What Type of Permits Are Required For Wastewater Discharges?
There are three major categories of permits for wastewater discharges.
- The Surface Water Discharge Permit Program, also known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES_ under Federal law, regulates discharges into surface waters (either directly or through municipal storm sewer drainage systems or through other drainage systems such as wetlands or swales).
- The Ground Water Discharge Permit Program regulates discharges to ground water from any source, including but not limited to large septic systems, agricultural waste management systems and all waste landfills.
- The Pre-treatment Permit Program- National Pretreatment Standard regulation promulgated by the EPA in accordance with Section 307 (b) and (C) of the Clean Water Act which provides limitations on the introduction of pollutants into POTW's This term includes the prohibited discharge standards under 40 CFR 403.5, including local limits to (40CFR 403.3 (j)).
All the local water quality control agency regulate discharges to their POTW, through municipal sanitary sewer drainage systems or through combined storm and sanitary sewer systems. All wastewaters (excluding domestic sewage) hauled or discharged directly to a POTW will require either a pretreatment permit or will be regulated under the POTW's permit. Prior to discharging wastewater to the sewer, the oil, grease, paints, suspended solids and metals must be reduced to levels acceptable to the standards set by the local POTW.
In making a decision on a permit application, the local water quality control regulators must determine the proposed discharges will not cause pollution to our nation's water. In doing this, the staff needs to review the potential for:
- Any adverse effects on existing and designated uses of the water as defined by the State Water Quality Standards and Criteria
- Any interference with or diverse effects upon the operation of the POTW
- Any systems and methodologies proposed to counteract such adverse effects and the minimize the discharge of pollutants
Who Must Apply For Permits
Any person or municipality that discharges water, substances or materials into the waters of the State is required to obtain a permit prior to commencing the discharge. Waters of the States include all surface and ground waters, sanitary and storm sewers.
Review and Processing
Upon receipt of the application package and fees, a preliminary review of the application is conducted for sufficiency and general consistency with applicable standards and criteria. A detailed technical review is conducted to determine the extent of any adverse impacts on the waters of the State, including any adverse impacts upon the operation of a POTW. This review will include consideration of any treatment systems or other control technology proposed to counteract or mitigate any adverse impacts. Upon completion of this technical review and approval, a discharge permit is issued.
Ninety (90 day Periodic Compliance Report)
As part of an going monitoring process, in accordance with the terms set by our written sewer discharge permits, we are required to file reports every 90 days that documents and certifies that we are in compliance status (40CFR 403.12 (d)) We must confirm that our pretreatment process reduces the pH and amount of pollutants in our wastewater to local limits prior for acceptable sewer discharge (40 CFR 403.3) (q).
Self-monitoring
We are required to conduct periodic sampling and analyses of our wastestreams by independent laboratory testing to ensure compliance with our permits (403.23 (b) & (g).
 |
|