CONDITIONAL WAIVER OF WASTE DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRAZING OPERATIONS IN THE NORTH SAN FRANCISCO BAY REGION

The California Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region, has issued a Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements to regulate grazing operations across the Napa River, Sonoma Creek, Petaluma River, and Tomales Bay watersheds, as well as all grazing activities within the Point Reyes National Seashore. This regulatory action, approved on July 9, 2025, and formalized through Resolution R2-2025-0020, aims to mitigate water quality impairments from grazing-related runoff and habitat disturbance. The project underwent environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, resulting in a Negative Declaration that concluded no significant environmental effects are expected. Compliance is governed by the Clean Water Act, the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, and the California Basin Plan for the San Francisco Bay Region. Key requirements for enrollees include adhering to riparian habitat protection standards, maintaining water quality, and obtaining Section 401 certifications. Administrative oversight is managed by the Board in Oakland, California, with Rene Leclerc serving as the primary engineering geologist contact. A one-time environmental filing fee of 2,968.75 dollars was processed via purchase order 3940-P512003010 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to support the Mitigated Negative Declaration process.