BOSTON - E.P.A. has suggested modifications to the outline General Permits for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) in New Hampshire based on comments received. These suggested modifications both clarify and increase flexibility to the permit requirements by aligning it more closely with New Hampshire State Standards. The sections with the suggested modifications are now open for public review until November 2, 2015.
On February 12, 2013, E.P.A. suggested a new MS4 general permit for 60 New Hampshire communities. E.P.A. extended its review period twice for this outline permit, and is now proposing modifications based on comments received.
With this proposal, E.P.A. reopens a public review period only on modifications to section 2.1.1, 2.2, 2.3.6, Appendix F and Appendix H of the New Hampshire MS4 general permit. The suggested language changes to the reopened sections, along with statement of basis for the suggested changes can be found at http://www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/stormwater/MS4_2013_NH.html. In addition, all comments received on the suggested language modifications will be posted on the same website and E.P.A. will take comments on the submitted comments until November 20, 2015.
The Suggested Modifications are:
• E.P.A. suggests to adjust the language in sections 2.1.2, 2.2 and Appendix F to allow for the use of compliance schedules. E.P.A. suggests this change to be consistent with recently updated water quality requirements in the State of New Hampshire that allow for the use of compliance schedules in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits, which includes the MS4.
• The Suggested modifications to section 2.3.6 of the outline permit (Post Construction Standards) are in response to multiple comments on this section seeking clarification of permit requirements. Section 2.3.6 has been modified to provide clarity of requirements and closer adherence to State law. The Suggested changes in this section are based on New Hampshire Alteration of Terrain Permit requirements and acknowledge the fact that the least expensive way to decrease flooding and decrease the pollutant load delivered by stormwater to local waterbodies is through the use of low impact design techniques and green infrastructure during new development and re-development.
• In addition, E.P.A. has determined it is appropriate to require additional controls on discharges of certain pollutants found in stormwater to protect water quality. Pollution from urban stormwater runoff contains nutrients, bacteria, pathogens, chloride, solids, oil, grease and metals and is the leading cause of waterbody impairments in New Hampshire. The additional controls are expressed as clarification language in section 2.2 and Appendix H, and is also in response to multiple comments seeking clarification on the requirements contained in these sections of the outline permit.
The review period will go from September 1, 2015 to November 2, 2015 with additional time for interested parties to review on the comments received, which will end November 20, 2015.
For more information please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/stormwater/MS4_2013_NH.html and https://federalregister.gov/a/2015-21631
