MIL-HDBK-1138
Some states also have their own discharge permitting
program. This program requires the permittee to obtain a state
discharge permit in addition to the NPDES discharge permit. The
NPDES permit program can be administered either by the regional
EPA office or by the states that have obtained authorization with
EPA oversight. Those states that have obtained the NPDES program
are said to have "NPDES primacy." Typically, states with NPDES
primacy incorporate any unique state requirements into the NPDES
permit.
An NPDES permit is not a construction permit. In some
states, an owner may construct or modify a facility, but it is a
violation to place the modified facility in operation until a
valid operating permit is obtained. Other states limit all
construction activities until the changes or modifications are
approved. Your environmental office should review any change or
modification to the process with the permitting agency before
implementation to determine if a permit modification is required.
Operations staff should be aware of both state and EPA surface
water discharge requirements. Contact your installation's
environmental office for this information.
Permits for Other Disposal Options. Treated
2.2.1.2
effluent that is entirely disposed into the groundwater or onto
land application sites does not need an NPDES permit from EPA to
discharge, but it may be subject to NPDES permits for stormwater
or solids. (In addition to treated wastewater, NPDES permits can
also address stormwater and solids.) The state may also
establish groundwater monitoring or discharge requirements. For
example, disposal of treated effluent to the subsurface will
require an Underground Injection Control (UIC) permit from the
state as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).
Stormwater NPDES Permit. FOTWs that treat more
2.2.1.3
than 1 million gallons per day (mgd) are included in the
stormwater NPDES permitting program as a categorical industrial
facility. Although stormwater could be included in the operating
permit described above, most facilities obtain a general
stormwater NPDES permit. This permit is maintained separately
from the operating permit. Its requirements typically involve
developing a stormwater pollution prevention plan, visually
monitoring runoff on a quarterly basis, routinely inspecting the
stormwater system, and maintaining records onsite. Your
environmental office should contact the NPDES authority to obtain
the necessary stormwater permit information. EPA delegates
operation of the stormwater program to the local government as
much as possible. The local stormwater program may be separate
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