Water requirements buoyed

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has reached an agreement with the Port of Stockton that will correct deficiencies in the port’s storm-water program.

In a 2008 audit of the port’s storm-water management and control systems, the EPA and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board found deficiencies with the port’s permit program relating to industrial oversight, standard development and toxicity monitoring, according to a press release. The port’s sewer system flows directly and indirectly into the San Joaquin River.

Under the agreement, the port is required to follow the Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program, and will be required to improve its toxicity testing program, pesticide storage and various other practices by July 1, 2010.

Ports contain a variety of facilities, including many that relate to the transportation of goods. Because ports are in close proximity to U.S. waterways, compliance with storm-water requirements has been identified as an emerging priority by federal water-control agencies.