On June 12, 2025, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board approved a general permit regulating waste discharges from commercial vineyards in the region. The new General Waste Discharge Requirements for Commercial Vineyards ("Vineyard Order," Order No. R1-2024-0056) applies to about 65,000 acres of vineyards located primarily within the Big-Navarro-Garcia, Gualala-Salmon, and Russian River Hydrologic watersheds. These requirements are aimed at protecting rivers and groundwater from sediment, nutrient, and pesticide pollution associated with winegrowing. Vineyards still have time to comply with the Order’s requirements, as they do not require grower enrollment in the program until July 2028.
Who Must Enroll – And By When
Coverage extends to commercial vineyards within the North Coast Region that are larger than five acres. Existing operations may enroll individually or through a grower coalition beginning July 1, 2027, but by no later than July 1, 2028. The first annual compliance report is due by July 1, 2029.
Achieving Compliance Through Existing Third-Party Programs
The Vineyard Order encourages growers to use third-party programs, like Fish Friendly Farming or Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, to satisfy the permit’s requirements. Doing so, the North Coast Board suggests, allows growers to leverage existing certifications and coalition resources for monitoring and fee collection.
How Vineyards Should Prepare
Vineyards should consider their unique operations when deciding whether and how to cost effectively comply with the Vineyard Order. Operators may achieve compliance, for instance, by inventorying their existing site management and nutrient management plans. They also may enroll through a coalition or begin budgeting for the first annual report.
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