Conference Overview

Agenda

See the Conference Program posted above for the complete agenda.

Sunday September 14

• Conference Early Check-In (4 – 6pm – Convention Center Lobby): A chance to beat the Monday morning rush by checking in at the CASQA Registration Desk on Sunday.
• Welcome Happy Hour (4 – 6pm – Convention Center Lobby): Greet fellow early arrivals before heading out to dinner (cash bar).

Monday September 15

• Plenary Session (8:30 – 10:30am – Convention Center Exhibit Hall B): Welcome & Opening Remarks, CASQA Awards presentation, Keynote Address (all attendees)
• Multi-Track Technical Sessions – presentations, panels, and training workshops (Convention Center Ballrooms A-H)
• Exhibit Hall and Poster Display (Convention Center Exhibit Hall A)
• Two Field Tours (11am – 4pm  – Offsite) – See tour locations and information below under the “Technical Program – Field Tour Details” section.
• Networking Event (6 – 9pm – Offsite: Location tbd) A unique opportunity to socialize after hours, enjoy food and entertainment, and continue the stormwater discussion (dinner; cash bar).
  • One ticket is included with a Full Conference Pass
  • Add-on tickets for a 1-Day Conference Pass or attendee guests may be purchased until Fri, Sep 5, 2025 at 5pm Pacific; Tickets are not available onsite
  • Limited to individuals 21 and older

Tuesday September 16

• Multi-Track Technical Sessions – presentations, panels, and training workshops (Convention Center Ballrooms A-H)
• Exhibit Hall and Poster Display (Convention Center Exhibit Hall A)
• Exhibitor Reception (4:30-6pm – Convention Center Exhibit Hall A): Exhibitors and conference attendees always enjoy a chance to interface in this cordial and relaxed environment (appetizers; cash bar)

Wednesday September 17

• Multi-Track Technical Sessions – presentations, panels, and training workshops (Convention Center Ballrooms A-H)
• Exhibit Hall and Poster Display (Convention Center Exhibit Hall A)
• Exhibitor-Sponsored Prize Drawing (during Morning break – Convention Center Exhibit Hall A): Conference attendees can enter the drawing by visiting a set number of exhibit spaces
• Capstone Session (following lunch – Convention Center Exhibit Hall B): Informative discussion featuring invited California stormwater and water management leaders (all attendees)

The Technical Program comprises conference thematic sessions with technical presentations, panels, training workshops in the tracks listed below, as well as a poster display.

BMP and Control Measure Effectiveness Assessment

This track will focus on structural and non-structural BMP performance assessment planning, methods, and guidance for treatment and source control practices. Performance assessment may include performance monitoring, operation and maintenance practices, data-gap analyses, special studies, or other novel approaches.

Climate Change, Resiliency, and Sustainability

This track will look at climate resiliency and sustainable practices. Topics include climate change adaptation and mitigation, water supply, water rights, groundwater recharge, energy, watershed management, integrating climate resiliency with green stormwater infrastructure, and wildfire planning.

Construction General Permit

This track will focus on the current Construction General Permit and will include discussions on stormwater-related construction topics including innovative BMPs and controls; Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) implementation; passive treatment; challenges and solutions to site management; implementing cost controls; resolving monitoring and sampling issues; navigating the different challenges of linear underground and overhead projects; and other implementation experiences.

Equity and Environmental Justice

This track will explore the intersection of water management and community impact, with a focus on ensuring fair access to resources, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering inclusive decision-making. Discussions will highlight current programs, lessons learned, and strategies for effectively engaging historically underserved communities while integrating diverse perspectives into all aspects of our work.

Funding

This track will explore strategies for funding and financing stormwater programs and infrastructure. It will also cover asset management, including methods for tracking capital investments, planning for infrastructure replacement, and integrating these efforts into a comprehensive stormwater management program.

Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions Design and Maintenance

This track will highlight innovations in the design and maintenance of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions that improve water quality, protect natural waterways, prevent flood impacts, recharge groundwater supplies, and/or capture stormwater. Topics will focus on planning efforts, pilot studies, design lessons learned, operation and maintenance challenges / solutions, and adaptive management strategies after installation.

Industrial General Permit

This track will cover various aspects of the Industrial General Permit (IGP) such as pollutant source assessments, monitoring and reporting, Exceedance Response Action requirements, BMPs including stormwater capture, treatment, reuse, and infiltration, TMDLs, water quality based corrective actions, compliance options (e.g., IGP Attachment I), permit participation initiatives, and Clean Water Act citizen lawsuits. This track will also provide updates, as applicable, on the draft Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Permit.

Modeling, Data Tools, and Artificial Intelligence 

This track focuses on modeling in various forms, including hydrologic, water quality, and geographic information systems (GIS). It will explore innovative data collection, visualization, assessment tools, and quantification methods and metrics, as well as opportunities to repurpose or apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data tools from other industries for stormwater management.

Monitoring and Special Studies

This track will highlight innovations in monitoring methodologies and programs, as well as the development and implementation of special studies on pollutant sources, fate, and transport. It will also explore how monitoring results can be leveraged to inform and improve stormwater management strategies.

Municipal Programs

This track will focus on the challenges, solutions, and lessons learned while implementing a municipal stormwater program for Phase I and Phase II agencies. The track will address every day and emerging issues for municipalities as they relate to stormwater such as workforce development, monitoring program challenges, unsheltered communities, cost reporting, asset management, inspection and enforcement, municipal operations, permitting, and opportunities for collaboration.

Outreach, Engagement, and Education

This track explores innovative stormwater outreach programs that educate communities on stormwater as a resource and how to protect local waterbodies and watersheds. Topics include lessons learned, collaboration opportunities, educational programs for residents, youth, and multicultural communities, and effective strategies such as passive/direct outreach, social media, themed campaigns like Rain Ready California, media outreach, engagement with underserved communities, rebate programs, and measuring success in raising awareness and changing behavior.

Policy, Permitting, and Legislation

This track will include discussions of policy and legislative initiatives and their impacts on stormwater programs (or management), updates from regulators and legal experts, opportunities for leveraging partnerships, examples and case studies of legislative engagement, and innovative ways that regulatory obligations can be met.

Pollutants of Concern and True Source Control

This track will focus on priority pollutants, contaminants of emerging concern, and true source control activities, including regulatory opportunities and constraints, new scientific advancements, and management methods. The topics may include bacteria, current use pesticides, trash, biointegrity and biostimulatory substances, microplastics, PFAS, copper, zinc, PCBs, 6PPD, and other constituents of concern.

Stormwater Capture and One Water Collaborations

Stormwater capture protects and enhances water resources while providing community benefits such as flood control, green spaces, street beautification, and climate resilience. This track focuses on how stormwater capture builds partnerships across entities including water districts, wastewater agencies, municipalities, businesses, community development organizations, industrial entities, schools, and Non-Traditional permittees. The track includes successes and lessons learned from existing and developing One Water programs, and discussions on how different interests and agencies can work together to maximize multiple benefits.

Wildfire Preparation and Management

This track will explore the critical nexus between wildfires and stormwater management. Sessions will focus on strategies for mitigating the impacts of wildfires on water quality, erosion control, and infrastructure development and design, as well as effective monitoring techniques to assess watershed health before and after wildfire events. Additionally, this track will explore innovative post-wildfire responses and share best management practices (BMPs) for post-fire recovery, soil erosion control, alongside innovative approaches to engage communities and stakeholders in resilience planning, outreach efforts, and navigating the complex challenges wildfires pose to stormwater systems.

This year there will be two simultaneous offsite field tours, each on Mon, Sep 15, 2025, from 11am-4pm.

Attendance is limited and by ticket only. Add-on tickets may only be purchased online when registering for the conference (tickets are not available onsite).

Tour 1 – Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park Bus and Walking Tour

The Magic Johnson Park renovation project field tour will showcase the Park’s innovative stormwater management and sustainability practices. The park’s new system captures urban runoff, treats it, and stores the treated water within the park’s lakes for reuse in irrigation, significantly reducing reliance on potable water. This sustainable approach not only improves water quality and supply but also enhances the park’s amenities and recreational spaces, contributing to groundwater recharge and water conservation.
– Lunch will be provided onsite.

Tour 2 – Norton Simon Museum and Berkshire Creek Walking Tour

Norton Simon Museum’s Exterior Improvement Project is a $14-million initiative that not only enhances the beauty of the museum’s façade and gardens but also incorporates innovative stormwater management and sustainability practices. The field tour involves viewing swales and bioswales used to capture rainwater and prevent flooding during storms, as well as permeable resin-bound gravel used for garden paths to improve accessibility during the rainy season. Additionally, the project features drought-tolerant landscaping and new tree plantings to provide shade and reduce water usage, ensuring that the museum’s exterior spaces reflect its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Berkshire Creek Area Improvements Project is a transformative initiative aimed at restoring the natural hydrology of Berkshire Creek while enhancing stormwater management and sustainability. The field tour involves swales and bioswales to capture and treat stormwater runoff, reducing flooding and erosion. Additionally, the project features drought-tolerant landscaping and permeable surfaces to promote groundwater recharge and water conservation. By integrating these sustainable practices, the Berkshire Creek Area Improvements Project not only improves water quality and habitat but also sets a high standard for environmental stewardship and resilience.
– Lunch will be provided at the Museum during the first stop. Participants in this tour will experience a mostly walking tour.

Additional Information and Requirements

• Due to tour site access requirements, all field tour attendees must travel via the CASQA-provided transportation. Will involve getting on and off the bus at various locations, light walking on a combination of paved and unpaved surfaces and standing for brief periods of time.
• Light layered attire, comfortable closed-toe shoes, hats, and sunglasses are recommended. Hard hats and safety vests are not required.
• Water and lunch are provided.