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Ground Water Discharge Permitting Process
Ground Water Discharge Permitting Forms
Web page
Introduction
This information applies to the most commonly used BRP WP Permits: 6,8 (new major and minor) and 11,12 (renewals).
Any facility that discharges over 10,000 gallons per day (GPD) or more into the ground must have a valid discharge permit from the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). (There may be instances, particularly in nitrogen sensitive areas, where a ground water discharge permit will be required for flows less than 10,000 gpd).
Applications to build a new wastewater treatment facility or to modify an existing one must include an engineering report along with a statement by a Registered Professional Engineer that the plans and specifications have been prepared in accordance with the regulations 314 CMR 5.00.
Along with the report, applications must include hydro-geologic studies of the disposal site and its surroundings as well as a ground water monitoring plan. The plans and specifications must describe in detail the collection, treatment and disposal components of the facility.
Detailed instructions are contained in permit applications at: Web page
Process Description
| Stage 1 |
Applicant submits application (forms, technical documents) |
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If |
Then |
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Permit is new |
Use Application # BRP WP 06, 08 |
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Permit is for renewal |
Use Application # BRP WP 11, 12 |
| Stage 2 |
DEP reviews application |
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Step 1 |
Administrative review for new: 30 days / for renewal: 24 days |
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Step 2 |
Technical review:
New permits 200 days
Renewals 96 days |
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If |
Then |
| A new application has technical problems, omissions, other deficiencies; |
Applicant has 200 days to address. |
| An application for renewal has technical problems, omissions, other deficiencies; |
Applicant has 180 days to address. |
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| After application is resubmitted, MassDEP has an additional period for technical review that is equivalent to the initial one ([new] 200 or [renewal] 96 days). |
| Stage 3 |
MassDEP Approves plans and reports. (This is simply approval of plans and reports, it does not mean a permit is approved.) |
| Stage 4 |
Applicants provide 30 days public notice period and notice is placed in an area newspaper. If permits are issued, applicants may proceed with construction of the facility. |
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If |
Then |
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No comments are received within 30 days; |
MassDEP either issues or denies permit. (If issued, the permit becomes effective immediately.) |
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Adverse comments are received; |
MassDEP either issues or denies permit. If issued, the permit becomes effective 30 days from that date. |
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priorities & results
