General Waste Discharge Requirements for Fruit and Vegetable Packing Facilities Within the Central Valley Region

The proposed initiative supports the adoption and implementation of General Waste Discharge Requirements tailored for fruit and vegetable packing facilities across the Central Valley region of California. These requirements are designed to regulate the discharge of process wastewater and associated solids from facilities that wash, sort, store, and ship produce for sale or export, specifically targeting those discharging between 10,000 gallons and 180 million gallons of wastewater annually. By establishing standardized regulations, the General WDRs aim to simplify and streamline the permitting process, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure consistent environmental oversight across the industry. The effort is led by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 5 – Fresno, under the California State Water Resources Control Board, with the goal of improving environmental protection while promoting operational efficiency among packers. The project is currently in the forecasting stage, with an official posting date of June 19, 2026, and further details can be accessed through the provided state platform. Primary coordination for the initiative is managed by Katie Carpenter, Engineering Geologist, who can be reached via phone or email for inquiries related to implementation, compliance, or regulatory guidance.