With Santa Paula’s new wastewater treatment plant projected to cost up to $60 million and utility rates rising to cover the expenditure, additional costs associated with conforming to the regulations in the proposed storm water permit would especially impact lower-income residents, Aguirre noted.Ventura County is the first in California to face the new regulations, which officials say could cost Ventura County communities $60 million to $140 million a year. The draft permit regulations would require increased monitoring of storm drain outfalls and natural waterways, with cities required to install screens on inlets in commercial and industrial areas and near schools to trap trash before it enters the system. Allowable amounts of bacteria, heavy metals, nutrients and pesticides would be outlined, but violations could cost cities fines of up to $27,500 a day.Local officials have also objected to the creation of a generic permit, with standards based on national statistics and developed for high-density areas such as Los Angeles. Such a state standard would not only be unnecessary for Ventura County, but also more expensive for its lower density population base.The water board is not scheduled to consider the regulations until March 2008.
New storm water runoff permit could cost cities, residents millions
September 28, 2007
Santa Paula News
Being hit with a potential $400 per household bill to cover the costs of dealing with storm water runoff, as well as new city charges for compliance, was objected to by a variety of city and county leaders at a September 20 hearing with state water regulators.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesBeing hit with a potential $400 per household bill to cover the costs of dealing with storm water runoff, as well as new city charges for compliance, was objected to by a variety of city and county leaders at a September 20 hearing with state water regulators. Held at Ventura City Hall, speakers urged the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to work with area experts to come up with reasonable requirements and deadlines for new regulations and the new county storm water permit.The hearing followed an earlier session held September 11, where members of the public and area elected officials urged Supervisors to help county residents hold down their annual assessment - now less than $5 - and avoid the potential $400 annual bill per household that proposed state regulations could require.“What we found with our wastewater treatment plant is the staggering cost to do the right thing,” Santa Paula City Councilman Dr. Gabino Aguirre told supervisors. Although water is a “finite resource” and must be protected, “we are calling on the supervisors to find the best agreement, but also the most professional resources” to identify ways to avoid dramatic impacts to taxpayers.
