NPDES Wastewater Strategy for Addressing Permit Backlog

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NPDES WastewaterStrategy for AddressingPermit
Backlog

• March 8, 2006
• Lila Tang

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Developed Strategy

• Input from staff and U.S. EPA
• Add resources to Division
• Cash Overtime Incentive
• One added position
• Help from another Division
• Defer non-priority tasks
• Direct Pollution Prevention staff to permits
• Redirect other staff in Division to support
  permit writers, as appropriate

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Clear Work Process for Better Efficiency and
Accountability

• Both internally and with U.S. EPA Contractor
• Defined work products and timeframes
• Established schedule
• Interim products
• Final Permits

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Effects of Changes

• Continuous stream of 2 to 4 permits each month
  starting August/September
• Likely more contested permits
• Attempt to minimize through early identification
  of issues
• Reach out to permittee groups for support

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Meeting U.S. EPAs Goal
U.S. EPA Region 9 Target
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Next Steps

• Work with U.S. EPA contractor
• Help drafting permits
• Start in few weeks
• Progress Reports to Board