To modify permitting requirements with respect to the discharge of any pollutant from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant in certain circumstances, and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
IntroducedMr. Peters (for himself, Mr. Levin, Mr. Vargas, Mr. Issa, …
Summary
What This Bill Does
This bill changes how wastewater from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego is permitted and regulated. It sets specific limits on pollutants like total suspended solids (tiny particles that float in water) and requires stricter treatment standards to reduce pollution in the ocean.
Who Benefits and How
The environment and local marine life benefit because this bill reduces the amount of pollutants discharged into the ocean, making the waters cleaner. Additionally, residents who enjoy activities like swimming and fishing will see improved water quality. The bill also mandates that a certain amount of treated wastewater be reused for drinking purposes, which can help conserve fresh water resources.
Who Bears the Burden and How
The San Diego Water Department and taxpayers may face higher costs because the plant needs to meet stricter treatment standards, which could require new equipment or upgrades. The bill also requires ongoing monitoring programs that might increase operational expenses. Additionally, businesses that discharge wastewater into the system may need to comply with more stringent pretreatment requirements.
Key Provisions
- Requires discharges from the Point Loma Plant to be at least 4 miles offshore and no less than 300 feet deep.
- Limits total suspended solids (TSS) discharged annually: starting at 12,000 metric tons now, reducing to 11,500 by December 31, 2029, and further to 9,942 by December 31, 2031.
- Mandates that the plant remove at least 80% of TSS monthly and 58% of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) annually.
- Requires ongoing ocean monitoring programs to ensure compliance with pollution limits.
- Sets a goal for producing at least 83 million gallons per day of water suitable for potable reuse by December 31, 2039.
Evidence Chain:
This summary is derived from the structured analysis below. See "Detailed Analysis" for per-title beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
Primary Purpose
This bill modifies permitting requirements for discharges from the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant in San Diego, setting specific limits on pollutants and requiring certain treatment standards.
Policy Domains
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
- "the_administrator"
- → Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
The State of California
The Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant owned by the City of San Diego on the date of enactment of this Act
Biological oxygen demand as used in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.
Learn more about our methodology