Contra Costa County Grand Jury • 2012-2013

A Report by the 2012-2013 Contra Costa County Grand Jury

Published: May 21, 2013 10 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F5, F8

Findings and Recommendations 9 findings

F1
In the most recent Annual Reports, Permittees reported compliance with their permits; however, Contra Costa County recently received a "Notice of Violation" with regard to its stormwater program.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
Many Permittees are currently spending more than the total amounts collected from fees/taxes/assessments etc., designated for stormwater management purposes; any funding shortfalls are covered via supplements from the general fund.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
Despite the current levels of money being spent on the stormwater control initiatives, many Permittees do not think they are doing as much as necessary to position themselves to meet future compliance requirements. Contra Costa County 2012-2013 Grand Jury Report 1305
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The requirements for compliance are expected to become increasingly demanding and the process of negotiating the terms and conditions of the next permit are unclear. Permittees disagree on what reasonable/practical program requirements should entail.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The permit negotiation process be clarified with roles, negotiating strategies, and negotiation objectives defined.
F6
All Permittees are forecasting that the lack of funds needed to undertake the critical activities to reach compliance levels will result in the majority of them being non- compliant in 2-5 years.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Permittees immediately quantify a range of future expenditure requirements associated with a range of negotiation outcomes and develop funding plans.
F7
The CCCWP seems to be doing a reasonable job in terms of its role for centralized activities such as public education, outreach, training and monitoring. As an intermediary between the Permittees and the regulatory bodies, the CCCWP appears to be failing because there is a significant difference between the expectations and views of the regulators and the Permittees. There are dramatically different perspectives of what needs to be done, how it should be done and what happens if it is not done.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The CCCWP immediately begin to implement more direct communications between the individual Permittees and the regulatory authorities to eliminate the confusion that currently exists between the two parties as to program requirements, solutions for meeting long-term permit compliance and development of mutually agreed-upon plans for the path forward.
F9
It is unclear what the impact of non-compliance status will be for a Permittee.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
The potential future risk associated with funding deficits and non-compliance is not being accurately communicated to citizens by the Permittees.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
Permittees consider identifying funds to disclose to the public "the issues" surrounding the lack of funding to fulfill their NPDES permit requirements, including a discussion of potential, but realistic, impacts of non-compliance.
F11
Following failure of the 2012 Community Clean Water Initiative, cities do not appear to have formulated realistic alternative plans.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
Before any Permittee makes any effort to approach its citizens with another request for additional funding, all stakeholders reach consensus on a plan for the path forward that includes articulations of reasonable objectives, ways to measure those objectives and reasonable timelines for accomplishment of those objectives.

No Responses Found 22

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Antioch City
Brentwood City
Clayton City
Concord City
Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Elected County Office
Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Conservation District
Contra Costa Water District Special District
El Cerrito City
Hercules City
Lafayette City
Martinez City
Moraga City
Oakley City
Orinda City
Pinole City
Pittsburg City
Pleasant Hill City
Richmond City
San Pablo City
San Ramon City
Town of Danville Town
Walnut Creek City