REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Certain Sections of Chapter 12.12 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code (Sewer Use Regulations) and Find That the Action is Categorically Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Pursuant to Section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines
Report
BACKGROUND
The City owns and operates the Donald M. Somers Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP). Discharges to the Bay from the WPCP are regulated by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) through a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit pursuant to federal and state regulations. The permit requires the City to implement a Pretreatment Program to regulate discharges to the WPCP in order to protect the collection system, employees that work on the system, and the ability of the WPCP to effectively treat wastewater.
The Environmental Services Department implements the City's Pretreatment Program. The Program inspects, monitors, and permits industrial and commercial facilities that are regulated through discharge permits and Best Management Practices (BMPs), consistent with federal regulations. Currently, the Pretreatment Program has 30 active industrial wastewater discharge permits issued to Significant Industrial Users. Discharge Permits contain specific limits and requirements for the concentration of pollutants in wastewater discharges. Additionally, hundreds of commercial facilities are regulated through the adoption of BMPs tailored to specific activities commonly found in commercial businesses. When implemented, the BMPs reduce or eliminate the introduction of pollutants into the sanitary sewer.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan Goal EM-5 Minimal Pollution and Quantity of Wastewater: Ensure that the quantity and composition of wastewater generated in the city does not exceed the capabilities of the wastewater collection system and the Water Pollution Control Plant.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
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