Stormwater Permit Requirements for Solid Waste Transfer Stations - PUB0240

Establishments identified as solid waste transfer stations or solid material recovery facilities (recyclers) may need to apply to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for a Missouri State Operating Permit to discharge stormwater. Missouri regulations (10 CSR-6.200) should be consulted for specific requirements.

The General Permit

A permit containing general provisions has been issued for this industry, but it is the responsibility of the individual owner or operator of a facility covered by this general permit to apply. The general permit that is available also permits the discharge from floor drains. A construction permit is required if a treatment system is planned. The permit does not authorize any other discharges to waters of the state such as vehicle washdown water. The general permit cannot be used for stormwater discharges within 1,000 feet of waters that have been identified as a losing stream or is listed in the Missouri Water Quality Standards (10 CSR 20-7.031) as an outstanding national or state resource water, or a lake or reservoir used for public drinking water supplies, or critical habitat for endangered species, or bio-criteria reference streams. Facilities with discharges located in these areas must apply for a site-specific permit.

Who Needs a Permit?

Stormwater regulations use the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system to determine if an industry is regulated under the law. This classification code was devised by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to cover all economic activities. The industries covered by the permit are listed in SIC major group codes 4953 and 5093 and are required to apply for a stormwater discharge permit if any materials are stored outside. However, industries engaged in motor vehicle salvage operations come under a different general permit, Motor Vehicle Salvage Yards and Recycling. Owners or operators of these types of facilities should apply for that permit.

Site Specific Permits

If requested by the owner or operator, a facility may be covered by a site-specific permit. A site-specific permit takes into account the individual characteristics of the site and the stormwater runoff. In addition, the department can determine that the quality of waters of the state may be better protected by requiring the owner or operator of the site to apply for a site-specific permit. Since 1974, Missouri has been delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue NPDES permits. The permits issued by the department are state as well as federal operating permits.

Background

Since the 1972 Clean Water Act, discharges of wastewater have been regulated through the National Pollutant discharge Elimination System, or NPDES. A permit is required for any discharges of potential pollutants to waters of the state unless there is a specific exemption. Since 1974, Missouri has been delegated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Since October, 1992, Missouri has regulated stormwater runoff by requiring a permit because of amendments to the federal Clean Water Act.

Additional Water Pollution Control Requirements

Additional permits from the department’s Water Protection Program may be required (Missouri Clean Water Law, Section 644, RSMo.). Instead of applying for a separate permit, stormwater discharges may be covered under these permits.

Exemptions

1. Facilities that discharge directly to a combined sewer system are exempt.
2. Any facility that has only dumpsters placed outside and that have the floor valves closed at all times is exempt.
3. Recycling collection centers that are under cover and do not have floor drains that discharge directly to the waters of the state are exempt.

General Permit Requirements

This general permit requires best management practices to control activities that would result in increased contamination of Missouri’s rivers and streams from stormwater runoff. In addition, stormwater runoff from permitted facilities cannot violate the general criteria of Missouri’s Water Quality standards. Some of these criteria are, but are not limited to, dissolved oxygen levels, toxic substances, color, and odor. The general permit contains sampling requirements and effluent limitations. For stormwater runoff, limits are placed on oil and grease, settleable solids, chemical oxygen demand, pH, total dissolved solids, conductivity and flow.

Examples of Best Management Practices

1. Provide sediment and erosion control for the site.
2. All paint, solvents, petroleum products, and petroleum waste products (except fuels), and storage containers (such as drums, cans or cartons) should be stored so that these materials are not exposed to stormwater.
3. Collection facilities should be provided on-site, and arrangement made for proper disposal of waste products.
4. Good housekeeping practices should be maintained on the site to keep solid waste from entry into waters of the state.
5. All fueling facilities present on site should adhere to applicable federal and state regulations.
6. Substances regulated by federal law under the Resource Conservation and recovery Act (RCRA) or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) that are transported, stored, or used for maintenance, cleaning or repair according to the provisions of RCRA and CERCLA.

Fees and Application Forms

To apply under a general permit for the first time, complete application Form E MO 780-0795 and submit appropriate fees. After the issuance of the general permit, operating fees will be assessed annually. To request a renewal of the general permit, an application form E must be submitted prior to the expiration of the general permit. No fees will be required with the renewal application form if all the operating annual fees are paid up including any late fee penalties. To apply for a site-specific permit, or if you have any questions concerning fees, please contact the water pollution section at your appropriate regional office. Applications and fees for stormwater permits should be mailed to the permits unit chief at the address below. Applications are available online.

Important Dates in Your General Permit

Each general permit will be issued on a five-year cycle and will list three important dates on the first page of the permit.

• Issuance Date: This is the start date of the permit cycle.
• Effective Date: This is the date when your permit becomes effective.
• Expiration Date: This is the end date of the permit cycle.

Termination of Permit

The permit may be terminated when activities covered by the permit have ceased and no significant materials are stored in such a way as to come into contact with stormwater. It must be terminated if a transfer of ownership of the facility and its activities have been made. In this case, a new permit under the new ownership is required. If such a termination of a general permit is sought, the permittee must submit Form H, Termination of a General Permit. If termination of a site-specific permit is sought, the permittee should request such by letter.