Water quality: state certification.

Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Under federal law, any applicant seeking a federal license or permit for an activity that may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the United States is required to first seek a state water quality certification, as specified. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act authorizes the state board to certify or provide a statement to a federal agency, as required pursuant to federal law, that there is reasonable assurance that an activity of any person subject to the jurisdiction of the state board will not reduce water quality below applicable standards. The federal act provides that if a state fails or refuses to act on a request for this certification within a reasonable period of time, which shall not exceed one year after receipt of the request, then the state certification requirements are waived with respect to the federal application. This bill would authorize the state board to delegate its authority regarding the above-described issuance of a certificate or statement to the regional boards. The bill would require a project proponent, as defined, to request a prefiling meeting with the state board, as specified. The bill would require the state board to act on the certification request within 60 days, except as specified. The bill would require a certification request to the state board for either an individual license or permit or a general license or permit to contain specified information. The bill would require the state board to take specified actions depending on whether it grants, grants with conditions, or denies the certification request.