On Point: News and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders

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On Point - News and updates for wastewater discharge permit holders

MPCA launches On Point

Welcome to On Point, a new tool for sharing information with wastewater discharge permit holders around the state. We hope you will find this quarterly publication informative and will share your ideas and suggestions for future editions. To ensure delivery of these messages, please add mpca@public.govdelivery.com to your address book or safe sender list.

The MPCA is strongly committeed to maintaining the privacy of your personal information and the security of our computer systems. With respect to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, the MPCA makes every effort to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and Minnesota State Law.

To share your feedback or offer a suggestion for a future edition of On Point, contact Nancy Miller via email or by phone at 507.206.2612. 


eDMR news

Status update: where we are and where we are going

eDMR computer

We would like to offer a sincere thank you for your efforts to transition to electronic discharge monitoring reports. Approximately 97 percent of wastewater NPDES/SDS permittees are currently submitting eDMRs. We are working closely with the remaining three percent to complete the transition. We appreciate your assistance in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the DMR process.

If you have questions about submittal requirements or would like assistance completing eDMR forms, contact the MPCA compliance person listed on the first page of your permit or notice of coverage. The DMR web page is also a great source of information, including guidance documents and sample supplemental report forms.

Testing on proposed changes to eDMRs is scheduled to being this summer. Several permittees have expressed interest in helping to test the changes. If you would like to participate, please contact Mary Kimlinger via email or at 651.757.2496.

eDMR tips and reminders

Tip: To avoid having the portal "time out" after ten minutes, change screens by clicking "back" or "next" or enter an item of data. The "time out" feature is there to protect your account, similar to online banking.

Reminder: Please remember to submit completed supplemental forms when submitting eDMRs.

Reminder: Contact support services if you experience technical difficulties with the online portal.


Permitting updates

Land application of industrial by-product (IBP) general permit reissuance

Land application of IBP

The Land Application of Industrial By-Product General Permit (MNG960000) expires November 30, 2013. Permittees covered under MNG96 should have received re-application checklists. Applications for continued coverage are due June 3, 2013. There are currently 34 facilities covered under the MNG96 permit.

A draft of the permit will be on public notice later this fall and is likely to include a few changes from the existing permit. The IBP website, permit application forms and fact sheets will also be updated as part of the reissuance.

Individual permits with IBP land application authorization will be receiving the updated requirements following the reissuance of the general permit.

Comments and suggestions are welcome throughout the reissuance process. Contact Emily Schnick via email or by phone at 651.757.2699.

Industrial stormwater and wastewater permits: No exposure requirements

Industrial stormwater

Many wastewater discharge permit holders have regulatory requirements for industrial stormwater discharges, either through a stormwater chapter in their individual wastewater permit or through separate industrial stormwater general permit coverage.  

Some permittees quality for the No Exposure exclusion. This exclusion applies to facilities in which 100% of their activities and materials are indoors or contained within a storm-resistant shelter. As pictured to the right, a storm-resistant shelter must be designed to prevent run-off of precipitation in the activity/material area, and must prevent runoff of potential spills; a canopy alone is not sufficient.

Common sources of exposure include fueling areas, open dumpsters and other waste containers, stockpiles of material or waste, trash compactors with litter/waste debris or hydraulic fluid on the ground and dust and particulates from air emissions (even if appropriately regulated with an air quality permit). 

If not managed according to the No Exposure exclusion requirements, these activities require industrial stormwater permit coverage. If you are not sure whether  you are in compliance with permit requirements or the No Exposure exclusion, or aren’t sure whether  you need Industrial Stormwater Permit coverage, contact your permit writer if you have an individual permit, or contact the staff listed within the “contact” section on the bottom of the Industrial Stormwater Program web page.