OCWD Management Area
SECTION 6 WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
6.1 LAND USE ELEMENTS RELATED TO BASIN MANAGEMENT
The OCWD Management Area is highly urbanized as shown on Figure 3-4. Monitoring potential impacts from proposed new land uses and planning for future development are key management activities essential for sustainable management of the groundwater basin. OCWD monitors, reviews and comments on local land use plans and environmental documents such as environmental impact reports, notices of preparation, amendments to local general plans and specific plans, proposed zoning changes, draft water quality management plans, and other land development plans. District staff also review draft National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and waste discharge permits issued by the Regional Water Board. The proposed projects and programs may have elements that could cause short- or long-term water quality impacts to source water used for groundwater replenishment or have the potential to degrade groundwater resources. Monitoring and reviewing waste discharge permits provides OCWD with insight on activities in the watershed that could affect water quality. The majority of the basin’ s land area is located in a highly urbanized setting and requires tailored water supply protection strategies. Reviewing and commenting on stormwater permits and waste discharge permits adopted by the Regional Water Board for the portions of Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties that are within the Santa Ana River watershed are conducted by OCWD on a routine basis. These permits can affect the quality of water in the Santa Ana River and other water bodies, thereby impacting groundwater quality in the basin. OCWD works with local agencies having oversight responsibilities on the handling, use and storage of hazardous materials; underground tank permitting; well abandonment programs; septic tank upgrades; and drainage issues. Participating in basin planning activities of the Regional Water Board and serving on technical advisory committees and task forces related to water quality are also valuable activities to protect water quality.
6.1.1 Summary of Plans Related to Basin Management
The 2017 Alternative presented a comprehensive list of plans related to basin management, including:
Municipal Stormwater Permit
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• The OC Plan which is the combined North Orange County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWM), Central Orange County IRWM, and Coastal Watershed Management Plan • OWOW 2.0 Plan which is the IRWM Plan for the Santa Ana Watershed
BASIN 8-1 ALTERNATIVE 2022 UPDATE
Water Resource Management Programs 6-1
Appendix F - 131
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