Activities that take place at industrial facilities, such as material handling and storage, are often exposed to storm water.
The runoff from these activities discharges industrial pollutants into nearby storm sewer systems and water bodies.
This may adversely impact water quality.
Operators of industrial facilities included in one of the 11 categories of "storm water discharges associated with
industrial activity" that discharge storm water to a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or directly to
waters of the United States require authorization under a NPDES industrial storm water permit.
If an industrial facility has a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code or meets the narrative description listed
in the 11 categories, the facility operator must determine if the facility is eligible for coverage under a general or an
individual NPDES industrial storm water permit.
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) will eventually replace the SIC system.
The U.S. Census Bureau has a conversion table to bridge the two systems at http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html
Categories of Storm Water Discharges from Industrial Activities
Each category contains a list of SIC codes and/or a narrative description of industrial facilities.
- Category One (i): Facilities with effluent limitations
- Category Two (ii): Manufacturing
- Category Three (iii): Mineral, Metal, Oil and Gas
- Category Four (iv): Hazardous Waste, Treatment, or Disposal Facilities
- Category Five (v): Landfills
- Category Six (vi): Recycling Facilities
- Category Seven (vii): Steam Electric Plants
- Category Eight (viii): Transportation Facilities
- Category Nine (ix): Treatment Works
- Category Ten (x): Construction Activity*
- Category Eleven (xi): Light Industrial Activity
*Although Category Ten (x), Construction Activity, is included in the definition of "storm water discharges associated with industrial activity," construction activities require construction storm water permits, not industrial storm water permits, under the NPDES Storm Water Program.
Conditional No Exposure Exclusion and Other Exemptions
Under the conditional no exposure exclusion, operators of industrial facilities in any of the 11 categories of "storm water discharges associated with industrial activity," (except construction activities, which are addressed under the construction component of the NPDES Storm Water Program) have the opportunity to certify to a condition of "no exposure" if their industrial materials and operations are not exposed to storm water. As long as the condition of "no exposure" exists at a certified facility, the operator is excluded from NPDES industrial storm water permit requirements. The conditional no exposure exclusion replaces the no exposure exemption described under the Phase I Storm Water Program.
Permitting Options For Industrial Facilities
Two types of NPDES industrial storm water permits, general and individual permits, are available to operators of industrial facilities.
Most industrial facilities have permit coverage under a general permit because it is the most efficient permit option. General permits contain requirements for numerous types of industrial activities, allowing a facility operator to quickly obtain permit coverage. This permit presents all requirements up front, allowing facility operators to become familiar with, and prepare for, activities such as SWPPP implementation and monitoring prior to applying for permit coverage.
Eligibility
The MSGP-2008 (at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/msgp2008_finalpermit.pdf) covers the same 11 categories 30 industrial sectors as contained in the MSGP-1995, modified on September 30, 1998. Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes and narrative descriptions identify the industrial facilities within each of the 30 sectors.
Permit Application/Termination Procedures
To apply for permit coverage under the MSGP, a facility operator must complete and submit to the appropriate NPDES permitting authority a Notice of Intent (NOI) form. The NOI requests a variety of information, including latitude/longitude of the facility, and information related to the Endangered Species Act and the National Historical Preservation Act.
To discontinue permit coverage, a facility operator must complete and submit to the appropriate NPDES permitting authority a Notice of Termination (NOT) form.
Coordination with DEC
If you submit an NOI to EPA for coverage under the MSGP-2000, you must provide the following to DEC:
- A copy of the NOI
- A copy of the SWPPP for review and approval. Approval must be obtained prior to discharge.
- A check payable to State of Alaska – DEC in amount determined by 18 AAC 72.955 Table D Plan Review Fee unless a reimbursement agreement is in place.
- A copy of the Notice of Termination.
2. Individual Permits from EPA
There are certain circumstances where a general permit is either not available or not applicable to a specific facility. In this type of situation, a facility operator must obtain coverage under an individual permit that the NPDES permitting authority will develop with requirements specific to the facility. You can view these conditions and find links to application forms at http://cfpub2.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/inpermit.cfm.