A-Z Index
ESH Forms
ESH Manual
Medical - OHC
SLAC Security
Emergency Status
ESH
Contacts
ESH Concerns - DPO
ESH Depts
ESH SharePoint
SLAC Training
|
ESH Home > Departments >
EP Dept >
EP Group > Water
> FAQs |
Frequently Asked Questions
About Water
Click on beside each question for more information.
Stormwater
|
Why do we need to protect stormwater?
|
Stormwater has been identified as the source of up to
40% of non-point pollution affecting water bodies in our
country. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
has developed a permit program to protect stormwater
quality that is implemented locally by the San Francisco
Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. By ensuring
that contaminants do not enter stormwater runoff we
protect our creeks, streams, bays, oceans and the
wildlife and beneficial uses they support. -- Return to top -- |
|
|
The general stormwater permit for industrial
activity which regulates SLAC provides a framework
for documenting and implementing activities to
prevent stormwater pollution. Central to any
stormwater pollution prevention program is the use
of best management practices (BMPs) and stormwater
monitoring. It also includes regulatory requirements
and enforcement actions. (Current Industrial
Activity Stormwater General Permit (1997): http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/stormwtr/docs/induspmt.pdf) -- Return to top --
|
The
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.
-- Return to top --
|
There are two ways to determine which BMPs apply to
you: by activity and by area. The SLAC BMPs are
categorized by activity and can be found on the web
at
the stormwater page.
In addition, each industrial activity area
identified in Table B of the SLAC stormwater
pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) has specific BMPs
associated with it. The ESH Water Programs manager
is always available to help if there are questions. -- Return to top --
|
The stormwater permit allows the discharge of
some domestic water in the form of irrigation runoff
and fire system flushing. In general, discharge of
domestic water should be minimized. Large volumes
should not be discharged to the storm drain without
de-chlorination. Domestic water is now being
disinfected with chloramines, a chemical that is
extremely toxic to fish.
-- Return to top --
|
Authorized discharges to the storm drain include
rain, irrigation runoff, air conditioning
condensate, fire system flushing, and groundwater.
Rainwater that has collected in sumps, vaults and
containments needs to be monitored and documented at
the time of discharge. Only water that will not
adversely impact San Francisquito Creek can be
designated as an authorized discharge no matter the
source. -- Return to top --
|
Report any suspicious discharge to security if it appears that it could or did
enter the storm drain system. Security will then contact the appropriate response
personnel. -- Return to top --
|
|
What can I do to help protect the creek? |
Stormwater pollution prevention measures at SLAC are
designed to protect the San Francisquito Creek and San
Francisco Bay. Conduct all work activities using best
management practices. This web site has many resources to
help you.
-- Return to top --
|
Stormwater Construction Requirements
|
What types of construction activities are
regulated under the construction stormwater permit program? |
All construction activities 1 acre or larger must obtain
permit coverage. Construction activities less than 1 acre must
also obtain coverage if they are part of a larger common plan of
development or sale that totals at least 1 acre. Small
construction activities, i.e., less than 5 acres, may qualify
for a waiver. For more information on the waiver contact
Darrin Gambelin. -- Return to top --
|
A Notice of Termination (NOT) must be submitted to the
Regional Water Quality
Control Board (address identified on the NOT form) in order
to terminate coverage.
A permittee may submit an NOT when:
-
Disturbed soils at the construction site have finally been
stabilized and temporary erosion and sediment control
measures have been removed (or will be removed at an
appropriate time)
- Stormwater discharges have been eliminated, or
- The permittee
is no longer an operator of the site.
-- Return to top --
|
Industrial Wastewater
Industrial wastewater is discharged to the sanitary sewer where it is treated
prior to discharge to San Francisco Bay. Stormwater is discharged directly into
San Francisquito Creek without any treatment. -- Return to top --
|
Industrial wastewater discharge is permitted by the
wastewater treatment facility. The permit insures the
protection of the facility and its ability to protect San
Francisco Bay.
-- Return to top --
|
Yes, many restrictions apply to what may be discharged.
Some of them include extreme temperature, pH, oils and
grease, metals, solids, solvents and flammable materials. If
you have a new discharge, or if your current discharge will
be changing, other than typical sanitary waste (i.e. from
toilets and sinks), contact the ESH
Water Programs manager for help with permitting
requirements.
-- Return to top --
|
Many production processes, such as metal finishing,
commonly use solvents or organic materials either for
cleaning or final finishing. Thus, the pretreatment or
effluent standards for these processes have established a
TTO limit. As an alternative to monitoring TTO (which can be
expensive), sites can establish a SMP. This plan's goal is
to keep solvents out of the wastewater discharge, thus
removing the need for monitoring TTO. The regulation
requires a company official to certify compliance with the
TTO plan and to be responsible for its implementation.
-- Return to top --
|
A non-routine permit application is required for one time or
infrequent industrial discharges to the sanitary sewer that
are not currently included in our wastewater discharge
permit. For example, water from closed-loop cooling or pipe
flushing has required a non-routine discharge permit. -- Return to top --
|
Water Conservation
Water conservation includes using less water but also
using the right quality of water for the job and re-using
water. Low flow toilets using less water, close-loop
cooling systems re-using water, and using treated water from
vaults and containments as cooling tower make-up water are
just a few examples of water conservation efforts at SLAC.
-- Return to top --
|
SLAC has an obligation to operate as a good neighbor.
Given that domestic water supplies will become a major
challenge in the near future of the Bay Area, SLAC has
committed to implementing water conservation efforts under
Executive Order 13123 and the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
Water conservation is good for the area and good for SLAC.
-- Return to top --
|
|
|