General Permits For Wastewater Proposed By IDNR

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed two general discharge permits to cover two types of common and generally low risk discharges.

DNR plans to issue two new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permits known as General Permit #8 (GP8) and General Permit #9 (GP9). GP8 allows for discharges of hydrostatic test water (water used to test the integrity of a pipe or tank), underground storage tank ballast water (water used to weight a tank to facilitate underground installation), and water associated with installation, repair, and replacement of potable water lines. GP9 allows for discharges from dewatering associated with construction and small residential geothermal heating and cooling systems.

IDNR is proposing to include eligibility criteria and Best Management Practices. These will ensure that discharges will comply with water quality standards. Most permittees will be automatically authorized to discharge. Only a few higher-risk dischargers will need to submit a Notice of Intent. There is no fee for either permit.

DNR is seeking public comment on proposed rules that will create two new general permits. DNR will hold three public hearings across the state in March:

• Wednesday, Mar. 7, 4 p.m. at the Coralville, IA Public Library
• Thursday, Mar. 8, 4 p.m. at the Harlan, IA Public Library
• Wednesday, Mar. 14, 4 p.m. at the Urbandale, IA Public Library

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New Iowa Air Permitting Option - Collection of Air Permits (CAP)

The Iowa DNR is proposing to create a new air quality construction permit option called a Collection of Air Permits (CAP). Current construction permit practice is to issue one permit per emission point. The new CAP permit option will still assign a permit number to each emission point but will consolidate requirements in one permit document.


Several changes have been proposed to the CAP based on comments received during the first CAP comment period in January 2016. Additionally, the CAP was modified to be consistent with the recently updated standard permit format.


For more information on the Iowa CAP air permit program, click here.


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs. For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

IDNR Schedules Public Meetings On Revised Compliance and Enforcement Procedures

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled three additional public hearings for proposed new Chapter 17, Compliance and Enforcement Procedures. The DNR is also providing more information on how the DNR plans to implement Chapter 17.

The DNR is holding the additional hearings to allow the public further opportunity to provide input. The DNR held its first public hearing on Monday, April 23.

The three hearings will be held in July and August as follows:

•  Wednesday, July 18, 2012 in Iowa City;
• Tuesday, July 31, 2012 in Mason City; and
• Tuesday, August 7, 2012 in Carroll.

Further, in response to public comments already received, the DNR is providing more information about how the DNR plans to implement Chapter 17. The DNR did not make any changes to the proposed rule language for Chapter 17.

The DNR is also requesting additional public comments. Written comments or suggestions are due no later than 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 16, 2012.


Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients in Iowa and nationwide in the evaluation environmental rules, developing EHS compliance procedures, and preparing cost-effective EHS management programs. For further information contact Caltha LLP at info@calthacompany.com or Caltha LLP Website

IDNR Antidegradation Rules - Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Revision

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extended the public comment period on the proposed antidegradation rules to March 4. The antidegradation policy, required by Iowa law, would set minimum requirements for the conservation, maintenance and protection of water quality and existing uses of surface waters.

Antidegradation policy is one of the three components of water quality standards - 1) designated uses, 2) water quality criteria to protect those uses, and 3) antidegradation policy). The DNR is proposing a four-tiered approach, including creating a guidance document that establishes procedures for implementing the antidegradation policy.

The changes being proposed include the following:

1. Incorporate by reference the document entitled “Iowa Antidegradation Implementation Procedure,” which proposes an approach to be followed in assessing and minimizing degradation of Iowa’s surface waters


2. Update antidegradation policy language with four tier approach, and


3. Remove High Quality (Class HQ) and High Quality Resource (Class HQR) designated uses and add several waters to the newly proposed Outstanding Iowa Water (OIW) category.
   
   

Caltha LLP provides specialized expertise to clients nationwide in the evaluation and use of ambient water quality criteria, site-specific water quality standards, and permit limits. Caltha staff have prepared national Ambient Water Quality Criteria for US EPA and provide expert resources for permittees and/or their technical consultants as they address State and Federal water quality standards.

[Click here to request further information on water quality standards technical support.]

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Iowa DNR Antidegradation Policy – IDNR Accepting Comments on Draft Policy

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is proposing changes to its “Antidegradation Policy”. The changes can impact any wastewater discharger in Iowa, but especially new permittees or existing permittees that may wish to increase their discharge in the future. The changes being proposed include:

• Incorporate by reference the document entitled “Iowa Antidegradation Implementation
  Procedure,” which proposes an approach to assessing and minimizing degradation of Iowa’s surface waters,
• Update antidegradation policy language with four tier approach,
• Remove High Quality (Class HQ) and High Quality Resource (Class HQR) designated uses and add several waters to the newly proposed Outstanding Iowa Water (OIW) category.
  

The purpose of the antidegradation policy is to set minimum requirements to conserve, maintain, and protect existing uses and water quality for water bodies that currently meet their water quality standards. The department is required by Clean Water Act to develop and adopt a statewide antidegradation policy and to identify procedures for implementing the policy. Comments on the draft policy are being accepted through January 29, 2009.

For further information contact Caltha LLP at
info@calthacompany.com
or
Caltha LLP Website