Storm Water Permit Moratorium In Los Angeles Region

On July 2, 2008, the Superior Court of California, County of Orange (Court) issued a ruling in the matter of Cities of Arcadia, et al. v. State Water Resources Control Board, et al., (NO. 06CCO2974). The case addressed the impact of a peremptory writ of mandate on enrollments under the general industrial and general construction storm water permits in the Los Angeles region. The question the Court had to decide was whether the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) could continue to process enrollments under these general permits for storm water in the Los Angeles region.

What Does a General Permit for Storm Water Do?

In California, the State Water Board issues general permits for storm water discharges associated with construction and industrial activities. Rather than issuing permits on a project or facility basis, the general permits allow projects and facilities that meet certain