How do I get a NPDES non-contact cooling water general permit?

If your discharge consists solely of non-contact cooling water, with no biocides or other additives except those used for pH adjustment and/or dechlorination, you may qualify for the general NPDES permit for non-contact cooling water issued by EPA on July 31, 2008. See the Federal Register for a complete description of this permit. The general permit and application are in the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/nccwgp.html. MassDEP will perform the technical review of the application and issue an approval letter to EPA, copy to the applicant. EPA will then issue the permit. If there are any questions, call 508-767-2856, fax 508-791-4131, or email kathleen.keohane@state.ma.us.

back to NPDES Permit FAQ list

How do I get a NPDES construction site dewatering general permit?

This boilerplate permit allows a surface water discharge with limited total suspended solids and pH. Source water is usually groundwater. A complete description of this permit is in the Federal Register. MassDEP will perform the technical review of the application and issue an approval letter to EPA, copy to the applicant. EPA will then issue the permit. If there are any questions, call 508-767-2854, fax 508-791-4131, or email robert.kubit@state.ma.us.

back to NPDES Permit FAQ list

How do I get a NPDES water treatment facility general permit?

If your discharge consists solely of treated presedimentation underflow, treated underflow from the coagulation/settling processes using aluminum compounds or polymers as coagulants, or treated filter backwash, you may qualify for the general NPDES permit for water treatment facilities. The Federal Register has a complete description of this permit. MassDEP will perform the technical review of the application and issue an approval letter to EPA, copy to the applicant. EPA will then issue the permit. If there are any questions, call 508-767-2856, fax 508-791-4131, or email kathleen.keohane@state.ma.us.

back to NPDES Permit FAQ list

How do I determine if I am considered an industrial discharger or non-industrial discharger?

You are considered an industrial discharger and should follow the application process as described in the Bureau of Waste Prevention's application and forms page for industrial wastewater if your industry has a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code. All other dischargers seeking a NPDES permit should follow the application process as described in the Bureau of Resource Protection's application and forms page.

back to NPDES Permit FAQ list

How do I fill out Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) forms?

Instructions are provided here.

back to NPDES Permit FAQ list

Glossary of NPDES terminology

From US EPA.

back to NPDES Permit FAQ list