The Industrial Stormwater Permit Explained

For most businesses outside of conventional construction sites, stormwater runoff presents a special environmental issue. Manufacturing facilities, process facilities, material storage yards, and other specialized industrial activities inadvertently introduce a host of contaminants into contact with rainfall, which is then released untreated into our local watersheds. To manage this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies such as the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) govern the Industrial Stormwater Permit.

What is an Industrial Stormwater Permit?

An Industrial Stormwater Permit is a specific kind of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (or state counterpart, e.g., Utah's UPDES program) that is intended to manage industrial facility stormwater discharges. Its fundamental purpose is to keep pollutants from industrial operations from polluting rivers, lakes, streams, and groundwater.

How Long do I Need an Industrial Stormwater Permit?

In contrast to construction stormwater permits, which cover temporary disturbance, industrial permits cover ongoing operations where industrial material and activities are exposed to rain or snowmelt.

Am I required to have an Industrial Stormwater Permit?

The requirement for an industrial stormwater permit is usually based on your  facility's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code or the nature of industrial activities on the site. The EPA's Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), and Utah's equivalent UPDES Multi-Sector General Permit, classify the following general industrial categories that usually need permit coverage. These include:

• Manufacturing plants (plastics, paper, chemicals, etc.)

• Mining activities

• Recycling plants for waste and landfills

• Steam electric power generating plants

• Salvage yards and auto recyclers

• Transportation facilities involving equipment cleaning or maintenance (e.g., airports, truck terminals)

• Major wastewater treatment plants

As a general rule, if the facility contains industrial operations where materials, equipment, or processes that have the potential to contaminate stormwater are exposed, an industrial stormwater permit will probably be necessary.

What is Included in the Permit?

An industrial stormwater permit typically necessitates some basic components to enact pollution prevention:

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP): This is the permit's heart. All permitted industrial facilities are required to create and retain a facility-specific SWPPP. This living document describes:

• Possible causes of stormwater pollution in the facility.

• Best Management Practices (BMPs) that minimize and prevent pollutant discharges.

• Scheduling facility maintenance, operation, and routine inspections.

• Spill prevention and response measures.

Best Management Practices (BMPs): The permit mandates the use of a variety of BMPs, including:

• Structural BMPs: Physical measures like detention ponds, oil/water separators, covered storage tanks, secondary chemical tank containment, or specific filtration systems.

• Non-Structural BMPs: Operational practices and housekeeping measures like regular sweeping, disposal of waste as per regulations, personnel training, minimizing exposure of materials, and prohibiting illicit discharge. 

Monitoring and Reporting: A number of industrial permits require facilities to conduct regular stormwater monitoring. This can include:

• Visual inspections of stormwater discharge.

• Individual pollutant analytical monitoring for the industrial sector (i.e., pH, oil & grease, metals, total suspended solids). 

• Reporting of Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) to the permitting authority (e.g., UDEQ in Utah) at specified frequencies. 

"No Exposure" Certification: 

Certain industrial facilities may be eligible for an exemption from permit coverage if all industrial materials and activities are housed inside or under a storm-resistant shelter in such a way that they have "no exposure" to stormwater runoff. These facilities are required to certify their status and re-certify at regular intervals. If there is a change in conditions and exposure does exist, the facility would need to obtain permit coverage. 

Why is This Important to Utah? 

In Utah, safeguarding water quality is of the highest priority. Our rivers, lakes, and specialized ecosystems rely on pure water. Industrial stormwater permits make sure that economic development our cities rely on does not come at the cost of our resources. By requiring industrial facilities responsible for their stormwater discharge, Utah is saving its water for future and present generations.