Stormwater Permitting Overview

The need for a stormwater permit is mandated in EPA regulations (40 CFR 122) for industrial activities. This permit requirement is for facilities during normal operations. The applicability is based upon the SIC code assigned to the facility.  An analysis to determine if your facility needs a stormwater permit, or is exempt from it, should be undertaken and documented for compliance purposes.

What’s next if the facility needs a stormwater permit?

There are three kinds of permitting options:

1. Individual Stormwater permit

If your facility has complex operations and cannot eliminate exposure of pollutants to stormwater, the agency would write a permit that is tailored to your facility only. Hence, the term: Individual stormwater permit.  Also, in Pennsylvania, if the facility is located in a watershed that is “high quality” or “exceptional quality,” an individual permit is issued. Individual permits are complex and can be burdensome. A comprehensive and well planned permit application is a must to avoid compliance headaches.

2. General Stormwater permit

There are so many facilities that qualify for a stormwater permit that it would be impossible for agencies to individually write permits for each facility. Therefore, they issue general permits.  A general stormwater permit is a “one-size-fits-all” permit. Hence the term: General stormwater permit. The general permit is issued very quickly and has a fixed set of requirements.  You know what you are getting into and there are no surprises. Something rare in today’s world!

3. “No-exposure” certification

If a facility can qualify for a general stormwater permit and also has its industrial activities indoors or under shelter from rain events, it can apply for a “no exposure” certification. The “no exposure” certificate application may require a stormwater pollution prevention plan. The facility is inspected by the agency before the “no exposure” certificates are issued.

If you have questions regarding the stormwater permit applicability please contact your environmental consultant or call Sam Joshi at (215) 389-2811.