Final Permit

In December 2010, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley Water Board) adopted a new wastewater discharge permit for SRCSD. The permit contains new, very strict requirements resulting in the need for new treatment processes at the wastewater treatment plant that will cost Sacramento ratepayers approximately $2 billion. This will require significant rate increases over the next 10 years for existing homeowners and businesses, with proportional increases on new development that will eventually connect to the sewer system.

SRCSD filed a petition on January 10, 2011 with the State Water Resources Control Board to review the Central Valley Water Board's decision. The petition to the State Water Board is largely an administrative process that could take up to a year or more to be resolved. Although SRCSD is pursuing a review of the decision, efforts are underway to assist Sacramento ratepayers with new treatment plant upgrade costs.

Assemblymember Roger Dickinson and Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg have led the effort to get legislation passed to assist the Sacramento region with future costs.

Learn more about AB 134 which Governor Brown signed on, September 6, 2011.

SRCSD performance compliance

SRCSD provides wastewater treatment for neighborhoods, businesses, industry, schools, hospitals and other commercial operations in the urbanized areas of Sacramento County and the cities of Sacramento, West Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove and Folsom. As demonstrated by our 99.9% compliance rate and more than $20 million invested in environmental efforts over the past decade, SRCSD is committed to protecting the Sacramento River and the environment. However, we also have a responsibility to our ratepayers to demand regulatory actions proven to be necessary, reasonable and based on sound and compelling science, as the Clean Water Act and California Water Code dictate.

Supporting Documentation:  

Fact Sheet: SRCSD Stands by $2.06 Billion Cost Projection >>>

BIA's potential fee increase feasibility analysis >>>

Fact Sheet: Setting the record straight on issues & allegations >>>

Fact Sheet: Future Rate & Fee Estimates >>>

Fact Sheet: Cryptosporidium and Giardia recommendations >>>

Community Response on the draft permit >>>

Costs v. Benefits on the draft permit >>>

Regional Briefing Packet on the permit issue>>>

SRCSD's letter to the Central Valley Water Board about its concerns with California Department of Public Health's (CDPH) rationale as demonstrated by CDPH staff emails obtained through a Public Records Act request. >>>

Strong Compliance Record >>>

Environmental Commitment >>>