Roux Blog

Effective February 1, 2013 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP or Department) has replaced its Basic Industrial Stormwater Permit (the General Permit) for industrial source stormwater discharges. Generally, unless authorized by a New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit or by NJDEP General Permit, stormwater discharges in the State of New Jersey (including discharges through separate municipal storm sewer systems) are unlawful. Click here for additional information regarding the new General Permit program.

Facilities being reauthorized as part of the automatic permit renewal are required to update their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) to include all contents required in Part 1.E.of the new General Permit. They must also certify that their revised plans meet requirements for coverage under the new General Permit. Each facility being reauthorized as part of the automatic renewal is required to submit the Department's Certification Form within the appropriate calendar quarter indicated on the facility’s new General Permit, certifying that:

i. The facility has updated its SPPP; and

ii. An annual stormwater inspection has been conducted at the facility and the facility is in compliance with SPPP and permit conditions.

On February 1st, facilities authorized under the new General Permit were required to conduct new “Monthly Maintenance Inspections”. These monthly maintenance inspections are an expansion of the historically required annual certifying inspections. At the present time, there is no grace period allowing existing sources more time for SPPP revision. Facilities that were unable to update the SPPPs or begin conducting their monthly inspections by February 28, 2013 run the risk of operating in violation of the permit coverage.

Highlights:

• Industrial facilities that discharge stormwater to waters of the State of New Jersey must obtain permit coverage through either an individual NJPDES permit or the General Permit, or provide a certification using the “Permanent No Exposure Certification,” thereby certifying that industrial activities are not exposed to stormwater.

• The new General Permit now requires recorded, monthly maintenance inspections be conducted at all authorized facilities. The monthly maintenance inspections are to be conducted to ensure that all Best Management Practices (BMPs) identified in the SPPP are being properly implemented and/or maintained. Monthly inspection records are to be retained onsite and made available for Department review upon request.
  
  

Roux Associates has extensive experience in stormwater permitting, as well as in the design of stormwater collection and treatment systems. To learn more about our capabilities and to review some of our representative projects please click on the below link.

Roux Engineered Natural Systems (ENS®)

Should you have any immediate questions regarding NJDEP’s new Basic Industrial Stormwater Permit, or if you would like to explore how Roux Associates can help you evaluate permitting and compliance options, please contact Tom Patterson, P.E., Principal Engineer at Roux Associates, at (856) 423-8800 or click on the Info button below.

Other Useful Links:

Industrial Stormwater Permitting Program Frequently Asked Questions

NJDEP Regulations

NJDEP Forms and Checklists