How does an industrial facility operator determine whether they need to obtain an NPDES Stormwater Permit?
Step 1. Determine whether the facility or site discharges to a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) or to waters of the United States. If it discharges to one or both, proceed to Step 2, otherwise no permit is needed. Step 2. Determine if the facility’s industrial activities are listed among the eleven Categories of Industrial Activities, provided in the federal regulations at 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14) or it the facility’s SIC code falls within one of the sector/subsectors identified. If its activities are listed, proceed to Step 3, otherwise no permit is needed. Step 3. Determine if the listed facility or site may qualify for the “no exposure” exclusion under the federal regulations at 40 CFR 122.26(g).
