NPDES Monitoring at Two Ocean Outfalls operated by Southern Orange County Water Authority (SOCWA)

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, specifically the Marine Region, has issued a Section 2081(a) permit to Six Scientific Service for the project titled NPDES Monitoring at Two Ocean Outfalls operated by Southern Orange County Water Authority (SOCWA). The primary objective of this project is to conduct National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) monitoring of nearshore marine species to support a scientific study. The work is scheduled to take place in nearshore Orange County waters, specifically targeting the Aliso Creek Mouth and San Juan Creek Mouth. The sampling activities will utilize bottom trawls and surface hook and line methods and are authorized to continue through December 31, 2028. Under the terms of the Section 2081(a) permit, Six Scientific Service is authorized to potentially capture steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during the course of their sampling and surveys. The project is exempt under California Code of Regulations Section 15306 for information collection, as the activities are not expected to cause serious disturbance to the endangered steelhead trout population. Administrative oversight for the permit is provided by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, with Dylan Inskeep serving as the lead agency contact and Claire Waggoner serving as the Habitat Conservation Program Manager for the Marine Region.