California Regional Water Quality Control Board Order No. R1‐2015… · 2015-10-09 · Order No....

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California Environmental Protection Agency

CaliforniaRegionalWaterQualityControlBoardNorthCoastRegion

OrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021

WaiverofWasteDischargeRequirements

NonpointSourceDischargesRelatedtoCertainFederalLandManagementActivities

onNationalForestSystemLands

intheNorthCoastRegion

TheCaliforniaRegionalWaterQualityControlBoard,NorthCoastRegion,(hereinafterRegionalWaterBoard)findsthat:1. TheNorthCoastRegionencompasses12,434,700acres(19,429squaremiles).The

UnitedStatesForestService(USFSorNationalForest)administersandmanagesapproximately5,099,078acres(7,967squaremiles)ofNationalForestSystem(NFS)landswithintwoUSFSRegionsandsixNationalForests,accountingforapproximately41percentoftheNorthCoastRegion:

a. TheUSFSRegion5(PacificSouthwestRegion)managestheModocNational

Forest,KlamathNationalForest,Shasta‐TrinityNationalForest,SixRiversNationalForest,andMendocinoNationalForest(referredtocumulativelyasNationalForests),accountingforapproximately5,015,756acresoftheNorthCoastRegion.

b. TheUSFSRegion6(PacificNorthwestRegion)managestheRogueRiver‐Siskiyou

NationalForest,accountingforapproximately83,322acresoftheNorthCoastRegion.

2. TheUSFSmanagesNFSlandsformultipleuses,whichincludeactivitiessuchas

grazing,forestry,recreation,vegetationmanagement,andrestoration.Activitiesassociatedwiththeseusesmaygeneratesediment,affectshadecanopy,orinfluenceotherwaterqualityparametersofwatersofthestate.ThisWaiverofWasteDischargeRequirementsForNonpointSourceDischargesRelatedtoCertainFederalLandManagementActivitiesonNFSLandsintheNorthCoastRegion(“Waiver”)addressesnonpointsourcedischargesofwastetowatersofthestatefromactivitiesassociatedwithspecificusesofNFSlands(alsoreferredtoas“nonpointsourceactivities”)detailedinFindingNo.4.

3. TheUSFS’slandmanagementoveralargeportionoftheNorthCoastRegionprovides

auniqueopportunityforcomprehensivepermitcoveragethatcanprovidemoreefficientprotectionofthebeneficialusesofwaterbyaddressingtemperatureandsedimentsourcessystematicallyacrossthelandscape.

OrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021 ‐2‐USFSWaiver4. ThisWaivercoversdischargesfromnonpointsourceactivities,whichhavethe

potentialtodischargewastesthatmayaffectwatersofthestate.Mostofthepotentialwaterqualityimpactsareassociatedwitherosionandsedimentdeliveryand/oralterationstoripariansystemsthatmayreduceshadeandaffectwatertemperatures.Theseactivitiesandtheirpotentialwaterqualityimpactsaredescribedbelow:

TimberHarvesting:TimberharvestingactivitiesonNFSlandsandthe

associatedroadnetworkhavethepotentialtogeneratesedimentfromequipmentuseandfromerosionofbaregroundonroads,landings,andskidtrails,andtoreduceshadecanopyfromtreeremovalduetologging,roadconstruction,andequipmentoperations.

Roads:Maintenance,construction,upgrades(measurestakentobringaroaduptocurrentdesignstandards),stormproofing(astormproofedroadisonewheremeasureshavebeentakentoeitherupgradeordecommissiontheroadastominimizetheriskandpotentialmagnitudeoffutureerosionandsedimentdelivery),anddecommissioning(removalofthoseelementsofaroadthatunnaturallyreroutehillslopedrainageorpresentslopestabilityand/orerosionandsedimentdeliveryhazards)ofroadsposeapotentialimpacttowaterqualityfromerosion,masswasting,andcanopyremoval.TheNFSroadnetworkisextensive,servingthemultipleusesassociatedwithNFSlands,includingtimberharvesting,recreation,mining,andgrazing.

Grazing:Grazingbylivestockindesignatedriparianzoneshasthepotentialtogeneratethedischargeofnutrientsandpathogensfromanimalwaste,andtoremoveriparianshade.Grazingindesignatedriparianzonescanalsocauseincreasedsedimentloadstosurfacewatersandphysicalcompactionofthestreambed.Disturbanceandovergrazingofstreambankscancausedecreasedbankstability,increasederosion,andreducedriparianandinstreamvegetationtotrapsediment.

Recreation:ThereisawidearrayofrecreationalactivitiesthattakeplaceonNFSlands.Themostcommonwaterqualityimpactsfromrecreationalactivitiesthatareaddressedwiththiswaiverareerosionandsedimentationassociatedwiththeuseoftrails,roads,andcampingsites.

VegetationManagement:Inadditiontotimberharvesting,theUSFSmanagesvegetationonitslandsforforesthealth,restoration,rehabilitation,andfuelmanagement.Managementmayincludethinning,prescribedburns,andothermeanstoimproveforesthealthandresiliency,reducethelikelihoodandseverityofwildfire,andprotectcommunitiesatrisk.Vegetationmanagementactivitieshavethepotentialtoincreaseerosionandsedimentationaswellasalternaturalshadeandstreamtemperatures.

Restoration:Theseactivitiesaregenerallyassociatedwithroaddecommissioning(addressedabove),roadupgradesandstormproofing,

OrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021 ‐3‐USFSWaiver

remediationofexistingandpotentialsedimentdischargesites,streamchannelandfloodplainhabitatimprovements,andforestrehabilitation.Theseactivitiesarerestorativeinnatureandaredesignedtoreducelong‐termerosionandsedimentation.Thereisthepotentialforshort‐termincreasesinsedimentationduringandimmediatelyafterconstruction.

FireSuppression:Theseactivitiesmaygeneratesedimentandimpactdesignatedriparianzonesduringandafterthefirefightingprocess,whichmayincluderoadbuilding,re‐openingofoldroads,firelineconstruction,andback‐burning.ImmediateremediationofpotentialdischargesitesgeneratedbywildfireisrequiredundertheUSFSBurnedAreaEmergencyRehabilitation(BAER)program,whoseobjective,inpart,istoprescribeandimplementemergencytreatmentonfederallandtominimizethreatstolifeorpropertyfromtheeffectsofafire,andtostabilizeandpreventunacceptabledegradationtonaturalorculturalresources.FirefightingandtheimplementationoftheBAERprogramareconductedpursuanttospecificplansandproceduressetoutineachNationalForest’sLandandResourceManagementPlan(LRMP).ANationalForestmayconductactivitiesaftertheBAERactivitiestoaddressadditionalerosioncontrol,reforestation,andriparianimprovements.

FireRecovery:Firerecoveryoperationsincludevariousmanagementmeasuresincludingtimberharvesting,vegetationmanagementandrestorationactivitiesdescribedabove.Dependingonthesizeofthefire,theprojectareacanbeverylargeandeveninvolvemultiplewatersheds.Timberharvestingactivities,includinghazardtreeremoval,fromfiresalvageonNFSlandshavethepotentialtogeneratesedimentdischargesfromequipmentuseandfromerosionofbaregroundonroads,landings,andskidtrails,andtoreduceshadecanopyfromtreeremovalduetologging,roadconstruction,andequipmentoperations.Firerecoveryprojectswillbeanalyzedonacase‐by‐casebasisunderCategoryB.ThisWaivercoversdischargesfromemergencyactionsdefinedinCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,title14,section15269.SeeFindingNos.44‐49foradditionaldetailsonemergencyprojects.

5. ThisWaiverappliestotwocategoriesofactivities,CategoryAandCategoryB,which

aregroupedaccordingtothelevelofpotentialimpacttowaterquality.ActivitiesthathavealowpotentialimpacttowaterqualityareeligibleforCategoryA.ActivitiesthathaveamoderatepotentialimpacttowaterqualityareeligibleforCategoryB.FindingNo.37providesadditionaldetailsaboutthesecategories.

6. SubjecttopublicnoticeandapprovalbytheExecutiveOfficer,otherfederalagenciesconductingactivitiesdescribedunderFindingNo.4mayelecttoenrollandcomplywiththisOrdertoensurethatdischargesareauthorized.AfederalagencymayrelyonUSFSBMPsordemonstrateequallyormoreprotectivewaterqualitymeasures.AllprovisionsoftheOrdershallapplyexceptGeneralConditionNos.2,5‐6,13‐14,16,36‐37,and39,andCategoryBConditionNos.9and18.TheapplicationmustincludeappropriatemonitoringandreportingrequirementsthatshallbecomeenforceableunderWaterCodesection13267uponapprovalbytheExecutiveOfficer.

7. ThisWaiverdoesnotauthorize:

Miningdischarges,exceptforcontrolofnonpointsourcestotheextentthatthe

USFSemploysmanagementpracticesthataddresssedimentandtemperaturefromroads,unvegetatedsoil,andbuildingpadsthatareassociatedwithminingactivityonNFSland.Whereprospectingorminingrelatedactionsdischargeorhavethepotentialtodischargewaste(s)intowatersofthestate,theoperatorisrequiredbystatelawtofileareportofwastedischarge(ROWD)withtheRegionalWaterBoard.

DischargesbythirdpartiesconductingactivitiesonNFSlandsunderwrittenauthorizationoftheUSFSexceptasspecifiedinGeneralConditionNo.11andNos.21‐34.

Dischargesofhazardousorhumanwaste. Dischargesfromtheapplicationofherbicidesorpesticides.Notificationof

proposedpesticideapplicationsarerequiredinGeneralConditionNo.18tohelpdetermineifpermittingbytheRegionalWaterBoardisrequired.

WastedischargesthatrequireaseparatepermitfromtheStateorRegionalWaterBoardorotheragencies,suchasactivitiesthatrequireaCleanWaterActsection404/401permit,aNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)permit,oraconstructionstormwaterpermit.

ThisWaiverdoesnotapplytospecificprojectsassociatedwiththeactivitiesonfederallandidentifiedhereinwhenthespecificprojectmayresultinimpactstowaterqualitythatcannotbemitigatedtoless‐than‐significantlevels.

8. ThisWaivercontainsprimarilythesamerequirementsastheWaiverofWasteDischargeRequirementsforNonpointSourceDischargesRelatedtoCertainFederalLandManagementActivitiesonNationalForestSystemLands,OrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029(2010Waiver),withafewupdatesandimprovements.The2010WaiverwasthefirstpermittocomprehensivelyregulatenonpointsourcepollutiononUSFSlandsintheNorthCoastRegion.The2010WaiverfunctionedwellinprovidingaframeworkforpermittingnonpointsourceactivitiesandprotectingwaterqualityonUSFSlandsoverthepastfiveyears;however,lessonslearned(bybothRegionalWaterBoardandUSFSstaff)fromthefirstfiveyearsofimplementationhelpinformrefinementsforthisnextiterationofthepermit.ImprovementsinthisWaiverinclude:citingnewUSFSprogramsthataddressrestorationandwaterqualityprotection;newNationalBestManagementPractices(BMPs)andmonitoringprotocols;alternativesforaddressingthetreatmentoflegacysedimentsitesincertainCategoryBprojects;establishmentofforest‐wideinchannelmonitoringnetworks;additionalmonitoringoflivestockgrazing,roadprojecteffectivenessandpost‐firemonitoring;andrequirementsfortrackingandreportingtreatmentofsedimentdischargesites.ThisWaiverwillsupersedeOrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029exceptforconditionsthatapplytoindividualprojectsalreadycoveredbythe2010WaiverandprojectsalreadyindevelopmentasshownontheMarch2015USFSScheduleofProposedActions(SOPA,apubliclistofupcomingUSFSprojects)withaccompanyingNEPADecisionNoticebyOctober1,2015,orforwhichtheNEPAprocesshasbeeninitiatedpriortoOctober8,2015,providedtheymeettheeligibilitycriteriaand

remainincompliancewiththeconditionsofOrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029untilcompleted.

USFSPlanningFramework9. TheUSFSactivitiesaregovernedbyaplanningframeworkthatcontainsoverarching

policiesandguidanceaswellasstandardsandspecificguidelines,whichrepresentareasonableandlogicalapproachtoaddressingwaterqualityprotectionsneededinawatershed.Theplanningframeworksetsaprocessfordeterminingandimplementingmeasuresnotonlytomitigatepotentialwaterqualityimpacts,butalsotoenhanceandprotectwaterquality.Asdescribedindetailbelow,elementsoftheplanningframeworkrangefromtheoverarchingwatershedprotectiongoalsoftheNorthwestForestPlan(NWFP)andSierraNevadaForestPlan(SNFP),toveryspecificBMPsforUSFSactivities,includingnonpointsourceactivitiesonNFSlandtoprevent,minimize,andmitigatewastedischargesandothercontrollablewaterqualityfactors.

10. ThewaterqualityprotectionsandmeasurescontainedintheUSFSplans,policies,andotherdocumentsthatcomprisetheUSFSplanningframeworkaredescribedinFindingNos.11‐18,andarereferredtocollectivelyinthisWaiveras“USFSGuidance.”

11. NFSlandsaremanagedaccordingtotheUSFSGuidance,whichisappliedthrougha

nestingorhierarchyofspatialscales(e.g.nationally,regionally,provinces,forest,district,watershed,site).ForestServiceManualsprovidenationaldirectionforNFSlands.ForestServiceHandbooks(FSH)provideregionalpolicydirection.TheNWFPprovidesoverallguidanceonamultiple‐forestscale.LRMPsaredevelopedforeachNationalForest.IndividualNationalForestsusetheWatershedConditionFramework1(WCF)toguidewatershedassessmentandrestorationonawatershedscale.WCFreplacestheWatershedImprovementProgram(WIP)referencedinthe2010Waiverandaccomplishesthesameassessmentandrestorationgoalsandactivities.Theassessmentsdevelopedforeachwatershedareusedtoidentifyprioritywatershedsanddevelopwatershedrestorationplansthatguiderestorationactivitieswithineachprioritywatershed.Inthisway,theapproachtoaddressingpotentialimpactsfromUSFSactivitiesandprojects,includingwaterquality,inthebroadermultiple‐regionguidanceisconsistentwiththeguidanceestablishedforeachNationalForest,watershed,andeachspecificsite,withprojectsatthesite‐scalebeingresponsivetowatershedneedsandconsistentwiththeNWFPandLRMPs.

12. TheUSFSGuidanceaddressesprotection,maintenance,andenhancementofwater

qualityinareasonableandlogicalmanneratitsvariousspatialscales.Keywaterqualitycomponentsofthebroadestplanningframeworkaredescribedbelow:

NWFP‐TheNWFPprovidestheUSFSwithanassessmentandplanningprocessthatguidesitsactivitiesintheSixRivers,Klamath,Mendocino,Shasta‐Trinity,andRogue

1USDA,2011.WatershedConditionFrameworkreplacespreviousWatershedImprovementProgram.

River‐SiskiyouNationalForests,aswellasthatportionoftheModocNationalForestwithintheNWFP.LRMPs‐In1994,theNWFPamendedLRMPsforNationalForestswithinitsjurisdiction,makingLRMPsthelandmanagementplansforthoseNationalForests.AquaticConservationStrategy‐TheprimarymechanismprotectingaquaticresourceswithintheNWFPistheestablishmentoftheAquaticConservationStrategy(ACS),whichhasnineobjectivesformaintainingandrestoringthefunction,diversity,andintegrityoftheriparianandaquaticsystem,includingwaterqualityprotection2.ThefocalareasoftheACSareRiparianReservesandKeyWatersheds.RiparianReserves‐RiparianreservesareakeycomponentoftheACSandcompriselandsalongstreams,andunstableandpotentiallyunstableareaswherespecialstandardsandguidelinesdirectlandmanagement.Riparianreservesapplytofivecategoriesofstreamsorwetlandsasfollows:1)fishbearingstreams;2)permanentlyflowingnon‐fishbearingstreams;3)constructedpondsandreservoirs,andwetlandsgreaterthanoneacre;4)lakesandnaturalponds;and5)seasonallyflowingorintermittentstreams,wetlandslessthanoneacre,andunstableandpotentiallyunstableareas.Thesereserveareasmaintainhydrologic,geomorphicandecologicalprocessesthatdirectlyaffectstreamsandfishhabitats.Widthsofthereservescanrangefromaminimumof100feetoneachsideofintermittentstreamstoover300feetoneachsideofperennialfishbearingstreams.OnlyactivitiesthatprotectorenhanceACSobjectivesarepermissiblewithinariparianreserve.Riparianreservesservetoprotectaquaticresourcesandwaterqualityfromtimberharvestingactivities,roadbuilding,andothernonpointsourceactivities,bymaintainingadiverseripariancommunitythatprovidesresiliencytothesystem,abufferareafromupslopeactivities,canopyforshadeandaquaticnutrition,andmaintainingthefunctionofthedesignatedriparianzonestofilterandmetersedimentcomingfromhillsidesanddownawatercourse.KeyWatersheds–Tier1keywatershedscontributedirectlytoconservationofat‐riskanadromoussalmonids,bulltrout,andresidentfishspecies.Theyalsohaveahighpotentialforbeingrestoredaspartofawatershedrestorationprogram.Tier2keywatershedsmaynotcontainat‐riskfishstocksbutareimportantsourcesofhighqualitywater.SpecificdirectionforthemanagementoftheseareasiscontainedineachNationalForest’sLRMP.SierraNevadaForestPlan‐AportionoftheModocNationalForestisnotincludedintheNWFP,butiscoveredbytheSierraNevadaForestPlan(SNFP),amendedin2004(http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/snfpa/final‐seis/).TheSNFPisanalogoustotheNWFP,providingsimilarguidanceforNationalForestsintheSierraNevadaMountainsandModocPlateau,includinganAquaticManagementStrategy(AMS)similartotheACS.

2 http://www.reo.gov/library/reports/newsandga.pdf

TheSNFPequivalenttothe“RiparianReserve”isthe“RiparianConservationArea.”Theterm“designatedriparianzone”isdefinedandusedinthisWaivertoincludeboththeNWFP“RiparianReserve”andtheSNFP“RiparianConservationArea.”ACSandAMScomponents,includingriparianprotections,areincludedinLRMPsforeachNationalForest.TheSNFPhasCriticalAquaticRefuges(CARS)thataresimilartoKeyWatershedsthatprovidesomeofthehealthiestandmostproductiveaquatichabitatontheNationalForests.Theseareasreceiveagreaterlevelofprotectionandareconsideredprioritiesforrestorationtoensurethathighqualityareasareretained.

13. TheUSFSWCFisanationwideprogramthatguides:assessmentofwatershed

conditions;identificationofprioritywatershedsandessentialrestorationneedsforthoseprioritywatersheds;andimplementationofrestorationactivities.EssentialrestorationprojectsforprioritywatershedsaredocumentedinWatershedRestorationActionPlans(WRAP),whicharemaintainedintheUSFSWatershedConditionAssessmentTrackingTool.AllrestorationprojectswithintheprioritywatershedsareenteredintotheWatershedImprovementTracking(WIT)database,alongwithotherrestorationprojectsnotlocatedinprioritywatersheds.ImplementationoftheWCFresultsinassessmentandrestorationatthewatershedscale.Watershedrestorationprojectsaddresslegacyandpotentialsedimentdeliverysites.Theidentification,prioritization,andremediationoflegacysedimentsitestoaddressspecificproblemsandmeetgoalsforimprovingandmaintainingwatershedfunctionsisalsoanimportantcomponentfortheRegionalWaterBoard’snonpointsourceprogramandTMDLcompliance.Watershedrestorationprojectsalsoaddressaquatic,riparian,andterrestrialhabitatenhancement,andimprovingforeststandresiliencytowildfire.

14. TheU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureStrategicPlanforFY2010‐2015(USDA,2010a3)targetstherestorationofwatershedandforesthealthasacoremanagementobjectiveoftheUSFS. Toachievethisgoal,theUSFSisdirectedtorestoredegradedwatershedsbystrategicallyfocusinginvestmentsinwatershedimprovementprojectsandconservationpracticesatlandscapeandwatershedscales.

TheWCFisacomprehensiveapproachforclassifyingwatershedcondition,proactivelyimplementingintegratedrestorationinprioritywatershedsonNationalForestsandgrasslands,andtrackingandmonitoringoutcome‐basedprogramaccomplishmentsforperformanceaccountability.

15. TheWCFwascompletednationwidein2012followinganiterativesix‐stepprocess,

whichwillbeupdatedperiodicallyasconditionschangeontheground.Thissix‐stepprocessislistedbelow:

3USDA,2010a.StrategicPlanfortheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture2010–2015.

classifytheconditionofallsixthfieldsubwatersheds4intheNationalForestbyusingexistingdatalayers,localknowledge,andprofessionaljudgment;

prioritizewatershedsforrestorationandestablishprioritywatershedsfortargetedimprovementequivalenttoafive‐yearprogramofwork(eachforestinitiallyselectedtwoprioritywatersheds;however,additionalprioritywatershedswillbeaddedbeginningin2016);

developWRAPsthatidentifycomprehensiveproject‐levelimprovementactivities; implementintegratedsuitesofprojectsinprioritywatersheds; forselectedwatersheds,verifyperformanceaccountabilityforwatersheds

reportedashavingcompletedallessentialprojects;and monitorimprovementofwatershedconditions.

16. USFSdocumentsthatprovideguidanceforwatershed‐scaleplanning,restoration,andassessment,include:

theUSFSRegion5ForestServiceHandbook(FSH)2509.22‐SoilandWater

ConservationHandbook,Chapter20(July1988)thatprovidesdirectionforassessingcumulativewatershedeffects;

theUSFSRegion5ForestServiceHandbook(FSH)2509.22‐SoilandWaterConservationHandbook,Chapter10(December2011)thatprovidesdirectionforprotectionandimprovementofwaterqualityonNationalForestSystemlandsinCalifornia;

USFSpublicationFS‐977,WatershedConditionFramework(May2011)thatprovidesaframeworkforassessingandtrackingchangestowatershedcondition;and

theUSFSManual,Chapter2020(September2008)thatprovidesapolicyforusingecologicalrestorationinthemanagementofNFSlands,furthersupportingwatershedanalysisandrestoration,andtheACS.

17. IndividualprojectsandactivitiesonNFSlandundergoanalysistodetermine

appropriatesite‐specificmanagementpracticesnecessarytoavoidwaterqualityimpacts.TheUSFSinCaliforniaoperatesunderaManagementAgencyAgreementwiththeStateWaterResourcesControlBoard(StateWaterBoard),whichwasdevelopedthroughtheCleanWaterActsection208programin1981.TheManagementAgencyAgreementrelies,inpart,onBMPs5.

18. TheBMPsdescribedintheUSFSBMPManualareperformancebasedmanagement

measurestobeappliedtoactivitiesonNFSlandstoavoidwaterqualityimpacts,andforeachindividualsite,specificon‐the‐groundprescriptionshavetobeidentifiedandimplementedtomeetBMPs.Severaldocumentsandprocessesprovideguidanceforeffectiveidentificationandimplementationofsite‐specificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsincluding:

4 Watershed classification systems are discussed in the Monitoring and Reporting Program that accompanies this

Waiver. 5 USFS BMPs were initially developedbyPacificSouthwestRegionofForestServicein1981,andrevisedin

1987,2000and2011.NationalBMPsweredevelopedandpublishedinApril2012.

NationalBestManagementPracticesforWaterQualityManagementonNationalForestSystemLands(USDA20126);

IndividualUSFSLandandResourceManagementPlans; USFSTimberSalesAdministrationHandbook; Project‐specificdesigncriteria; RegionalSoilsstandardsincludedintheLRMPs(providedirectionforprotecting

soilproductivity,particularlyasitappliestogrounddisturbancerelativetosoilcompactionanderosion);

WetWeatherOperationStandardsthateachNationalForesthastoaddresspracticestoavoiderosionandsedimentationfromactivitiesconductedduringwetweather;and

Projectimplementationmechanisms(e.g.,contracts,grazingpermits,andotheragreements).

19. ManyindividualprojectsandactivitiesonNFSlandareconductedbyprivateparties

undercontractsorpermitsissuedbytheUSFS.Forexample,privatepartiesbidontimbersalesandotherprojects,andifawarded,enterintoacontractwiththeUSFStoperformthoseactivities.ThecontractorsthatenterintocontractswiththeUSFStoconductnonpointsourceactivitiesinFindingNo.4andCategoryBarereferredtoas“contractors”andthecontractsas“contracts”forthepurposesofthisWaiver.Inaddition,privatepartiesapplyforandareissuedagrazingpermit,awrittenpermitauthorizationbytheUSFSthatallowstheprivatepartiestograzetheiranimalsorlivestockandconductincidentalactivities(e.g.,camps,watertroughs,temporarycorrals,herding,livestockloadingandunloading)onNFSlands.TheseprivatepartiestowhomtheUSFSissuesagrazingpermittoconductprivateparties’nonpointsourceactivitiessetforthinFindingNo.4andCategoryBarereferredtoas“grazingpermittees”andthepermitasa“grazingpermit”forpurposesofthisWaiver.InordertobecoveredbythisWaiver,contractorsandgrazingpermitteesmustconductactivitiesonNFSlandinaccordancewiththecontractorgrazingpermit(specifyingon‐the‐groundprescriptions)andapplicableconditionsofthisWaiver.ContractorsandgrazingpermitteesaresubjecttoGeneralConditionNo.11andNos.21‐34.

LegalandRegulatoryStructure20. WaterCodesection13260(a)requiresthatanypersondischargingwasteor

proposingtodischargewastewithinanyregionthatcouldaffectthequalityofthewatersofthestate,otherthanintoacommunitysewersystem,mustfilewiththeappropriateregionalwaterboardaROWDcontainingsuchinformationanddataasmayberequired.

21. PursuanttoWaterCodesection13260,regionalwaterboardsprescribewaste

dischargerequirements(WDRs)exceptwhenitfinds,pursuanttoWaterCodesection

6 USDA, 2012. National Best Management Practices for Water Quality Management on National Forest System

Lands. USDA Forest Service, FS-990a, April 2012.

13269thatawaiverofwastedischargerequirementsforaspecifictypeofdischargeisinthepublicinterest.

22. TheStateWaterBoard2004PolicyfortheImplementationandEnforcementofthe

NonpointSourcePollutionControlProgram(NPSPolicy)requiresthatnonpointsourcedischargesofwasteberegulatedbywastedischargerequirements,waiverofwastedischargerequirements,orprohibitiontoensurecompliancewithregionalwaterboardwaterqualitycontrolplans.

23. PursuanttotheWaterQualityControlPlanfortheNorthCoastRegion(BasinPlan)

andStateWaterBoardplansandpolicies,includingStateWaterBoardResolutionNo.88‐63,andconsistentwiththefederalCleanWaterAct,theexistingandpotentialbeneficialusesofwatersintheNorthCoastRegionincludeoneormoreofthefollowing:

a. MunicipalandDomesticSupply(MUN)b. AgriculturalSupply(AGR)c. IndustrialServiceSupply(IND)d. IndustrialProcessSupply(PROC)e. GroundwaterRecharge(GWR)f. FreshwaterReplenishment(FRSH)g. Navigation(NAV)h. HydropowerGeneration(POW)i. WaterContactRecreation(REC‐1)j. Non‐contactWaterRecreation(REC‐2)k. CommercialandSportFishing(COMM)l. ColdFreshwaterHabitat(COLD)m. WarmFreshwaterHabitat(WARM)n. WildlifeHabitat(WILD)o. PreservationofAreasofSpecial

BiologicalSignificance(BIOL)

p. Rare,Threatened,orEndangeredSpecies(RARE)

q. MarineHabitat(MAR)r. MigrationofAquaticOrganisms(MIGR)s. Spawning,Reproduction,and/orEarly

Development(SPWN)t. ShellfishHarvesting(SHELL)u. EstuarineHabitat(EST)v. Aquaculture(AQUA)w. NativeAmericanCulture(CUL)x. FloodPeakAttenuation/FloodWater

Storage(FLD)y. WetlandHabitat(WET)z. WaterQualityEnhancement(WQE)aa. SubsistenceFishing(FISH)

24. TheBasinPlancontainswaterqualityobjectivestoprotectthesebeneficialuses.

25. NumerousstreamsintheNorthCoastRegionarelistedasimpairedforsedimentand

temperaturepursuanttoCleanWaterActsection303(d).TheCleanWaterActrequiresstatestoaddressimpairedwatersbydevelopingatotalmaximumdailyload(TMDL)orimplementingwaterqualityprogramsthatresultintheattainmentofwaterqualitystandards.SedimentandtemperatureTMDLshavebeendevelopedforthemajorityoftheimpairedwatersintheNorthCoastRegionandtheseTMDLshavemanycomponentsincommon.WhiletheactualloadallocationsandtargetsmayvaryfromoneTMDLtoanother,alladdressthebasicissuesofreducingandpreventingexcesssedimentinputsandofdecreasingwatertemperaturebyprotectingandrestoringnaturalshade.

26. TheconditionsinthisWaiverprovidereasonableassurancethatsediment,

temperature,andnutrientimpairmentsonNFSlandswillberestoredbyrequiring:1)

protection,maintenance,andenhancementofriparianconditionsandshade;2)inventoriesandremediationoflegacysedimentsites;3)theapplicationofBMPsandon‐the‐groundprescriptionsonNFSlandtoavoidexcesssedimentdischargesandtoimproveshade;and4)periodicreview,monitoring,andreassessment.

27. TMDLImplementationPlans(akaActionPlans)containspecificimplementationactionsrelatedtotimberharvestandotheractivitiesonNFSlands,andareconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisWaiver.

28. USFSimplementationoftheTMDLsfortheScottRiverandSalmonRiverwatersheds

wereaddressedinseparateMemorandaofUnderstanding(MOU)betweentheRegionalWaterBoardandtheUSFS.ItistheintentoftheRegionalWaterBoardtoaddanyspecificimplementationtasksofthoseMOUstothisWaiverinGeneralConditionNos.13and14.Theimplementationstrategyfortheremainderofthesedimentandtemperatureimpairedwaters,includingthosewithcompletedTMDLs,isdescribedintheTotalMaximumDailyLoadImplementationPolicyStatementforSediment‐ImpairedReceivingWatersintheNorthCoastRegion(ResolutionR1‐2004‐0087)andthePolicyfortheImplementationoftheWaterQualityObjectiveforTemperature(ResolutionR1‐2014‐0006).BothofthesepoliciesstatethattheRegionalWaterBoardshalladdresssedimentwastedischargesonawatershed‐specificbasisanddirectstafftousepermittingauthoritiestocontrolsedimentwastedischarges.

29. TheScottRiverMOUbetweentheKlamathNationalForest(KNF)andtheRegional

WaterBoardspecifiedtheUSFSshallcompleteaninventory,anddevelopaprioritylistandschedule,fortherepairofallroadandnon‐roadrelatedsedimentsourcesonNFSlandsintheScottRiverwatershed.TheMOUalsospecifiedthatKNFshalldevelopandimplementaforest‐widewaterqualitymonitoringplandescribingandimplementingsedimentcontrolpracticestorepairandcontrolsedimentwastedischargesites,anddescribinggrazingmanagementpracticesthatmeetBMPs.MostofthetasksspecifiedintheMOUhavebeensuccessfullycompleted,includingdevelopinganinventoryandprioritylistfortherepairofroad‐relatedsedimentsources,developingandimplementingaforest‐widewaterqualitymonitoringplan,anddescribingandimplementingsedimentcontrolpracticesandBMPs.Completionofaschedulefortherepairandcontrolofsignificantroadandnon‐roadrelatedsedimentsourcesinaccordancewiththeMOUremainstobecompleted.AschedulefortreatmentofthesesedimentsourcesshallbecompletedbyOctober1,2016asspecifiedinGeneralConditionNo.13.

30. TheSalmonRiverMOUbetweentheKNFandSixRiversNationalForest,andtheRegionalWaterBoard,specifiedthatallmanagementactivitiescomplywiththeKNFLRMP,theSalmonRiverSub‐basinRestorationStrategycontinuetobeimplemented,andtheKNFdevelopandimplementaforest‐widewaterqualitymonitoringplan.TheMOUalsospecifiedthattheSalmonRiverSub‐basinRestorationStrategybeupdated.MostofthetasksspecifiedintheMOUhavebeensuccessfullycompleted.Roadstormproofinghasbeencompletedon26milesofroadintheSalmonRiverwatershedsincetheMOUwassigned,andaforest‐widesedimentandtemperaturemonitoring

planhasbeendevelopedandimplemented.AnupdatetotheActionPlancontainedintheSalmonRiverSub‐basinRestorationStrategyremainstobecompletedinaccordancewiththeMOU.ThisActionPlanshallbeupdatedbyOctober1,2016inaccordancewithGeneralConditionNo.14andshalladdresstheriskofelevatedstreamtemperaturescausedbymanagement‐relateddebrisflowsintheSalmonRiversub‐basin,andshallincludeanevaluationofminetailingpilesandgrazingallotmentriparianarearestorationpotentialandpriorities.

31. CompliancewiththisWaiverconstitutesTMDLcomplianceforestablishedTMDLs.In

addition,thisWaiverprovidestheimplementationmechanismtoaddressimpairmentsinwatershedslistedontheCleanWaterActsection303(d)list.

TheWaiver

32. ThisWaivercontainsfourprimarycomponents.Theprimarycomponentsare:1)the

maintenanceandrestorationofdesignatedriparianzonespursuanttotheAquaticConservationStrategyandAquaticManagementStrategy;2)thetimelyimplementationofwatershedrestorationplansthatrequireinventories,prioritization,andtreatmentoflegacysedimentsites;3)BMPsforsite‐specificactivitiesincludingtheimplementationofon‐the‐groundprescriptions;and4)aMonitoringandReportingProgram(MRP).

33. AsdescribedinFindingNo.12,theACSintheNWFPandcorollaryAMSintheSNFP,applydesignatedriparianzoneprotectiontoallintermittentstreams,perennialstreams,andwetlands.DesignatedriparianzonesprovideshadetomeettheBasinPlanwatertemperatureobjective;buffersurfacewatersfromdischargesofwasteassociatedwithupslopeactivitiesbytrappingsediment;andprotectthenaturaldiversityofvegetationthatenhancesresiliencyoftheripariansystemandthemorphologyofthestreamsystem.ThisWaiverrequirestheUSFStoprotectandmaintaindesignatedriparianzones(seeGeneralConditionNo.4).SuccessfulimplementationoftheWaiverisrequiredforsedimentandtemperatureTMDLcompliance.

34. TheUSFSwillactivelyaddresseslegacysedimentsitesorpre‐existingthreatsto

waterqualitythroughidentification,prioritization,andtreatmentofsuchsiteswithinCategoryBprojectsand/orthroughessentialprojectsintheWCFprocessasdescribedinFindingNos.13‐15.Alegacysedimentsitemeetsallofthefollowingconditions:a. isdischargingorhasthepotentialtodischargesedimenttowatersofthestatein

violationofapplicablewaterqualityrequirements;b. wascausedoraffectedbyhumanactivity;andc. mayfeasiblyandreasonablyrespondtopreventionandminimization

managementactivities.ThisWaiverrequiresthatallactiveandpotentiallegacysedimentsitesbeidentified,inventoried,prioritized,scheduled,andimplementedfortreatmentforallCategoryB

projectsand/orthroughtheWRAP(seeCategoryBConditionNo.1).IftheUSFSdoesnothaveaWRAPforthesixthfieldsubwatershedwhereaCategoryBactivityisproposedforcoverageunderthisWaiver,theUSFSmustproposetreatmentsofallexistinglegacysedimentsiteswithintheprojectareaaspartoftheproposedproject.Grazingallotmentsareexemptfromtherequirementtoidentifyandtreatlegacysedimentsites.TradingthetreatmentoflegacysedimentsitesinsideaCategoryBprojectareawithlegacysedimentsitesoutsideoftheprojectareamaybeacceptable,providedthetreatmentsitesarewithinthesamesixthfieldsubwatershedanditcanbedemonstratedthattheproposedtreatmentsprovideanequalorgreaterbenefittowaterquality.SuchalternativesshallbesubmittedtotheExecutiveOfficerforapproval.(SeeCategoryBConditionNo.2)ThisWaiverrequirestheUSFStomakelegacysiteinventoriesandWRAPsavailabletoRegionalWaterBoardstaffforreviewandallowinspectionofsitesasneededtoassistinprioritization(seeGeneralConditionsNos.5and6).RegionalWaterBoardstaffwillconferwiththeUSFSonlegacysiteinventoriesandtreatmentprojectstoverifyreasonableprogress.SuccessfulimplementationoftreatmentsandWRAPsisrequiredforsedimentandtemperatureTMDLcompliance.TheUSFSshouldidentifyandprepareaWRAPforatleastoneprioritywatershed(sixthfieldsubwatershed)withineachTMDLlistedwatershed(fourthfieldsub‐basin)tohelpassurereasonableprogresswithTMDLcompliance.

35. SomeCategoryBprojectsmaybetoolargeorcontainprojectspecificconditionsthatmakeitinfeasibleorunnecessarytotreatalllegacysedimentsites.Insuchcases,thisWaiverprovidesforalternativelegacysedimentsitetreatmentplansthatinventoryexistingsitesandproposetotreatsomeportionofthelargestsedimentproducingsiteswithintheprojectareamaybesubmittedtotheExecutiveOfficerforapproval.(SeeCategoryBConditionNo.3)Alternativeplansubmittalsshallincludeadescription(e.g.projecttype,location,volumeofsediment,etc.)ofpastlegacysedimentsitetreatmentsandrestorationeffortsimplementedwiththesamesixthfieldwatershedwithinthepast20years.

36. AsdescribedinFindingNos.18and19,site‐specificactivitiescoveredunderthis

Waivermustimplementon‐the‐groundprescriptionstomeetBMPgoalstoavoidwaterqualityimpacts.TorelyontheimplementationofUSFSGuidanceandtheUSFSBMPManualtoensurewaterqualityprotection,theremustbetransparencyinwhichon‐the‐groundprescriptionsareselectedtoimplementBMPs,anddocumentationofBMPimplementationanditseffectiveness.Toaddresstheseneeds,thisWaivercontains:1)conditionsthattheUSFSanditscontractorsandgrazingpermitteesimplementtheUSFSGuidanceandtheUSFSBMPManual,includingtheidentificationofon‐the‐groundprescriptionsforanindividualproject;2)amechanismtoensuretheirimplementation;and3)monitoringrequirementstoensureimplementationoftheon‐the‐groundprescriptionsandtoevaluatetheireffectiveness.Successfulimplementationofon‐the‐groundprescriptionstomeetBMPgoalsisrequiredforsedimentandtemperatureTMDLcompliance.

TheaboveprocessresultsintheBMPsbeingtranslatedintositespecificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsforaprojectoractivityandforthoseprescriptionstobeincludedincontracts,grazingpermits,orotheragreements.Themonitoringprogramincludesachecklistapproachwherebyeachoftheon‐the‐groundprescriptionsisverifiedasbeingproperlyimplemented.

37. AssummarizedinFindingNo.5,thisWaiverappliestotwocategoriesofactivities,

whicharegroupedaccordingtolevelofpotentialimpacttowaterquality.ActivitiesthathavealowpotentialimpacttowaterqualityareeligibleforCategoryA.TheCategoryAlistinAttachmentAspecifiesthoseactivitiesfoundtomeetthisclassification.CategoryBappliestoactivitieswithamoderatepotentialimpacttowaterqualityandrequirestheUSFSprovidemoreinformationtotheRegionalWaterBoard,whowillthenconductamoredetailedreview.InCategoryB,characteristicsofanactivity,suchasintensityandproximitytosurfacewaters,andthesensitivityofthearea,willdeterminewhichBMPsandon‐the‐groundprescriptionsareneededtoensuretheactivitywillhavealess‐than‐significantimpactonwaterquality.TheCategoryBlistinAttachmentBspecifiesthoseactivitiesfoundtomeetthisclassification.ThisWaiverdoesnotapplytospecificprojectsassociatedwiththeactivitiesonfederallandidentifiedhereinwhenthespecificprojectmayresultinimpactstowaterqualitythatcannotbemitigatedtoless‐than‐significantlevels.

Certainfactorsincreasetheriskofpotentialwaterqualityimpacts: theactivity’sproximitytowater(e.g.insideadesignatedriparianzonevs.outside

adesignatedriparianzone); thetypeandsizeoftheactivity;and theon‐thegroundconditionswheretheactivitytakesplace(e.g.equipmenton

steepgroundvs.flatground).38. PursuanttoWaterCodesection13263,subdivision(i),itisappropriatetoregulate

dischargesfromnonpointsourceactivitiesasdescribedinFindingNo.4underageneralwaiverratherthanindividualdischargerequirementsbecausethisWaiveraddressesthesameorsimilardischargesofwastefromthesameorsimilaroperationsandproposesthesameorsimilartreatmentmethodsandmanagementpractices.Byregulatingthesedischargesandactivitiesunderageneralwaiver,itsimplifiesandstreamlinestheregulatoryprocessandallowsRegionalWaterBoardstafftofocusitslimitedresourcesonworkingwiththeUSFStoprotectwaterquality.ItisnotanefficientuseofRegionalWaterBoardstafftimetoprocessWDRsforeachandeveryUSFSactivitywhenmanyoftheproposedactivitieshaveonlyapotentiallylowormoderateimpactonwaterqualityandaneffectiveWaiverprogramcanbeestablishedthatcanrely,inpart,ontheUSFSadministrationofitsexistingprogramsthatareinplacetoprotectwaterquality.ThisWaivercontainsmonitoringandreportingrequirementsthatallowtheRegionalWaterBoardtoassesstheWaiver’seffectivenessatprotectingwaterquality.TheRegionalWaterBoardwillreevaluatetheWaivernolaterthanfiveyears,whenitmustberenewed,andearlierif

appropriate.AtthattimetheRegionalWaterBoardcanmakeanynecessaryadjustments.

MonitoringandReporting39. TheManagementAgencyAgreement,whichwasdescribedinFindingNo.17,requires

implementationandeffectivenessmonitoringofthemanagementpracticesincludedintheUSFSBMPManual.TheUSFSconductedaBMPEvaluationProgram(BMPEP)tomeetthisrequirement.Through2014,BMPmonitoringwasconductedfollowingprotocolsdevelopedforthePacificSouthwestRegion(Region5)oftheUSFS.In2013,allNationalForestsbegantestingimplementationoftheNationalCoreBMPMonitoringProgram.TheRegionalBMPMonitoringprogramwillbereplacedbytheNationalCoreBMPMonitoringProgramoncethefinaltechnicalguideandnationaldirectivesarereleased,whichisanticipatedtooccurattheendof2016.BoththeBMPEPandtheNationalBMPMonitoringProgramsprovideannualonsiteassessmentsofarandomlyselectedsubsetofallBMPsthatwereimplementedaspartofactivitiesconductedwithinaNationalForest,assessingbothproperimplementationandeffectiveness.ImplementationofeffectiveBMPsisnecessarytoreachwaterqualitygoalsandobjectives.USFSBMPmonitoringresultsfortheNorthCoastRegionfrom2011through2014conductedundertheRegionalmonitoringprotocolsshowthat93percentofBMPswereratedasimplementedcorrectlyand82percentwereratedaseffectiveinpreventingadversewaterqualityeffects.

40. Additionalmonitoringisneededtoensurefullimplementationandtoprovidea

feedbacklooptomeasuretheeffectivenessofvariousmanagementpractices.Theremustbemonitoringandreportingtodemonstratethattheactualon‐the‐groundprescriptionsidentifiedforaparticularactivityareeffectiveatmeetingthegoalsofthespecificBMPsidentifiedtoaddressimpactsofspecificactivitiesandtodemonstratethattheywereimplementedandeffective.Achecklistapproachtoverifyingproperimplementationofon‐the‐groundprescriptionsisincludedintheMRPforthisWaiver.

41. Inaddition,monitoringofinstreamconditionsisimportantandneededtodescribe

theextenttowhichbeneficialusesaresupportedandtoassistinprioritizingremediationandwatershedrestorationactivities.

42. PursuanttoWaterCodesection13267,theMRPisattachedwhichincludes:

a. establishmentofaforest‐widein‐channelmonitoringnetwork;b. trackingprojectsandactivitiesdesignedtoabateexistingandthreatened

sedimentdischarges;c. descriptionsofUSFSroadandtrailpatrols,andinspectionprograms;d. summaryofBMPEPand/orNationalBMPMonitoringactivities;e. retrospectivemonitoringtoevaluatethelong‐termperformanceofBMPsand

attendanton‐the‐groundprescriptions;f. achecklistapproachforallCategoryBactivitiestoensurefullimplementationof

BMPsandon‐the‐groundprescriptions;

g. achecklistapproachforroad‐relatedCategoryBactivitiestoensureeffectivenessofroad‐relatedBMPsandon‐the‐groundprescriptions;

h. grazingallotmentmonitoringincludingstreambank,wetlandandriparianvegetationmonitoring,andpathogenindicatorbacteriamonitoring;and

i. post‐fireBurnedAreaEmergencyRehabilitationreports.43. KlamathNationalForesthasdevelopedtheKlamathNationalForestSedimentand

TemperatureMonitoringPlanandQualityAssuranceProjectPlan(USDA2010b7)toaddressTMDLimplementationintheportionsoftheSalmon,Scott,Shasta,andKlamathriverswithintheKlamathNationalForest.Thismonitoringplansupersedestherequirementforaforest‐widein‐channelmonitoringnetworkdescribedintheMRP.

EmergencyActivities44. USFSemergencyactivitiesmayincludewildfiresuppressionandBAER.TheUSFShas

procedurestoaddressfiresuppressionactivitiesandminimizeimpactsofthesuppressionactivitiesonwaterquality.EachNationalForestalsohasconditionsandprocessesinitsLRMPtoaddressfiresuppressionactivities,includingguidanceforfuelingequipment,useoffireretardants,andothercomponentsoffiresuppression.

45. Subjecttoanotificationrequirement,WaterCodesection13269,subdivision(c)

allowstheRegionalWaterBoardtowaiveWDRsfordischargesresultingfromimmediateemergencyworknecessarytoprotectlifeorpropertyorimmediateemergencyrepairstopublicservicefacilitiesnecessarytomaintainserviceasaresultofadisasterinadisaster‐strickenareainwhichastateofemergencyhasbeenproclaimedbytheGovernor.Theseactivitiesandthosespecificactionsnecessarytopreventormitigateanemergency(doesnotincludelong‐termprojects)areexemptfromCEQA.(Cal.CodeRegs.,tit.14,§15269.)TheRegionalWaterBoardhasdiscretiontoestablishconditionsonanysuchwaiver.(WaterCode,§13269,subd.(d).)

46. ExtremedroughtconditionshavepersistedintheState,increasingtheriskandoccurrenceofwildfires.Lightningstormsandhightemperatureshavefurtherincreasedthisrisk,severityandthespreadofadditionalwildfires.Highseveritywildfiresresultinthelossofsignificantvegetation,canopy,androotstrength,andincreasedhydrophobicsoils,andcanleadtoadverseimpactstowaterqualitythroughincreasesinerosion,landslidefrequency,sedimentyield,turbidity,peakflowsandflooding,temperatures,andvariouschemicalparameters.Timelymanagementcanhelptomitigatetheseimpacts.Forexample,timelyinstallationoferosioncontrol,appropriatelysizeddrainagestructures,andcriticaldipscanhelpmitigateimpacts.Additionally,itisoftennecessarytoremovehazardtreestoprotectthepublicandagencypersonnel,andsalvagedeadanddyingtreeswithsubsequentreplantingtoaccelerateforestrestoration.Insomecases,theseactionsmayresultinshort‐term

7 USDA, 2010b. Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance

Project Plan. USDA, Forest Service, Klamath National Forest. September 28, 2010.

impactsthatcannotbemitigatedtoless‐than‐significant,butneverthelesscanandshouldbeimplementedinatimelymanner.TheformalprocessforsubmittingareportofwastedischargeandprocessinganindividualWDRorwaivertakesmanymonthsandundulydelaysrecovery.Providingcoverageundertheemergencyexemptiondiscussedaboveisanappropriateresponseinsuchcases,subjecttoWaiverconditionsandsatisfactoryinformationprovidedunderFindingNo.49below.

47. DuringemergencyresponsestheresponsibleUSFSofficialisauthorizedtotake

actionsnecessarytocontroltheimmediateimpactsoftheemergencyandtomitigateharmtolife,property,orimportantnaturalorculturalresources.Whentakingsuchactions,theresponsibleofficialshalltakeintoaccounttheprobableenvironmentalconsequencesoftheemergencyactionandmitigateforeseeableadverseenvironmentaleffectstotheextentpracticalunder36CFR§220.4Generalrequirements:NEPA(42U.S.C.4332(2)(C)).(b)(1).

48. ThisWaivercoversdischargesfromemergencyactionsdefinedinCaliforniaCodeof

Regulations,title14,section15269.TheWaiverrequirestheUSFStopostemergencyincidentsonitswebsiteandtomaintainrecordsforRegionalWaterBoardstaffreview,asappropriate.

49. PortionsofafirerecoveryprojectsubmittedunderCategoryBmayqualifyfortheemergencyexemptionuponafindingbytheExecutiveOfficer.UnderWaterCodesection13269,subdivisions(c)and(d),theExecutiveOfficermayaddconditionsordeterminenottowaiveWDRs.InitsWavierApplication,theUSFSmustdescribehowtheprojectmeetsthedescriptionunderCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,title14,section15269,andadditionalinformationunderOrdersectionC.7.

AdditionalFindings50. StateWaterBoardResolutionNo.68‐16("StatementofPolicywithRespectto

MaintainingHighQualityofWatersinCalifornia")requiresthatwhenevertheexistingqualityofwaterisbetterthanthequalityestablishedinpoliciesasofthedateonwhichsuchpoliciesbecomeeffective,suchexistinghighqualitymustbemaintained.AnychangeintheexistinghighqualityisallowedbythatpolicyonlyifithasbeendemonstratedtotheRegionalWaterBoardthatanychangewillbeconsistentwithmaximumbenefittothepeopleofthestateandwillnotunreasonablyaffectpresentandanticipatedbeneficialuseofsuchwater,andwillnotresultinwaterqualitylessthanthatprescribedinthepolicies.Thepolicyfurtherrequiresthatdischargersmeetwastedischargerequirementswhichwillresultinthebestpracticabletreatmentorcontrolofthedischargenecessarytoassurethatpollutionornuisancewillnotoccurandthatthehighestwaterqualityconsistentwithmaximumbenefittothepeopleofthestatewillbemaintained.

ThisWaiverisconsistentwithResolutionNo.68‐16becauseoverallitwillresultinanetbenefittowaterqualitybysettingforthconditionsthatimplementriparianandshadeprotectionsandenhancements,addresslegacysedimentsites,andimplementBMPsandon‐the‐groundprescriptionsfornewactivities.Theactivitiespermitted

underthisWaiverhavebeendeterminedtohavealowpotentialimpacttowaterqualitywhenconductedpursuanttothetermsoftheWaiver,resultingincompliancewithapplicablewaterqualitycontrolplans,includingapplicablewaterqualityobjectives.TheimplementationofBMPsandon‐the‐groundprescriptionsidentifiedforeachactivity,andthemonitoringoftheireffectiveness,willresultinthebestpracticabletreatmentorcontrolofthedischargeandwillassurethatpollutionornuisancewillnotoccurandthatthehighestwaterqualityconsistentwithmaximumbenefittothepeopleofthestateismaintained.

51. TheRegionalWaterBoard,actingastheleadagencyundertheCalifornia

EnvironmentalQualityAct(PublicResourcesCode,sections21000‐21777)(CEQA),adoptedamitigatednegativedeclaration(SCHNo.2010042031)forWaiverR1‐2010‐0029onJune10,2010.(Cal.CodeRegs.,tit.14,§15072.)ThisOrderdoesnotresultinanyphysicalchangesintheenvironmentdifferentfromthepreviousWaiverandisthereforeexemptfromCEQAundertitle14,CaliforniaCodeofRegulations,sections15061,subdivision(b)(3).Twocategoricalexemptionsarealsoapplicableundertitle14,CaliforniaCodeofRegulationssections15307and15308,forcertainactionsbyregulatoryagenciestomaintain,restore,orenhancenaturalresourcesandtoprotecttheenvironment.TheRegionalWaterBoardwillfileanoticeofexemptioninaccordancewithtitle14,CaliforniaCodeofRegulations,section15062.Mitigationmeasuresnecessarytoreduceoreliminatesignificantimpactsontheenvironment,andmonitoringandreportingareincorporatedasconditionsofapprovalbelow.

52. TheRegionalWaterBoardhasreviewedthecontentsofthisWaiver,themitigated

negativedeclarationpreparedforWaiverR1‐2010‐0029,writtenpubliccommentsandtestimonyprovidedafternoticeandhearing,andherebyfindsthattheadoptionofthisWaiverisconsistentwiththeBasinPlan,andisinthepublicinterest.

THEREFORE,ITISHEREBYORDEREDthatOrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029isrescinded,exceptforconditionsthatapplytoindividualprojectsontheMarch2015USFSScheduleofProposedActions(SOPA,apubliclistofupcomingUSFSprojects)withaccompanyingNEPADecisionNoticebyOctober1,2015,orforwhichtheNEPAprocesshasbeeninitiatedpriortoOctober8,2015,providedtheymeettheeligibilitycriteriaandremainincompliancewiththeconditionsofOrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029untilcompleted.ByNovember30,2015,theUSFSshallreportthenamesandstatusofallprojectstobecoveredunderOrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029totheRegionalWaterBoard;andITISHEREBYORDEREDthattheprovisionsofWaterCodesection13260,subdivision(a)and(c),andWaterCodesection13264,subdivision(a)areherebywaivedfordischargesfromNFSlandthatresultfromemergencyactions,asdefinedinCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,title14,section15269;andITISHEREBYORDEREDthatpursuanttoWaterCodesections13263,subdivision(a),13267,and13269,theRegionalWaterBoardwaivestherequirementtosubmitareportofwastedischargeandtherequirementtoestablishwastedischargerequirementsfordischargesofwastesresultingfromactivitiesonNFSlandsdescribedinFindingNo.4.Thefollowingconditionsshallapply:

OrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021 ‐19‐USFSWaiverGeneralConditions(applytobothCategoryAandBActivities)1. TheUSFSshallfacilitateearlyRegionalWaterBoardstaffinvolvementintheproject

planningprocessforallprojectsthathaveapotentialtoimpactwaterqualityandforprojectsthatwillbecoveredbythisWaiver.Thisincludesprojectscoping,NEPAdevelopmentandreview,andpre‐projectconsultations.

2. TheUSFSshallnotifyRegionalWaterBoardstaffwhentheSOPAreportsarepostedontheirwebsitetoinformstaffofupcomingactivities.Ifpossible,USFSshouldindicatewhichprojectsarelikelytobeenrolledinCategoryB.

3. CompliancewithWaiverconditionswillensurethatnosignificantenvironmentalimpacttowaterqualityoccursfromanactivitycoveredbythisWaiver.ActivitiesthathavepotentiallysignificantimpactstowaterqualitythatcannotbereducedtolessthansignificantlevelsarenoteligibleforcoverageunderthisWaiverandtheUSFSshallsubmitaROWDtotheRegionalWaterBoardand/orobtainauthorizationfromtheappropriateagencyforapermitnotissuedbytheRegionalWaterBoard.

4. USFSshallmanageandmaintaindesignatedriparianzones(asdefinedinFindingNo.12),toensureretentionofadequatevegetativecoverthatresultsinnaturalshadeconditions,within300feetslopedistanceoneachsideoffish‐bearingstreams,150feetslopedistanceoneachsideofperennialstreams,and100feetslopedistanceoneachsideofintermittentstreams,orthesitepotentialtreeheightdistanceoneachsideofthestream,whicheverisgreatest(perNWFPACSStrategy8).ReferencetotheNWFPACSStrategyincludesanymodificationstothosedocumentsduringthelifeofthisWaiver,solongasthemodificationsareequallyormoreprotectiveofwaterquality,asdeterminedbytheExecutiveOfficer.TimelyimplementationisnecessaryforsedimentandtemperatureTMDLcompliance.Site‐specificpotentialeffectiveshadeisdefinedastheshadeonawatercourseequivalenttothatprovidedbytopographyandpotentialvegetationconditionsatasite.Exceptionstothisconditionwillbeconsidered.InorderforRegionalWaterBoardstafftodeterminetheadequacyofthejustificationforanexception,thejustificationmustidentifytheproposedcanopyreductionandexpectedrecoverytime,provideanestimateofthepre‐andpost‐projectshadeorsolarimpacts,andexplainhowsuchanexceptionwillresultinanetlong‐termbenefittowaterqualityandstreamtemperatures.

5. UndertheWCF,aWRAPshouldbeinplaceforatleastoneprioritysubwatershed(sixthfield)withineachTMDLwatershed(fourthfield).TheUSFSshallconsultwiththeRegionalWaterBoardwhenselectingaprioritywatershedtohelpchoosethewatershedlikelytoproducethegreatestbenefitforsedimentimprovement.Onceessentialprojectsthataddressreducingimpactstowaterqualityarecompletedwithinaprioritywatershed,anotherprioritywatershedwillbeselectedundertheWCFwithintheTMDLwatershed,untilallthreatstowaterqualityareaddressed.The

8 The NWFP is currently under review and may be revised in the future.

USFSshallmakeWRAPsavailabletoRegionalWaterBoardstaffforreviewandallowinspectionofsitesasneededtoassistinprioritization.

6. TheUSFSshallworkjointlywithRegionalWaterBoardstafftoresolveanyissuesassociatedwithprioritizationofwatersheds,includingthoseundertheWCF,especiallywithregardtoaddressingexistinglegacysedimentsitesand/orinstreamrestorationactivitiesaimedatimprovingbeneficialuses.NothinginthisWaiverprecludesspecificagreementsmadebetweentheUSFSandtheRegionalWaterBoardtodevelopNationalForestspecificBMPsthatcoversite‐specificconditionswhennecessary.

7. AllactivitiesundertakenbytheUSFSshallcomplywiththeUSFSGuidanceandtheUSFSBMPManualforwaterqualityprotection.ThisincludesfollowingtheWetWeatherOperationStandardsasdevelopedforeachNationalForest,andminimizingerosionandripariandisturbancefromroads,watercoursecrossings,roaddecommissioning,orotheractivitiesthathavethepotentialtodischargesedimentoraffectnaturalshadeconditionsonwatercourses.ReferencetotheUSFSGuidanceandUSFSBMPManualincludesanymodificationstothosedocumentsduringthelifeofthisWaiver,solongasthemodificationsareequallyormoreprotectiveofwaterquality,asdeterminedbytheExecutiveOfficer.

8. TheUSFSshallcomplywithallmitigationmeasuresidentifiedinthemitigatednegativedeclaration(SCHNo.2010042031).CEQAmitigationmeasuresshallconstituteenforceableconditionsunderthisOrder.

9. TheUSFSshallincludespecificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsdesignedtomeettheUSFSBMPswithintheenvironmentaldocumentpreparedpursuanttoNEPA.Thespecificprescriptionsshallalsobeincludedinallcontracts,grazingpermits,agreements,andotherinstrumentsusedtodirecttheactivitiesofcontractors,grazingpermittees,USFSpersonnel,volunteers,oranyotherthirdpartiesspecifiedinthisWaiver.TheintentistoprovideclarityandtransparencyinhowtheBMPswillbeimplementedandtofacilitatethemonitoringofBMPimplementation(MonitoringandReportingProgram,SectionIII.A).

10. Inadditiontoprovidingspecificon‐the‐groundprescriptions,theUSFSshallprovidecopiesofthisWaivertocontractorsandgrazingpermittees,andUSFSvolunteersandanyotherthirdpartiesspecifiedinthisWaiver,andnotifythemoftheirresponsibilitiestocomplywiththeWaiver.

11. ActivitiesdescribedinFindingNo.4,andundertakenbycontractorsandgrazingpermittees,shallcomplywiththeUSFSGuidanceandtheUSFSBMPManualandallapplicablemitigationmeasuresidentifiedintheaccompanyingmitigatednegativedeclarationforwaterqualityprotectionasarticulatedbysite‐specificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsidentifiedintheUSFScontractorgrazingpermit,andGeneralConditionNos.21‐34.ThisincludesfollowingtheWetWeatherOperationsStandardsasdevelopedforeachNationalForest,andminimizingerosionandripariandisturbancefromactivitiesthathavethepotentialtodischargesedimentthataffectnaturalshade

conditionsonwatercourses.ViolationsofthisWaiveraresubjecttoenforcementtotheextentallowedbylaw.TheUSFSwillmaintainexclusiveauthoritytodeterminewhethercontractorsorgrazingpermitteesarecomplyingwiththetermsandconditionsoftheUSFScontractorgrazingpermit.

12. ThisWaiverdoesnotauthorizeanynonpointdischargesbythirdpartiesconductingactivitiesonNFSlandsunderwrittenauthorizationoftheUSFSexceptasspecifiedintheWaiver(GeneralConditionNo.11,andNos.21‐34).

13. Aschedulefortherepairandcontrolofsignificantroadandnon‐roadrelatedsedimentsources,inaccordancewiththeScottRiverMOU,remainstobecompletedtofulfilltherequirementsofthisMOU.AschedulefortreatmentofthesesedimentsourcesshallbecompletedandsubmittedtotheRegionalWaterBoardbytheKNFbyOctober1,2016.

14. AnupdatetotheActionPlancontainedintheSalmonRiverSub‐basinRestorationStrategy,inaccordancewiththeSalmonRiverMOU,remainstobecompletedtofulfilltherequirementsofthisMOU.ThisActionPlanshallbeupdatedbytheKNFandSixRiversNFbyOctober1,2016andshalladdresstheriskofelevatedstreamtemperaturescausedbymanagement‐relateddebrisflowsintheSalmonRiversub‐basin,andincludeanevaluationofminetailingpilesandgrazingallotmentriparianarearestorationpotentialandpriorities.

15. CompliancewithalloftheconditionsofthisWaiverconstitutescompliancewithsedimentandtemperatureTMDLimplementation.TMDLimplementationincludes:legacysedimentsiteinventories,prioritization,andtreatment;retentionofnaturalshadewithindesignatedriparianzones;andapplicationofon‐the‐groundprescriptionsthatmeetUSFSBMPsfornewactivities.

16. RegionalWaterBoardstaffandstafffromeachNationalForestcoveredbythisWaivershallstrivetomeetannually,orasnecessary,todiscussandrectifyanyissuewithWaivercompliance,TMDLimplementation,oranyotherissuesassociatedwiththisWaiver.

17. USFSshallobtaincoverageundertheGeneralPermitforStormWaterDischargesAssociatedwithConstructionandLandDisturbanceActivities(ConstructionGeneralPermit,2009‐0009‐DWQ,asamendedby2010‐0014‐DWQand2012‐0006‐DWQ)fornon‐timberconstructionprojectsonNFSlandsthatdisturboneormoreacresofsoil,orlessthanoneacrebutarepartofalargercommonplanofdevelopmentthatintotaldisturbsoneormoreacres.Constructionactivitysubjecttothispermitincludesclearing,grading,anddisturbancestothegroundsuchasstockpilingorexcavation,butdoesnotincluderegularmaintenanceactivitiesperformedtorestoretheoriginalline,grade,orcapacityofthefacility.

18. ThisWaiverdoesnotauthorizedischargesfromtheapplicationofherbicidesorpesticidesasstatedinFindingNo.7.However,theUSFSshallnotifytheRegionalWaterBoardinwritingatleast90dayspriortotheproposedapplicationof

herbicidesorpesticides,unlessRegionalWaterBoardstaffagreesinwritingtoalessernotice.Thenotificationshallincludethetypeofpesticide,methodandareaofapplication,projecteddateofapplication,andmeasuresthatwillbeemployedtoassurecompliancewiththeBasinPlan.

19. TheUSFSshallsubmittotheRegionalWaterBoardacopyofanyapplicationtotheStateWaterBoardforaStatewideGeneralNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)PermitforResidualAquaticPesticideDischargestoWatersoftheUnitedStatesfromAlgaeandAquaticWeedControlApplications(Order2013‐0002‐DWQ).

20. TheUSFSmaysubmitinformationonlowriskusesorapplicationsofpesticides(e.g.usearoundbuildings/facilities,boraxstumptreatmentforrootdisease)forconsiderationbyRegionalWaterBoardstafftodevelopalistofactivitiesexemptfromthenotificationinGeneralConditionNo.18.

21. ActivitiesconductedunderthisWaivermustbeincompliancewithwaterqualityrequirements,theBasinPlan,andamendmentsthereto.

22. Thedischargeofsoil,silt,bark,slash,sawdust,orotherorganicandearthenmaterialfromanylogging,construction,orassociatedactivityofwhatevernatureintoanystreamorwatercourseinquantitiesdeleterioustofish,wildlife,orotherbeneficialusesisprohibited.

23. Theplacingordisposalofsoil,silt,bark,slash,sawdust,orotherorganicandearthenmaterialfromanylogging,construction,orassociatedactivityofwhatevernatureatlocationswheresuchmaterialcouldpassintooraffectanystreamorwatercourseinquantitieswhichcouldbedeleterioustofish,wildlife,orotherbeneficialusesisprohibited.

24. ThisWaivercoversdischargesofwastefromactivitiesdescribedinFindingNo.4.ThisWaiverdoesnotcoverdischargesassociatedwithactivitiesnotdescribedinFindingNo.4.Forexample,thisWaiverdoesnotcoverdischargesdescribedinFindingNo.7suchasminingwaste,hazardousmaterial,orhumanwaste.

25. DischargesofwastenotspecificallyregulatedunderthisWaiverareprohibitedexceptincompliancewiththeWaterCode.

26. PursuanttoWaterCodesection13269,thisWaiver,andanyenrollmentunderthisWaiver:1)isconditional;2)maybeterminatedatanytime;3)doesnotpermitanyillegalactivity;4)doesnotprecludetheneedforpermitswhichmayberequiredbyotherfederal,stateorlocalgovernmentalagencies;and5)doesnotprecludetheRegionalWaterBoardfromadministeringenforcementremedies(includingcivilliability)pursuanttotheWaterCode.

27. ThisWaiver,orindividualactivitiesenrolledundertheWaiver,maybere‐openedformodifications,revokedandreissued,orterminated.Intheeventthatunforeseen

circumstancesresultingfromtheWaiverhavetheeffectofunreasonablyconstrainingUSFSactivities,theUSFSmayseekconsiderationformodificationstotheWaiverbywrittenrequesttotheExecutiveOfficer.

28. ThisWaiver,includingenrollmentsunderthisWaiver,shallnotcreateavestedright,anddischargesofwasteshallbeconsideredaprivilege,asprovidedforinWaterCodeSection13263.

29. AwaiverofWDRsforatypeofdischargemaybesupersedediftheStateWaterBoardorRegionalWaterBoardadoptsspecificWDRsorgeneralWDRsforthistypeofdischarge.

30. ThisOrderdoesnotauthorizeanyactthatresultsinthetakingofathreatenedorendangeredspeciesoranyactthatisnowprohibited,orbecomesprohibitedinthefuture,undereithertheCaliforniaEndangeredSpeciesAct(FishandGameCodesections2050to2097)ortheFederalEndangeredSpeciesAct(16U.S.C.A.sections1531to1544).USFSshallberesponsibleformeetingallrequirementsoftheapplicableEndangeredSpeciesAct.TheUSFSshallobtainasnecessary,andcomplywith,allotherapplicablelocal,state,andfederalregulationsand/orrequiredpermits.

31. ActivitiesauthorizedunderthisWaivershallnotcausepollution,contamination,ornuisanceasdefinedbyWaterCodesection13050.

32. ViolationsofWaiverconditionsaresubjecttoenforcementactionsinthesamemannerasenforcementofwastedischargerequirements.

33. ThisWaivermustnotaffecttherightofanypersontomaintainatanytimeanyappropriateactionforreliefagainstafederalagencyoraprivatepartyconductingoperationsonfederallandsmanagedbythefederalagency.

34. WiththeexceptionofGeneralConditionNo.11,theUSFSshallcomplywithallWaiverconditionsincludingspecificconditionsforprojectsenrolledunderCategoryB.

35. InsituationswheremultipleactivitiesareincludedaspartofanapplicationforcoverageundertheWaiver,USFSshallidentifyitasaCategoryBactivityifanyoftheactivitiesfallunderCategoryB.IfthereisaquestionofwhetheraprojectisCategoryAorB,submittheprojectasaCategoryBandRegionalWaterBoardstaffwillmakeadetermination.

36. TheUSFSshallcomplywiththemonitoringandreportingrequirementscontainedintheMonitoringandReportingProgramofthisOrder.MonitoringandreportingrequirementsareissuedpursuanttoWaterCodesection13267andmaybemodifiedfromtimetotimebytheExecutiveOfficer.

37. CorrectiveactionsidentifiedthroughimplementationmonitoringintheMonitoringandReportingProgramshallbetakenwhiletheprojectisactive,priortotherelease

ofcontractors,andpriortotheonsetofthefirstwetweatheroperationsperiodafterprojectinitiation.

38. IntheeventanunauthorizeddischargeofwasteoccursasaresultofUSFSactivities,theUSFSshallnotifytheExecutiveOfficerwithin48hoursofthediscoveryofthedischarge,providinganaccuratedescriptionofthenatureofthedischarge,anyimpactsfromthedischarge,andremedialactionstakentoabateandcleanupthedischarge.Awrittenreportshallfollowwithin14daysofthenotificationofdischarge.

39. ByNovember30,2015,theUSFSshallreporttotheRegionalWaterBoardthenamesandstatusofallprojectstheybelievearecoveredorwillbecoveredunderOrderNo.R1‐2010‐0029;

ProjectCategoriesAandBA. CategoryAProjects

CategoryAincludesactivitiesthatasproposedhavealowlikelihoodofimpactstowaterquality,andassuch,requirenoadditionalconditions.TheGeneralConditionsaboveapplytoCategoryAProjects.ActivitiesincludedinCategoryAarelistedinAttachmentA.TheUSFSmayproposetoaddadditionaltypesofactivitiestothiscategorization,subjecttoapprovalbytheExecutiveOfficer.

NoapplicationisrequiredforactivitiescoveredunderCategoryAofthisWaiver.TheUSFSshallkeeprecordsofactivitiescoveredunderCategoryAofthisWaiver,includinganyenvironmentalassessmentspriorto,during,oraftertheactivity,forRegionalWaterBoardstaffreview,asdeemednecessary.

B. CategoryBProjectsCategoryBprojectsincludeactivitiesthatrequireadditionalmitigationmeasures,asdescribedundertheCategoryBConditionsbelow,andRegionalWaterBoardreviewandevaluationforcompliancewiththeWaiver.TheGeneralConditionsaboveapplytoCategoryBprojects,aswellasadditionalCategoryBConditionslistedbelow.CategoryBprojectactivitiesarelistedinAttachmentB.ApplicationforcoverageunderthisWaiverisrequiredforsuchactivitiesandprojects,asdescribedundertheCategoryBWaiverApplicationProceduressectionbelow.

CategoryBConditions:

1. TheUSFSshallactivelyaddressalllegacysedimentsites(asdefinedinFinding

No.34)forCategoryBprojects.AlllegacysedimentsitesforCategoryBprojectsmustbeidentified,inventoried,prioritized,scheduled,andimplementedfortreatmentaspartoftheCategoryBprojectactivities.TheinventoryshallbesubmittedtotheRegionalWaterBoardduringprojectdevelopment.Grazingallotmentsareexemptfromtherequirementtoidentifyandtreatlegacysedimentsites.IftheCategoryBprojectiswithinasixthfieldsubwatershedthat

containsanactiveWRAPthatistreatinglegacysedimentsites,theCategoryBprojectisexemptfromtreatinglegacyadditionalsedimentsites.

2. TradingthetreatmentoflegacysedimentsitesinsideaCategoryBprojectarea

withlegacysedimentsitesoutsideoftheprojectareamaybeacceptable,providedthetreatmentsitesarewithinthesamesixthfieldsubwatershedanditcanbedemonstratedthattheproposedtreatmentsprovideanequalorgreaterbenefittowaterquality.SuchalternativesshallbesubmittedtotheExecutiveOfficerforapproval.

3. NotwithstandingCategoryBConditionNo.1above,someCategoryBprojects

maybetoolargeorcontainprojectspecificconditionsthatmakeitinfeasibleorunnecessarytotreatalllegacysedimentsites.Insuchcases,alternativelegacysedimentsitetreatmentplansthatinventoryandproposetotreatsomeportionofthelargestsedimentproducingsiteswithintheprojectareamaybesubmittedtoExecutiveOfficerforapproval.Anyalternativeplansubmittalshallincludeadescription(e.g.projecttype,location,volumeofsediment,etc.)ofpastlegacysedimentsitetreatmentsandrestorationeffortsimplementedwiththesamesixthfieldwatershedwithinthepast20years.

4. TheUSFSshallmakelegacysiteinventoriesandWRAPsavailabletoRegional

WaterBoardstaffforreviewandallowinspectionofsitesasneededtoassistinprioritization(seeGeneralConditionsNos.5and6).RegionalWaterBoardstaffwillconferwiththeUSFSonlegacysiteinventoriesandtreatmentprojectstoverifyreasonableprogress.SuccessfulimplementationoftreatmentsandWRAPsisrequiredforsedimentandtemperatureTMDLcompliance.TheUSFSshouldidentifyandprepareaWRAPforatleastoneprioritywatershed(sixthfieldsubwatershed)withineachTMDLlistedwatershed(fourthfieldsub‐basin)tohelpassurereasonableprogresswithTMDLcompliance.

5. TheUSFSshallconductaninterdisciplinaryreviewoftheproposedactivity,

includingreviewbywatershedspecialists,andidentifyon‐the‐groundprescriptionsneededtoimplementtheUSFSBMPManual,andanyadditionalnecessarycontrolmeasuresfortheproposedactivity.TheUSFSshallclearlyindicatewithinNEPAdocumentswhetheranyofthefollowingareincludedwithinaproposedproject:

a. Activitieswithinorwhichcouldaffect:

i. designatedriparianzones;orii. wetlands;oriii. knownactivelandslidesorunstableareas.

b. Typeofactivity:i. construction,reconstruction,upgrade,orrepairofwatercourse

crossings;ii. useorreconstructionofexisting,orconstructionoruseofnewlandings

orskidtrailswithindesignatedriparianzones;

iii. equipmentoperationswithindesignatedriparianzones,exceptonexistingpermanentroadsorcrossings;

iv. prescribedfirewithindesignatedriparianzones;v. pileburningwithindesignatedriparianzones;vi. roaddecommissioningwithindesignatedriparianzones;vii. instreamrestorationprojects;viii. forestrestoration,includingtimberharvestandfuelreductionprojects

involvingthinningwithinouteredgesofdesignatedriparianzoneswhichutilizeendliningorheavyequipment;or

ix. heavyequipmentuseonslopesover40percent.

6. TheUSFSshallsubmitacompleteapplication,asdescribedundertheCategoryBWaiverApplicationProceduressectionbelow.

7. Foractivitiescarriedoutbycontractorsandgrazingpermittees,USFSshall

includeinitscontractorgrazingpermit:a. Specificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsdevelopedfortheactivitythat

implementtheUSFSBMPManual,andanyadditionalwaterqualitymeasuresidentifiedintheNEPAdocumentandotherenvironmentaldocumentssupportingtheproject;

b. AcopyofthisWaiver;andc. Aprovisionstatingthatcontractororgrazingpermitteeissubjecttothis

Waiver,specificallyGeneralConditionNo.11andNos.21‐34.

8. Wheretheproposedactivityincludesdirectorindirecteffectstowaterquality,theUSFSshallconductacumulativewatershedeffects(CWE)analysisandincludespecificmeasuresintheproposedactivityneededtoreducethepotentialforCWEsinordertoassurecompliancewiththeBasinPlan.ThescaleandextentofCWEanalyseswillbecommensuratewiththescaleandintensityoftheprojectsseekingcoverageunderthisWaiver.CWEsanalyseswillfollowguidanceintheregionalCWEpolicy,R‐5FSH2509.22,SoilandWaterConservationHandbook,Amendment1,andmayrangefromqualitativereasoningtoapplicationandinterpretationofquantitativemodels.

9. TheUSFSshallincludethelargerplanningcontextundertheWCFforspecific

projectsinanyrequestforcoverageunderthisWaiver(e.g.,howaparticularactivityorprojectfitswithinthewatershedprioritiesdevelopedthroughtheplanningprocess).TheUSFSshallincludetheWRAP(s)forsixthfieldsubwatershed(s)withinthelargerfourthfieldTMDLwatershed.Inaddition,otherlegacysiterestorationworkalreadyplannedorunderwayoutsideoftheWCFandwithinthelargerfourthfieldTMDLwatershedshallbeidentified.AtleastoneWRAPshouldbedevelopedwithineachfourthfieldTMDLwatershed.ThisinformationwillbeincludedaspartoftheCWEnarrativeanalysisandmaybeincludedintheCWEnumericalanalysis.

10. ActivitiesmustbeconductedinaccordancewiththeprojectdescriptionintheaccompanyingUSFSNEPAdocument,includinganyprojectmodificationsandthespecificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsdesignedtoimplementtheBMPsidentifiedtoavoidanyadverseimpact(s)towaterquality.

11. Activitiesshallbemonitored,pursuanttotheMonitoringandReporting

Program,toassurethatallon‐the‐groundprescriptionsareimplementedandeffectiveinavoidinganyadverseimpact(s)towaterquality.Shouldsuchmonitoringindicatethaton‐the‐groundprescriptionswerenotimplementedorthatunacceptableimpactsoccurred,correctivemeasurestoremediatetheimpactandimplementtheon‐the‐groundprescriptionshallbetakenassoonasfeasible.

12. Areaswheresoilhasbeendisturbedbyprojectactivities,excludinggrazing,

withindesignatedriparianzonesmustbestabilizedpriortothebeginningofthewinterperiod,andpriortosunsetiftheNationalWeatherServiceforecastisa“chance”(30percentormore)ofrainwithinthenext24hours,orattheconclusionofoperations,whicheverissooner.

13. TheUSFSshallreporttotheRegionalWaterBoard,withintendaysofdiscovery,

areaswithindesignatedriparianzonesthataredisturbedbygrazingthatmayresultinasignificantdischarge,andanymeasurestakentoprevent,minimize,ormitigatethepotentialtodischarge.MonitoringtoverifytheeffectivenessoftheremediationmayberequiredbytheExecutiveOfficer.

14. Whereprescribedfiremanagementactivitiesareconductedwithindesignated

riparianzones,theUSFSmustprevent,minimize,andmitigatedischargestowatersofthestatebyfollowingtheappropriateUSFSBMPsorotherstandarderosioncontroltechniques.

15. EachNationalForestmustensurethatgrazingactivitiesareconsistentwithACS

andAMSgoals,andtheUSFSBMPManual.USFSshallseekenrollmentunderthisWaiverforanynewgrazingallotmentsortherenewalofgrazingallotments.

16. Informationfrominspectionsandmonitoringofconditionsongrazing

allotmentsshallbemadeavailabletoRegionalWaterBoardstaffuponrequest,inadditiontoreportingrequirementsdescribedtheMonitoringandReportingProgramforthisWaiver.

17. TheUSFSshallimplementtheACSandAMS,andtheriparianreserveprogramto

prevent,minimize,andmitigatesedimentdischargesbyfollowingtheappropriateBMPsandstandarderosioncontroltechniquesforactivitiesadjacenttostreamsanddrainages,orotherlocationsorsituationswherepotentialfordischargeexists.

18. TheUSFSwillcollaboratewiththeRegionalWaterBoardstafftoevaluate

researchanddemonstrationactivitiesonfuelsreductionprojectswithin

designatedareastoensureplansforthoseprojectsincludeappropriatedesignfeaturestopreventorlimitimpactstowaterqualityandmayrequire:

a. additionalmonitoringasappropriate,suchasquantitativemonitoringof

impactstosoils(compaction,infiltrationrate,etc.),groundcoverinventories,vegetationrecovery,orwaterqualityanalysis;and

b. specificenvironmentaltriggersorthresholdsthatmustnotbeexceededduringimplementation.

19. TheUSFSshallminimizenewroadconstructioninwatershedsdesignatedby

USFSas“KeyWatersheds”andinhighriskor303(d)listedwatersheds.920. TheUSFSshallconduct,asidentifiedbyRegionalWaterBoardstaff,any

additionalassessmentsandenvironmentaldocumentationfornewroadsassociatedwithtimberharvestingactivities.

C. CategoryBWaiverApplicationProcedures

1. TheUSFSshallsubmitawrittenNoticeofIntent(NOI)(AttachmentC)andApplicationtotheRegionalWaterBoard.TheNOIcertifiesUSFS’sintenttocomplywithconditionsofthisWaiver.

2. TheNOIshallbesignedbyaUSFSlineofficerortheirauthorizedrepresentative.3. TheNOIandApplication(collectivelytheWaiverApplication)shallbefiledafter

projectapprovalbyUSFS,andatleast30dayspriortoanticipatedcommencementofon‐the‐groundactivities.CertifiedmailmaybeusedtoconfirmthedeliverydateoftheNOIandtheinitiationofthe30‐dayreviewperiod.Totheextentpossible,WaiverApplicationsandrelatedmaterialsshallbesubmittedinasearchablePortableDocumentFormatbyemailtoNorthCoast@waterboards.ca.gov.

4. SubjecttoCategoryBWaiverApplicationProceduresNo.3,iftheWaiver

Applicationiscomplete,theExecutiveOfficershallacceptordenyinwritingwithin30daysfromitsreceiptoftheWaiverApplication.

5. TheExecutiveOfficerhasthediscretiontoadjusttimeframesatthewritten

requestoftheUSFS.6. Tobecomplete,theWaiverApplicationmustcontainthefollowinginformation:

9Highriskwatershedsarethosewatershedsthatareatorabovethresholdsofconcernforcumulative

watershedeffects,asdeterminedbytheEquivalentRoadedAreaorothermodels,orinwatershedswith303(d)listedimpairedwaters.

a. Abriefdescriptionoftheproposedactivity.Providingareferencetomoredetailedexplanationscontainedinsupportingdocumentsissufficient.10

b. Activitystartandenddates;referencetomorespecifictimelinesinsupportingdocumentsissufficient(seefootnote10).

c. Thename(s)andcontactinformationforprimaryprojectmanagementpersonnel.

d. AdescriptionofcompliancewiththeWaiverconditionsingeneralterms,withon‐the‐groundprescriptionssetoutinthesupportingdocumentsbeingsufficient(seefootnote10).

e. Implementationmonitoringchecklistsand/orroadprojecteffectivenessmonitoringchecklistsshallbedevelopedbyUSFSprojectstaff(timber,range,recreation,engineering,etc.)foreachCategoryBproject.

f. Identification,proposedtreatments,andaschedulefortreatmentofexistinglegacynonpointsourcesedimentsites,iftheprojectisnotinWatershedConditionFrameworkprioritywatershedandWRAPs.

g. Theproposedproject’srelationtotheWatershedConditionFrameworkprioritywatershedsandWRAPs,withinapplicableTMDLlistedwatershed(s).CopiesofrelevantWRAPswillbeattachedtotheapplication.

h. Identificationandproposedtreatmentsofexistinglegacysedimentsitesifaninventoryandprioritizationoflegacysedimentsiteshasnotbeeninitiatedintheprojectarea,asdescribedintheprojectdescription,(perGeneralConditionNos.5and6)orreferencetothelegacysiteinventoryforwatershedswithaWRAP.

i. Copiesofrelevantportionsofallenvironmentaldocumentsthatsetoutthedetailsofaproject,especiallyon‐the‐groundprescriptions,includingsupportingdocumentsthatdescribeindetailtheactivitiesandmanagementpracticesthatwillbetakentoreducepotentialwaterqualityimpactstolessthansignificantlevels(e.g.,NEPAdocuments,wetweatheroperationsstandards,technicalreports,designcriteria,assessments,watershedrestorationplans).

j. TheUSFSshallclearlyindicatewithinNEPAdocuments,andprovideanindexof,thespecificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsdesignedtomeettheBMPstoavoidanyadverseimpact(s)towaterquality.Specificon‐the‐groundprescriptionsshallbeincludedinallcontractsandgrazingpermits.

7. Forportionsofanyfirerecoveryprojectsubjecttheemergencyexemption,the

USFSshalldescribehowtheprojectmeetsthedescriptionunderCaliforniaCodeofRegulations,title14,section15269,andthefollowingadditionalinformation:

a. Howtheprojectisdesignedtominimizedisturbancetoriparianreserves

(includingroadsandlandings);b. Avoidancemeasures(i.e.nowetweatheroperations,roadtreatments,slash

pileplacement,etc.);andc. Anyadditionalwaterqualityprotectionmeasures.

10Citationtoawebsiteoranelectronicversionofadocumentisacceptable.

OrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021 ‐30‐USFSWaiverD. CategoryBWaiverTerminationProcedures

1. TheUSFSshallsubmitaNoticeofProjectCompletion(AttachmentD)uponprojectcompletion,certifyingthatalltheconditionsandmonitoringandreportingrequiredbythisWaiverhavebeenmet.TheenrollmentunderthisWaiverwillbeterminateduponreceiptofaTerminationofCoverageletterfromtheExecutiveOfficer,or30daysaftertheNoticeofCompletionhasbeensent,whicheveroccursfirst.

ThisWaivershallbecomeeffectiveonOctober8,2015andshallexpireonOctober8,2020,unlessextendedbytheRegionalWaterBoard.Certification:I,MatthiasSt.John,ExecutiveOfficerdoherebycertifythattheforegoingisafull,true,andcorrectcopyofanOrderadoptedbytheCaliforniaRegionalWaterQualityControlBoard,NorthCoastRegion,onOctober8,2015.____________________________

MatthiasSt.JohnExecutiveOfficer

15_0021_Waiver_USFS

Attachments:

A. CategoryAProjectsB. CategoryBProjectsC. NoticeofIntent(NOI)ApplicationFormD. NoticeofProjectCompletion(NOC)Form

AttachmentACategoryAProjects

1. Christmastreeharvestunderindividualpermits(doesnotincludecommercialChristmastreecutting);

2. Cuttingoffirewoodunderindividualpermits(doesnotincludecommercialfirewoodcuttingonfederallands);

3. Hazardtreeremovalindesignatedcampsites;4. Hazardtreeremovalalongroads;5. Treeplantingandrevegetationofdisturbedareaswithnomechanicalsite

preparation;6. RoutineannualroadandOHVtrailmaintenance,suchasculvertcleaningandlow

impactreplacement/modification/upgradingoutsideofdesignatedriparianzoneswherethereisnoriskofsedimentdeliverytowatercourses,roadsurfaceimprovements(paving,patching,blading,gravelsurfacing),brushing,ditchcleaningandcrossdraincleaning;

7. HandThinningwithoutassistancefromheavyequipmentandnoriskofdischarge;8. Minoractivitiesinsmallareasthatareconductedbyhandcrews;9. ActivitiesconductedincompliancewithRoadUsePermits;10. Dispersedcamping,campingindevelopedrecreationsites,useofnon‐motorized

trails,fencebuilding,andsimilarlow‐impact,dispersedactivities;11. Timberharvest,fuelreduction,vegetationmanagement,andunderstoryorpile

burningusinghandcrewsoutsideofRiparianReserveswherethereisnoriskofsedimentdeliverytowatercourses;

12. Installationofvaulttoilets;13. Foottrailbridgereplacementandtrailworkusinghandcrews;14. Non‐emergencyfirerestorationandrehabilitationofburnedareasoutsideof

designatedriparianzonesandwherethereisnoriskofsedimentdeliverytowatercourses;and

15. RoadandTrailMaintenance:a. Signinstallationandmaintenanceb. Brushingforsightdistanceandroadclearancec. Creatingclosuredevicesd. Roadsidehazardandmaintenancetreese. Installingandmaintainingculvertappurtenances(inletsections,riprap,

over‐sidedrains,dropinlets,risersetc.)f. Repair,upgrade,orreplacementofpavedsurfaces.

AttachmentBCategoryBProjects

1. Non‐emergencyrestorationandrehabilitationofburnedareas,andfirerecovery;2. Pre‐Commercialthinning,heavyequipmentuse,orburningindesignated

riparianzones;3. Vegetationmanagement,particularlyprescribedburnsandmechanical

masticationadjacenttostreamsanddrainages,orothersituationsorlocationswherelikelihoodofdischargeexists;

4. Timberharvestandfuelreductionactivities,includingforestrestorationprojectsandresearchanddemonstrationprojectsonfuelreduction;

5. UnderstoryorpileburningwithinRiparianReserves;6. Activitiesconductedbyhandcrewsindesignatedriparianzonesthatposearisk

ofdischarge;7. Roaddecommissioningandroadstorage/roaddeactivation;8. Roadupgradingandstormproofingwherethereispotentialfordischarge;9. Roadconstructionactivitiesnotsubjecttocoverageunderthestate‐wide

constructionstormwaterpermit;10. MaintenanceactivitiesrelatedtoNationalForestTransportationSystem(NFTS)

motorvehicletrailsadjacenttowatercourseswherethelikelihoodofdischargeexists;

11. Rangemanagementactivities;12. Nonpointsourceactivitiesassociatedwithmining(e.g.,roads,buildingpads,

unvegetatedsoilareasasdescribedinFindingNo.7);and13. Watershedprojects,includingbutnotlimitedtoinstreamrestorationprojects

andlegacysedimentsitetreatmentactivities

California Environmental Protection Agency

AttachmentCCategoryBNoticeofIntentApplicationForm

NoticeofIntenttoComplywiththeWaiverofWasteDischargeRequirementsforNonpointSourceDischargesRelatedtoCertainFederalLandManagementActivitiesonNationalForestSystemLandsintheNorthCoastRegionOrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021

USFSCONTACTINFORMATION

USFSProjectContact NationalForest

RangerDistrict

Address Telephonenumber

PROJECTINFORMATION

ProjectName ProjectSize(acres)

PrimaryWatershedName(s) StreamName(s)

ProjectType StreamName(s)

ProjectDescription

CERTIFICATIONIherebycertifythatIunderstandandintendtocomplywithallcriteriaandconditionsofOrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021andallapplicablewaterqualitycontrolregulations.

Signature,USFSAuthorizedOfficer Date

OrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021USFSWaiver

‐34‐

AttachmentDCategoryBNoticeofProjectCompletionForm

NoticeofProjectCompletionandFinalCertificationofComplianceWiththeWaiverofWasteDischargeRequirementsforNonpointSourceDischargesRelatedtoCertainFederalLandManagementActivitiesonNationalForestSystemLandsintheNorthCoastRegionOrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021 USFSCONTACTINFORMATION

USFSProjectContact NationalForest

RangerDistrict

Address Telephonenumber

PROJECTINFORMATIONProjectName

PrimaryWatershedName(s) StreamName(s)

ProjectType

DateofProjectCompletion

CERTIFICATION

IherebycertifythattheaboveProjectwasconductedinconformancewithallapplicableprovisionsofOrderNo.R1‐2015‐0021.Additionally,IcertifythatdischargesresultingfromtheaboveProjectwereincomplianceorareexpectedtocomplywithallrequirementsofapplicablewaterqualitycontrolplans.

Signature,USFSAuthorizedOfficer Date

California Regional Water Quality Control Board Order No. R1‐2015… · 2015-10-09 · Order No....

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