MORE THAN 130,000 BUSINESSES MUST COMPLY WITH NEW STORMWATER PERMIT -- IS YOUR BUSINESS READY?

On July 1, 2015 the new Industrial Stormwater Permit will go into effect in California, covering many additional new businesses than the existing permit.  Alta has conducted numerous workshops and presentations over the past months for various business throughout the region to provide information on the new requirements.  We have found numerous businesses who didn’t realize they would now be required to apply for a permit where in prior years they were not covered.  For many business owners and managers this requirement is new information.

Is Your Business Subject to the New Permit? 

The following types of business who will need coverage under this new Permit include (this is NOT a comprehensive list):

• light industry
• food manufacturers
• beverage bottlers/manufacturing facilities (including wineries and breweries)
• cosmetic manufacturers
• publishers
• chemical manufacturers
• equipment manufacturers
• concrete product facilities
• metal processors and fabricators
• farm product warehousing and storage
• general warehousing and storage
• transportation operations
• recycling facilities
• among many others

If your business is currently covered under the existing Industrial General Permit you need to re-certify coverage by July 1. The potential risks of not acting are substantial.Failing to comply with this new Permit has significant financial implications. The State Water Resources Control Board has indicated that failing to comply will result in mandatory minimum penalties effective July 1, 2015. In addition, third parties can bring lawsuits against private organizations and companies for not complying.  These third party lawsuits are typically more costly than regulatory penalties. If you do not seek permit coverage by the deadline, it is considered non-compliance.

We understand how much you have to keep track of in your business.  We can help you stay in compliance.   As a part of our on-going outreach we will be presenting in a free seminar this month in San Marcos, CA for local businesses.  Last month we presented to the Temecula Valley Winery Association, in February we presented at the County of Riverside, and in Fall of 2014 we presented at the City of Oceanside.   If you would like more information on determining what you need to do to prepare or if your business is subject to this new permit,  contact David.Renfrew@altaenviron.com or 760-908-5749.