Appropriation of water: Sewerage Commission Oroville.

Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (board) administers a water rights program pursuant to which the board grants permits and licenses to appropriate water. Existing law requires the owner of a wastewater treatment plant to obtain the approval of the board prior to making any changes in the point of discharge, place of use, or purpose of use of treated wastewater, and requires the board to review the proposed changes in accordance with prescribed procedures. Existing law authorizes any municipality, governmental agency, or political subdivision operating a waste disposal plant that discharges water meeting the requirements of the appropriate regional board into the San Joaquin River to file an application for a permit to appropriate an equal amount of water, as adjusted for seepage and other factors, downstream from the disposal plant and out of the San Joaquin River or the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which water may be sold or utilized for any beneficial purpose. Existing law authorizes the board to grant the permit to appropriate on such terms and conditions as in the board's judgment are necessary for the protection of the rights of others. This bill would authorize the Sewerage Commission Oroville to file an application for a permit, on or after July 1, 2013, to appropriate a specified amount of water that is based on the volume of treated wastewater that it discharges into the Feather River, as specified. The bill would authorize the board to grant a permit to appropriate that treated wastewater upon terms and conditions determined by the board. The bill would require the board, prior to granting a permit pursuant to these provisions, to comply with permit, approval, and review requirements and other laws applicable to the appropriation of water. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Sewerage Commission Oroville. The bill would require the board to prepare a report assessing the potential cumulative effects of the above-described discharge and appropriation provisions on the use of water rights by current water rights holders, the ability to meet or exceed instream flow standards in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, and the ability to meet or exceed water quality standards in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The bill would require the board to post the report on its Internet Web site and transmit an electronic copy of the final report to subject matter committees of the Legislature by July 1, 2013, as specified.