The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to reissue the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Industrial Activities in EPA regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 10.
In developing the MSGP requirements, EPA built upon the requirements of a 1992 baseline general permit that required a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) with generic best management practice (BMP) requirements. For the reissuance of this permit, EPA has re-evaluated the industry-specific requirements and added new requirements based
on information obtained since 1995.
Some of the major changes in this proposal include:
- Clarification and addition of language for compliance with water quality standards and requirements for follow-up action if standards are exceeded.
- Prohibition on discharges of solid materials and floating debris.
- Special conditions added for EPCRA 313 facilities.
- Monitoring and reporting requirements have been reorganized and additional clarification/revisions on monitoring periods, waivers and default minimum monitoring for limitations.
The proposed MSGP would authorize storm water discharges associated with industrial activity from numerous sectors, including Steel Works, Blast Furnaces, and Rolling and Finishing Mills (SIC codes 3312-3317). Both stand-alone wire facilities and integrated rod and wire facilities are included. General permits for storm water discharges must require the submission of a Notice of Intent (NOI) prior to authorization.
This proposal applies to facilities currently covered by the existing MSGP, as well as new ones seeking coverage. For facilities already covered, the deadline for submission of an NOI requesting coverage is December 29, 2000. For facilities starting operations after reissuance of the MSGP, the NOI must be submitted at least two days prior to starting the new industrial activity. Dischargers who submit an NOI in accordance with MSGP requirements are authorized to discharge storm water two days after the date the NOI is postmarked, unless otherwise notified by EPA.
This proposal retains the same monitoring requirements as the existing MSGP. These include three general types: analytical or chemical monitoring; monitoring for effluent guidelines compliance; and visual examination of storm water discharges. For the steel works sector, aluminum (0.75 mg/L.) and zinc (0.117 mg/L.) are the required para-meters
for benchmark monitoring.
EPA plans to make a "User's Guide" available once this rule is finalized and implemented that would answer common questions regarding how to obtain coverage and comply with the MSGP. In the meantime, if you would like a summary sheet on the SWPPP requirements and components, contact Janet Kopenhaver, AWPA's Director of Government Affairs at jkopenha@ix.netcom.com or at 703-971-6454.
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American Wire Producers Association
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