Clean Water Branch CWB Home | About CWB | Administrative Procedures | Contact Us | Current Warnings, Advisories, and Postings | Forms | General Health Advisory | Ocean Recreation Links | Polluted Runoff Control Program | Public Notices and Update | Reports and Plans | Standard NPDES Permit Conditions | Water Quality Data | Water Quality Standards Maps | Workshop Presentations |

Introduction
The Clean Water Branch (CWB) protects the public health of residents and tourists who enjoy playing in and around Hawaii’s coastal and inland water resources. The CWB also protects and restores inland and coastal waters for marine life and wildlife. This is accomplished through statewide coastal water surveillance and watershed-based environmental management through a combination of permit issuance, monitoring, enforcement, sponsorship of polluted runoff control projects, and public education.

History & Mission Statement

Engineering Section
Administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program and the federal Small Business Loan Program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Issues Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certifications for federal permits for construction in nearshore and inland waters. Oversees the City and County of Honolulu in administering the Publicly Owned Treatment Works Pre-Treatment Program.

Monitoring Section
Identifies sources of water pollution through area surveillance, routine inspections, and complaint investigations. Evaluates the impact of water pollutants on public health; determines compliance with rules via source testing, water sampling, and special studies; submits data that appear to indicate non-compliance to the Enforcement Section.

Enforcement Section
Analyzes water quality and operational data to determine degree of non-compliance. Determines compliance with permit conditions via site inspection, source testing and special studies; and corrective measures through administrative or court actions. Coordinates with the Wastewater Branch in enforcement cases regarding wastewater treatment plants.

Polluted Runoff Control Program
Fosters partnerships with other agencies involved in nonpoint source pollution control. Promotes community-based watershed management through education and voluntary compliance with environmental management standards. Provides federal funding for demonstration of best management practice (BMP) projects from the public and private sectors relating to non point source control. Encourages and supports programs for environmental education.

Clean Water Branch - Contact Us