BRP WM 11 - Request for General Permit Coverage: Surface Water Discharge Of Non-Contact Cooling Water

1. Instructions: BRP WM 11 

2. Transmittal Form & Number for Permit Application & Payment

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Permit Fact Sheet 

1. What is the purpose of NPDES Permits?
   
   These permits protect public health and the environment by controlling pollutant discharges to surface waters and ensuring that the water quality criteria and receiving water use prescribed in the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards (314 CMR 4.00) are met.
   
2. Who must apply?
   
   In general, NPDES permits must be applied for and obtained by:
   
   • Any agency or political subdivision of the Commonwealth
   • Any federal agency
   • Any public or private:
     • corporation
     • authority
     • individual
     • partnership
     • association, or
     • other entity
   proposing to discharge non-industrial wastewater from a point source to surface waters.
   
3. What is the application fee?
   
   See Permit Application Timelines and Fees Schedule   (310 CMR 4.10 Surface Water Discharge NPDES (ww) BRPWM11)
   
4. What is the Primary Permit Location?
   
   Completed permit applications should be submitted to:
   Department of Environmental Protection
   Division of Watershed Management
   627 Main Street, 2nd Floor
   Worcester, MA 01608
5. Where can I get a copy of the timelines?
   
   The timelines are available on the MassDEP Website: Permit Application Timelines and Fees Schedule  
   
6. What are annual compliance fees?
   
   Current fees are available on the MassDEP Website: Annual Compliance Assurance Fees  
   
   Discharges from the following entities are exempt from Annual Compliance Fees:
   
   • Massachusetts state agencies.
   • Massachusetts cities, towns, counties, districts.
   • Municipal housing authorities, and federally recognized Indian tribe housing authorities.
7. How long is the notice of intent in effect?
   
   The Notice of Availability of the final NPDES Non-contact Cooling Water General Permit (NCCW GP) in Massachusetts (MAG250000) and New Hampshire (NHG250000) was published in the Federal Register on October 2, 2014. The permit effective date is November 3, 2014, which is the first business day following 30 days after the publication date. This permit will expire at midnight on November 4, 2019.
   
8. How can I avoid the most common mistakes made in submitting an application?
   
   • Make sure the application is signed and dated in ink by a legally responsible official.
   • MassDEP accepts EPA NOI forms.
   • If you have a new or increased discharge, or are currently covered by an individual permit and have been requested to seek coverage under the general permit, submit a copy of the Transmittal Form & Number for Permit Application & Payment and the completed application forms to the MassDEP Surface Water Permitting Program.
   • If you have a new or increased discharge, or are currently covered by an individual permit and have been requested to seek coverage under the general permit, submit fee and a copy of the MassDEP transmittal form to: Department of Environmental Protection, P.O. Box 4062, Boston, MA 02211.
9. What are the state regulations that apply to these permits? Where can I get copies?
   
   These regulations include, but are not limited to:
   • Surface Water Discharge Regulations, 314 CMR 3.00, specifically 314 CMR 3.06.
   • Surface Water Quality Standards, 314 CMR 4.00.
   • Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators, 257 CMR 2.00.
   • Timely Action Schedule and Fee Provisions, 310 CMR 4.00.
   These may be purchased online, in person, or by mail at the Massachusetts State Bookstore .

More information from US EPA:
Noncontact Cooling Water General Permit (NCCWGP)
US EPA NOI form and instructions:
NOI Form | NOI Instructions