DEP Inviting Stakeholders To Participate In PAG-13 NPDES General Permit For Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Workgroup

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued an invitation to stakeholders to participate in a workgroup considering changes to the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)  - PAG-13.

The deadline for expressions of interest is October 11.  (formal notice)

DEP also gave notice it is extending the existing permit for 24 months to March 15, 2025.

The Department is extending the availability of this permit to adequately address issues related to the renewal of PAG-13. During the period of administrative extension, the Department may not authorize new coverage under PAG-13.

Workgroup

The Department intends to convene a PAG-13 workgroup in the coming months to gather feedback on permit requirements from the regulated community and other interested parties. 

The purposes of this workgroup include soliciting feedback on the requirements of the 2018 General Permit and discussing the feasibility of pollutant reduction requirements in future permit terms, including consideration of the meaning of ''maximum extent practicable'' for MS4s, as specified under the Federal Clean Water Act, and the extent to which collaboration with other MS4s can be achieved.

Interested parties may request participation in the workgroup by sending an e-mail to the Department at RA-EPPAMS4@pa.gov by October 11, 2022. 

To keep the workgroup focused and productive, there will be a limited number of workgroup seats. Requesting participation does not guarantee a seat. 

However, members of the public will be able to provide input during the public comment period for the draft renewed PAG-13. The Department will notify selected workgroup members.

Click Here to access the General Permit and related documents.

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.

Questions regarding the PAG-13 General Permit can be directed to Jamie Eberl, PE, at jeberl@pa.gov or (717) 772-4058.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website, Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter, sign up for DEP Connects events, sign up for DEP’s eNotice, visit DEP’s Blog,  Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: September 23, 2022]  PA Environment Digest