EPA has finalized the NPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for discharges from industrial stormwater in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Multi-Sector General Permit covers certain stormwater discharges from various industrial activities where activities are exposed to stormwater. Facilities seeking coverage under the MSGP are required to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), implement best management practices, and comply with monitoring and inspection requirements.

The previous MSGP was issued in 2008 and expired in 2013. Facilities that were previously covered under the 2008 MSGP, or that have been discharging under EPA’s no action assurance that was issued in 2013, need to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to be covered under the 2015 MSGP. The filing deadline for existing discharges was September 2, 2015 so permittees should submit their NOI’s as soon as possible if they have not already done so. Facilities may also submit NOI’s for proposed new stormwater discharges. NOI’s must be submitted electronically using EPA’s NPDES eReporting Tool (NeT) and the link below includes a user’s guide for NeT as well as a help line phone number for users experiencing technical difficulties.

http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/npdes/stormwater/EPA-Multi-Sector-General-Permit-MSGP.cfm

For plan development IRWIN identifies and locates outfall points, identifies non-stormwater discharges for elimination, and reviews past spill events. We then work with each facility to develop facility-specific Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs may involve physical plant facilities or procedures to achieve pollution prevention. Irwin Engineers can also provide sampling of discharges.