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Wastewater Laws and Regulations

(0.6 ceu)

An elective in the Certificate Program in California Water Management and Ecosystem Restoration

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (better known as the Clean Water Act) and California's 1969 Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act form the foundation for regulating waste discharges to the waters of the United States and California. These two laws describe a framework for identifying beneficial uses of waters and for adopting standards needed to protect the uses.

You are given an overview of these laws and of the regulations developed from them in this course. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting system for waste discharges and storm water is examined from a historical as well as a prospective view of proposed rules. Such topics as the development of water quality standards, wasteload allocations, total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and the setting of effluent limits are explored. Watershed planning principles are presented as related to the permit process.

In addition to an overview of water pollution regulation, the course also describes the administrative framework for these regulations in California and the regulatory processes of the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It also examines the requirements waste discharges must follow in order to be in compliance with existing laws and regulations.

The course is intended for elected and appointed officials and staff of water and wastewater utilities, and interested parties who want more information on pollution regulation and control strategies.

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and to enroll.

Thurs. June 19, Berkeley