DATE:
May 21, 2025
05
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
APPROVE AND RATIFY FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 REVENUE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD FOR BEACH AND BAY WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICTS: 1, 3, & 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
Since 1999, the County of San Diego (County), Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) has entered into a State revenue agreement annually with California State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) to receive funds to implement the State-mandated dry weather Beach and Bay Water Quality Monitoring Program (Program) throughout the region. Due to the timing of when the revenue agreement is received from the State, ratification is required by Board of Supervisors (Board) Policy B-29. This Program collects samples and tests ocean water, conducts public education and outreach, posts signs advising the public when water does not meet California State health standards, and posts beach water contact closures when beach water is impacted by sewage or chemical spills. Up-to-date beach water quality information is also made available to the public at www.sdbeachinfo.com so that beach users can make informed decisions about where and when to enter the water.
California State law provides requirements for beach water quality testing and public notification when test results indicate an increased risk of illness during water contact. The State law establishes criteria to identify the beach water testing locations and the frequency of monitoring for water quality. The law also sets the process for providing information to the public on beach water quality conditions and issuing water contact closures for sewage impacts. The criteria identify beaches: 1) that are visited by more than 50,000 people per year and 2) that are adjacent to a storm drain that flows during dry weather. In San Diego county, these locations are located north of Coronado. Beaches that meet these criteria mu...
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