The Groundwater Discharge Permitting Program

Why is groundwater so important?

Approximately one-half the population of the United States uses groundwater as a drinking water supply. Most groundwater is naturally clean and free of pollutants, but contamination of groundwater can cause serious health effects from harmful bacteria and nitrates.

What is the Groundwater Discharge Permitting Program?

The Groundwater Discharge Permitting Program applies to:

  • Facilities that discharge 10,000 gallons per day or more of sanitary wastewater*
  • Facilities that discharge any amount of industrial wastewater to the ground
  • Facilities that use reclaimed water in conjunction with a discharge to the ground.

Groundwater discharge permits are issued primarily for domestic and commercial wastewater, carwashes, laundromats and certain industrial facilities. The type of discharge and the amount being discharged will designate which permit application should be filed.

*Please note: There may be instances where site constraints would require a discharge of less than 10,000 gallons per day of treated sanitary wastewater to obtain a groundwater discharge permit.

Additional Resources

Regulations, Policies, and Guidance

314 CMR 5.00, the Groundwater Discharge & Reclaimed Water Permitting Process, regulates the discharge of sanitary or industrial wastewater, as well as the use of reclaimed water in conjunction with a discharge.

 

Additional Resources

Forms

Use these forms to apply for individual discharge permits or coverage under a general permit. This list also includes related permits, certification forms, and escrow agreement forms. 

Additional Resources

Contact   for The Groundwater Discharge Permitting Program

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