Industrial Storm Water Permitting and Compliance
Greenville County was issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multiple Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) permit by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) that provides for the
implementation of a Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) for the County to include the four cities of Mauldin, Simpsonville,
Travelers Rest, and Fountain Inn. As part of the NPDES MS4 permit, Greenville County is required to develop and implement
a program to monitor certain regulated industrial activities that are covered under the NPDES General Permit for Storm Water
Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (except construction).
Each year, industries in Greenville County are selected by the Land Development Division, based on their industrial activity,
for review to meet MS4 permit requirements. The Industrial Program implemented by Greenville County includes a review of the
questionnaire sent out by the Land Development Division to all selected industries and the Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs)
(if required by the Industrial General Permit); as well as an inspection of the facility if deemed necessary.
Storm water discharge permits for industrial activities are issued coverage at the State level with permit limits and/or conditions
of operations authorized by SCDHEC. Greenville County does not issue storm water discharge permits or exercise any authority to set
discharge limits for Industrial Storm Water Discharge Permits.
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Who Needs Industrial Storm Water Permit Coverage?
Storm water discharges associated with industrial activity are required to be covered under an NPDES permit. A description of storm
water discharges associated with industrial activities can be found under the Industrial Tab on Land Development’s webpage, as well
as on the SCDHEC storm water webpage. SCDHEC may also designate other facilities as requiring a permit, particularly where there is
a potential for storm water contamination.
Storm
Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities
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Do you need an Industrial General Permit (IGP)?
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How do I determine my facility’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code?
The SIC code system is maintained by the US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and is available
for searching at www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html
Construction activities associated with industrial storm water are covered under a separate permit and do not require an industrial
storm water permit.
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Notice of Intent (NOI)
If your facility requires an industrial storm water permit, you will need to complete and submit a Notice of Intent form to SCDHEC.
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No Exposure Exemption
If industrial materials or activities are not exposed to storm water, an exemption from the permit can be requested. The condition of
no exposure must be maintained by keeping all industrial materials or activities protected at all times. If “no exposure” conditions are
not maintained, the operator must immediately apply for an NPDES Industrial General Permit. The no exposure exemption is good for five
years.
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Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
The Industrial General Permit will include a requirement that the facility develop a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) to
be kept on the facility site. The SWPPP can be more easily developed using a SWPPP Template.
Monitoring of storm water is another requirement for many facilities required to have a permit. The facilities which are required to
monitor and the specific monitoring requirements are stated in the permit.
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Industrial General Permit Fee
There is an annual fee of $75 for coverage under the Industrial General Permit. The fee must accompany the NOI. For continuing coverage,
the annual fee is billed around the middle of August.
Coverage under the Industrial General Permit is automatically granted nine days after the postmark of the NOI unless the SCDHEC notifies
the applicant differently. SCDHEC has the authority to require an individual permit application be submitted for issuance of an individual
permit in lieu of granting Industrial General Permit coverage.
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No Exposure Certification Fee
There is a $350.00 fee due with the no exposure certification form. Once approved, no exposure certification is good for five years.
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Notice of Termination
Completion and submittal of a Notice of Termination (NOT) is required when any of the following occurs:
- The property is sold
- Activities are no longer present that would require a storm water NPDES permit.
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Where to Apply
NOIs are submitted to the Department at the following address:
SCDHEC
Attn: Mel Leaphart
Outreach, Storm water, Agricultural
and Dams Permitting
SCDHEC
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Forms
Additional Information
Industrial Program Brochure
Storm Water Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities
Industrial Runoff Regulatory Compliance
Click here
for questionnaire, training modules and quizzes.
