San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program

San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program
Name	San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program
Type	Interagency municipal program
Formed	2003
Jurisdiction	San Mateo County, California
Headquarters	Redwood City, California

San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program is a regional initiative coordinating stormwater and urban runoff management across San Mateo County, California to protect coastal and inland waters. The program integrates planning, permitting, monitoring, and public outreach to reduce pollutants entering the San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean, and local creeks such as San Francisquito Creek, San Mateo Creek (California), and Pescadero Creek. It collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies to implement Clean Water Act mandates and support watershed restoration.

Overview and Mission

The program’s mission aligns with objectives set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the California State Water Resources Control Board, and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board to control nonpoint source pollution and achieve water quality standards. It advances integrated watershed management, low impact development practices exemplified in projects in Menlo Park, California, Daly City, California, and South San Francisco, California, and habitat protection initiatives affecting areas like Foster City, California and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Partners include municipal stormwater agencies, special districts such as the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, and regional organizations like the San Francisco Estuary Partnership.

History and Development

Initiated in response to the 1972 Clean Water Act amendments and subsequent state-level actions including the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the program evolved as municipalities adopted municipal separate storm sewer system permits issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Early collaborations involved County of San Mateo, the City of Redwood City, and transit agencies such as Caltrain to address urban runoff from transportation corridors. Post-2000 developments accelerated after policy shifts following AB 32 (California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006), coastal resilience planning tied to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration guidance, and litigation involving environmental groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Governance and Participating Agencies

Governance is conducted through an Executive Committee and Technical Advisory Groups composed of representatives from cities including Belmont, California, Burlingame, California, Half Moon Bay, California, and special districts like the South Bayside Waste Management Authority and San Mateo County Harbor District. The program coordinates with regulatory entities such as the California Coastal Commission and federal partners including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for endangered species considerations, and consults with academic institutions like San Francisco State University and Stanford University for research support. Grant partnerships have involved the California Department of Water Resources and foundations including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Programs and Initiatives

Key initiatives cover illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff controls, post-construction stormwater management, and municipal maintenance activities. Best management practice demonstrations have been implemented in collaboration with the Bay Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association, regional transit projects with Caltrans, and green infrastructure pilots sponsored by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Programs address pollutants of concern such as pathogens linked to wastewater treatment plants like the South San Francisco Wastewater Treatment Plant, urban pesticides associated with regional nurseries, and legacy contaminants monitored alongside agencies like the United States Geological Survey. Habitat restoration projects intersect with conservation efforts at Sawyer Camp and the Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve.

Regulatory Framework and Compliance

The program operates under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (United States) and implemented by the California State Water Resources Control Board and its regional office. Compliance involves aligning municipal codes with state statutes such as the California Environmental Quality Act and county ordinances; enforcement actions sometimes coordinate with the California Attorney General and county prosecutors. Coordination with transportation permitting covers Federal Highway Administration standards where roadway runoff intersects jurisdictional waters.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Data Management

Monitoring efforts integrate water quality sampling coordinated with laboratories accredited under standards used by California Department of Public Health and data sharing through platforms compatible with the Environmental Protection Agency’s databases. The program compiles annual reports submitted to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and collaborates with research programs at UC Berkeley and the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability to evaluate trends in turbidity, nutrient loading, and indicator bacteria. Geographic information systems developed with support from agencies like the Association of Bay Area Governments document storm drain networks, green infrastructure locations, and restoration outcomes.

Public Outreach and Education

Public engagement includes stormwater education in schools partnered with San Mateo County Office of Education, business outreach involving chambers such as the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer habitat stewardship with organizations like Save The Bay and Surfrider Foundation. Materials emphasize best practices for residents of Pacifica, California, Colma, California, and unincorporated communities, and leverage regional events coordinated with entities like the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to promote integrated environmental stewardship. Outreach campaigns have been funded through grants from the California Coastal Conservancy and involve collaborations with utilities including California Water Service.

Category:Water pollution control Category:San Mateo County, California