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RegulatingConstruction Dewatering

By: Ralph Vasquez, Project ManagerSCS Engineers

August 14, 2008

Regulating Construction Dewatering

RWQCB dewatering permits• Discharges to San Diego Bay (Order

No. R9-2007-0034) –Old order No. 2000-90

• Discharge to Surface Waters Within San Diego Region (Order No. R9-2008-0002)– Old order No. 2001-96

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Regulating Construction Dewatering

• Order No. R9-2007-0034 General Waste Discharge Requirements for Temporary Groundwater Extraction and Similar Waste Discharges to San Diego Bay and Storm Drains or Other Conveyance Systems Tributary Thereto

• Applies to the surrounding areas of San Diego Bay

Regulating Construction Dewatering

Eligibility for discharges:

• No. R9-2007-0034 –Any flow (rate or volume) of extracted

groundwater–Not permanent– Pollutant concentration meet discharge

specification

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Regulating Construction Dewatering

(No. R9-2007-0034 , cont.)

Application requirements:• NOI with all project pertinent

information (owner name and address, site name and address, etc.)

• Initial sampling and reporting of 164 constituents (>50,00 gpd), or 38 constituents (<50,000 gpd)

• Site map and fees ($1,185-$5,688)

Regulating Construction Dewatering

• Order No. R9-2008-0002 General Waste Discharge Requirements for Groundwater Extraction Waste Discharges From Construction, Remediation, and Permanent Groundwater Extraction Projects to Surface Waters Within the San Diego Region Except San Diego Bay

• Applies to all inland waters (bays, harbors, lagoons, estuaries, surf zone

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Regulating Construction Dewatering

Eligibility for discharges: (cont.)

• No. R9-2008-0002– Extracted groundwater from construction,

remediation, and permanent extraction projects– Pollutant concentration meet discharge

specification

Regulating Construction Dewatering

(No. R9-2008-0002 cont.)

Application requirements:• NOI with all project pertinent information

(owner name and address, site name and address, etc.)

• Analytical results must meet discharge specification for each water body (bays & harbors, lagoons/estuaries, surf zones, and inland surface waters

• Site map and fees ($1,185 to $5,688)

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Regulating Construction Dewatering

Alternate methods of discharge:• Discharge to City sewer system–Apply to City of San Diego MWWD under

the Industrial Wastewater Program– Requirements less stringent than RWQCB–However, may be restricted due to flow

rate, time of day.

Regulating Construction Dewatering

Alternate methods of discharge: (cont.)

• Landscape– Based on landscape requirements

• Dust control–Only during construction–Not from remediation project

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Regulating Construction Dewatering

Alternate methods of discharge: (cont.)

• Batch discharge to City sewer–Once every 6 months

• Infiltration galleries– Separate permit (WDR)

Other Permits

• Small Linear Underground/Overhead Construction Projects

• Sanitary Sewer (MWWD or local jurisdiction)

• Utility Vaults (No. R9-2006-0008)• Hydrostatic/Potable Water (R9-2002-

0020)

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Questions