M1L2NPDES_ObtainMSGP

Module I

Lesson Two: NPDES Stormwater Permit Program

Obtaining an EPA's Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP)

The steps to obtain the EPA’s MSGP coverage:

Read the applicable MSGP fact sheet and permit requirements for the particular industrial activity.
Develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to submitting the Notice of Intent (NOI). SWPPPs are required of all MSGP applicants. Several items are required in a SWPPP of all MSGP applicants. Several items are required in a SWPPP, such as: site maps showing drainage and outfall locations; an inventory of exposed materials; and pollution prevention Best Management Practices (BMPs). The permit provides specific SWPPP requirements for each sector along with monitoring and reporting requirements. Guidance on SWPPP development and implementation for industrial facilities is available from EPA.
Complete and submit a Notice of Intent (NOI). A Notice of Intent for Industrial Activity must be submitted to the EPA's NOI Processing Center (address identified on the NOI form) at least two days prior to the commencement of industrial activity at the facility or site. Now operators of construction projects or industrial facilities seeking a NPDES stormwater permit coverage under the EPA's Construction General Permit or MSGP can file their Notice of Intent (NOI) application electronically through the internet at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/enoi.cfm. The eNOI database is only for NPDES applications where the EPA is the NPDES permitting authority. Any questions about this database can be directed to the EPA’s NOI Processing Center at (866)352-7755. The permitting status of eNOI can be checked at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/noi/noisearch.cfm.

The EPA's MSGP applicants are required to certify compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Operators of facilities must assess the potential effects of stormwater discharges and stormwater discharge related activities on federally listed endangered and threatened species and any designated critical habitat that exists on or near the operator’s site or facility. Extra paper work in advance of the MSGP application is required for the application. The certification is unique to the EPA's NOI for a MSGP and is not a requirement of most NPDES-delegated states' NOIs. The detailed Endangered Species Act review procedures and each state’s endangered species list can be found at the EPA’s website.