Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 21 saw thousands of volunteers sprucing up Southern California beaches and waterways. However, a meeting on Sept. 13 about the next MS4 permit for the California Water Board region saw zero public attendees. The MS4 permit sets limits for pollution in storm drains and flood channels in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Some proposed details, like a watershed management plan, are controversial.
The MS4 permit system, focusing on stormwater pollution, is seen as less glamorous but crucial. It regulates pollutants like oil, chemicals, and bacteria flowing into waterways from various sources. The new MS4 permit, under negotiation for Region 8, could have significant implications for taxpayers, beachgoers, and businesses.
Region 8 is unique as it encompasses urban, suburban, and agricultural areas centered around the Santa Ana River. Each community has different pollution sources, like farms producing excess nutrients and cities emitting metals. The new permit will need to address this wide range of issues.
Meetings discussing the new MS4 permit have mostly included government representatives and scientific data from research institutes. Clean-water advocates like Garry Brown feel excluded from the process and argue for stricter regulations. Brown believes cities and counties are concerned about the costs of compliance but are also willing to improve water quality.
A final draft of the new MS4 permit is expected within the next six months, with environmental concerns playing a significant role in shaping its content. Amanda Carr, deputy director of environmental resources division for Orange County Public Works, emphasized the importance of improving the environment through the permit process.
Source
Photo credit www.dailynews.com
