The California Clean Water Act

Governor Vetos Bill to Improve Sewage Infrastructure in California

The Governor vetoed the California Clean Water Act on September 30, 2008. The bill, sponsored by Baykeeper, would have helped identify failing sewer systems that are polluting our neighborhoods and waterways and motivate needed upgrades. We are disappointed that the Governor chose not to protect our communities from sewage pollution. Baykeeper's work to prevent sewage pollution to the Bay is even more important now – it's critical that we continue to watchdog the agencies that are dumping raw sewage and toxic chemicals into our homes, creeks and the Bay.

Read more about the background of the bill below:

In September, the California Legislature passed Baykeeper’s sewage prevention bill, AB 2986, The California Clean Water Act. The bill would have held sewage operators accountable for sewage spills and helped keep California communities informed about sewage pollution in their cities.

Problem: In 2007, aging sewage plants and collection systems dumped over sixteen million gallons of sewage into California's rivers, coasts and bays. Sewage contains human waste, pathogens and viruses, as well as household and industrial chemicals and toxic pollutants. These spills harm California's waterways and beaches and pose a serious threat to the health and safety of people who fish, recreate or live near the affected areas.
 
Solution: AB 2986, a bill sponsored by San Francisco Baykeeper, would have reformed our failing sewer systems by requiring the State Water Board to give a letter grade of A, B, C or F to every sewage treatment plant and collection system in California. This public accountability brings attention to problem systems before harmful discharges of untreated waste occur and facilitates the improvement of failing sewage operations.