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Ramon Batista • - 4 - • 11 February 2003 DEIR Phase 1 Expansion Waste Discharge Requirements Because wastewater will be generated and treated, stored, or disposed on site, WDRs will be required. In accordance with California Water Code Section 13260, the project proponent shall submit an RWD at least 120 days prior to discharging wastewater at the site. If groundwater dewatering is required,the owner/operator must first obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)permit prior to initiating dewatering activities. If discharge of wastewater to surface water is anticipated, a complete RWD is required Objections to the WDRs may cause significant delays in the adoption of WDRs by the Regional Board. The Regional Board staff previously submitted comments to the City of Lathrop (see attached letter dated 16 December 1999) regarding a proposed NPDES discharge, outlined several concerns regarding the process, and requested additional information if the process were to proceed. The long-term wastewater disposal needs for the community need to be resolved, and appropriate permit limitations established before subdivisions are approved for development. Construction Stormwater Permit An NPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, Order No. 99-28-DWQ is required when a project involves clearing, grading, disturbances to the ground, such as stockpiling, or excavation. Currently, construction activity that involves soil disturbances on construction sites five acres or greater or which are part of a larger common plan of development or sale require a construction storm water permit. Because construction associated with the project will disturb more than five acres, the property owner needs to obtain permit coverage under the NPDES General Permit No. CAS000002 for Discharges of Storm Water Associated With Construction Activity. Before construction begins, the proponent must submit an NOI to comply with the permit to the State Water Resources Control Board and an Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be prepared. Water Quality Certification- Wetlands If a U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (ACOE) permit is required due to the disturbance of wetlands,then Water Quality Certification must be obtained from the Regional Board prior to initiation of project activities. Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act requires that the project proponent for any project that impacts surface waters of the United States (such as streams and wetlands) must request a 401 Water Quality Certification from the Regional Board. Water Quality Certification must be obtained prior to initiation of project activities. The proponent must follow the ACOE 404(b)(1) Guidance to assure approval of their 401 Water Quality Certification application. The guidelines are as follows: 1. Avoidance (Is the project the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative?) 2. Minimization (Does the project minimize any adverse effects to the impacted wetlands?) 3. Mitigation(Does the project mitigate to assure a no net loss of functional values?) Dewatering Permit The proponent may be required to file a Dewatering Permit covered under WDRs General Order for Dewatering and Other Low Threat Discharges to Surface Waters Permit, Order No. 5-00-175 (NPDES CAG995001). The following discharges maybe covered by this permit provided they do not contain significant quantities of pollutants and are either(1) four months or less in duration, or (2) the average dry weather discharge does not exceed 0.25 mgd: V:\San Joaquin Non15\Stafl\ObriennSen Joaquin\Misc.Cort\Sate Clea nghouse\ atina Feb 10 OJ.dm