Showing posts with label MS4 Permit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MS4 Permit. Show all posts

Sunday, November 26, 2017

IA Stormwater Permit And Compliance Consultant- SWPPP Engineer

Caltha LLP maintains a library of SWPPP Templates developed to meet the requirements of individual States, including Iowa. Separate stormwater plan templates are provided to Industrial, Municipal (MS4) and Construction stormwater dischargers. Our Iowa SWPPP templates are updated to meet new State permit requirements as new or revised permits are finalized.

Leaking Fuel Lines From Underground Fuel Tank


To reduce the level of effort required for facilities to come into compliance with new permit requirements, Caltha LLP has prepared a SWPPP template based on Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) permit requirements, including site specific quarterly inspection checklist, quarterly visual assessment checklist, quarterly benchmark monitoring checklist, and an annual comprehensive site inspection checklist. Caltha has also prepared a State Stormwater Permit Compliance Plan to assist permitted facilities in organizing and planning new compliance requirements under the stormwater general permit.


Click here to request further information or a quote to prepare a facility SWPPP or revise your existing SWPPP. Click here to review example Caltha projects in Iowa and IA regulatory updates.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Draft MS4 Permit Revised For New Hampshire Municipalities

EPA has released a revised draft New Hapshire small “Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System” (MS4) General Permit for public review and comment. The draft general permit has been published in the Federal Register. Public comments must be submitted by April 15, 2013.

The general permit will apply to 60 municipalities located in an urbanized area as defined by the 2010 census. Regulated MS4s include traditional cities and towns, state and federally owned facilities such as universities and military bases, and the state transportation agency (NHDOT). The draft general permits will apply to all the regulated MS4s, although waivers are possible for eligible municipalities within the urbanized area where population is less than 1,000.

  The revised draft permit updates the previous general permit finalized in 2003. EPA previously released draft general permits for small MS4s in NH in 2008. EPA decided to release revised draft general permits to account for significant public comments received on the 2008 proposal, the availability of updated demographic information from the 2010 Census, and several recently approved TMDLs for various waters in New Hampshire.

Click here for more information on control measures and estimated costs associated with compliance with the draft permit, as written.

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, October 24, 2012

New or Expanded Stormwater Discharges Under Proposed MPCA Nondegradation Policy

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been attempting to revise the Minnesota Nondegradation Policy for several years. One major issue has been how rule will apply to stormwater discharges, because the existing policy was developed to apply to traditional point source discharges.

In September 2012, MPCA released its proposed revision to the State Nondegradation Policy. Under the proposed rule, MPCA will address future nondegradation requirements for stormwater discharges as new permits are issued. For new, reissued, or modified stormwater permits, agency will conduct nondegradation review. This review will include an analysis of prudent and feasible alternatives that avoid and minimize net increases in loading or other causes of degradation. The agency will then select the least degrading prudent and feasible alternatives identified. Therefore, with the final revision of the Nondegradation Policy, as currently proposed, the requirements for new or expanded stormwater discharges will not be clarified. These requirements will be incorporated into various permits (e.g, industrial, construction, MS4) issued in the future.

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

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Washington DC Proposes Rulemaking For Stormwater Fee Discount Program

The Washington District Department of the Environment (DDOE) has released its revised rules and has requested public comments on its Proposed Rulemaking for a Stormwater Fee Discount Program, published in the October 5, 2012 issue of the DC Register. The provisions in this rule will allow District water and sewer ratepayers to receive a discount of up to 55% of the stormwater fee that appears on their DC Water bill, by installing measures that retain or prevent stormwater runoff.

This is the second revision that DDOE has proposed to rules to establish a Stormwater Fee Discount Program. DDOE’s first proposal was published in the DC Register on July 29, 2011, and was made available for a 30-day public comment period. DDOE received comments from a wide array of stakeholders and individuals, and has revised the Proposed Rules to incorporate a number of the comments and suggestions provided. The public comment period on the Proposed Rules is open through November 4, 2012.

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

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Washington Reissues Phase 1 and Phase 2 MS4 Permits

On August 1, 2012, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) reissued three general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal stormwater permits:
  • Phase I Municipal Stormwater General Permit (Phase I permit 2012 to 2013)
  • Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (WWA Phase II permit 2012 to 2013)
  • Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (EWA Phase II permit 2012 to 2014)
In accordance with 2012 legislation, Ecology reissued both Phase II permits without modification for a period of one (Western WA) and two (Eastern WA) years. Ecology also reissued the Phase I permit for a period of one year with limited changes.
In addition, Ecology reissued updated permits for the permit terms below:
  • Phase I permit (2013 to 2018)
  • Western Washington Phase II permit (2013 to 2018)
  • Eastern Washington Phase II permit (2014 to 2019)

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Waste Discharge General Permits cover discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit regulates the discharges from MS4s owned or operated by Clark, King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties; and the cities of Seattle and Tacoma (incorporated cities with a population over 100,000 and unincorporated counties with populations of more than 250,000 according to the 1990 census). The permit also applies to MS4s owned by public entities located in a Phase I city or county; including the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma.


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

Monday, June 18, 2012

Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new framework to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations. The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework assists EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches to reduce overflows from wastewater systems and pollution from stormwater.

EPA's framework outlines new flexibility to pursue innovative, cost-saving solutions, like green infrastructure to help communities as they develop storm and wastewater infrastructure plans. The framework also highlights the importance of controlling and managing releases of storm and wastewater into the waters of the US.

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

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Revised Small MS4 General Permit Released By MPCA

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) intends to issue the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) State Disposal System (SDS) General Permit (MNR040000) for discharges of stormwater associated with small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). MPCA will host a public information meeting to discuss the draft MS4 General Permit on June 21, 2012, at the MPCA St. Paul office. MPCA also intends to establish an e-mail list for the purpose of providing notification to persons interested in receiving notice of the public notice dates for the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) documents submitted pursuant to the MS4 General Permit. The draft permit is open for public comment from May 21 - July 23, 2012. The MPCA is requesting written comments on the draft permit.
This MS4 General Permit was issued first in 2006 to address new federal Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater regulations for small MS4s. These federal rules identified an iterative process for improved stormwater management where MS4 programs are strengthened with each five year permit cycle. This current permit reissuance effort shifts from the initial focus on permit program development to measuring program implementation. The next MS4 General Permit reissuance in 2017 will need to comply with the new federal NPDES stormwater rules expected to be final in December 2012.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients in MInnesota and nationwide to address Stormwater Permitting and 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

Draft Small MS4 General Permits For New Hampshire and Massachusetts

EPA has issued three separate draft Small MS4 General Permits for the operators located in the state of New Hampshire and various watersheds in Massachusetts. The most recent schedules for each of the 2012 Permits for Storm Water Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in New Hampshire and Massachusetts are:

  • State of New Hampshire: EPA has revised its 2008 Draft New Hampshire Small MS4 Permit and will issue it as a new draft permit for public comment in the spring of 2012. Issuance of a final permit anticipated for spring 2012 will therefore be delayed until late 2012 or early 2013 to allow for the public to comment on the draft permit and for EPA to respond to those comments. A Notice of Availability for the new draft New Hampshire Small MS4 general permit will be published in the Federal Register as well as information about any scheduled public meetings or hearings.
  • North Coastal Watershed: The 2010 Draft Massachusetts North Coastal Small MS4 General Permit is available on EPA's "Draft Massachusetts North Coastal Small MS4 General Permit" webpage. The Draft Massachusetts North Coastal Small MS4 General Permit was published in the Federal Register and was available for public comment on February 4, 2010. EPA held a public hearing for the draft permit on March 18, 2010 and the public comment period ended March 31, 2010. EPA anticipates a Final Massachusetts North Coastal Small MS4 General Permit in the summer of 2012.
  • Interstate, Merrimack and South Coastal Watersheds (IMS): The 2010 Draft Massachusetts Interstate, Merrimack and South Coastal Watersheds Small MS4 General Permit is available on EPA's "Draft Massachusetts Interstate, Merrimack and South Coastal Small MS4 General Permit" webpage and is accessible through EPA 1's NPDES Storm Water Permit Program webpage. The Draft Massachusetts Interstate, Merrimack and South Coastal Watersheds Small MS4 General Permit was published in the Federal Register and was available for public comment on February 15, 2011. EPA held a public meeting for the draft permit on March 9, 2011 and the public comment period ended March 11, 2011. EPA anticipates a Final IMS Small MS4 General Permit in the fall of 2012.
  • Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT): EPA anticipates issuing a separate individual small MS4 Permit for MassDOT with a draft available in the summer of 2012.

The effective date of each final general permit will be no sooner than the date the final permit is signed and made publicly available. To obtain coverage, operators will be required to submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI) for the permit for which they are eligible. EPA anticipates that NOIs will be due 90 days after the effective date of each final permit.

The new draft Small MS4 General Permits released to date include the same six minimum control measures as the 2003 MS4 General Permit in addition to provisions to protect water quality standards. To improve the effectiveness of stormwater management programs and reduce the adverse effects of stormwater runoff on receiving waters, these draft permits include:
  1. enhanced illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) requirements to identify, isolate and remove sanitary and other wastes from the stormwater system;
  2. water quality monitoring of stormwater discharges;
  3. encouragement of low impact development and green infrastructure techniques; and
  4. requirements designed to implement approved total maximum daily load (TMDL) waste load allocations (WLAs).

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

Reissue of Washington MS4 Stormwater Permits

In June 2012, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) is preparing to reissue three general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal (also known as MS4) stormwater permits:
  • Phase I Municipal Stormwater General Permit (Phase I permit).
  • Phase II Western Washington Municipal Stormwater General Permit (Phase II WWA permit)
  • Phase II Eastern Washington Municipal Stormwater General Permit (Phase II EWA permit).

For the past three years, Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) has been working with interested parties and advisory groups in Western Washington to develop permit requirements. Ecology developed and managed advisory groups for input on monitoring and low impact development requirements. During 2011, Ecology held meetings with permittees and interested parties in Eastern Washington to discuss changes to the Eastern Washington permit 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

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Draft MS4 Permit Issued For Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a received a proposed Municipal Stormwater discharge permit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). Located just south of Tacoma, JBLM is the largest military installation on the West Coast. The most recent population estimate for the base was 95,000 people, including military personnel, military dependants residing on base, civilian employees, and visitors. The permit, when final, is expected to regulate how stormwater is managed across nearly 142 square miles of base property.

EPA’s draft municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit for JBLM is the first such proposed permit for a military or other federal facility in western Washington. The draft permit requires specific actions and activities that must be accomplished over at least the next five years to protect local waters.

Among the new requirements under the proposed permit, the base must control runoff from all construction sites; control runoff from all new development and redevelopment sites; map, inspect, and maintain the storm system, and engage JBLM employees and the community about preventing pollutants in storm water runoff.

Due to its proximity to Puget Sound, the Base permit also requires:

• stormwater runoff from redevelopment and new projects must meet performance standards through use of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and, if needed, traditional stormwater features (detention ponds);
• a new construction project threshold of 5,000 square feet or greater;
• a program to reduce runoff from the existing developed areas;
• a biological stream health monitoring program using aquatic insects in Clover and Murray Creeks.

EPA’s proposed permit requires LID practices such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, native vegetation areas, and green roofs to avoid or lessen the reliance on traditional stormwater pipes and ponds. By using LID, a larger portion of rainfall will be intercepted, infiltrated, evaporated, or reused to avoid excess runoff. LID actions are expected to maintain or restore a more natural stream flow throughout the year, replenish groundwater, help protect fish and other aquatic organisms, and to reduce the influx of pollutants discharged into the streams, creeks and lakes on the base or into Puget Sound.

EPA will hold a public meeting to discuss the permit on March 19, 2012 in Lakewood, Washington. Comments on the Draft Permit will be accepted through March 30, 2012. EPA will then consider and respond to all comments, and make any necessary changes to the draft permit. The Washington Department of Ecology will also consider certifying the permit in accordance with Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The EPA Director of the Office of Water & Watersheds will then make a final decision about permit issuance.


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.comorCaltha LLP Website

Friday, January 6, 2012

MS4 Storm Water Discharge Permit Issues To Georgia DOT

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) issued National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit No. GAR041000 to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for storm water discharges from its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to waters of the State.

This first-time permit requires GDOT to reduce pollutants in storm water through six minimum control measures:


  1. Public Education and Outreach,

  2. Public Involvement/Participation,

  3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination,

  4. Construction Site Storm Water Control,

  5. Post-Construction Storm Water Management, and

  6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping.

The permit covers GDOT roadway drainage, bridges, detention ponds, etc. in 145 urban areas around the State.


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.comorCaltha LLP Website

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Final Washington DC MS4 Stormwater Discharge Permit

US EPA has released the final stormwater discharge permit for the Washington DC area municipal separate storm sewer system (“Washington DC MS4 Permit”). The Washington DC MS4 Permit included a number of performance-based requirements, including:


  • Requiring a minimum of 350,000 square feet of green roofs on District properties;

  • Planting at least 4,150 trees annually and developing a green landscaping incentives program;

  • Retaining 1.2 inches of stormwater on-site from a 24-hour storm for all development projects of at least 5,000 square feet;

  • Developing a stormwater retrofit strategy, and implementing retrofits over 18 million square feet of drainage of impervious surfaces;

  • Developing consolidated implementation plans for restoring the impaired waterways of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, Rock Creek, and the Chesapeake Bay; and

  • Preventing more than 103,000 pounds of trash annually from being discharged to the Anacostia River.

EPA believed the new permit conditions were necessary because impervious surfaces in the District, such as roads, rooftops and parking lots, channel stormwater directly into local streams and rivers. Improperly managed stormwater runoff from the District damages streams, causes significant erosion, and carries excessive pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, toxic metals, and solvents downstream and into the Chesapeake Bay. The permit aids the District in meeting its Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction targets and its Watershed Implementation Plan.


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 or Caltha LLP Website

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Draft Minnesota Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems MS4s

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has released a draft the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) State Disposal System (SDS) General Permit (MNR040000) for discharges of stormwater associated with small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). The permit applies to any small MS4 in the State of Minnesota that is located within the boundaries of a Federal Bureau of Census-delineated “urbanized area” based on the latest decennial census pursuant to 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 122.26 or an MS4 designated by the MPCA for permit coverage under Minnesota Rules Chapter 7090.

Approximately 235 MS4s will be subject to the reissued NPDES/SDS General Permit. The permit requires MS4s to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) that is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from their storm sewer system and to protect water quality. The SWMPs must include Best Management Practices (BMPs) for six minimum control measures that are set forth in the NPDES Program regulations 40 Code of Federal Regulations § 122.34 (a) and (b). NPDES/SDS General Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (or MS4s)

The draft general permit that MPCA proposes to reissue includes several modifications from the existing general permit, which expires on May 31, 2011. The MPCA has modified the existing NPDES/SDS General Permit to meet federal and state requirements for impaired waters and to address several main issues the MPCA identified as needing revision and/or clarification. The draft permit includes revised requirements for MS4 mapping, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction stormwater erosion and sediment control, and post-construction stormwater management. The draft permit also includes new requirements for impaired waters covered by an EPA approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

There are four formal opportunities for public participation in the MPCA’s consideration of the permit reissuance. Interested persons may (1) submit written comments on the draft permit; (2) request that the MPCA hold a public informational meeting; (3) request that the MPCA hold a contested case hearing; and (4) submit a petition to the Commissioner requesting that the MPCA Citizens’ Board consider the permit matter. The public comment period begins May 31, 2011 and ends on July 15, 2011.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients in Minnesota and 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


Monday, September 27, 2010

Trash Limits for MS4s in Anacostia Watershed - Trash TMDL

U.S. EPA, the District of Columbia, and the state of Maryland have announced a new Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for trash in the Anacostia River, making the Anacostia the first interstate river in the nation with such a Clean Water Act (CWA) trash limit. Each year, hundreds of tons of trash and debris are illegally dumped or washed into the Anacostia with stormwater runoff. As a result, the District and Maryland have both included the Anacostia River on their respective lists of impaired waters due to excessive quantities of trash and debris.

The TMDL requires capturing or removing more than 600 tons (1.2 million pounds) of trash from the watershed annually. To complement this TMDL, the EPA, as the permitting authority for the District, and the state of Maryland are developing MS4 storm sewer permits which will serve as key implementation tools requiring municipalities in the Anacostia watershed to achieve the trash reductions required in the TMDL. In addition, continued implementation of the Combined Sewer Overflow Long Term Control Plan for the District of Columbia supports achievement of the limits.

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

Monday, August 9, 2010

MS4 Enforcement Action In Pennsylvania

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has sent orders to four south central Pennsylvania municipalities requiring improvements to their respective Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) programs. Orders went to Silver Spring Township and Lower Allen Township in Cumberland County, and Wyomissing Borough and West Reading Borough in Berks County. EPA issued similar orders last April to 79 other municipalities in this south central part of the state, an area that drains to the Chesapeake Bay.

The orders require the municipalities to correct problems with their respective MS4 programs and come into compliance with their stormwater discharge permit. In order to comply with their permit, municipalities are required to develop stormwater management programs to control pollutants from entering their drainage systems, which include storm drains, pipes, and ditches, designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff.

EPA continues to perform on-the-ground MS4 inspections of municipalities throughout Pennsylvania and other mid-Atlantic states for compliance with existing MS4 permit provisions. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PDEP) is in the process of completing a 5-year renewal of the MS4 general permit which is scheduled to be completed in the latter half of 2011.

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

Friday, July 30, 2010

Minnesota Restrictions on Coal Tar-Based Sealants

In 2009, the Minnesota Legislature enacted a law restricting to use of coal tar-based asphalt sealants in Minnesota. The bill prohibited state agencies from purchasing undiluted coal tar-based sealant, and directed the Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to study its environmental effects and develop management guidelines.

The 2009 legislation was contained in House File 1231. The main requirements outlined in the legislation are:

• Notify state and local government units
By January 15, 2010 the MPCA must notify state agencies and local governments of the potential for contamination of stormwater ponds and wetlands by coal tar-based sealants.
• Inventory stormwater ponds
The MPCA must complete a plan to inventory stormwater ponds in the state by January 15, 2010.
• Use by State agencies restricted as of July 1, 2010
State agencies may not purchase undiluted coal tar-based sealant after this date.
• Develop best management practices and develop model ordinance on use of sealants for local units of government (LUGs)
The MPCA must develop and make available best management practices that can avoid or mitigate environmental impacts of coal tar-based sealants.
• Develop grant process
MPCA will develop a process by July 2010 for awarding grants to LUGs for treatment of contaminated sediment.

By the next cycle of municipal stormwater permitting, beginning June 2011, all MS4 permittees will be required to comply by all provisions of the legislation.

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, July 21, 2010

Stormwater Rule Small Business Advocacy Review Panel

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting small businesses and municipalities to nominate representatives to provide input on a proposed stormwater rule. The rule would strengthen the national stormwater program under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and focus on stormwater discharges from developed sites, such as subdivisions, roadways, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings or shopping centers.

Selected participants would provide input to a Small Business Advocacy Review panel, which will consist of officials from EPA, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Office of Management and Budget. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act, EPA is establishing this panel because the rule could have a significant economic impact on small entities. The representatives will provide input on how EPA can minimize the potential burden on small entities of the proposed regulation. Nominations must be received by August 4, 2010.

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, June 23, 2010

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

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Revised MS4 Stormwater Regulation - Post Construction Retrofit

In 2006, National Research Council (NRC) conducted a review of the US EPA stormwater program and recommend ways to strengthen it. The NRC Report, which was finalized in October 2008, found that the current stormwater program "...is not likely to adequately control stormwater's contribution to waterbody impairment." and recommended that EPA take action to address the effects of stormwater flow.

In response to this review, EPA is currently revising the municipal (MS4) stormwater program, and plans to establish requirements for managing stormwater discharges from new development and re-development. This action may also expand the areas subject to Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permits to include rapidly developing areas and to cover some discharges that are not currently regulated. A single set of stormwater requirements may be developed to combine both Phase I and Phase II MS4s. EPA currently believes that retrofitting for existing discharges may be addressed, although expectations for retrofitting will likely differ significantly from requirements for new- and re-development.

The initiative to revise the MS4 permitting program began in September 2009; EPA currently anticipates finalizing the revision in September 2011.

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

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

EPA Issues Compliance Orders to 79 MS4 in PA

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued orders to 79 municipalities in south central Pennsylvania requiring improvements to their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) programs. The orders require the cited municipalities to correct problems with their respective MS4 programs and come into compliance with their stormwater NPDES permits.

EPA plans to provide compliance information to municipalities receiving these orders, and will host a one-day conference on May 5 in Harrisburg, PA, to discuss the MS4 requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Municipalities receiving the orders included:

Allegheny Township
Alsace Township
Blair County
Blair Township
Breaknock Township
Camp Hill Borough
City Of Harrisburg
Colebrookdale Township
Cornwall Borough
Conewago Township
Borough Of Chambersburg
Dauphin County
Dover Township
East Petersburg Borough
East Hempfield Township
East Penns Borough Township
Ephrata Township
Fairview Township
Fleetwood Borough
Franklin Township
Frankstown Township
Freedom Township
Highspire Borough
Jacobus Borough
Jackson Township
Jonestown Borough
Kenhorst Borough
Lancaster City
Lancaster Township
Lebanon City
Lebanon County
Leesport Borough
Lemoyne Borough
Londonderry Township
Lower Alsace Township
Lower Heidelberg Township
Logan Township
Loganville Borough
Lower Paxton Township
Manheim Borough
Manor Township
Marietta Borough
Manchester Borough
Manchester Township
Marion Township
Middleton Borough
Monroe Township
Mountville Borough
New Cumberland Borough
North Londonderry Township
North Cornwall Township
North Lebanon Township
Paxtang Borough
Penbrook Borough
Red Lion Borough
Robeson Township
Robesonia Borough
Shiremanstown Borough
Sinking Spring Borough
South Hanover Township
South Lebanon Township
Spring Garden Township
St Lawrence Borough
South Hiedelberg Township
Swatara Township
Swatara Township
Upperleacock Township
West Hanover Township
West Lebanon Township
West York Borough
Windsor Borough
Windsor Township
Womelsdorf Borough
Wormleysburg Borough
West Cocalico Township
York City
York County
Yoe Borough
York Haven Borough

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.como

rCaltha LLP Website