The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its updated multisector general permit for industrial storm water discharges, reports the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA). The permit only applies directly to states where EPA is the lead permitting authority – Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico – but informs other state permitting requirements for aggregate operations.
According to NSSGA, the new permit has more prescriptive and specific requirements, such as procedures for corrective action and more electronic data submission. In addition, EPA added a provision to allow for longer than 45 days for corrective action as long as it’s informed.
“While we feel the new MSGP is more onerous on permittees than necessary,” says Emily Coyner, environmental director at NSSGA. “We are happy EPA responded to our comment by allowing more than 45 days for corrective action when required.”