Source: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=4307
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 00:11:42+00:00

Document:
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The State Water Control Board is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 8 of the Code of Virginia, which exempts general permits issued by the State Water Control Board pursuant to the State Water Control Law (§ 62.1-44.2 et seq.), Chapter 24 (§ 62.1-242 et seq.) of Title 62.1, and Chapter 25 (§ 62.1-254 et seq.) of Title 62.1 if the board (i) provides a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action in conformance with the provisions of § 2.2-4007.01; (ii) following the passage of 30 days from the publication of the Notice of Intended Regulatory Action forms a technical advisory committee composed of relevant stakeholders, including potentially affected citizens groups, to assist in the development of the general permit; (iii) provides notice and receives oral and written comment as provided in § 2.2-4007.03; and (iv) conducts at least one public hearing on the proposed general permit.
Title of Regulation: 9VAC25-190. Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) General Permit Regulation for Nonmetallic Mineral Mining (amending 9VAC25-190-10 through 9VAC25-190-70; adding 9VAC25-190-15; repealing 9VAC25-190-65).
Agency Contact: Elleanore M. Daub, Department of Environmental Quality, 629 East Main Street, P.O. Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218, telephone (804) 698-4111, FAX (804) 698-4032, TTY (804) 698-4021, or email elleanore.daub@deq.virginia.gov.
The amendments reissue the existing VPDES general permit, which expires on June 30, 2014. The general permit contains limitations and monitoring requirements for point source discharge of treated wastewaters from nonmetallic mineral mining to surface waters. The general permit regulation is being reissued in order to continue making it available for these facilities to continue to discharge. Changes since publication of the proposed stage of the regulation are found in 9VAC25-190-10, 9VAC25-190-50 D, 9VAC25-190-60 B and C, and 9VAC25-190-70 Part I B, Part II C, and Part II H. The most significant change since the proposed stage of the regulation is the addition of the new special condition that eliminates the need for discharge monitoring reports for process water systems that are designed to operate as a no discharge system except during a 25-year, 24-hour storm event.
"Colocated facility" means an industrial activity other than mineral mining operating on a site where the primary industrial activity is mineral mining. Such an activity must have wastewater characteristics similar to those of the mineral mine and be located within the permitted mining area. The term refers to activities that are commonly found at mining sites such as manufacturing of ready-mix concrete (SIC Code 3273), concrete products (SIC Codes 3271 and 3272), and asphalt paving materials (SIC Code 2951) except asphalt emulsion manufacturing. It does not mean industrial activity that is specifically excluded from this permit.
"Industrial activity" means activity associated with mineral mining facilities generally identified by SIC Major Group 14 including active or inactive mining operations that discharge storm water that has come into contact with any overburden, raw material, intermediate products, finished products, by-products or waste products located on the site of such operations. (Inactive mining operations are mining sites that are not being actively mined, but which have an identifiable owner/operator; inactive mining sites do not include sites where mining claims are being maintained prior to disturbances associated with the extraction, beneficiation, or processing of mined materials, nor sites where minimal activities are undertaken for the sole purpose of maintaining a mining claim.) Industrial activity also includes facilities classified under other SIC codes that may be colocated within the mineral mine permit area, unless they are expressly excluded by this general permit.
"Municipal separate storm sewer system" or "MS4" means a conveyance or system of conveyances, including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains (i) owned or operated by a state, city, town, county, district, association, or other public body (created by or pursuant to state law) having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, storm water, or other wastes, including special districts under state law such as a sewer district, flood control district or drainage district, or similar entity, or an Indian tribe or an authorized Indian tribal organization, or a designated and approved management agency under § 208 of the Clean Water Act that discharges to surface waters of the state; (ii) designed or used for collecting or conveying storm water; (iii) that is not a combined sewer; and (iv) that is not part of a publicly owned treatment works (POTW).
"Process wastewater" means any wastewater used in the slurry transport of mined material, air emissions control, or processing exclusive of mining, and any other water that becomes commingled with such wastewater in a pit, pond, lagoon, mine, or other facility used for treatment of such wastewater. It includes mine pit dewatering, water used in the process of washing stone, noncontact cooling water, wastewater from vehicle/equipment washing vehicle or equipment degreasing activities, vehicle washing and return water from operations where mined material is dredged and miscellaneous plant cleanup wastewaters.
"Significant materials" includes, but is not limited to, raw materials; fuels; materials such as solvents, detergents, and plastic pellets; finished materials such as metallic products; raw materials used in food processing or production; hazardous substances designated under Section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 USC § 9601 et seq.); any chemical the owner is required to report pursuant to Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) (42 USC § 11001 et seq.); fertilizers; pesticides; and waste products such as ashes, slag and sludge (including pond sediments) that have the potential to be released with storm water discharges.
"Storm water discharge associated with industrial activity" means the discharge from any conveyance [ which that ] is used for collecting and conveying storm water and [ which that ] is directly related to manufacturing, processing or raw materials storage areas at an industrial plant. The term does not include discharges from facilities or activities excluded from the VPDES program under 9VAC25-31. For the categories of industries identified in the "industrial activity" definition, the term includes, but is not limited to, storm water discharges from industrial plant yards; immediate access roads and rail lines used or traveled by carriers of raw materials, manufactured products, waste material, or by-products used or created by the mineral mine; material handling sites; refuse sites; sites used for the application or disposal of process wastewaters; sites used for the storage and maintenance of material handling equipment; sites used for residual treatment, storage, or disposal; shipping and receiving areas; manufacturing buildings; storage areas (including tank farms) for raw materials, and intermediate and finished products; and areas where industrial activity has taken place in the past and significant materials remain and are exposed to storm water. For the purposes of this paragraph, material handling activities include the storage, loading and unloading, transportation, or conveyance of any raw material, intermediate product, finished product, by-product or waste product. The term excludes areas located on plant lands separate from the plant's industrial activities, such as office buildings and accompanying parking lots as long as the drainage from the excluded areas is not mixed with storm water drained from the above described areas.
"Vehicle/equipment washing" "Vehicle or equipment degreasing" means the washing with detergents or steam cleaning of engines of a vehicle or piece of equipment and other drive components in which the purpose is to clean and degrease and clean petroleum products from the equipment for maintenance and other purposes. The application of water without detergent to a Washing the vehicle exterior for the purpose of removing sediment is excluded not considered vehicle or equipment degreasing.
Except as noted, when a regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set forth in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations is referenced or adopted herein and incorporated by reference that regulation shall be as it exists and has been published as of July 1, 2013.
1. For active and inactive nonmetallic mineral mining facilities in SIC Major Group 14, this general permit covers discharges composed entirely of storm water associated with industrial activity.
2. This general permit authorizes the discharge of process wastewater as well as storm water associated with industrial activity from active and inactive mineral mines classified under Standard Industrial Classification SIC Codes 1411, 1422, 1423, 1429, 1442, 1455, 1459 excluding bentonite and magnesite mines, 1475, and 1499 excluding gypsum, graphite, asbestos, diatomite, jade, novaculite, wollastonite, tripoli or asphaltic mineral mines.
C. This general permit will become effective on July 1, 2009 2014, and will expire five years after the effective date June 30, 2019. For any covered owner, this general permit is effective upon compliance with all the provisions of 9VAC25-190-50 and the receipt of this general permit.
3. The owner shall have a mineral mining permit for the operation to be covered by this general permit which has been approved by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Mineral Mining (or associated waivered program, locality or state agency) under provisions and requirements of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia. Mineral mines located in bordering states with discharges in Virginia shall provide documentation that they have a mining permit from the appropriate state authority. Mineral mines owned and operated by governmental bodies not subject to the provisions and requirements of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia are exempt from this requirement.
4. The owner shall implement pollution control measures necessary to comply with the conditions and limitations of this general permit including, but not limited to, the installation, operation and maintenance of sediment control structures.
5. The owner shall not be authorized by this general permit to discharge to waters for which a "total maximum daily load" (TMDL) allocation has been established by the board and approved by EPA prior to the term of this permit, unless the owner develops, implements and maintains a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) that is consistent with the assumptions and requirements of the TMDL. This only applies where the facility is a source of the TMDL pollutant of concern.
B. The board shall deny coverage under this general permit to any owner with discharge or storm water discharge-related activities which the board determines cause, may reasonably be expected to cause, or may be contributing to a violation of water quality standards, including discharges or discharge-related activities that are likely to adversely affect aquatic life.
C. Receipt of Compliance with this general permit constitutes compliance with the federal Clean Water Act and the State Water Control Law, with the exceptions stated in 9VAC25-31-60 of the VPDES Permit Regulation. Approval for coverage under this general permit does not relieve any owner of the responsibility to comply with any other applicable federal, state, or local statute, ordinance, or regulation.
The owner shall file a complete general VPDES permit registration statement, which will serve as a notice of intent for coverage under the general permit for nonmetallic mineral mining. Any owner proposing a new discharge shall file the registration statement at least 30 days prior to the date planned for operation of the mineral mine. Any owner of an existing mineral mine covered by an individual VPDES permit who is proposing to be covered by this general permit shall file the registration statement at least 180 days prior to the expiration date of the individual VPDES permit. Any owner of an existing mineral mine covered by the general VPDES permit for nonmetallic mineral mining that became effective on June 30, 1999, who wishes to remain covered by this general permit shall file a new registration statement in accordance with the general permit requirements in order to avoid a lapse in coverage. Any owner of an existing mineral mine not currently covered by a VPDES permit who is proposing to be covered by this general permit shall file the registration statement. The required registration statement shall contain the following information: A. The owner seeking coverage under this general permit shall submit a complete VPDES general permit registration statement in accordance with this section, which shall serve as a notice of intent for coverage under the general VPDES permit for nonmetallic mineral mining facilities.
1. New facilities. Any owner proposing a discharge shall submit a complete registration statement at least 45 days prior to the date planned for commencement of the discharge.
a. Any owner covered by an individual VPDES permit that is proposing to be covered by this general permit shall submit a complete registration statement at least 210 days prior to the expiration date of the individual VPDES permit.
b. Any owner that was authorized to discharge under the VPDES general permit for nonmetallic mineral mining that became effective on July 1, 2009, and that intends to continue coverage under this general permit shall submit a complete registration statement to the board on or before April 1, 2014.
B. Late registration statements. Registration statements for existing facilities covered under subdivision A 2 b of this section will be accepted after [ July 1 June 30 ], 2014, but authorization to discharge will not be retroactive. Owners described in subdivision A 2 b of this section that submit registration statements after April 1, 2014, are authorized to discharge under the provisions of 9VAC25-190-50 D if a complete registration statement is submitted [ on or ] before July 1, 2014.
16. The owner shall not be authorized by this general permit unless the discharge complies with Virginia's antidegradation policy in the Water Quality Standards at 9VAC25-260-30. The department will notify the applicant if authorization to discharge under this general permit will not comply with the antidegradation requirements set forth in 9VAC25-260-30.
E. Where to submit. The registration statement may be delivered to the department by either postal or electronic mail and shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office serving the area where the industrial facility is located.
3. All storm water discharges associated with industrial activity have been covered by an individual VPDES permit.
5. The following certification: "I certify under penalty of law that all storm water discharges associated with industrial activity from the identified facility that are authorized by this VPDES general permit have been eliminated, or covered under a VPDES individual permit, or that I am no longer the owner of the industrial activity, or permit coverage should be terminated for another reason listed above. I understand that by submitting this notice of termination, that I am no longer authorized to discharge storm water associated with industrial activity in accordance with the general permit, and that discharging pollutants in storm water associated with industrial activity to surface waters is unlawful where the discharge is not authorized by a VPDES permit. I also understand that the submittal of this notice of termination does not release an owner from liability for any violations of this permit or the Clean Water Act."
C. The notice of termination shall be signed in accordance with 9VAC25-190-70, Part III K.
D. The notice of termination shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office serving the area where the industrial facility is located.
Any owner whose registration statement is accepted by the board will receive coverage under the following permit and shall comply with the requirements in it and be subject to all requirements of the VPDES permit regulation, 9VAC25-31.
In compliance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act, as amended, and pursuant to the State Water Control Law and regulations adopted pursuant to it, owners of nonmetallic mineral mines are authorized to discharge to surface waters within the boundaries of the Commonwealth of Virginia, except those specifically named in board regulations or policies which that prohibit such discharges.
The authorized discharge shall be in accordance with this cover page, Part I - Effluent Limitations and, Monitoring Requirements, and Special Conditions, Part II - Storm Water Management, and Part III - Conditions Applicable to All VPDES Permits, as set forth herein.
1. During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under this general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge process wastewater and commingled storm water associated with industrial activity from outfall(s).
(1)Where the Water Quality Standards (9VAC25-260) establish alternate standards for pH, pH effluent limits may be adjusted within the 6 to 9 S.U. range.
(2)Monitoring for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons is only required for outfalls from vehicle/equipment washing facilities or from discharges that pass through oil/water separators.
(3)Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) of quarterly monitoring shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office no later than the 10th day of April, July, October, and January.
(1)Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) of quarterly monitoring shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office no later than the 10th day of April, July, October, and January.
2. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts.
3. 2. During the period beginning with the permittee's coverage under the general permit and lasting until the permit's expiration date, the permittee is authorized to discharge storm water associated with industrial activity [ which that ] does not combine with other wastewaters prior to discharge from outfall(s).
(1)(2) Estimate of the total volume of the discharge during the storm event.
(2)Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) of yearly monitoring (January 1 to December 31) shall be submitted to the DEQ regional office no later than the 10th day of January.
(3)Refer to Part I B 13 12 should the TSS evaluation monitoring exceed 100 mg/l daily maximum.
4. All samples taken to meet the monitoring requirements specified above in Part I A 3 shall be collected on a storm event that results in an actual discharge (defined as a "measurable storm event") that follows the preceding measurable storm event by at least 72 hours (three days). The 72-hour (three-day) storm interval does not apply if the permittee is able to document that less than a 72-hour (three-day) interval is representative for local storm events during the sampling period. The grab sample shall be taken during the first 30 minutes of the storm water discharge. If the collection of a grab sample during the first 30 minutes is impracticable, a grab sample can be taken during the first hour of the discharge, and the permittee shall submit with the monitoring report a description of why a grab sample during the first 30 minutes was impracticable. In the case of snowmelt or a discharge from a storm water settling lagoon, a representative sample shall be taken at the time the discharge occurs.
1. Vehicles and equipment utilized during the industrial activity on a site must be operated and maintained in such a manner as to prevent the potential or actual point source pollution of the surface or groundwaters of the state. Fuels, lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids, or any other petroleum products, shall not be disposed of by discharging on the ground or into surface waters. Spent fluids shall be disposed of in a manner so as not to enter the surface or groundwaters of the state and in accordance with the applicable state and federal disposal regulations. Any spilled fluids shall be cleaned up to the maximum extent practicable and disposed of in a manner so as not to allow their entry into the surface or groundwaters of the state.
3. There shall be no chemicals added to the discharge, other than those listed on the owner's approved registration statement.
b. Controls any pollutant not limited in the permit.
7. 6. Except as expressly authorized by this permit, no product, materials, industrial wastes, or other wastes resulting from the purchase, sale, mining, extraction, transport, preparation, or storage of raw or intermediate materials, final product, by-product or wastes, shall be handled, disposed of, or stored so as to permit a discharge of such product, materials, industrial wastes, or other wastes to state waters.
8. 7. There shall be no discharge of process wastewater pollutants from colocated asphalt paving materials operations. For the purposes of this special condition, process wastewater pollutants are any pollutants present in water used in asphalt paving materials manufacturing [ which that ] come into direct contact with any raw materials, intermediate product, by-product or product related to the asphalt paving materials manufacturing process.
9. 8. Process water may be used on site for the purpose of dust suppression. Dust suppression shall be carried out as a best management practice but not as a wastewater disposal method provided that ponding or direct runoff run-off from the site does not occur during or immediately following its application.
10. 9. Process water from mine dewatering may be provided to local property owners for beneficial agricultural use.
11. Vehicle/equipment washing shall include washing with detergents or steam cleaning of engines and other drive components in which the purpose is to clean and decrease the equipment for maintenance and other purposes. The application of water without detergent to a vehicle exterior for the purpose of removing is excluded.
10. There shall be no discharge of floating solids or visible foam in other than trace amounts [ from process water discharges ]. There shall be no solids deposition or oil sheen from petroleum products [ in discharged to ] surface water as a result of the industrial activity [ in the vicinity of the outfall ].
12. 11. The permittee shall report at least two significant digits for a given parameter. Regardless of the rounding convention used (i.e., [ 5 five ] always rounding up or to the nearest even number) by the permittee, the permittee shall use the convention consistently and shall ensure that consulting laboratories employed by the permittee use the same convention.
13. 12. Storm water monitoring total suspended solids (TSS) Evaluation. Permittees that monitor storm water associated with industrial activity [ which that ] does not combine with other wastewaters prior to discharge shall review the results of the TSS monitoring required by Part I A 3 2 to determine if changes to the storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) may be necessary. If the TSS monitoring results are greater than the evaluation value of 100 mg/l, then the permittee shall perform the inspection and maintain documentation as described in Part II H 3 d for that outfall. Any deficiencies noted during the inspection shall be corrected in a timely manner.
14. 13. Discharges to waters subject to TMDL waste load allocations. Facilities Owners of facilities that are a source of the specified pollutant of concern to waters for which a total maximum daily load (TMDL) waste load allocation has been established by the board and approved by EPA prior to the term of this permit shall incorporate measures and controls into the SWPPP required by Part II that are consistent with the assumptions and requirements of the TMDL. The department will provide written notification to the owner that a facility is subject to the TMDL requirements. If the TMDL establishes a numeric wasteload allocation that applies to discharges from the facility, the owner shall perform any required monitoring in accordance with Part I A and implement measures necessary to meet that allocation.
14. Discharges in the entire Chickahominy watershed above Walker's Dam (excluding discharges consisting solely of storm water) shall also meet the effluent limitations in 9VAC25-260-310 m (special standards and requirements) of the January 6, 2011, water quality standards regulation. These limitations are BOD5 (6.0 mg/l average and 8.0 mg/l maximum), total suspended solids (TSS) (5.0 mg/l average and 7.5 mg/l maximum), total phosphorus (0.10 mg/l average), ammonia as nitrogen (2.0 mg/l average), and settleable solids (0.1 mg/l average). These parameters, except for TSS, shall be monitored once per calendar year and the data submitted with the next registration statement (for the 2019 reissuance). TSS data shall be monitored and submitted with the Part I A DMR.
15. There shall be no discharge or storm water discharge-related activities that cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards or that adversely affect aquatic life. The discharges authorized by this permit shall be controlled as necessary to meet applicable water quality standards.
16. Inactive and unstaffed facilities (including temporarily inactive sites).
a. A waiver of the process and storm water monitoring and routine inspections may be exercised by the board at a facility that is both inactive and unstaffed as long as the facility remains inactive and unstaffed. Such a facility is required to conduct an annual comprehensive site inspection in accordance with the requirements in Part II H 4. No DMR reports will be required to be submitted when a facility is approved as inactive and unstaffed.
c. To reactivate the site the permittee shall notify the department within 30 days [ or an alternate timeframe if written approval is received in advance from the board ], and all process and storm water monitoring and routine inspections shall be resumed immediately. This notification must be submitted to the department, signed in accordance with Part III K, and retained on site at the facility covered by this permit in accordance with Part III B.
[ 17. 18. ] Notice of termination.
"I certify under penalty of law that all wastewater and storm water discharges from the identified facility that are authorized by this VPDES general permit have been eliminated, or covered under a VPDES individual or alternative permit, or that I am no longer the owner of the facility, or permit coverage should be terminated for another reason listed above. I understand that by submitting this notice of termination, that I am no longer authorized to discharge nonmetallic mineral mining wastewater or storm water in accordance with the general permit, and that discharging pollutants to surface waters is unlawful where the discharge is not authorized by a VPDES permit. I also understand that the submittal of this notice of termination does not release an owner from liability for any violations of this permit or the Clean Water Act."
b. The rainfall measurements or estimates (in inches) of the storm event which generated the sampled discharge.
2. Additional reporting. In addition to filing copies of discharge monitoring reports in accordance with Part III, permittees with at least one storm water discharge associated with industrial activity through a large or medium municipal separate storm sewer system (systems serving a population of 100,000 or more) or a municipal system designated by the board must submit signed copies of discharge monitoring reports to the operator of the municipal separate storm sewer system at the same time.
a. In the case of snowmelt or a discharge from a storm water management structure (a series of settling lagoons), a representative sample shall be taken at the time the discharge occurs.
b. For all other types of storm water discharges, a minimum of one grab sample shall be taken resulting from a storm event that results in an actual discharge from the site (defined as a "measurable storm event"), providing the interval from the preceding measurable storm event is at least 72 hours. The 72-hour storm interval is waived if the permittee is able to document with the discharge monitoring report (DMR) that less than a 72-hour interval is representative for local storm events during the sampling period. The grab sample shall be taken during the first 30 minutes of the discharge. If it is not practicable to take the sample during the first 30 minutes, the sample may be taken during the first three hours of discharge provided that the permittee explains with the DMR why a grab sample during the first 30 minutes was impracticable.
B. Representative discharge. When a facility has two or more exclusively storm water outfalls that the permittee reasonably believes discharge substantially identical effluents, based on a consideration of similarity of industrial activity, significant materials, and management practices and activities within the area drained by the outfalls, then the permittee may submit information with the registration statement substantiating the request for only one DMR to be issued for the outfall to be sampled that represents one or more substantially identical outfalls. Also the permittee may must list on the discharge monitoring report DMR of the outfall to be sampled all outfall locations that are represented by the discharge.
C. Sampling waiver waivers. 1. Adverse conditions. When a permittee is unable to collect samples within a specified sampling period due to adverse climatic conditions, the permittee shall collect a substitute sample from a separate qualifying event in the next period and submit these data along with the data for the routine sampling in that period. When a permittee is unable to conduct storm water monitoring within the specified sampling period due to no measurable storm event or adverse weather conditions, documentation shall be submitted explaining the permittee's inability to conduct the storm water monitoring. The documentation must include [ at least four the ] dates and [ the ] times [ that ] the outfalls were viewed and sampling was attempted. Adverse weather conditions that may prohibit the collection of samples include weather conditions that create dangerous conditions for personnel (such as local flooding, high winds, hurricane, tornadoes, electrical storms, etc.) or otherwise make the collection of a sample impracticable (drought, extended frozen conditions, etc.). Acceptable documentation includes but is not limited to National Climatic Data Center [ Weather weather ] station data, local weather station data, facility rainfall logs, and other appropriate supporting data. All documentation shall also be maintained with the SWPPP.
2. Inactive and unstaffed facilities. When a permittee is unable to conduct the storm water sampling required at an inactive and unstaffed facility, the permittee may exercise a waiver of the monitoring requirements as long as the facility remains inactive and unstaffed. The permittee must submit to the department, in lieu of monitoring data, a certification statement on the discharge monitoring report stating that the facility is inactive and unstaffed so that collecting a sample during a qualifying event is not possible. The requirement for a quarterly visual assessment does not apply at a facility that is inactive and unstaffed, as long as there are no industrial materials or activities exposed to stormwater.
D. Storm water pollution prevention plans (SWPPP). A storm water pollution prevention plan shall be developed for each facility covered by this permit. Storm water pollution prevention plans shall be prepared in accordance with good engineering practices. The plan shall identify potential sources of pollution which may reasonably be expected to affect the quality of storm water discharges associated with industrial activity from the facility. In addition, the plan shall describe and ensure the implementation of practices which are to be used to reduce the pollutants in storm water discharges associated with industrial activity at the facility and to assure compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit. Facilities must implement the provisions of the storm water pollution prevention plan required under this part as a condition of this permit. An SWPPP shall be developed and implemented for the facility. The plan shall include best management practices (BMPs) that are reasonable, economically practicable, and appropriate in light of current industry practices. The BMPs shall be selected, designed, installed, implemented, and maintained in accordance with good engineering practices to eliminate or reduce the pollutants in all storm water discharges from the facility. The SWPPP shall also include all control measures necessary for the storm water discharges to meet applicable water quality standards.
The storm water pollution prevention plan [ ( ] SWPPP [ ) ] requirements of this general permit may be fulfilled, in part, by incorporating by reference other plans or documents such as an erosion and sediment control plan, a mine drainage plan as required by the Virginia Division of Mineral Mining, a spill prevention control and countermeasure (SPCC) plan developed for the facility under § 311 of the federal Clean Water Act or best management practices (BMP) BMP programs otherwise required for the facility provided that the incorporated plan meets or exceeds the plan requirements of Part II H (contents of plan). If an erosion and sediment control plan is being incorporated by reference, it shall have been approved by the locality in which the activity is to occur or by another appropriate plan-approving authority authorized under the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations, 4VAC50-30. All plans incorporated by reference into the storm water pollution prevention plan SWPPP become enforceable under this permit. If a plan incorporated by reference does not contain all of the required elements of the storm water pollution prevention plan of Part II H, the permittee must develop the missing plan SWPPP elements and include them in the required storm water pollution prevention plan.
E. Deadlines for plan preparation and compliance.
1. Existing facilities and new facilities that begin operation on or before July 1, 2009, shall prepare and implement a plan incorporating the storm water pollution prevention plan requirements of this permit, if not included in an existing plan, as expeditiously as practicable, but not later than July 1, 2010. Existing storm water pollution prevention plans being implemented as of July 1, 2009 shall continue to be implemented until a new plan is developed and implemented.
2. Facilities that begin operation after July 1, 2009, shall prepare and implement a plan incorporating the requirements of this permit prior to submitting the registration statement.
1. Owners of existing facilities that were covered under the 2009 Nonmetallic Mineral Mining General Permit that are continuing coverage under this general permit shall update and implement any revisions to the SWPPP within 90 days of the board granting coverage under this permit.
F. Signature and plan review.
1. The plan SWPPP shall be signed in accordance with Part III K (signatory requirements), and be retained on-site on site at the facility covered by this permit in accordance with Part III B (records) of this permit. When there are no on-site buildings or offices in which to store the plan, it shall be kept at the nearest company office.
2. The permittee shall make the storm water pollution prevention plan SWPPP, annual site compliance inspection report, or other information available to the department upon request.
3. The director, or an authorized representative, may notify the permittee at any time that the plan does SWPPP, BMPs, or other components of the facility's storm water program do not meet one or more of the minimum requirements of this part. Such notification shall identify those specific provisions of the permit which that are not being met by the plan, and identify which provisions of the plan require modifications in order to meet the minimum requirements of this part and may include required modifications to the storm water program, additional monitoring requirements, and special reporting requirements. Within 60 days of such notification from the director, or as otherwise provided by the director, or an authorized representative, the permittee shall make the required changes to the plan and shall submit to the department a written certification that the requested changes have been made.
SWPPP modifications shall be made within 30 calendar days after discovery, observation, or an event requiring an SWPPP modification. Implementation of new or modified BMPs (distinct from regular preventive maintenance of existing BMPs described in Part II H 3 b (preventative maintenance) shall be initiated before the next storm event if possible, but no later than 60 days after discovery, or as otherwise provided or approved by the director. The amount of time taken to modify a BMP or implement additional BMPs shall be documented in the SWPPP.
1. Pollution prevention team. Each plan shall identify a specific individual or individuals within the facility organization as members of a storm water pollution prevention team that are responsible for developing the storm water pollution prevention plan and assisting the facility or plant manager in its implementation, maintenance, and revision. The plan shall clearly identify the responsibilities of each team member. The activities and responsibilities of the team shall address all aspects of the facility's storm water pollution prevention plan. Each plan shall identify the staff individuals by name or title who comprise the facility's storm water pollution prevention team. The pollution prevention team is responsible for assisting the facility or plant manager in developing, implementing, maintaining, revising, and ensuring compliance with the facility's SWPPP. Specific responsibilities of each staff individual on the team shall be identified and listed.
(1) A site map indicating an An outline of the portions of the drainage area of each storm water outfall that are within the facility boundaries, each existing structural control measure to reduce pollutants in storm water run-off, surface water bodies, locations where significant materials are exposed to precipitation, locations where major spills or leaks identified under Part II H 2 c (spills and leaks) of this permit have occurred, and the locations of the following activities where such activities are exposed to precipitation: fueling stations, vehicle and equipment maintenance and/or or equipment degreasing, cleaning areas, loading/unloading areas, locations used for the treatment, storage or disposal of wastes and wastewaters, liquid storage tanks, processing areas and storage areas. The map must indicate all outfall locations. The types of discharges contained in the drainage areas of the outfalls must be indicated either on the map or in an attached narrative.
(2) For each area of the facility that generates storm water discharges associated with industrial activity with a reasonable potential for containing significant amounts of pollutants, a prediction of the direction of flow, locations of storm water conveyances, including ditches, pipes, swales, and inlets, and the directions of storm water flow and an identification of the types of pollutants which that are likely to be present in storm water discharges associated with industrial activity. Factors to consider include the toxicity of the chemicals; quantity of chemicals used, produced or discharged; the likelihood of contact with storm water; and history of significant leaks or spills or leaks of toxic or hazardous pollutants. Flows with a significant potential for causing erosion shall be identified.
b. Inventory of exposed materials. An inventory of the types of materials handled at the site that potentially may be exposed to precipitation. Such inventory shall include a narrative description of significant materials that have been handled, treated, stored or disposed in a manner to allow exposure to storm water between the time of three years prior to the date of coverage under this general permit and the present; method and location of on-site storage or disposal; materials management practices employed to minimize contact of materials with storm water run-off between the time of three years prior to the date of coverage under this general permit and the present; the location and a description of existing structural and nonstructural control measures to reduce pollutants in storm water run-off; and a description of any treatment the storm water receives. A list of the industrial materials or activities, including but not limited to material handling equipment or activities, industrial machinery, raw materials, industrial production and processes, intermediate products, by-products, final products, and waste products. Material handling activities include but are not limited to the storage, loading and unloading, transportation, disposal, or conveyance of any raw material, intermediate product, final product, or waste product.
c. Spills and leaks. A list of significant spills and significant leaks of toxic or hazardous pollutants that occurred at areas that are exposed to precipitation or that otherwise drain to a storm water conveyance at the facility after the date of three years prior to the date of coverage under this general permit. Such list shall be updated as appropriate during the term of the permit.
d. Sampling data. A summary of existing discharge sampling data describing pollutants in storm water discharges from the facility, including a summary of sampling data collected during the term of this permit. storm water sampling data taken at the facility. The summary shall include, at a minimum, any data collected during the previous three years.
e. Risk identification and summary of potential pollutant sources. A narrative description of the potential pollutant sources from the following activities: loading and unloading operations; outdoor storage activities; outdoor manufacturing or processing activities; significant dust or particulate generating processes; and on-site waste disposal practices. The description shall specifically list any significant potential source of pollutants at the site and for each potential source, any pollutant or pollutant parameter (e.g., biochemical oxygen demand, etc.) of concern shall be identified.
a. Good housekeeping. Good housekeeping requires the maintenance of areas [ which that ] may contribute pollutants to storm water discharges in a clean, orderly manner. The plan shall describe procedures performed to minimize contact of materials with storm water run-off. Particular attention should be paid to areas where raw materials are stockpiled, material handling areas, storage areas, liquid storage tanks, vehicle fueling and maintenance areas, and loading/unloading areas.
b. Preventive maintenance. A preventive maintenance program shall involve timely inspection and maintenance of storm water management devices (e.g., cleaning oil/water separators, catch basins) as well as inspecting and testing facility regular inspection, testing, maintenance, and repairing of all industrial equipment and systems to uncover conditions that could cause avoid breakdowns or failures resulting in discharges of pollutants to surface waters, and ensuring appropriate maintenance of such equipment and systems. that could result in leaks, spills, and other releases. All BMPs identified in the SWPPP shall be maintained in effective operating condition. The SWPPP shall include a description of procedures and a regular schedule for preventive maintenance and observation of all BMPs and shall include a description of the back-up practices that are in place should a run-off event occur while a BMP is off line or not operating effectively. The effectiveness of nonstructural BMPs shall also be maintained by appropriate means (e.g., spill response supplies available and personnel trained). If site inspections required by Part II H 3 d (routine facility inspections) or Part II H 4 (comprehensive site compliance evaluation) identify BMPs that are not operating effectively, repairs or maintenance shall be performed before the next anticipated storm event. If maintenance prior to the next anticipated storm event is not possible, maintenance shall be scheduled and accomplished as soon as practicable. Documentation shall be kept with the SWPPP of maintenance and repairs of BMPs, including the date(s) of regular maintenance, date(s) of discovery of areas in need of repair or replacement, date(s) for repairs, date(s) that the BMP(s) returned to full function, and the justification for an extended maintenance or repair schedules. The maintenance program shall require periodic removal of debris from discharge diversions and conveyance systems. Permittees using settling basins to control their effluents must provide maintenance schedules for such basins in the pollution prevention plan.
c. Spill prevention and response procedures. Areas where potential spills which can contribute pollutants to storm water discharges can occur, and their accompanying drainage points shall be identified clearly in the storm water pollution prevention plan. Where appropriate, specifying material handling procedures, storage requirements, and use of equipment such as diversion valves in the plan should be considered. Procedures for cleaning up spills shall be identified in the plan and made available to the appropriate personnel. The necessary equipment to implement a clean up should be available to personnel. The plan shall describe the procedures that will be followed for preventing and responding to spills and leaks, including barriers between material storage and traffic areas, secondary containment provisions, procedures for material storage and handling, response procedures for notification of appropriate facility personnel, emergency agencies, and regulatory agencies and procedures for stopping, containing, and cleaning up spills. Measures for cleaning up hazardous material spills or leaks shall be consistent with applicable RCRA regulations at 40 CFR Part 264 and 40 CFR Part 265. Employees who may cause, detect, or respond to a spill or leak shall be trained in these procedures and have necessary spill response equipment available. If possible, one of these individuals shall be a member of the pollution prevention team. Contact information for individuals and agencies that must be notified in the event of a spill shall be included in the SWPPP and in other locations where it will be readily available.
d. Inspections. Routine facility inspections.
(1) Facility personnel who are familiar with the mining activity, the best management practices and the storm water pollution prevention plan shall be identified to inspect material storage and handling areas, including but not limited to areas where aggregate is stockpiled outdoors, liquid storage tanks, hoppers or silos, vehicle and equipment maintenance areas, cleaning and fueling areas, material handling vehicles and designated material handling vehicles, equipment, and processing areas of the facility; to inspect vehicle and equipment maintenance areas and cleaning and fueling areas; to inspect best management practices; and to conduct visual examinations of storm water associated with industrial activity.
(2) The inspection frequency shall be specified in the plan based upon a consideration of the level of industrial activity at the facility, but shall be a minimum of quarterly. Inspections of best management practices shall include inspection of storm water discharge diversions, conveyance systems, sediment control and collection systems, containment structures, vegetation, serrated slopes, and benched slopes to determine their effectiveness, the integrity of control structures, if soil erosion has occurred, or if there is evidence of actual or potential discharge of contaminated storm water.
(3) [ Visual Quarterly visual ] examinations of storm water discharges associated with industrial activity shall include examination of storm water samples representative of storm event discharges from the facility and observation of color, odor, clarity, floating solids, settled solids, suspended solids, foam, oil sheen, and other obvious indicators of storm water pollution.
(4) Site inspection, best management practices inspection and visual examination results must be documented and maintained on-site with the facility pollution prevention plan SWPPP. Documentation for visual examinations of storm water shall include the examination date and time, examination personnel, outfall location, the nature of the discharge, visual quality of the storm water discharge and probable sources of any observed storm water contamination. [ Part II A regarding monitoring instructions, ] Part II B regarding representative discharges [ , ] and Part II C regarding sampling waivers shall apply to the taking of samples for visual examination except that (i) the documentation required by these sections shall be retained with the storm water pollution prevention plan SWPPP visual examination records rather than submitted to the department, and (ii) substitute sampling for waivered sampling is not required if the proper documentation is maintained.
(5) A set of tracking or followup procedures shall be used to ensure that appropriate actions are taken in response to the inspections.
e. Employee training. Employee training programs shall inform personnel responsible for implementing activities identified in the storm water pollution prevention plan or otherwise responsible for storm water management at all levels of responsibility of the components and goals of the storm water pollution prevention plan. Training should address topics such as spill response, good housekeeping and material management practices. A pollution prevention plan shall identify periodic dates for such training.
f. Recordkeeping and internal reporting procedures. A description of incidents such as spills, or other discharges, along with other information describing the quality and quantity of storm water discharges shall be included in the plan required under this part. Inspections and maintenance activities shall be documented and records of such activities shall be incorporated into the plan. Ineffective best management practices must be recorded and the date of their corrective action noted.
g. Sediment and erosion control. The plan shall identify areas which, due to topography, activities, or other factors, have a high potential for significant soil erosion, and identify structural, vegetative, or stabilization measures to be used to limit erosion. Permittees must indicate the location and design for proposed best management practices to be implemented prior to land disturbance activities. For sites already disturbed but without best management practices, the permittee must indicate the location and design of best management practices that will be implemented. The permittee is required to indicate plans for grading, contouring, stabilization, and establishment of vegetative cover for all disturbed areas, including road banks. that, due to topography, land disturbance (e.g., construction, landscaping, site grading), or other factors, have a potential for soil erosion. The permittee shall identify and implement structural, vegetative, or stabilization BMPs to prevent or control on-site and off-site erosion and sedimentation.
h. Management of run-off. The plan shall contain a narrative consideration of the appropriateness of traditional storm water management practices (practices other than those which control the generation or sources of pollutants) used to divert, infiltrate, reuse, or otherwise manage storm water run-off in a manner that reduces pollutants in storm water discharges from the site. The plan shall provide that measures that the permittee determines to be reasonable and appropriate shall be implemented and maintained. The potential of various sources at the facility to contribute pollutants to storm water discharges associated with industrial activity (see Part II H 2 (description of potential pollutant sources) of this permit) shall be considered when determining reasonable and appropriate measures. describe the storm water run-off management practices (i.e., permanent structural BMPs) for the facility. These types of BMPs are typically used to divert, infiltrate, reuse, or otherwise reduce pollutants in storm water discharges from the site. Appropriate measures may include: vegetative swales and practices, reuse of collected storm water (such as for a process or as an irrigation source), inlet controls (such as oil/water separators), snow management activities, infiltration devices, and wet detention/retention devices.
a. Areas contributing to a storm water discharge associated with industrial activity, including material storage and handling areas; liquid storage tanks; hoppers or silos; vehicle and equipment maintenance, cleaning, and fueling areas; material handling vehicles; equipment and processing areas; and areas where aggregate is stockpiled outdoors (e.g., areas where aggregate is stockpiled outdoors, liquid storage tanks, hoppers or silos, material handling vehicles, equipment, and processing areas); vehicle and equipment maintenance areas and cleaning and fueling areas; off-site tracking of industrial or waste materials or sediment where vehicles enter or exit the site; tracking or blowing of raw, final, or waste materials from areas of no exposure to exposed areas; and residue or trash shall be visually inspected for evidence of, or the potential for, pollutants entering the drainage system. Measures to reduce pollutant loadings shall be evaluated to determine whether they are adequate and properly implemented in accordance with the terms of the permit or whether additional control measures are needed. Structural storm water management measures, sediment and erosion control measures, and other structural pollution prevention measures identified in the plan shall be observed to ensure that they are operating correctly. A visual inspection of equipment needed to implement the plan, such as spill response equipment, shall be made. A review of training performed, routine inspections completed, visual examinations completed, maintenance performed, and effective operation of BMPs, shall be made.
b. Based on the results of the evaluation, the description summary of potential pollutant sources identified in the plan in accordance with Part II H 2 (description (summary of potential pollutant sources) of this permit and pollution prevention measures and controls identified in the plan in accordance with Part II H 3 (measures and controls) (storm water controls) of this permit shall be revised as appropriate within 14 days of such inspection and shall provide for implementation of any changes to the plan in a timely manner, but in no case more than 90 days after the inspection.
c. A report summarizing the scope of the inspection, personnel making the inspection, the dates of the inspection, major observations relating to the implementation of the storm water pollution prevention plan SWPPP, including the elements stipulated in Part II H 4 a, and actions taken in accordance with Part II H 4 b of this permit shall be made and retained as required in Part III B (records). The report shall identify any incidents of noncompliance. Where a report does not identify any incidents of noncompliance, the report shall contain a certification that the facility is in compliance with the storm water pollution prevention plan SWPPP and this permit. The report shall be signed in accordance with Part III K (signatory requirements) of this permit and retained as required in Part III B.
2. Except for records of monitoring information required by this permit related to the permittee's sewage sludge use and disposal activities, which shall be retained for a period of at least five years, the The permittee shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all calibration and maintenance records and all original strip chart recordings for continuous monitoring instrumentation, copies of all reports required by this permit, and records of all data used to complete the registration statement for this permit, for a period of at least three years from the date of the sample, measurement, report or request for coverage. This period of retention shall be extended automatically during the course of any unresolved litigation regarding the regulated activity or regarding control standards applicable to the permittee, or as requested by the board.
4. Calculations for all limitations [ which that ] require averaging of measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified in this permit.
D. Duty to provide information. The permittee shall furnish to the department, within a reasonable time, any information [ which that ] the board may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating coverage under this permit or to determine compliance with this permit. The board may require the permittee to furnish, upon request, such plans, specifications, and other pertinent information as may be necessary to determine the effect of the wastes from his its discharge on the quality of state waters, or such other information as may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of the State Water Control Law. The permittee shall also furnish to the department, upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this permit.
I. Reports of noncompliance. The permittee shall report any noncompliance [ which that ] may adversely affect state waters or may endanger public health.
b. Any upset [ which that ] causes a discharge to surface waters.
3. The permittee shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under Parts III I 1 or 2, in writing, at the time the next monitoring reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Part III I 2.
ResponsePreparedness/MakingaReport.aspx. For reports outside normal working hours, leave a message and this shall fulfill the immediate reporting requirement. For emergencies, the Virginia Department of Emergency Services maintains a 24-hour telephone service at 1-800-468-8892.
c. The alteration or addition results in a significant change in the permittee's sludge use or disposal practices and such alteration, addition, or change may justify the application of permit conditions that are different from or absent in the existing permit, including notification of additional use or disposal sites not reported during the permit application process or not reported pursuant to an approved land application plan.
2. The permittee shall give advance notice to the department of any planned changes in the permitted facility or activity [ which that ] may result in noncompliance with permit requirements.
L. Duty to comply. The permittee shall comply with all conditions of this permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the State Water Control Law and the federal Clean Water Act, except that noncompliance with certain provisions of this permit may constitute a violation of the State Water Control Law but not the federal Clean Water Act. Permit noncompliance is grounds for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or denial of a permit renewal application permit coverage.
The permittee shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established under § 307(a) of the federal Clean Water Act for toxic pollutants and with standards for sewage sludge use or disposal established under § 405(d) of the federal Clean Water Act within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions or standards for sewage sludge use or disposal, even if this permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement.
M. Duty to reapply. If the permittee wishes to continue an activity regulated by this permit after the expiration date of this permit, the permittee shall submit a new registration statement at least 180 210 days before the expiration date of the existing permit, unless permission for a later date has been granted by the board. The board shall not grant permission for registration statements to be submitted later than the expiration date of the existing permit.
Q. Proper operation and maintenance. The permittee shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) [ which that ] are installed or used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit. Proper operation and maintenance also includes effective plant performance, adequate funding, adequate staffing, and adequate laboratory and process controls, including appropriate quality assurance procedures. This provision requires the operation of back-up or auxiliary facilities or similar systems [ which that ] are installed by the permittee only when the operation is necessary to achieve compliance with the conditions of this permit.
S. Duty to mitigate. The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge or sludge use or disposal in violation of this permit [ which that ] has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment.
1. "Bypass" means the intentional diversion of waste streams from any portion of a treatment facility. The permittee may allow any bypass to occur [ which that ] does not cause effluent limitations to be exceeded, but only if it also is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation. These bypasses are not subject to the provisions of Parts III U 2 and U 3.
X. Permit actions. Permits may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The filing of a request by the permittee for a permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination, or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any permit condition.
c. 3. The board does not notify the existing permittee and the proposed new permittee of its intent to modify or revoke and reissue deny the permittee coverage under the permit. If this notice is not received, the transfer is effective on the date specified in the agreement mentioned in Part III Y 2 b.
Local Government Ordinance Form (eff. 8/93).
VA.R. Doc. No. R13-3381; Filed December 30, 2013, 10:05 a.m.

References: § 2
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 § 9601
 § 11001
 § 311
 § 307
 § 405