Can I discharge water from groundwater dewatering operations under this permit?
Yes, if you selected dewatering operations and meet the following requirements:
The property is either:
- not identified as a contaminated site and there is no identified contaminated site within 500 feet,
- identified as a contaminated site, but documentation confirms that the contamination has been remediated, or
- the pollutants of concern are not present in groundwater at the project site at concentrations equal to or greater than the surface water criteria in Rule 62-302.530, F.A.C.
How do I determine if my site is uncontaminated?
You may use the DEP Map Direct Contamination Locator Map (CLM) with layers including the DEP Cleanup Sites, Environmental Restoration Integration Cleanup (ERIC) Institutional Controls Registry (ICR), and Superfund Sites to determine contamination and cleanup restoration status.
Note: The operator may use other information available to them to complete the NOI such as Environmental Assessments which is common in real estate transactions and bank loans.
What if I suspect the discharge from dewatering operations are from a contaminated site?
If a discharge from dewatering operations causes or contributes to a water quality violation, the operator shall immediately stop dewatering discharges. This permit only authorizes the discharge of uncontaminated groundwater.
A site that does not meet the dewatering conditions of the CGP may qualify for coverage under the Industrial Wastewater Dewatering GP (Rule 62-621.300(1), F.A.C.), or under an individual wastewater permit on the appropriate form listed in Rule 62-620.910, F.A.C. Operators should contact the appropriate DEP District Office wastewater permitting program for questions on wastewater permits.
If I applied for the 2015 CGP and did not select dewatering, can I modify my NOI?
No. To discharge from dewatering operations, you must obtain a Dewatering GP through the DEP Business Portal. Contact your local DEP District Office wastewater permitting program for more information on the Dewatering GP.
Alternatively, you may temporarily stabilize your site, apply for new coverage under the Construction GP with dewatering selected, and terminate your existing coverage.
What is backwash?
Water used in the cleaning/flushing of various media filters used during dewatering activities.
Note: Backwash water should be managed such that it is not discharged directly to waters of the state or an MS4. Backwash water may be hauled away for proper disposal or returned to the beginning of the treatment process.
Can I transfer responsibility to another entity conducting construction operations?
NPDES stormwater permits are nontransferable. The Responsible Authority is liable for all activities indicated on the NOI.
Multiple operators may need to obtain permit coverage for their individual operations.
Note: All subcontractors identified in the SWPPP must sign a copy of the following certification statement before conducting any construction activities at the site.
"I certify under penalty of law that I understand, and shall comply with, the terms and conditions of the State of Florida Generic Permit for Stormwater Discharge from Large and Small Construction Activities and this Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan."
