Oregon DEQ Stormwater Permit Changes - MSGP

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is currently revising the State industrial stormwater general permits 1200-COLS permit (which went into effect September 2006) and the 1200-Z permit (which went into effect July 2007). Two environmental advocacy groups, Northwest Environmental Defense Center and Columbia Riverkeeper, challenged the permits validity under the Federal Clean Water Act. DEQ settled the legal challenge and as part of the settlement agreement, agreed to revise the permits.

The June 2009 settlement agreement required DEQ to amend the permits to conform to the 2008 US EPA Multi Sector General Permit (MSGP). The agreement also requires DEQ to include certain conditions of the existing permits that when beyond the MSGP, including that DEQ review and approve all stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP). In May 2010, DEQ and the environmental advocacy groups amended the settlement agreement to provide additional time for DEQ to develop water quality based benchmarks for copper, lead, and zinc.

DEQ intends to revise these permits by the Fall 2011. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes to the permits before they become effective. While these new permits are in development, the requirements under the existing permits remain in effect.

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