Frequently Asked Questions Reproduction Q. - Can you use the Assessor's Parcel Number for locating the Topography maps that are on file at the District? A. - It is difficult. We prefer the Township, Range and Section numbers (e.g., T3S R4W Sec25). We can assist you in obtaining these numbers, if necessary. Q. - What information can be used to find the Topo map number? A. - We can use the Thomas Brothers Guide if the address or nearby intersections are available. Sometimes the correct numbers are written across the top of the Assessor's Map. We can use the same numbers as the USGS Quad Sheet. If nothing else is available, give us driving directions how to get to the property. Q. - What is the difference between aerial photos, topo maps and ortho photos? A. - Aerial photos are 9"x9" black and white photographs taken from an airplane looking straight down.  Each photograph can cover a small area or several square miles.  Our topo maps are one square mile (one section) showing contours in 4 foot intervals along with streets, boundaries and other features labeled for identification.  Ortho photos are a combination of both aerial photo and topo map but with added features.  Like the topo maps, the ortho photos are one square mile with 4 foot 1contour intervals, streets, boundaries, etc., plus aerial photo imagery as a back drop.  On the ortho photo the aerial photos have been rectified allowing them to be scaleable. Survey Q. - Do you have any Survey control in the area of my job? A. - We will need some information. We will need toknow the nearest street intersection to the property or the Township, Range and Section that the property is in. Please call (951) 955-1200 or come in and ask for the Survey Section. Environmental/Regulatory Q. - What is a "blueline" stream? What is a "wetland"? What is a Section 1601 or Section 1603 Streambed Alteration Agreement? A. - These questions typically pertain to Section 1600 of the California Fish and Game Code and the related regulatory requirements of CDFG. CDFG is responsible for determining jurisdictional areas/activities, reviewing Section 1601 and Section 1603 permit applications and issuing permits. CDFG is also the State agency that reviews projects that will impact state Endangered/Threatened Species. Please see the Environmental page for additional information. Q. - What is a "wetland"? What are "waters of the United States"? What is a discharge of dredged or fill material? Where is the "ordinary high water mark"? What is a Section 404 permit? What is a Section 404(b)(1) Alternative Analysis? A. - These questions typically pertain to Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act and the related regulatory requirements of the Corps and the EPA. The Corps is responsible for determining jurisdictional areas, reviewing Section 404 permit applications and issuing permits with oversight from the EPA. Please see the Environmental page for additional information. Q. - What are "waters of the State"? What are water quality standards? What are waste discharge requirements? What is a Section 401 Water Quality Certification? A. - These questions typically pertain to Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act and the related regulatory requirements of the SWRCB. The RWQCBs, with oversight from the SWRCB, are responsible for reviewing applications and issuing or denying Section 401 Water Quality Certifications. A Section 401 Water Quality Certification must be issued before the Corps will issue a final Section 404 permit. Please see the Environmental page for additional information. Water Quality/NPDES/Stormwater Program Q. - What is polluted stormwater? A. - Polluted stormwater is rainwater runoff that carries pollutants into the storm drain system. Stormwater pollution is caused in two ways: directly, when individuals pour pollutants into storm drains; and indirectly, when water flowing over streets, parking lots and yards carries contaminants such as motor oil and pesticides, into the storm drain systems. Because it can originate from so many sources, stormwater pollution is very difficult to monitor and control. As development and population increases, so does the volume of contaminants entering the storm drain system. Q. - What's being done to prevent stormwater pollution? A. - Pollution prevention programs have historically focused on industrial properties, such as factories and sewage treatment plants, which were considered major sources of water pollution. Despite the success of industrial pollution prevention programs, many pollutants still enter our rivers and lakes through the storm drain system. As a result, the federal Clean Water Act requires local governments to take positive steps to reduce stormwater pollution originating from areas such as private households and small businesses.Riverside County's Stormwater/Cleanwater Protection Program is designed to make local residents aware of the problem, and to promote common sense methods to reduce stormwater pollution. Q. - How does stormwater pollution affect the environment? A. - Stormwater pollution causes extensive environmental damage by poisoning plants and contaminating wildlife habitats. It jeopardizes recreational use of our lakes and rivers (for activities such as swimming, fishing and boating). Polluted stormwater may contaminate groundwater, and our drinking water resources. Q. - Does water entering the storm drain system go to a water treatment plant? A. - No. Storm drain systems simply carry untreated waters away from populated areas. These waters then empty into lakes, rivers, and percolate to groundwater. Q. - Do pollutants flow through the storm drain system only when it rains? A. - During the rainy season, the stormwater carries contaminants down the storm drain and into local rivers and lakes. Throughout the drier months, excess water from sprinklers, garden hoses, and industrial operations also wash into the storm drain system. Q. - Can any products be safely poured down the storm drains? A. - No! Because storm drains lead to local rivers and lakes, people must remember: Only Rain In The Storm Drain! Q. - Can stormwater pollution be prevented? A. - Stormwater pollution can be prevented by reducing the amount of polluted water that enters the storm drain system. Adopting good habits such as keeping motor vehicles free of leaks; using, storing and disposing of home and garden products properly, sweeping driveways instead of hosing them clean, and using public transportation go a long way toward reducing stormwater pollution.