Uniform stormwater governance in a diverse landscape: Rescaling and NPDES requirements in San Mateo County, California

Abstract

This study examines and evaluates scale-related problems encountered in the rescaling of NPDES trash-related permitting requirements for San Mateo County communities and develops recommendations for avoiding some of the pitfalls associated with scale and interagency coordination as the Bay Area’s stormwater management structure continues to evolve. The study examines a variety of public discourse documents, scholarly articles and planning documents to identify shortcomings in policy development and coordination. The paper concludes that better interagency coordination, recognition of power structures inherent in multi-scale environmental governance, and more sincere discursive processes could result in reduced fragmentation and more effective policy-making.