Managing industrial stormwater isn’t just about keeping the site clean; it is about rigorous data collection and reporting. For industrial facilities in Georgia, complying with the General Permit (GAR050000) is mandatory to prevent pollutants from contaminating local water bodies.
Here is a breakdown of the specific monitoring, inspection, and reporting obligations for Georgia facilities.
1. The Core Parameters: What Are We Testing?
Under the Georgia General Permit, facilities are required to conduct Benchmark Monitoring for specific parameters to ensure their Best Management Practices (BMPs) are working effectively.
For standard industrial outfalls, you must analyze for the following four key parameters:
• TSS: Total Suspended Solids (sediment and dust).
• pH: The acidity or alkalinity of the runoff.
• COD: Chemical Oxygen Demand (an indicator of organic pollutants).
• Oil & Grease: Typically relevant if vehicle maintenance or heavy machinery is present.
2. Frequency: How Often Must You Monitor?
The schedule for monitoring in Georgia differs from neighboring states like North Carolina or South Carolina. It is crucial to mark your calendar for the following frequencies:
• Benchmark Sampling: You are required to sample your stormwater discharge once per year for each outfall.
• Visual Assessment: While lab sampling is annual, you must perform a Visual Stormwater Assessment once per quarter. This involves looking at a sample for color, odor, clarity, and floating solids.
• Routine Facility Inspection: A general inspection of the facility and its controls must be conducted once per quarter.
Note on Impaired Streams: If your facility discharges into an “Impaired Stream Segment,” the requirements are stricter. You may be required to sample twice per year (at 6-month intervals) to ensure you aren’t contributing to the specific impairment of that water body.
3. Reporting Deadlines
Collecting the data is only half the battle; submitting it on time is equally important.
• Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs): Stormwater DMRs must be submitted quarterly, within 45 days after the end of each quarter. Even if your sampling is annual, you still need to keep up with your quarterly reporting obligations.
• Annual Report: A comprehensive Annual Report is due by January 31st of the following year.
4. Special Conditions for Stockpiles
If your facility has material stockpiles (common in concrete and aggregate industries), you have an additional requirement. During the first four quarters of permit coverage, you must conduct quarterly TSS monitoring specifically for discharge associated with these stockpiles. After this initial period, the requirement is re-evaluated.
Summary
Compliance in Georgia relies on a mix of quarterly visual checks and annual analytical sampling. By staying on top of your TSS, pH, COD, and Oil & Grease levels, you ensure that your facility meets the standards set by the NPDES program and protects Georgia’s waterways.
Not Sure What Applies to Your Facility?
Phone: 770-359-9271
Email: info@bowenenvironmental.com
