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4.Environmental Analysis r and public-supply wells from 1979 through 1984. California has since outlawed its use. At least 50 other pesticides, including 1,2-dichloropropane and ethylene dibromide had been detected in ground water in the Central Valley by 1984(USGS, 2003). Regulatory Framework Water Quality Regulations The major federal legislation governing the water quality aspects of the project is the CWA as amended by the Water Quality Act of 1987. The objective of the CWA is"to restore and maintain the chemical,physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters" (U.S. Government Printing Office, 1988). The State of California's Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act (Division 7 of the California Water Code)provides the basis for water quality regulation within California. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) administers water rights, water pollution control, and water quality functions throughout the state, while the RWQCB conducts planning,permitting,and enforcement activities. The project would be subject to review under provisions of the RWQCB. The project area lies within the jurisdiction of the CVRWQCB. ` Regional Water Quality Control Board Regulations, Goals, and Policies The RWQCB is responsible for the protection of beneficial uses of water resources within the San Joaquin River Basin. The RWQCB uses planning, permitting, and enforcement authorities to meet this responsibility, and adopted the Central Valley Region Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) to implement plans,policies, and provision for water quality management. Beneficial uses of surface waters are described in the Basin Plan and are designated for major surface waters and their tributaries. In addition to identification of beneficial uses,the Basin Plan also contains water quality objectives that are intended to protect the beneficial uses of the Basin. Table 4.8-3 defines the beneficial uses (CVRWQCB's Basin Plan) of surface water resources " identified in the project area. TABLE 4.8-3 r DEFINITIONS OF BENEFICIAL USES OF SURFACE WATERS FOR THE PROJECT AREA Beneficial Use Description r Freshwater Replenishment(FRSH) Uses of water for natural or artificial maintenance of surface water quantity or quality. Wildlife Habitat(WILD) Uses of waters that support wildlife habitats,including preservation of vegetation,prey species,and water quality. SOURCE: Central Valley Region Basin Water Quality Control Plan,June 1994. V Construction Activity Permitting The CVRWQCB administers the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) storm water permitting program in the Central Valley region. Construction activities of one acre r. or more are subject to the permitting requirements of the NPDES General Permit for Discharges RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.8-16 ESA/203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006