The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for storm water discharges associated with industrial activity which became effective on June 4, 2015.
EPA’s MSGP applies to operators with storm water discharges in an area where EPA is the permitting authority and outside the scope of a state’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This includes the following areas:
Four states – Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Mexico;
- The District of Columbia;
- U.S. territories except for the Virgin Islands;
- Federal facilities in Colorado, Delaware, Vermont, and Washington;
- Most Indian Country lands; and
- Other designated activities in specific states (e.g., oil and gas activities in Texas and Oklahoma).
To obtain authorization under the 2015 MSGP, dischargers must develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or update an existing SWPPP prior to submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) for permit coverage, and submit a complete NOI to the EPA Regional Office by the following deadlines:
– Operators of industrial activities that were authorized for coverage under the 2008 MSGP – No later than September 2, 2015.
– Operators of industrial activities that commenced discharging between September 30, 2013 and September 2, 2015 – As soon as possible, but no later than September 2, 2015.
– Operators of industrial activities that commence discharging after September 2, 2015 – A minimum of 30 days prior to commencing discharge.
– New operators of existing industrial activities with discharges previously authorized under the MSGP – A minimum of 30 days prior to the date of transfer of control to the new operator.