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EPA, CALIFORNIA JOINTLY ISSUE DRAFT SAN DIEGO SEWAGE PERMIT

Release Date: 2/11/2002
Contact Information: Wendy L. Chavez

Public Hearing on March 13, 2002

     SAN FRANCISCO-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Regional Water Quality Control Board today issued for public review a draft wastewater discharge permit for the City of San Diego, and a tentative waiver from more stringent secondary sewage treatment standards.
 
     Under the proposed permit and waiver, San Diego would continue its current level of sewage treatment, with effluent discharged via an outfall pipe extending 4.5 miles into the Pacific Ocean at a depth of 320 feet.  The EPA's analysis of San Diego's scientific data confirms the continued discharge would not harm the ocean environment, one of nine statutory criteria the City must meet to continue its current operations.

     "The State of California's Regional Water Quality Control Board, the City of San Diego and EPA have worked closely together in the review of the City's application to ensure continued protection of the marine environment," said Wayne Nastri, EPA regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest.  "I want to give special recognition to Mayor Murphy and his management team for the City's commitment to addressing many of the environmental challenges we face, for investing in a strong monitoring program, and an excellent record in operating the Point Loma Plant."

     The draft permit includes a monitoring program designed to evaluate the impact of the wastewater discharge on the marine environment, demonstrate compliance with applicable water quality standards, and measure toxic substances in the discharge.  The permit, including the waiver from secondary sewage treatment requirements, is renewable every five years.

     Members of the public are encouraged to submit written comments on the draft permit and waiver.  Comments can also be made at a joint federal/state public hearing on March 13 at 9 a.m. at the Regional Board in San Diego.

     Copies of the draft permit, supporting data and related documents are available for review between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the following locations:


California Regional Water Quality Control Board              
San Diego Region
CWA Standards and Permits Office
9174 Sky Park Court, Suite 100        
San Diego, CA   92123              
(858) 467-2724

U.S. EPA Region 9
Water Division (WTR-5)
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, CA   94105
(415) 972-3524

     Written comments should be submitted to Robyn Stuber at the EPA and David Hanson at the Regional Board at the above addresses.  Comments must be postmarked by March 13, 2002.