Cal. Code Regs. tit. 23 § 3967
Resolution No. R7-2006-0047, adopted on June 21, 2006, by the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board, modified the regulatory provisions of the Water Quality Control Plan for the Colorado River Basin Region by establishing a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Implementation Plan for trash in the New River at the International Boundary, Imperial County, California. The current trash load of the New River is impairing the following beneficial uses: warm freshwater habitat (WARM); wildlife habitat (WILD); preservation or rare, threatened, and endangered species (RARE); water contact recreation (REC 1); non-contact water recreation (REC 2); and freshwater replenishment (FRSH). Water quality objectives are not being met in the New River due in part to illegal dumping and littering into the New River and its tributary drains in Mexicali, Mexico, which adversely impacts beneficial uses. Trash has an impact on the water column that may extend to the New River's terminus at the Salton Sea because trash may carry or leach other pollutants (e.g., pathogens, VOCs, and metals), thus causing water quality impacts.
The TMDL Implementation Plan consists of two phases, and uses an interim numeric target to assess compliance progress. Phase I calls for a 75 percent trash reduction within two years of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) approval of the TMDL. Phase II calls for a 100 percent trash reduction within three years of USEPA approval of the TMDL. Third party cooperating agencies are requested to complete implementation tasks within specified timeframes, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding, forming a coordination committee, and submitting semiannual progress reports.
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 3967