Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(NPDES) permit and on the state level as the State Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (SPDES) permit. The permit states the specific con-
ditions that must be met to legally discharge treated wastewater to state
waters. The permit contains general requirements (applying to every dis-
charger) and specific requirements (applying only to the point source
specified in the permit).
A
general permit
is a discharge permit that covers a specified class
of dischargers. It is developed to allow dischargers in a specific category
to discharge under specified conditions. All discharge permits contain
general conditions
. These conditions are standard for all dischargers
and cover a broad series of requirements. Read the general conditions of
the treatment facility's permit carefully. Permittees must retain certain
records.
11.2.1 Monitoring
•
Date,
time, and exact place of sampling or measurements
•
Names of individuals performing the sampling or measurement
•
Dates and times analyses were performed
•
Names of the individuals who performed the analyses
•
Analytical techniques or methods used
•
Observations, readings, calculations, bench data, and results
•
Instrument calibration and maintenance
•
Original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring
•
Information used to develop reports required by the permit
•
Data used to complete the permit application
Note:
All records must be kept at least 3 years (longer at the request of
the state board).
11.2.2 reporting
Generally, reporting must be made under the following conditions
or situations (requirements may vary depending on the state regulatory
body with reporting authority):
unusual or extraordinary discharge reports
—Notify the board by tele-
phone within 24 hours of occurrence and submit a written report
within 5 days. The report must include:
•
Description of the
noncompliance and its cause
•
Noncompliance dates, times, and duration
•
Steps planned or taken to reduce or eliminate the problem
•
Steps planned or taken to prevent a reoccurrence of the problem
