The City of Ripon is required by the State Water Resources Control Board to take part in the Delta Regional Monitoring Program.

This covers the storm water runoff that goes directly into the Stanislaus River, which feeds into the San Joaquin River.

Due to certain pollutants within the San Joaquin River, Ripon is required to take part in this water quality monitoring program under SWRCB’s Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System general permit that dates back to 2013.

“All cities with a population of over 10,000 falls under the Phase II general permit requirements,” said Public Works Director James Pease in his staff report in the Aug. 13 Ripon City Council meeting.

The intent of this requirement program is to determine the extent of the receiving water problems along with identifying the sources of the water quality programs and whether or not conditions of the receiving water are getting better or worse, he added.

The Delta Monitoring Program examines the constituents that are commonly found in storm water runoff. Included are pathogens, mercury, pesticides and any associated toxicity to aquatic organisms.

The City of Ripon’s annual payment to the Delta Regional Monitoring Program is $5,150, which is paid via the Sewer Operating Fund.

No discussion was necessary by Council on approval on this item.