Definitions (Section 4)

Authorized non-stormwater discharges. Sources of non-stormwater that are conditionally allowed into the storm drain system under the industrial activities stormwater general permit

Best management practice (BMP). The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) definition of a BMP is a technique, process, activity, or structure used to reduce the pollutant content of a stormwater discharge. BMPs include simple, nonstructural methods, such as good housekeeping and preventive maintenance. BMPs may also include sophisticated, structural modifications, such as the installation of sediment basins.

Bioswale. A low-gradient, vegetated open channel through which surface runoff is directed. The bioswale decreases the speed of flows, acts as a stormwater detention facility, and allows suspended solids to settle out.

Catch basin insert. A device placed in a catch basin to remove particular pollutants from surface runoff. This prevents such items as trash, debris, and sediment from entering the storm drain system.

Construction general permit. A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit that regulates discharges associated with projects that disturb one or more acres of soil or projects that disturb less than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres. Construction activity subject to this permit includes clearing, grading, and disturbances to the ground such as stockpiling or excavation, but does not include regular maintenance activities performed to restore the original line, grade, or capacity of the facility.

Culvert. A covered channel that carries water or cabling underground

General permit. The general permit for discharges of stormwater associated with industrial activities (excluding construction activities) is set forth by the Water Resources Control Board Water Quality Order 97-03-DWQ. It is also identified as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. CAS 000001.

Industrial activity area. An area identified within the SWPPP that has the potential to pollute stormwater due to industrial activities. Office buildings and associated parking lots are not considered industrial activity areas.

Notice of intent (NOI). A form sent to the RWQCB to initiate the implementation of stormwater pollution prevention requirements as specified in the general industrial permit

Notice of termination (NOT). A form sent to the RWQCB that allows the board to terminate coverage under the general permit

Riparian. Of or pertaining to streams or rivers

Sediment. Solid material, including mineral and organic, that can be mobilized by rain and then settle to the bottom of channels and basins

Sensitive (critical) habitat. Used to describe habitats that either support sensitive species (species listed or proposed to be listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern) or are designated as a sensitive natural community in local or regional plans, polices, regulations, or by California Department of Fish and Game or the United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Regional water quality control board (RWQCB). The state agency that issues the general permit. SLAC falls under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Bay RWQCB.

Stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP). A site-specific plan that identifies potential sources of stormwater pollutants, pollutant mitigations, BMPs, and pollutant monitoring to verify the effectiveness of BMPs

Total maximum daily load (TMDL). The TMDL pertains to bodies of water that are listed as impaired and quantifies the upper limit of the amount of a pollutant that can be discharged daily.

Waste discharge requirement. A legal mechanism of the state its RWQCBs that regulates discharges to water bodies, including dredge or fill materials

Watershed. A geographic area from which water is drained - by a river or creek and its tributaries - to a common outlet. Ridge or drainage divides separate a watershed from adjacent watersheds.

Wetland. Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils conditions

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