Is my facility required to have permit coverage?
Stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity may require coverage under an NPDES permit. Operators are required to obtain coverage if stormwater from the industrial activity has the potential to enter a surface water of the state or a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).
It is the responsibility of the operator to determine if permit coverage is required. The Department may determine that permit coverage is required based on information collected during inspections or investigations.
Most regulated facilities are eligible for coverage under the MSGP for their stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity; however, some operators may need an individual permit if there is reasonable potential for the discharge to exceed limits in a previously issued NPDES MSGP.
Description of “Stormwater Discharges associated with Industrial Activity.”
Storm-resistant shelters include completely roofed and walled buildings or structures, as well as structures with only a top cover but no side coverings, provided material under the structure is not otherwise subject to any run-on and subsequent runoff of storm water.
How do I determine my facility’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code?
The SIC code system is maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Note also that SIC codes are typically required on other forms submitted to the government (e.g., federal tax return, etc.), so you may look to those sources of information.
What is my monitoring code as required for the NOI?
The monitoring code to be entered on the NOI is determined by the permit requirements for the sector(s) of the MSGP under which the facility is covered. That is, the “Sector-Specific” monitoring requirements. The possible monitoring codes, as indicated in the NOI instructions, are:
1 = Not subject to monitoring requirements under the conditions of the permit.
2 = Subject to monitoring requirements and required to submit data.
3 = Subject to monitoring requirements but not required to submit data.
4 = Subject to monitoring requirements but submitting certification for monitoring exclusion.
Quarterly Visual Examinations
The monitoring code for a facility that is only required to conduct Quarterly Visual Monitoring is “3.”
All sectors of the MSGP except Sector S, require “Quarterly Visual Examination” of stormwater discharges. The visual examination is a monitoring requirement; however, it does not require a sample to be analyzed by a laboratory and the results are not required to be submitted to the department. Results of Quarterly Visual Examinations are required to be kept with the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Analytical Monitoring
The monitoring code for this type of monitoring is “2.”
Some sectors of the MSGP require quarterly analytical monitoring in Years 2 and 4 of the permit cycle. This monitoring is sometimes referred to as “Analytical Monitoring” or “Benchmark Monitoring.” Analytical Monitoring results are required to be submitted to the department.
Compliance Monitoring
The monitoring code for this type of monitoring is “2.”
A few sectors of the MSGP impose numeric effluent limitations. This type of monitoring is called “Compliance Monitoring” and is required to demonstrate compliance with the effluent limitations. Analytical results from compliance monitoring are required to be submitted to the department.
Refer to the MSGP for sector-specific monitoring requirements for your facility.
Do I have to address the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) provisions in my SWPPP?
No. The provisions of the MSGP regarding the ESA and NHPA are applicable only in areas where EPA is the NPDES Permitting Authority.
