General Permits Permitting Process

The process for developing and issuing general NPDES permits is similar to the process for individual permits, however, there are certain differences in the order of events. The permitting authority first identifies the need for a general permit by collecting data demonstrating that a group, or category, of dischargers has similarities that warrant a general permit. In deciding whether to develop a general permit, permitting authorities consider the following:

• Are there a large number of facilities to be covered?
  

• Do the facilities have similar production processes or activities?
  

• Do the facilities generate similar pollutants?
  

• Do only a small percentage of the facilities have the potential for violations of water quality standards?

The remaining steps of the permit process are the same as for individual permits. After the general permit has been issued, facilities that wish to be covered under the general permit generally submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the permitting authority. The permitting authority may then either request additional information describing the facility, notify the facility that it is covered by the general permit, or require the facility to apply for an individual permit.

Copyright @ January,2005 Prepared by Transportation Environmental Resource Center (TERC)