SWPPP | Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans | Stormwater Permits | Stormwater Training

Discussions and comments on stormwater permitting programs in all States, including industrial, municipal (MS4) and construction sites. Topics include general stormwater permits,multisector general permits, impaired waters requirements, water quality standards, SWPPP, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans, stormwater monitoring, stormwater training, SWPPP training, spill prevention and control, SPCC compliance, site inspections, reporting and recordkeeping

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Arkansas Multisector Industrial Stormwater Discharge Permit

This article has been updated:

Final Arkansas ADEQ Industrial Stormwater Discharge Permit

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The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has recently released its draft industrial stormwater discharge permit for public review and comment. The revised permit will replace the existing permit.

Some of the key elements of the draft permit include:

Mult-sector requirements. The draft permit now regulates permitees based on INDUSTRIAL SECTOR designations, rather than SIC code alone. The draft incorporates sector specific stormwater monitoring and benchmark requirements; however, no sector specific stormwater controls or SWPPP requirements are included.

Visual Stormwater Inspections (“visual monitoring”). The draft permit requires a minimum of quarterly visual stormwater monitoring events, in addition to chemical (“benchmark”) monitoring. Once per year, outfalls will also need to be examined during dry weather to confirm the elimination of non-stormwater discharges.

Comprehensive Site Compliance Evaluation. Once each year, qualified personnel must conduct a site compliance evaluations. The evaluation must include a visual inspection for evidence of, or the potential for, pollutants entering the drainage system. Measures to reduce pollutant loadings shall be evaluated to determine whether they are adequate and properly implemented, or whether additional control measures are needed. A visual inspection of equipment needed to implement the spill response equipment must also be
made.

Benchmark Monitoring. Twice each year, a sample must be collected at each stormwater outfall and analyzed for four general effluent characteristic parameters, plus any sector-specific monitoring parameters.

[Read more about proposed ADEQ sector specific stormwater benchmark concentrations]

The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has made available the proposed industrial stormwater permit on its website. The permit is open for public comment until May 11, 2009.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting & Regulatory Support, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Monitoring and Stormwater Training.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Washington Ecology Industrial Permit Reissue - Proposed NPDES Permit

The current Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) Industrial Stormwater General Permit will expire April 30, 2009. The previous Industrial Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit, first issued by Ecology in 2002, then reissued in 2007, expired on May 31, 2008. In 2008, Ecology proposed to reissue the expired general permit again without changes until April 30, 2009.

Ecology continues to work with stakeholders on drafting a new permit and plans to release the draft permit on May 20, 2009 for public comment. Once the public comment period ends, Ecology will consider the comments, make appropriate revisions, and then issue a final permit. Ecology intends to issue the final permit on October 21, 2009. Facilities currently covered under the expired permit will automatically be covered under the new final permit.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Oil and Gas Facilities - New Stormwater Permit Requirements

The 1987 Water Quality Act (WQA) added section 402(l)(2) to the Clean Water Act (CWA) specifying that EPA and States shall not require NPDES permits for uncontaminated storm water discharges from oil and gas exploration, production, processing or treatment operations, or transmission facilities. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 also added a new provision to the CWA defining the term "oil and gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations or transmission facilities" to mean "all field activities or operations associated with exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations, or transmission facilities, including activities necessary to prepare a site for drilling and for the movement and placement of drilling equipment, whether or not such field activities or operations may be considered to be construction activity."

In 2006, EPA published a final rule that effectively exempted from NPDES permit requirements stormwater discharges of sediment from construction activities associated with oil and gas exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations or transmission facilities (with some limited exceptions).

On May 23, 2008, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion vacating EPA's 2006 oil and gas construction stormwater regulation. On July 21, 2008, EPA filed a petition for rehearing in this case; on November 3, 2008, the Court issued its order denying EPA’s request.

With the vacatur of the 2006 rule, the effective requirements for oil and gas facilities are the regulations in place prior to the 2006 rule. The relevant regulations that were effective prior to the 2006 rule are:

122.26(a)(2) The Director may not require a permit for discharges of storm water runoff from mining operations or oil and gas exploration, production, processing or treatment operations or transmission facilities, composed entirely of flows which are from conveyances or systems of conveyances (including but not limited to pipes, conduits, ditches, and channels) used for collecting and conveying precipitation runoff and which are not contaminated by contact with or that has not come into contact with, any overburden, raw material, intermediate products, finished product, byproduct or waste products located on the site of such operations.

122.26(e)(8) For any storm water discharge associated with small construction activity identified in paragraph (b)(15)(i) of this section, see 122.21(c)(1). Discharges from these sources, other than discharges associated with small construction activity at oil and gas exploration, production, processing, and treatment operations or transmission facilities, require permit authorization by March 10, 2003, unless designated for coverage before then. Discharges associated with small construction activity at such oil and gas sites require permit authorization by June 12, 2006.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Mobile Tanks - Nurse Tanks - SPCC Requirements

The revised SPCC Rule (40 CFR 112) clarified a few points in regards to mobile tanks. First, the Rule clarified that tanks on vehicles used to hold fuels and operating fluids required to operate the vehicle are not intended to be included under the SPCC requirements. Typical mobile refueling equipment would have two types of fuel storage 1) a fuel tank for operation of the engine, and 2) a storage tank used to move fuel around the facility. Under the revised Rule, the engine’s fuel tank (i.e., “motive fuel container”) would not be included under an SPCC Plan; however, the bulk fuel tank the vehicle carries may need be included.

In agricultural settings, mobile tanks are sometimes referred to as "nurse tanks", as they as used to transport fuel to equipment being used in the field.
[Read more about changes to application of SPCC Rule in agricultural settings]

The bulk fuel tank on the refueling vehicle would normally require the same spill protections that other containers need. However, the revised SPCC Rule clarified that these refueling vehicles are exempted from some SPCC requirements. However, when this equipment (included towed equipment) is placed or stored in a designated area of the site, SPCC Rules apply

Caltha LLP provides expert technical support to facilities and/or consulting engineers on compliance with SPCC Rules. Caltha maintains a library of SPCC Plan templates to match site-specific needs. For futher information on SPCC services, go to:
SPCC - 40 CFR 112 Compliance Services
Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting & Regulatory Support, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Monitoring and Stormwater Training.

For further information contact Caltha LLP atinfo@calthacompany.com
orCaltha LLP Website

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Electronic Electrical Manufacturing Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Transportation Machinery Equipment Manufacture Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Fabricated Metal Products Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Fabricated Metal Products Sector (Sector AA). Sector AA facilities include fabricated metal products (except machinery and transportation equipment) jewelry, silverware, and plated ware, and fabricated metal coating, engraving and allied services. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must conduct inspections addressing areas associated with spent solvents, chemical storage areas, and outdoor paint areas.

In addition to routine inspection requirements, the operation must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections must be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Good Housekeeping:
The pollution prevention program must implement measures for controlling or recovering scrap metals, fines, and metal dust. The SWPPP must include measures for containing materials within storage handling areas. The SWPPP must describe and implement measures for storage of metal working fluids.

Leaks and Spills:
The spill prevention program must address chromium, toluene, pickle liquor, sulfuric acid, zinc and other water priority chemicals, and hazardous chemicals and wastes.

The spill prevention plan must describe and implement measures to control and clean up spills of solvents and other liquid cleaners, control sand buildup and disbursement from sand-blasting operations, and prevent exposure of recyclable wastes including rinse waters. Each operation must use monitoring equipment or other devices to detect and control leaks and overflows of lubricating oil and hydraulic fluid operations and install perimeter controls, or equivalent measures.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on product type:

Fabricated Metal Products, (SIC 3411-3499; 3911-3915)
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Fabricated Metal Coating and Engraving (SIC 3479):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Note: Benchmarks for zinc and iron were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Rubber - Plastic Manufacturing Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Rubber, Miscellaneous Plastic Products, and Miscellaneous Manufacturing Sector (Sector Y). Sector Y covers a very broad range of product types, including manufacturing of tires and inner tubes; rubber and plastic footwear; gaskets, packing and sealing devices; and rubber hose and belting; fabricated rubber products; Manufacturing of miscellaneous plastics products; musical instruments; dolls, toys, games and sporting and athletic goods; pens, pencils, and other artists’ materials; costume jewelry, costume novelties, buttons, pins and needles and miscellaneous notions. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must conduct inspections addressing air pollution control equipment (e.g., baghouses, electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers, and cyclones) for any signs of degradation (e.g., leaks, corrosion, or improper operation) that could limit their efficiency and lead to excessive emissions. The operation must monitor air flow at inlets and outlets (or use equivalent measures) to check for leaks (e.g., particulate deposition) or blockage in ducts. Also inspect all process and material handling equipment (e.g., conveyors, cranes, and vehicles) for leaks, drips, or the potential loss of material.

In addition to routine inspection requirements, the operation must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections must be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Preventive Maintenance:
Each site must implement specific controls to minimize contact of zinc with stormwater discharges by:

a) using chemicals purchased in pre-weighed, sealed polyethylene bags,
b) storing in-use materials in sealable containers,
c) ensuring an airspace between the container and the cover to minimize “puffing” losses when the container is opened,
d) using automatic dispensing and weighing equipment, and
e) replacing or repairing improperly operating dust collectors or baghouses.

The operation must also implement specific controls to minimize contact of plastic resin pellets with stormwater discharges.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on facility type:

Rubber Manufacturing (SIC 3011-3069):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Lead 0.164 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Others:
TSS 100 mg/L

Note: Benchmarks for zinc were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Printing and Publishing Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Furniture Manufacturing Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Water Transportation Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Water Transportation Sector (Sector O). Sector O includes SIC Code Major Group 44 that have maintenance shops and/or equipment cleaning operations, including water transportation industry, marine cargo handling operations, ferry operations, towing and tugboat services, and marinas. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must inspect all the following areas/activities: pressure washing area; blasting, sanding, and painting areas; engine maintenance and repair areas; drydock area; and general yard area.

The facility must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections shall be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Good Housekeeping:
Each facility must implement a schedule for routine yard maintenance and cleanup. Regularly remove from the general yard area scrap metal, wood, plastic, miscellaneous trash, paper, glass, industrial scrap, insulation, welding rods, and packaging.

Each facility must implement procedures for routinely maintaining and cleaning the drydock area to prevent or minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff, and address the cleaning of accessible areas of the drydock prior to flooding, and final cleanup following removal of the vessel and raising the dock. Include procedures for cleaning up oil, grease, and fuel spills occurring on the drydock.

The site must regularly clean deposits of abrasive blasting debris and paint chips.

Employee Training:
The employee training program must include used oil management, spent solvent management, disposal of spent abrasives, fueling procedures, painting and blasting procedures, and used battery management.

Preventive Maintenance:
The SWPPP must describe measures to prevent spent abrasives, paint chips, and overspray from coming into contact with stormwater. The operations must contain all blasting and painting activities, or use other measures to prevent the discharge of the contaminants (e.g., hanging plastic barriers or tarpaulins during blasting or painting operations to contain debris).

Each site must also implement and describe measures to prevent or minimize the contamination of stormwater from all areas used for engine maintenance and repair, and measures to prevent or minimize the contamination of stormwater from material handling operations and areas (e.g., fueling, paint and solvent mixing, disposal of process wastewater streams from vessels).

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations are:

TSS 100 mg/L
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
Total Lead 0.164 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Note: Benchmark for aluminum were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Transportation - Warehousing Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Auto Salvage Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

UPDATE: On July 6, 2009, MPCA is scheduled to release its proposed Multisector Industrial General Stormwater Permit. In July, Caltha LLP will be hosting seminars in several cities across Minnesota to provide information on the proposed permit and rule changes, and steps facilities can take to reduce their impact.

For more information, go to:

MPCA SWPPP Permit - Industrial Stormwater Permit Reissue Seminars

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On March 19, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released a revised working draft of its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

Some key changes in the March 19, 2009 draft are the additional details for 25 different sector specific requirements. The requirements described below are proposed for the Automobile Salvage Yards Sector (Sector M). Sector M includes sites primarily engaged in the dismantling or wrecking used motor vehicles for parts recycling or resale and scrap. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Employee Training:
The SWPPP must address the following areas in the employee training program: proper handling (collection, storage, and disposal) of oil, used mineral spirits, anti-freeze, mercury switches, freon, and solvents.

Good Housekeeping:
The SWPPP must include to the maximum extent feasible:
1) store all batteries indoors;
2) recycle lead battery cable ends and wheel balancing weights;
3) remove all fluids from vehicles and recycle or dispose accordingly;
4) remove and segregate mercury switches and mercury containing devices;
5) recycle fuels,
6) remove and dispose of freon as required with complete avoidance of venting to atmosphere;
7) remove and dispose of glycols as required;
8) remove and recycle all lead parts;
9) separate and recycle, if feasible, plastics or dispose as solid waste;
10) store all engines and transmissions (that have been removed from vehicles) in covered areas not exposed to precipitation.

Inspections:
The site must immediately inspect vehicles arriving at the facility for leaks. The site must inspect for signs of leakage, all equipment containing oily parts, hydraulic fluids, any other types of fluids, or mercury switches; and also inspect all vessels and areas where hazardous materials and general automotive fluids are stored, including mercury switches, brake fluid, transmission fluid, freon, and antifreeze.

The facility must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections shall be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Stormwater Controls:
Each site must implement the following management practices: berms or drainage ditches on the property line (to help prevent run-on from neighboring properties); installation of detention ponds; installation of filtering devices such as sand filter or mixed media filters, and oil and water separators. Engines and transmissions, and similar oily parts shall be stored in covered areas or, at a minimum, be covered with impermeable tarps or similar material to eliminate contact with stormwater; and Above ground liquid storage tanks must have secondary containment.

Mercury Minimization Plan:
All automotive recyclers must enroll in the End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation (ELVS) program. The ELVS program took over the management of the Minnesota Mercury Recovery Program for automotive recyclers and scrap metal recyclers in May 2006. ELVS provides these recycling operations with collection buckets and will pay the costs of transportation, retorting/recycling or disposal of elemental mercury from the automotive switches. ELVS provides educational materials to promote vehicle and scrap metal recycling and proper management of mercury switches and other mercury containing devices.

In addition to the ELVS program, each site must also evaluate its facility to identify and determine any additional sources of mercury that may be introduced to, or used at, the facility. This may include mercury containing devices such as switches including float switches, manometers, barometers, batteries, flame sensors, hydrometers, manometers, medical devices, lamps, mercury compounds, pyrometers, relays, thermometers, freezers, pressure gauges, thermostats, etc. The plan mustevaluate how any mercury containing devices may be removed to the extent feasible, or segregated to avoid spills and contact with stormwater.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values apply to all facility types:

TSS 100 mg/L
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
Total Lead 0.164 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L

Note: Benchmarks for lead, aluminum, iron were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

The March 19, 2009 draft for the industrial stormwater discharge general permit is a “work in progress”; it is anticipated that requirements will change prior to being published for public review and comment.

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Landfill Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Landfills, Land Application Sites, and Open Dumps Sector (Sector L). Sector L includes waste disposal at landfills, land application sites, and open dumps that receive or have received industrial waste, including sites subject to regulation under Subtitle D of RCRA. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must inspect all active operating landfills, open dumps, and land application sites at least once every 7 days, including areas of landfill that have not yet been finally stabilized; active land application areas, areas used for storage of material and wastes that are exposed to precipitation, stabilization, and structural control measures; leachate collection and treatment systems; and locations where equipment and waste trucks enter and exit the site. Inspections must nsure that sediment and erosion control measures are operating properly.

Erosion and Sediment Control:
The facility must implement sediment control practices on all down gradient perimeters before any upgradient land disturbing activities begin. These practices should remain in place until final stabilization has occurred. Sites must also provide temporary stabilization for the following: materials stockpiled for daily, intermediate, and final cover; inactive areas of the landfill or open dump; landfills or open dump areas that have gotten final covers but where vegetation has yet to establish itself; and land application sites where waste application has been completed but final vegetation has not yet been established.

Good Housekeeping:
The operation must provide protected storage areas for pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.

Preventive Maintenance:
Sites must maintain the following: all containers used for outdoor chemical and significant materials storage; all elements of leachate collection and treatment systems, to prevent commingling of leachate with stormwater; the integrity and effectiveness of any intermediate or final cover (including repairing the cover as necessary), to minimize the effects of settlement, sinking, and erosion.

Industry Specific Control Measures:
The operation must implement a tracking system for the types of wastes disposed of in each cell or trench of a landfill or open dump. For land application sites, track the types and quantities of wastes applied in specific areas.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on facility type:

All Landfill, Land Application Sites and Open Dumps:
TSS 100 mg/L

All Landfill, Land Application Sites and Open Dumps, except Municipal Solid Waste Landfill (MSWLF) Areas Closed in Accordance with 40 CFR 258.60:
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L

All Landfills Subject to the Requirements of 40 CFR Part 445 Subpart B:
TSS 100 mg/L
BOD 25 mg/L
Total Ammonia 34.8 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L
pH 6-9

Note: Benchmarks for iron, zinc and ammonia were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

TSDF - Hazardous Waste Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Oil - Gas - Refining Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Oil and Gas Extraction and Refining Sector (Sector I). Sector I covers a fairly broad range of facility types, including crude petroleum and natural gas, natural gas liquids, oil and gas field services, drilling oil and gas wells, and petroleum refining. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must conduct inspections addressing equipment and vehicles that store, mix, or transport chemicals or hazardous materials.

In addition to routine inspection requirements, the operation must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections must be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Preventive Maintenance:
The pollution prevention program must implement measures that prevent or minimize contamination of stormwater from chemical mixing areas, and take measures necessary to prevent discharge of stormwater coming into contact with wastewater pollutants from any sources associated with production, field exploration, drilling, well completion, or well treatment.

Potential Pollutant Sources:
The pollution prevention program must describe the following sources that have pollution potential: chemical, cement, mud, or gel mixing activities; drilling or mining activities; equipment rehabilitation activities. In addition the SWPPP must include information about the RQ release that triggered the permit application requirements: the nature of the release, amount of oil or hazardous substance released, amount of substance recovered, date of the release, cause of the release, areas affected by the release, procedure to clean up release, actions or procedures implemented to prevent or improve response to a release, and remaining potential contamination of stormwater from release.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on product type:

Oil and Gas Extraction (SIC 1311, 1321, 1381-1389):
TSS 100 mg/L
pH 6-9

Oil Refining (SIC 2911):
Ammonia 34.8 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Note: Benchmarks for zinc and ammonia were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Primary Metals - Foundry Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Primary Metals Sector (Sector F). Sector F covers a fairly broad range of facility types, including steel works, blast furnaces, and rolling and finishing mills, iron and steel foundries, primary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals, secondary smelting and refining of nonferrous metals, rolling, drawing, and extruding of nonferrous metals, nonferrous foundries and other primary metal products These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must conduct inspections addressing air pollution control equipment (e.g., baghouses, electrostatic precipitators, scrubbers, and cyclones) for any signs of degradation (e.g., leaks, corrosion, or improper operation) that could limit their efficiency and lead to excessive emissions. The operation must monitor air flow at inlets and outlets (or use equivalent measures) to check for leaks (e.g., particulate deposition) or blockage in ducts. Also inspect all process and material handling equipment (e.g., conveyors, cranes, and vehicles) for leaks, drips, or the potential loss of material.

In addition to routine inspection requirements, the operation must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections must be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Good Housekeeping:
Good housekeeping practices must include a cleaning and maintenance program for all impervious areas of the facility where particulate matter, dust, or debris may accumulate, especially areas where material loading and unloading, storage, handling, and processing occur. The operation must also implement a cleaning program which includes regular sweeping for the paving of areas where vehicle traffic or material storage occur but where vegetative or other stabilization methods are not practicable. For unstabilized areas where sweeping is not practicable, the operation must select an alternative stormwater management devices that effectively trap or remove sediment.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on facility type:

Steel Works, Blast Furnaces, and Rolling and Finishing Mills (SIC 3312-3317):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Iron and Steel Foundries (SIC 3321-3325):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L
Total Copper 0.028 mg/L

Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding of Nonferrous Metals (SIC 3351-3357):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L
Total Copper 0.028 mg/L

Nonferrous Foundries(SIC 3363-3369):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L
Total Copper 0.028 mg/L

Others:
TSS 100 mg/L

Note: Benchmarks for zinc, copper, aluminum, iron were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Glass-Clay-Cement-Concrete-Gypsum Products Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Glass, Clay, Cement, Concrete, and Gypsum Products Sector (Sector E). Sector E covers a fairly broad range of product types, including flat glass, glass containers, pressed and blown glass, hydraulic cement, structural clay products, pottery and related products, concrete, gypsum, and plaster products, glass products, cut stone and stone products, abrasives, asbestos products, and miscellaneous non metal mineral products, mineral wool and mineral wool insulation products, and non-clay refractories. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must conduct inspections of dust collection and containment systems.

Good Housekeeping:
The facility must prevent or minimize the discharge of spilled cement, aggregate (including sand or gravel), kiln dust, fly ash, or settled dust from paved portions of the facility that are exposed to stormwater. Each facility must determine the frequency of sweeping or equivalent by the amount of industrial activity occurring in the area and the frequency of exposure to stormwater, but it must be performed at least once a week, if cement, aggregate, kiln dust, fly ash, or settled dust are being handled or processed. The operation must also prevent the exposure of fine granular solids (cement, fly ash, kiln dust, etc.) to stormwater.

Preventative Maintenance:
For facilities producing ready-mix concrete, concrete block, brick, or similar products preventive measures must be implemented that ensure that process wastewater resulting from washing trucks, mixers, transport buckets, forms, or other equipment are discharged in accordance with a separate applicable NPDES permit..

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on product type:

Clay Products Manufacturers (SIC 3251-3259, 3261-3269):
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
TSS 100 mg/L

Concrete and Gypsum Product Manufacturers (SIC 3271-3275):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L

Cement Manufacturing Facility, Material Storage Runoff:
TSS 100 mg/L
pH 6 - 9

Others:
TSS 100 mg/L

Note: Benchmark for aluminum were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting & Regulatory Support, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Monitoring and Stormwater Training.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website

Asphalt - Lubrication Products Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

Chemical Products Sector - SWPPP - Stormwater Permit Proposed Requirements

On July 6, 2009, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency released its proposed multisector industrial stormwater discharge general permit. This permit, once promulgated, will replace the existing industrial stormwater permit, which expired in October of 2002.

[Read a summary of the overall Minnesota permit, stormwater monitoring, and sector requirements]

Caltha LLP will be conducted seminars on the proposed sector requirements in July & August 2009. Caltha MPCA Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements Seminars

The proposed permit details requirements for 29 different industrial sectors. The requirements described below are proposed for the Chemical and Allied Products Manufacturing Sector (Sector C). Sector C covers a fairly broad range of product types, including industrial inorganic and organic chemicals, plastic materials and synthetic resins, synthetic rubbers and human-made fibers, soap and detergents, specialty cleaning, polishing, and sanitation preparations, surface active preparations, perfumes, cosmetics, paints, wood fillers and sealers, paint and varnish removers, adhesives, glues, caulking compounds, explosives, inks, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemicals. These requirements are in addition to permit requirements that apply to all sectors.

Inspections:
The facility must conduct two of the monthly inspections during runoff events. One of the inspections shall be performed during a snow melt runoff event. Each inspection must include a visual assessment of the runoff to identify any visible sheens or films that indicate the presence of oil or grease in the discharge.

Potential Pollutant Sources:
The SWPPP must document describe the following potential pollutant sources: outdoor storage of salt, pallets, coal, drums, containers; access roads, rail cars, and tracks, areas where the transfer of substances in bulk occurs, and areas where machinery operates.

Stormwater Monitoring Benchmarks:
All facilities are required to conduct visual and chemical (benchmark) monitoring. For benchmark monitoring, the benchmark concentrations or values depend on product type:

Agricultural Chemicals (SIC 2873-2879):
COD 120 mg/L
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L
Total Lead 0.164 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L
Phosphorus 1.0 mg/L

Industrial Inorganic Chemicals (SIC 2812-2819):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Aluminum 1.5 mg/L
Total Iron 1.0 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Soaps, Detergents, Cosmetics, and Perfumes (SIC 2841-2844):
TSS 100 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

Plastics, Synthetics, and Resins (SIC 2821- 2824):
TSS 100 mg/L
BOD 25 mg/L
Total Zinc 0.234 mg/L

All Others:
TSS 100 mg/L

Note: Benchmarks for zinc, copper, aluminum, iron, arsenic were derived based on the Aquatic Life Standards for these parameters in Minnesota Rules.

[Read more about use of Aquatic Life Standards to derive stormwater benchmarks]
[Read more about how benchmarks are used under the proposed MPCA industrial permit]
[Read more about what a 100 mg/L benchmark for TSS relates to]

Looking for other sector information? Click here for a link to all sector requirements