EPA Finalizes 2015 Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges

After 18 months of waiting, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its updated multi-sector general permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges from industrial activities, including ready mixed concrete production. While the new 2015 MSGP will only immediately impact those operations that are in the few areas not overseen by state permitting programs, the 2015 MSPG will eventually serve as the minimum standard in many areas in years to come. Some of the changes include required electronic filing and making site specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Programs (SWPPPs) publicly available online. It also includes new industry specific "Good Housekeeping Measures" such as weekly sweeping and vacuuming in "...areas where cement, aggregate, kiln dust, fly ash or settled dust are being handled or processed and may be discharged in stormwater."