Last week, the MPCA’s Citizens’ Board approved the issuance of Minnesota’s New Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit. According to sources at the MPCA, the effective date of the NEW permit will be April 5th 2010.

Over the past year, Liesch Associates, a local and full service environmental consulting and engineering firm, has provided updates regarding the permit’s advancements and important dates. Below we have provided important information needed for your facility’s Application and Applying for the No Exposure Exclusion. Please know that Liesch is here as a resource throughout the process – whether you need assistance with a few steps or through the whole process, whatever your needs. We can provide the consulting services you may require, including technical guidance sampling services, SWPPP preparation, permit application preparation, or no exposure assessments. We will be happy to help your facility throughout the application process.

Application Information
As the permit affects industries in eleven categories that include virtually all manufacturers, transportation, refining, scrap dealers, and others, your facility’s application date is dependent on the classification of your facility’s sector. To determine your facility’s sector, visit: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/stormwater/stormwater-i-step1.html. If your facility has more than one sector, whichever sector deadline comes "first" within the below application phases indicates when your application is due:

Sectors: A, C, D, E, F, G, I, J, L, M, N, Q, Y, and AA - Apply between April 5th and June 4th
Sectors: H, K, O, P, R, S, Z, and AC - Apply between April 5th and August 3rd
Sectors: B, T, U, V, W, X, and AB - Apply between April 5th and October 2nd

No Exposure Exclusion
The No Exposure Exclusion is available to companies who can demonstrate that no significant materials are in contact with stormwater. All significant industrial activities and materials must be protected from rain, snow, snowmelt, and run-off through the use of a storm resistant shelter. Further details on qualifying for the No Exposure Exclusion can be found on the PCA’s website at: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/wq-strm3-13.pdf.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
Those facilities that cannot certify No Exposure are required to apply for coverage under the General Industrial Stormwater Permit. They must complete the updates to their facility’s SWPPP prior to submitting an application by the deadlines listed above. For many facilities, this means you have a little over 60 days to complete your SWPPP and submit your application! Liesch has experience developing SWPPPs for a variety of industries and can help your facility comply with the various SWPPP requirements within the new General Industrial Stormwater Permit.

Liesch is well versed at helping industries achieve environmental compliance and is prepared to help your facility throughout the permitting process. If you are interested in a complimentary consultation please contact:

Larry Christensen, CHMM
763/ 489-3117
Larry.christensen@liesch.com

Mat Knutson
763/ 489-3102
Mat.knutson@liesch.com

Margaret Zuckweiler, PE
763/ 489-3131
Margaret.zuckweiler@liesch.com

We will be happy to serve as an environmental resource to you!