WDNR MS4 Suspended Solids Reduction Guidance

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) has recently published guidance to be used by municipalities to demonstrate compliance with total suspend solids reduction requirements. Under Wisconsin Rules NR 151.13 (2), municipalities subject to the municipal WPDES stormwater permit requirements must, to the maximum extent practicable, implement a 20% and a 40% reduction in total suspended solids in runoff that enters waters of the state as compared to no controls, by March 10, 2008 and March 10, 2013, respectively.

The updated guidance assists affected municipalities to understand what areas under the municipalities' jurisdictions will be included in this requirement, what is meant by "no controls" and "with controls", and what methods are acceptable for making these calculations.
To comply with the code, the developed urban area must be modeled under a "no control" condition and a "with controls" condition. The 20% and 40% TSS reductions are assessed against the "no control" condition for the entire area served by the MS4.

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

Infiltration Basin or Class V Injection Well?

Class V wells use injection techniques different from those used by other types of injection wells. A typical Class V well is shallow and relies on gravity to drain or inject liquid waste into the ground. There are over 20 different Class V Well types. Well types can be subdivided based on how the wells are used. Sample categories include drainage wells used for storm water and agricultural irrigation, and domestic wastewater disposal wells.

Class V storm water drainage wells manage surface water runoff (rainwater or snow melt) by placing it below the ground surface. They are typically shallow disposal systems designed to infiltrate storm water runoff below the ground surface. Storm water drainage wells may have a variety of designs and may be referred to by other names including dry wells, bored wells, and infiltration galleries. Regardless of the common name used, a Class V well by definition is any bored, drilled, or driven shaft, or dug hole that is deeper than its widest surface dimension, or an improved sinkhole, or a subsurface fluid distribution system (an infiltration system with piping to enhance infiltration capabilities).

Construction and operation of a Class V stormwater drainage well requires a US EPA permit, and potentially additional State and local permits.

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

What Is the Sheen Rule? Oil Spill Reporting

Under the Clean Water Act, the "sheen rule" provides the framework for determining whether an oil spill should be reported to the federal government. Federal regulation requires the person in charge of a facility or vessel responsible for discharging oil that may be "harmful to the public health or welfare" to report the spill.

The regulation establishes the criteria for determining whether an oil spill may be harmful to public health or welfare, thereby triggering the reporting requirements:

• Discharges that cause a sheen or discoloration on the surface of a body of water;
• Discharges that violate applicable water quality standards; and
• Discharges that cause a sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the surface of the water or on adjoining shorelines.

These reporting criteria are independent of local or State spill reporting requirements. Therefore, spills might be reportable even if State spill reporting thresholds are not exceeded.

Because the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which amended the Clean Water Act, broadly defines the term "oil," the sheen rule applies to both petroleum and non-petroleum oils and fats (e.g., vegetable oil, milk). The regulation also provides several exemptions from the notification requirements.

FAQ: What is the difference between a SWPPP and and SPCC Plan?

40 CFR 112 SPCC compliance and SPCC Plan 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 at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website