCs):
The stormwater program focuses on prevention and control measures that target these high priority POCs.
SC-20 Vehicle and Equipment Fueling
SC-21 Vehicle and Equipment Washing/Steam Cleaning
Outdoor Storage of Liquids
Outdoor Storage of Raw Materials
Waste Handling and Disposal
Parking/Storage Area Maintenance
Stormwater Program—Maps and Software Tools
Sewer System Management Plans
Sewer System Management Plans (SSMPs) are required for certain parks which are enrolled in the Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems (State Water Board Order No. 2006-0003) The SSMPs describe the activities by State Parks to manage its wastewater collection system.
