Industrial Program

 

The purpose of the Industrial Program is to prohibit unauthorized non-storm water discharges and reduce pollutants in storm water runoff from industrial facilities to the maximum extent possible.  Objectives of the Industrial Program consist of the following:

 

Conduct inspections to ensure facilities are in compliance; Provide outreach to industrial businesses. An inventory of industrial businesses located within the County's jurisdiction has been developed and maintained by the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program.  To view a map of the County of San Joaquin area , click below.

 

 

State Industrial General Permit Requirements The State Industrial General Permit requires facilities designated by the State Regional Board, facilities whose operators seek coverage, and facilities required by U.S. EPA storm water regulations to:

 

Address authorized non-storm water discharges in the Special Conditions section of the Industrial General Permit. Control pollutant discharges using the best available technology economically achievable and best conventional pollutant control technology. Prepare, retain on site, and implement a Storm water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).  Implement a monitoring program to demonstrate compliance with the Industrial General Permit.

  

To learn about the State Water Board Industrial Storm water Program, visit the SWRCB's Industrial Storm water web page by clicking on the link below.

Inspections Industrial businesses that can produce significant sources of pollutants are:

Manufacturing facilities Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage, or Disposal facilities Solid Waste Transfer Stations Recycling facilities Transportation facilities Sewage or Wastewater Treatment facilities

 

The County conducts Storm water Pollution Prevention Program industrial inspections annually.  When an unsatisfactory inspection arises, the inspector shall provide the facility a report noting the violations and corrections needed for compliance.  Follow-up inspections will be conducted as needed.  To assist with a successful inspection, please view the County’s Storm water Pollution Prevention Program Industrial Inspection Form by clicking on the link below. Beware of con artists posing as storm water inspectors.  Storm water inspectors have County Public Works badges.  If you're unsure about an inspector, call us at (209) 468-3055. Enforcement Inspections are performed to assess compliance with County storm water ordinances.  The County has a progressive enforcement and referral policy to ensure enforcement actions match the severity of violations and include distinct, progressive steps.  Noncompliance may include failure to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs), or other violation of County ordinances.  Please view the County’s Storm water Pollution Prevention Program Industrial Investigation-Enforcement Procedure by clicking on the link below. Outreach Program staff conducts outreach activities to industrial facilities that are potential storm water polluters and educates facility owners/operators about storm water regulations and how storm water pollution can be minimized. Such outreach activities are conducted for individual businesses  and groups of businesses. The Storm water Program of San Joaquin County participates in joint activities with the City of Stockton and Port of Stockton’s Storm water Pollution Prevention Programs. Click below to visit GOT SWPPP? website. Specific industry groups may find more information with the Manufacturer's Industrial Distribution Roundtable that provides guidance for businesses though environmental regulations and the economic environment by clicking the link below. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What are Industrial Storm Water Inspections? Inspections are based upon Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria and primarily include a review of the facility's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and a physical inspection of the facility to identify any potential sources of storm water pollution. How often will my facility be inspected? Industrial facilities are inspected at least once a year, but it can be more often depending on their potential for contributing pollutants as determined by previous inspection results. What are typical things that inspectors will look for? Sources of storm water pollution including, but not limited to the following:

Discharges from commercial vehicle and equipment washing to the storm drainage system. Evidence of dumping materials and wastes into the storm drainage system. Evidence that work areas such as oily service bays are being hosed out and discharged into the storm drainage system. Leakage  from barrels and other outdoor containers. Power washing discharges to the storm drainage system. Discharges to  the storm drainage system of materials such as concrete, paint, automotive fluids, etc. Mismanagement of hazardous wastes. Oily, dirty items such as engine parts that are left outdoors exposed to rainfall. Other poor housekeeping practices that result in the exposure of pollutants to storm water. Open or leaking dumpsters. Exposure of process activities and equipment to rainfall that is likely to result in pollutant wash-off. Open containers of liquids and other materials that are left outdoors. Track-out of sediment and other materials from facilities onto roadways, and from indoor areas to outdoor areas. Evidence of failure to maintain grease traps and interceptors. Failure to properly manage leaks and spills.

Note: The storm drainage system includes storm drains, roadside drainage ditches and all man made and natural water conveyance systems such as channels, creeks, etc.

What will happen if violations are found at my facility? When issues are identified, education and enforcement are used together to achieve compliance. A Re-inspection may be required to ensure the proper BMPs are in place to protect the storm drains and that the facility is operating in compliance with the law. Will I be charged for the inspection? Industrial  facilities that are subject to inspection include manufacturing and service related businesses that have the potential to pollute storm water runoff. An inspection fee is charged annually. What are the storm water inspection fees? Industrial storm water inspections fee = $110 Re-inspection fee = $285 What if my facility activities are not exposed to Storm Water? Am I still required to be inspected? Industries that discharge, or have the potential to discharge, pollutant loadings to the storm drain system must be inspected. Please contact program staff if you have a question regarding your specific industry. How can I prepare my business for inspection?    Identify potential and actual sources of pollutants at your facility and the locations of storm drains and nearby waterways that could receive drainage from your facility. Determine whether materials are being intentionally or accidentally discharged from your facility into the storm drainage system or local waterways. Document changes that you make to prevent pollutants at your facility from entering storm drains and nearby waterways in your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). What are common problems found at industrial sites?

 

No Permit, SWPPP, or Records. Failure to install/maintain BMP's at site specified in the SWPPP. Did not conduct/document inspections. SWPPP not outdated to reflect BMP changes. Improper use of facility equipment.

 

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