Loading....
Through Friday, October 23, you can make your voice heard on an important permit related to water quality.
WVDEP is accepting public comments on modifications to the general permit that regulates stormwater runoff associated with industrial activity.
Why is the general stormwater permit so important? General permits are blanket permits that cover different types of industrial facilities throughout the state. Because the permit is related to stormwater runoff, multiple types of pollutants can be found in the discharge water.
This isn't the first time we've asked you to comment on this permit. In May of 2019, WVDEP reissued the permit, but industry attempted to weaken it though the appeal process. Then, the EPA stepped in to prevent “backsliding”, a term used when a permit becomes weaker than previously issued.
So, here we are again, asking for your comments on the general stormwater permit.
Although, EPA has addressed some of our previous concerns, we still found problems in the modified permit:
Benchmark values exceed safe levels and must be updated. Butylbenzyl Phthalate, Ethylbenzene, Flouranthene, Toluene and Trichloroethylene values exceed EPA’s Human Health Criteria. Cyanide and surfactants do not even have benchmark values. The DEP’s fact sheet references the source for these values as “EPA Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria. Human Health Criteria for Consumption of Water and Organisms”; however, there is no explanation why the chosen benchmark value for the above parameters exceed EPA’s recommended value. The benchmark values for these pollutants must be revised.
Monitoring frequency does not match pollutant limits. Some parameters, such as Flouride, Total Suspended Solids, and Oil and Grease have effluent limits with a daily max and an average monthly value; however, the monitoring frequency is once per year. The permit must be revised to require effluent monitoring frequencies that generate representative data to ensure compliance with the permitted limits.
Share
Headline Goes Here
The comment period for this document is now closed. But, you can still help!
Edit this message to tell users that can't take action because comments are closed how to contribute. For example, consider adding a link to a petition or donation page that you have created, or add social sharing options so that these supporters can help get the word out on social media.