John Elkins

This document outlines the ongoing update and implementation of the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Watershed. It addresses the critical role of the Bay-Delta ecosystem and the State Water Resources Control Board in protecting water quality and beneficial uses. The update process focuses on regional modifications for the Sacramento/Delta and Lower San Joaquin River/Southern Delta, aiming to mitigate ecological decline and support native species. Key aspects include evaluating Voluntary Agreements, fostering public and tribal engagement, incorporating environmental justice, and managing harmful algal blooms. The plan seeks to achieve high water quality, restore beneficial uses, and ensure sustainable water resources for present and future generations.

The Executive Director's Report covered activities across several divisions. The Division of Financial Assistance reported on disbursements from the Cleanup and Abatement Account and approved two project requests, including funding for the Emergency Vessel Cleanup Project and the ACL Automation Project. Loan/Grant Commitments from the State Revolving Fund included major projects for the City of Yuba City (Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades), Calaveras County Water District (Wastewater Facility Upgrade), City of San Diego (Sewer Pipeline Rehabilitation), and City of Turlock (Harding Drain Bypass Project). The Division of Water Quality detailed updates on various monitoring programs (GAMA, SWAMP) and several policy and permit revisions, including the Composting Facilities Statewide Order, Ocean Plan Amendment regarding Brine Provisions, the On-site Wastewater Treatment System Policy, and ongoing work related to Storm Water General Permits. The Division of Water Rights discussed interagency coordination on instream flows and updates on relicensing processes for hydropower projects with FERC, including the Merced Irrigation District Project. The Office of Enforcement provided updates on the MMP Backlog Enforcement Initiative and tracking of unpaid Administrative Civil Liability (ACL) liabilities across various regions, alongside reporting on ACL actions issued in September and October 2011, including a $325,000 settlement with Tesoro regarding UST violations. The Office of Research, Planning and Performance is preparing a Resource Alignment Report.

The Executive Director's Report covered several key enforcement and policy items. The Supplemental Environmental Project Policy was approved by the Office of Administrative Law on September 15, 2009, and the Water Quality Enforcement Policy was scheduled for adoption consideration on October 20, 2009. The Executive Director signed orders resolving 49 violations subject to mandatory minimum penalties, generating $147,000 in liabilities. A major action involved lodging a Stipulated Judgment in People v. Equilon Enterprises LLC et al. for underground storage tank violations, valued at $19,500,000. Additionally, a Stipulated Consent Judgment was lodged in People v. Southern California Gas Co. and the County of Los Angeles for sediment discharge violations, valued at $725,000. The Division of Water Quality reported on planned releases for the ASBS general exception and discussed proposed biodiesel regulations for USTs, with a hearing scheduled for November 3. The Division of Water Rights provided updates on the San Joaquin River Restoration Flows temporary transfer, which began on October 1, 2009, and the upcoming hearing regarding the Kern River FAS declaration. The Division of Financial Assistance reported that nearly all ARRA CWSRF funds have been committed to projects.

The Executive Director's Report covered several key areas. In enforcement, an update was provided on the Mandatory Minimum Penalty Enforcement Backlog Initiative, noting that approximately 129 facilities with 4,418 violations have been addressed. An Executive Steering Committee was formed to evaluate proposed changes to the Enforcement Policy. The DFG/Los Angeles Water Board Pilot Project update detailed joint inspection efforts and plans to develop an enforcement field manual by January 2009. Division of Water Quality topics included scoping meetings scheduled for Water Quality Objectives for Cadmium and Bacteria, approval of funds for Phase II Sediment Quality Objectives, and progress on the Once Through Cooling policy development. Division of Water Rights activities included streamlining procedures for temporary water transfers due to drought, issuing amended licenses for the Salinas Valley Water Project, and updates on Term 91 water diversion curtailments. Discussions also took place regarding the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA) and the development of streamflow objectives. Key financial activities included the approval of the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan, postponements of Water Board Training Academy classes due to budget constraints, and updates on the Cal/EPA permit streamlining project. The Division of Financial Assistance discussed the City of Live Oak's Arsenic Remediation Project funding, the Yuba County wastewater treatment plant check ceremony, and the status of various funding programs, including preliminary funding commitments.

The agenda for the meeting scheduled for February 18 and 19, 2026, includes an award presentation for achievement excellence and a public forum. Key discussion items under Board Matters involve considering the adoption of minutes from the February 3-4, 2026 meeting. The Financial Assistance Division agenda includes consideration of a resolution for approving actions related to the administration and financing of the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), including the issuance of reimbursement bonds. Another item involves considering a resolution to delegate authorities for the use and allocation of funds from the Cleanup and Abatement Account for Level 2 projects. An informational item covers Board Member reports. Closed session deliberations may address procedural or substantive decisions concerning water right change petitions related to the State Water Project and Delta Conveyance Project, as well as partial allocation and priority release petitions for various water right applications.