For our readers with California facilities and interests, Patrick D. Joyce has prepared a Management Alert on California’s new Industrial Stormwater Permit (2014 General Permit), which will apply on and after July 1, 2015. Industrial General Permit, 2014-0057-DWQ.

The California State Water Resources Control Board’s newly adopted industrial stormwater permit regime includes a broader array of industrial facilities not
Continue Reading California Industry: Start Preparing for New Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements

By Jeryl L. Olson and Craig B. Simonsen

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) had first introduced the “eDMR” (electronic Discharge Monitoring Report) system in April 2004.

The eDMR system was developed so that National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permittees with a computer and an Internet connection could complete, sign, submit, edit, and re-submit eDMR forms online. When
Continue Reading Illinois EPA Moves to Federally Integrated NetDMR Reporting System

By Philip L. Comella and Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has, in response to stakeholder requests, extended the due date for comments on its proposed rule to require electronic reporting for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) paper-based reports. 78 Fed. Reg. 64435 (Oct. 29, 2013). Comments are now due on the proposed rule on or before
Continue Reading Proposed NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule Comment Period Extended

By Philip L. Comella and Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to require electronic reporting for documents that are currently filed as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) paper-based reports. NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule, 78 FR 46006 (July 30, 2013).

The proposed Clean Water Act regulation would require permittees and regulators to use
Continue Reading EPA Proposes Clean Water Act Electronic Reporting Rule

By Philip L. Comella and Craig B. Simonsen

The Supreme Court held today in Los Angeles County Flood Control Dist. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., No. 11-460 (January 8, 2013), that the flow of water from an improved portion of a navigable waterway into an unimproved portion of the same waterway does not qualify as a “discharge of
Continue Reading NPDES Permit Not Required For Discharges to Different Parts of Same Waterway

By Jeryl L. Olson

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published templates for preparing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) for construction sites operating under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permits relating to construction activities. The user friendly templates are customizable, and include a sample inspection report template, which is also customizable. While aimed at SWPPPs at construction

Continue Reading EPA Publishes Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Templates

By Jeryl L. Olson

On February 16, 2012 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released three general permits for stormwater discharges from construction sites that will be in effect in states where EPA has primary authority over the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program:  Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Territories and

Continue Reading Stormwater Permits Update – Construction Sites

By Craig B. Simonsen and Jeryl L. Olson

The District Court of Idaho, in Idaho Conservation League v. Atlanta Gold Corporation, No. 11-CV-161 (January 9, 2012), recently granted summary judgment to allow standing in a citizen’s suit. In the case, Atlantic Gold Corporation (Defendant) held a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which

Continue Reading District Court Finds Citizen Suit Standing in NPDES Permit Violations Case – Grants Summary Judgment on Liability

By Craig B. Simonsen

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced its final 2010 Effluent Guidelines Program Plan (Plan), published at 76 Fed. Reg. 66286 (October 26, 2011). Members of the public are encouraged to submit comments on the proposed Plan.

EPA plans to develop effluent guidelines and standards for the discharge of wastewater from the Coalbed Methane Extraction

Continue Reading EPA Publishes Final Effluent Guidelines Program Plan