Zero-Discharge Pond Permitting 1

[CarlosHarms]

Hi All,

First time post, long time lurker so thanks for any discussion.

I am working for a client that is contemplating construction of an industrial wastewater treatment pond. The client wants the pond to be zero-discharging for a variety of reasons (primarily their desire to not have an NPDES operation permit). The client also doesn't want us to contact state environmental regulators at this point in the process. My question is this: do these types of zero-discharge ponds require NPDES construction permits? Obviously the state program requires construction permits for wastewater treatment facilities, but I can't find anything that clearly illuminates the situation.

Thanks for the ideas and discussion.

 

[cvg]

suggest checking to find the requirements for Construction General Permits, which for a certain size of project is probably required.

for instance, in California:

Dischargers whose projects disturb one (1) or more acres of soil or whose projects disturb less than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres, are required to obtain coverage under the General Permit for Discharges of Storm Water Associated with Construction Activity Construction General Permit Order 2009-0009-DWQ.

 

[bimr]

Yes, a permit to construct is required for a wastewater treatment plant. You will also have to meet design standards for such a pond.