The purpose of this chapter is to provide authorization for projects that restore and protect the water quality and environment of coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and near shore waters.
Chapter 3Clean Beaches Program
Section § 30915
This law section authorizes projects aimed at improving and safeguarding the water quality and environment of coastal areas, estuaries, bays, and near shore waters.
water quality restoration environmental protection coastal waters estuaries bays near shore waters project authorization marine environment environmental projects coastal ecosystem aquatic habitat pollution reduction ecosystem restoration habitat protection
Section § 30916
This law section outlines how funds can be granted to public agencies and nonprofits to improve coastal water quality. Projects eligible for funding include enhancements to water quality at public beaches, upgrades to sewer and septic systems, stormwater pollution reduction strategies, low-impact development programs, and implementing stormwater resource plans.
Funded projects must align with state and federal water quality regulations, provide long-term environmental benefits, and address pollution at its source. Applicants need to submit detailed monitoring and reporting plans, and those receiving funds must report on project outcomes and effectiveness once completed.
Only up to 25% of a grant can be awarded upfront, and applicants must secure necessary permits and approvals. Projects should also align with recovery plans for threatened aquatic species where applicable. A Clean Beaches Task Force will review and recommend projects for funding.
(a)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(a) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, funds provided under this chapter may be used by the board, in consultation with the State Coastal Conservancy, to award grants not to exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) per project to public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the purposes of this chapter. Grants may be awarded for any of the following projects:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(a)(1) A project designed to improve water quality at public beaches and to make improvements for the purpose of ensuring that coastal waters adjacent to public beaches meet the bacteriological standards set forth in Article 2 (commencing with Section 115875) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(a)(2) A project to make improvements to, or upgrades or conversions of, existing sewer collection systems and septic systems for the restoration and protection of coastal water quality.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(a)(3) A project designed to implement stormwater and runoff pollution reduction and prevention programs, or for the implementation of best management practices, for the restoration and protection of coastal water quality.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(a)(4) A project designed to implement or promote low-impact development for new or existing developments that will contribute to the improvement of water quality or reduce stormwater runoff.
(5)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(a)(5) A project designed to implement a stormwater
resource plan prepared pursuant to Part 2.3 (commencing with Section 10560) of Division 6 of the Water Code.
(b)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(b) The projects funded pursuant to this chapter shall be consistent with the state’s nonpoint source control program, as revised to meet the requirements of Division 20 (commencing with Section 30000), Section 6217 of the federal Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990, Section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1329), Division 7 (commencing with Section 13000) of the Water Code, and the California Coastal Commission.
(c)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(c) The projects funded pursuant to this chapter shall demonstrate the capability of contributing to sustained, long-term water quality or environmental restoration or protection benefits for a period of 20 years, address the causes of degradation, rather than the symptoms, and be consistent with water quality and resource
protection plans prepared, implemented, or adopted by the board, the applicable regional water quality control board, and the State Coastal Conservancy.
(d)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(d) An applicant for funds under this chapter shall be required to submit to the board a monitoring and reporting plan that does all of the following:
(1)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(d)(1) Identifies the nonpoint source or sources of pollution to be prevented or reduced by the project.
(2)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(d)(2) Describes the baseline water quality or environmental quality to be addressed.
(3)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(d)(3) Describes the manner in which the project will be effective in preventing or reducing pollution and in demonstrating the desired environmental results.
(4)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(d)(4) Describes the monitoring program, including, but
not limited to, the methodology, and the frequency and duration of monitoring.
(e)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(e) Upon completion of the project, a recipient of funds under this chapter shall submit a report to the board that summarizes the completed activities and indicates whether the purposes of the project have been met. The report shall include information collected by the recipient in accordance with the project monitoring and reporting plan, including a determination of the effectiveness of the project in preventing or reducing pollution, and the results of the monitoring program. The board shall make the report available to the public, watershed groups, and federal, state, and local agencies.
(f)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(f) Not more than 25 percent of a grant may be awarded in advance of actual expenditure.
(g)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(g) An applicant for funds under this chapter shall inform
the board of any necessary public agency approvals, entitlements, and permits that may be necessary to implement the project. The application shall certify to the board, at the appropriate time, that those approvals, entitlements, and permits have been granted.
(h)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(h) Where recovery plans for coho salmon, steelhead trout, or other threatened or endangered aquatic species exist, projects funded under this chapter shall be consistent with those plans and, to the extent feasible, shall seek to implement actions specified in those plans.
(i)CA Public Resources Code § 30916(i) The board shall appoint a Clean Beaches Task Force comprised of individuals representing the breadth and diversity of coastal communities. All proposals for funding shall be reviewed by the task force. The task force may recommend projects to the board for funding consideration.
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Section § 30917
This law requires that the board must allow the public to review and comment before they award funds under this chapter. Additionally, the board can work together with the State Coastal Conservancy to create rules to carry out the details of this chapter.
The board shall provide opportunity for public review and comment in awarding funds pursuant to this chapter, and may, in consultation with the State Coastal Conservancy, adopt regulations to implement this chapter.
public review public comment awarding funds State Coastal Conservancy board regulations implement regulations fund distribution public participation consultation process program implementation public engagement funding decisions chapter implementation public feedback coastal regulations
