The deadline for semi-annual stormwater sampling is fast approaching!  Is your facility prepared?

The Clean Water Act sets forth requirements pertaining to stormwater discharges from industrial facilities. Such discharges are illegal unless they are done so under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. For Sites in New York, stormwater discharges generated by sector-specific industrial activities are permitted through the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES), an NPDES-approved program.

In order to obtain SPDES permit coverage, industrial site owners must submit a Notice of Intent accompanied by a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Once the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) issues a permit for an industrial site, property owners are responsible for complying with the requirements of the permit, as outlined in their SWPPP. Compliance activities include periodic (quarterly and/or semi-annual) sampling, visual assessment of stormwater, and completion of regular facility inspections.

The current monitoring period ends June 30th and pertains to facilities with both quarterly and semi-annual reporting requirements. All required sampling and inspection activities must be completed by then. Following completion of sampling and inspections, Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) must be prepared and submitted no later than July 28th. DMR reports are required to be sent in through the NetDMR electronic system, and cannot be submitted by paper.

If you need assistance in obtaining a SPDES permit for your site, or complying with your existing SWPPP, Walden is happy to help. Call us at 516-758-1273 to speak with one of our stormwater management experts.