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Industries in the US are vital to the economy – but they must also do their part for the environment and to keep our waters clean

MSGP Compliance

Material handling and storage, equipment maintenance and cleaning, and other activities at industrial facilities are often exposed to the weather. Runoff from rainfall or snowmelt that comes in contact with these activities can pick up pollutants, and transport them directly to a nearby river, lake, or coastal water or indirectly via a storm sewer – and this can cause degradation of water quality.

Through the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 402(p), the US Congress directs EPA to require National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activities. These discharges must meet Water Quality Standards. The Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) authorizes stormwater discharges and sets specific requirements for eligible operators in 29 industrial sectors.

The EPA is the MSGP regulatory authority for three states (NH, MA, and NM), other states have developed their own state-specific industrial stormwater permits. State-issued general permits often include the same requirements as EPA’s permit, but some states have additional requirements. In Maine, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) is the MSGP permitting authority. An industrial facility that is regulated by an MSGP must conduct certain compliance activities, including:

  • File a notice of intent (NOI) to comply with the MSGP
  • Develop and maintain a facility-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
  • Conduct quarterly monitoring of stormwater discharges from facility outfalls
  • Perform routine facility inspections of stormwater control measures and best management practices
  • Complete any required corrective actions if deficiencies are identified
  • Prepare and submit an annual report
  • Conduct annual employee training on stormwater and pollution prevention

SEE has decades of combined experience assisting industrial facilities in meeting the requirements of federal and state stormwater programs. We can help you develop a plan to meet MSGP compliance requirements, including SWPPP development, inspections, monitoring, and employee training.

Whatever your needs, we can meet them – we have expansive knowledge of the stormwater permit requirements as well as designing and implementing solutions to meet these requirements.  SEE currently assists more than 30 industrial facilities throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.  Our services can help you meet compliance requirements, avoid unnecessary fines, and most importantly, prevent harmful pollutants from being carried into our waters by stormwater.

To learn more about our MSGP compliance services, please call us at (207) 949-0074.