Low Compliance Rates Reported For Minnesota Industrial Stormwater Monitoring and Reporting

In 2010, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) finalized a new industrial stormwater discharge general permit. The new permit was significantly different that any previous industrial permits that applied to Minnesota industries. The new permit had numerous new requirements that facilities are required to meet.

[Read a summary of the revised MPCA permit]

One of the most significant changes was that facilities are now required to collect samples of their stormwater discharge, send the samples to a laboratory for testing, and to report the results to MPCA.

[Read a summary of MPCA industrial stormwater monitoring requirements]

All industrial stormwater permittees are required to start collecting quarterly stormwater samples one year after they receive permit coverage.

According to information being circulated by MPCA, as of November 2011, nearly half of all permittees required to collect a sample and submit results on a Stormwater Monitoring Report Form (SWMR) had failed to do so. In addition, another 25% are missing results/data on a previously-submitted SWMR. In summary, according to MPCA, only about 25% of permitted facilities were in compliance with stormwater monitoring requirements of the general permit.

MPCA is currently considering options it can take to improve compliance rates.

Caltha LLP provides expert environmental consultant services in Minnesota to obtain air and wastewater permits, evaluate regulatory requirements, and to develop cost effective compliance programs.

For further information, contact Caltha LLP at:
Email: info@calthacompany.com
Phone: (763) 208-6430
Website: http://www.calthacompany.com/
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