|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ECAR
Fact Sheet for Michigan Regulations BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you. What You Need to Know You are responsible for contamination caused by any waste, including wastewater, generated from your business. Improper discharge of wastewater can result in both soil and water contamination and potentially cost your business a great deal of cleanup costs and fines. These discharges may have a negative impact on fish, wildlife and drinking water. This fact sheet identifies wastewater types, disposal options, permitting, and record keeping requirements. Regulated wastewater falls into three basic categories:
Your disposal options depend on the type of wastewater your business generates and the location of your company. These options include:
POTWs – Wastewater discharged to a POTW is regulated by the local sewer authority. Contact your local sewer authority to determine if your waste will be accepted by their facility. In some cases, you may be required to conduct "pretreatment" (oil/water separation, removing solids, chemicals, etc.) before discharging your wastewater to them. Also review with your local sewer authority whether there are any monitoring, record keeping, and/or sampling requirements. Sanitary wastewater can be discharged to a municipal sewer system. Many municipal systems also accept some non-sanitary wastewater with prior approval. Generally, you will be required to fill out an application detailing what wastes you are requesting permission to discharge. Your sewer authority will review the application and notify you if you can or cannot discharge the waste to their POTW. Hazardous or Liquid Industrial Waste Transporters – Wastewater that is not discharged into a POTW system must be taken to a recycling or disposal facility if you do not have a discharge permit. Before you haul wastewater or have it hauled off-site. you must perform a hazardous waste determination. This may involve getting it tested by a laboratory. Keep test records or other documentation that supports your determination for at least 3 years from shipment. If the wastewater is "hazardous" you must manage it as hazardous waste. For more information, see the Hazardous Waste Plain Language Guide. If the wastewater is non-hazardous, it is managed as liquid industrial waste in Michigan. Surface Water Discharge – Discharges to surface waters are regulated under the Clean Water Act. Discharges to local storm sewers, ditches or other conveyances are also regulated when they discharge to waters of the state. You are required to obtain a National Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) permit issued by the MDEQ Water Bureau. An NPDES permit requires you to regularly monitor your discharge and submit reports to the Water Bureau. Groundwater Discharge – All discharges to the groundwater must be authorized by DEQ or the local health department. Discharges that go to septic systems or directly onto the ground are considered groundwater discharges. Sanitary wastewater can be discharged to an approved septic tank system authorized by the local health department. Discharges of non-sanitary wastewater to groundwater must be authorized by the DEQ Water Bureau. Discharge of floor drain waste is not allowed because it is difficult, if not impossible to properly characterize the waste. Reporting. The state of Michigan requires that businesses that meet the annual wastewater reporting criteria to submit either an abbreviated wastewater report or a full wastewater report.. The report includes the quantities of critical materials used in and incidental to the businesses manufacturing processes, including by-products and waste products. You must submit the report by August 1 each year. Businesses that have wastewater discharge permits also have reporting requirements as identified in their permit. Links to the Regulations and Forms. Use the following links to view the regulations and permit forms pertaining to wastewater. Michigan Annual Wastewater Reporting (AWR) Program When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page). Use the following list to audit your wastewater management activities.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don’t explain how to do it. That’s where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for wastewater management.
Related ECAR Fact Sheets Other Relevant Resources
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
