The Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates stationary sources that emit air pollutants — including manufacturing plants, refineries, power generators, industrial facilities, and certain commercial operations. California has its own State Implementation Plan (SIP) and additional regulations administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and 35 local air quality management districts that often impose more stringent requirements than federal standards.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. It covers point source discharges through the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program, stormwater management, wetlands protection under Section 404, and imposes water quality standards that California has supplemented through the Porter-Cologne Act.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) establishes a cradle-to-grave regulatory framework for solid and hazardous waste. It applies to generators, transporters, and treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) administers RCRA-authorized programs in the state, often with more stringent requirements than federal minimums.

Illegal disposal of hazardous waste under California and federal law can result in civil penalties of thousands of dollars per day, mandatory cleanup costs, criminal prosecution for knowing violations (including imprisonment), contribution liability for cleanup at contaminated sites, and significant civil liability to affected neighboring property owners.

An NPDES permit is required for point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. Facilities that discharge process wastewater, cooling water, or certain stormwater directly to surface waters must obtain an NPDES permit from the appropriate California Regional Water Quality Control Board. Industrial stormwater dischargers must also comply with California's General Industrial Stormwater Permit.

Construction projects that disturb one acre or more of land must comply with California's General Construction Stormwater Permit, which requires implementing and documenting a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), monitoring for pollutant discharges, and reporting. Violations can result in significant penalties and enforcement actions.

Stationary air pollution sources above certain emission thresholds must obtain permits from the applicable local air quality management district. Major sources may also require federal Title V operating permits. Permit requirements address emission controls, operational parameters, recordkeeping, and regular reporting obligations.

You should consult an attorney at the earliest sign of a compliance issue — including when a regulatory agency requests information, initiates an inspection, issues an NOV, or if your business is planning operations that may require new permits or trigger additional regulatory requirements. Early legal advice reduces the risk of unintentional violations and adverse enforcement outcomes.