Water: waste discharge.

California Senators Allen and Gonzalez propose comprehensive changes to state water quality regulations, expanding oversight of water discharges and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. Their legislation modifies business permit requirements, drinking water standards, and penalties for violations while introducing new protections for state waters.

The bill requires businesses and construction projects to demonstrate enrollment in both National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Waste Discharge Requirements permit programs when applying for local permits. Construction activities disturbing more than one acre must provide documentation of proper permits and planned acreage impacts.

For drinking water protection, the State Water Resources Control Board must adopt standards by June 2028 that match or exceed federal requirements in effect as of January 2025. The legislation also expands the board's authority to implement water quality control plans for all state waters and maintain standards for "nexus waters" - defined as state waters with specific exclusions for groundwater, waste treatment systems, and certain agricultural areas.

The measure establishes an annual inflation adjustment for civil penalties starting in 2026 and allows citizens to pursue legal action against violations after providing 60 days notice to relevant authorities. Penalties collected will fund cleanup efforts through the Waste Discharge Permit Fund and State Water Pollution Cleanup and Abatement Account.

Local governments face new administrative duties to verify permit compliance, while regulated industries must meet expanded documentation and reporting requirements. The bill requires legislative appropriations to support implementation by state and regional water boards.