SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges
Associated with Industrial Activity (GP-0-17-004)
​
The permit was issued on February 20, 2018 and goes into effect on March 1, 2018.  Existing permittees have interim coverage for 120 calendar days (June 29, 2018).  A new Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted to DEC within 90 calendar days (May 30, 2018).  During the interim coverage period, permittees must update the facility Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and potentially update facility practices to come in compliance with the new permit terms and conditions.

The following changes are promulgated under the new permit:

• Twice a year Benchmark and Numeric Effluent Limit sampling (January 1-June 30 and July 1-Dec 31) and reporting (Discharge Monitoring Reports) submitted by July 28th and January 28th, respectively; 
• The Annual Certification Report (ACR) be submitted by January 28 of each year; 
• With biannual sampling, the Corrective Action Form is no longer be necessary; 
• Storm event data forms remain; 
• The Notice of Modification form no longer exists.  Modification will be done under to update NOI information; 
• Mandatory electronic reporting using NetDMR for Discharge Monitoring Reports and My.ny.gov for Notices of Intent and Annual Certification Reports;
• The Alternative Certification of “Not Present” or “No exposure” waiver for Benchmark monitoring has been eliminated;  
• Owner/operators with at least one stormwater discharge, associated with industrial activity, to an MS4 to submit ACRs or DMRs to the MS4 Operator upon the MS4’s request;   
• In order for the Representative Outfall Waiver to again apply, the owner/operator must submit a new Representative Outfall Waiver Form certifying that the results of two consecutive monitoring periods reported to the Department show that the outfall has no exceedances of benchmark monitoring cutoff concentrations;
• Removed the State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) and endangered or threatened species ineligibility criteria; 
• Updated non-numeric effluent limits include requirements for minimizing exposure, good housekeeping, maintenance, spill prevention and response procedures, and employee training. These updates must be reflected in the SWPPP including documentation of owner or operator compliance with the nonnumeric effluent limits;  
• Baghouse maintenance being required on a regular basis (Inspecting and maintaining baghouses quarterly during periods of operation, or in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, to prevent the escape of dust from the system and immediately removing any accumulated dust at the base of the exterior baghouse (Part IIA3a. (3)) and SWPPP must describe inspection and maintenance procedures (Part IIIA7c(3));  
• The discharge of vehicle and equipment washwater, including tank cleaning operations, is not authorized by this permit. These wastewaters must be covered under a separate SPDES permit, discharged to a sanitary sewer in accordance with applicable industrial pretreatment requirements, or disposed of otherwise in accordance with applicable law. (Part IIA1 Note);  
• Addition of requirement to sample discharge of stormwater from secondary containment after cleanup of a spill (Part IIA12c and d and Part IVD4);
• Catch basin maintenance: Cleaning catch basins when the depth of debris reaches two-thirds of the sump depth and keeping the debris surface at least six inches below the lowest outlet pipe (Part IIA3a. (4));   
• Dumpster and roll-off stormwater discharge monitoring and sampling (Keep all dumpster lids closed when not in use. For dumpsters and roll off boxes that do not have lids and could leak, ensure that discharges have a control (e.g., secondary containment, treatment)); and
• No changes proposed to the sector-specific requirements for Sectors D - Asphalt Paving & Roofing Materials & Lubricant Manufacturers; E – Glass, Clay, Cement, Concrete and Gypsum Products; and J - Mining and Mineral Dressing other than the twice a year sampling. 
  

CPI has significant experience in this program, has closely followed the proposed changes, and provided substantial comments on the draft permits.  We are well situated to assist you with the required SWPPP updates and preparation of the Notices of Intent.  Please contact Maryann Ashworth at 518-458-9203 x 311 or mashworth@continentalplacer.com to schedule your facility(ies). ​ 

​As of January 3, 2018, the New SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit has not yet been issued by NYSDEC.  DMRs and Annual Certification Reports for the 2017 reporting year are due on February 28, 2018.  If you are on NetDMR, submit your DMRs online.  For those submitting DMRs online, you can mail in the Annual Certification Report or submit it through ny.gov.  If you have questions about the annual reporting requirements, please contact Maryann Ashworth at 518-458-9203 x311.

The SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for Stormwater Discharges from Industrial Activity will expire on September 30, 2017.  A draft permit (GP-0-17-004) was released by the DEC for comment in late March and again in July.  Existing permittees will have continued permit coverage on an interim basis for 120 calendar days from September 30th.  If the existing permittee would like to retain coverage under the permit, a new Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted to DEC within 90 calendar days from the date the new permit becomes effective, which is anticipated to be October 1, 2017.  During the interim coverage period, permittees must update the facility Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and potentially update facility practices to come in compliance with the new permit terms and conditions.
Based on the draft permits and conversations with the current MSGP Permit Coordinator, the industry can expect the following changes under the new permit:

• Twice a year Benchmark and Numeric Effluent Limit sampling (January 1-June 30 and July 1-Dec 31.) and reporting (Discharge Monitoring Reports) submitted by July 28th and January 28th
• Mandatory electronic reporting using NetDMR for Discharge Monitoring Reports starting immediately
• Baghouse maintenance being required on a regular basis
• Removal of the State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) ineligibility criteria
• Simplification of requirements to protect endangered or threatened species
• Addition of requirement to sample discharge of stormwater from secondary containment after cleanup of a spill
• Dumpster and roll-off stormwater discharge monitoring and sampling
• Elimination of the Alternative Certification of “Not Present” or “No exposure” waiver for Benchmark monitoring and Corrective Action Sampling
• More stringent language on timing of repairing BMPs – repairs to be conducted “immediately”
• No changes proposed to the sector-specific requirements for Sectors D - Asphalt Paving & Roofing Materials & Lubricant Manufacturers; E – Glass, Clay, Cement, Concrete and Gypsum Products; and J - Mining and Mineral Dressing.

Please note, SWPPPs will need to be updated by December 30, 2017 to comply with the new permit.  A Notice of Intent (NOI) form will also need to be submitted by December 30, 2017 to receive coverage under the new permit. 
CPI has significant experience in this program, has closely followed the proposed changes, and provided substantial comments on the draft permits.  We are well situated to assist you with the required SWPPP updates and preparation of the Notices of Intent.  Please contact Maryann Ashworth at 518-458-9203 x311 or mashworth@continentalplacer.com to schedule your facility(ies). 

Job Description:
Full-time, staff level consultant in the Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania office.
 
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
The mining engineer/geologist will assist in all phases of mining, geology, and environmental studies within the United States, with some travel throughout North America/Caribbean.  Responsibilities include a range of office and field assignments including short/long term mine planning, geologic block modeling, slope stability studies, mine valuations as well as geological mapping, drill rig supervision, core logging/sampling, mine surveying, and environmental audits.

Qualifications:

• BS in Mining Engineering or Geology, MS a plus.
• 3-8 years of professional experience.
• EIT /GIT certification, PE/PG license a plus.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, computer mapping programs, mine survey maps, and computer reserve analysis.  GEMs, Carlson, Surpac, a plus.
• Report and analytical writing and formatting required.
• Formal field mapping experience (joint systems, faults, alteration zones, etc.)
• Surveying experience (GPS). Total Station, LIDAR, rod and transit a plus.
• Ability to initiate and coordinate client projects on time and with minimal supervision.
• Previous construction aggregate or industrial mineral experience a plus.
• Travel and fieldwork required.

Benefits

• Continental offers an excellent benefit package
• Excellent 401k matching program
• Great vacation and schedule flexibility
• Opportunity for bonuses
• Excellent salary structure

 
Please send cover letter and resume to mmoore@continentalplacer.com or mail to:
​5010 Lenker St. Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, attention Michelle Moore
 

Company Description
Continental Placer Inc. (CPI) is a full-service geologic and environmental consulting firm. CPI provides resource extraction consulting services, geotechnical services, water supply resource management, and a wide range of environmental services, including permitting, assessments, compliance audits and site closures, to the construction aggregates industry.  Please visit our website at www.continentalplacer.com.
Job Description
We are currently looking for a Staff Level Consultant (MS level geologist) who can help grow our consulting services group. Serious candidates are expected to be goal-oriented, and willing to join an active team of motivated professionals.
Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Define, organize, execute, and coordinate environmental, permitting, engineering, project management assignments primarily for clients in the extractive/construction aggregate industries.   
• Plan, organize, and supervise work of technical staff, scientists, designers and administrative staff supporting those assignments.
• Interface with key clients and project staff in formal, informal, and project team meetings.
• Environmental compliance projects including project management, technical lead and task completion, such as NYS PBS, CBS regulations, capable of performing compliance audits and reports.
• Provide clients with on-site field inspections and support assistance.
• Must be able to perform field work, including geologic mapping and environmental sampling

Qualifications
Experience with key duties and responsibilities described above are a requirement. Strong candidates will possess the following qualifications and experience:

• An MS in Geology.
• Ability to apply project management techniques commonly used in industrial capital projects, environmental permitting, remediation, and compliance, and extractive industries.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Working knowledge of office productivity software including spreadsheets and word processing.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Carlson, and GIS software a plus.
• Ability to acquire professional certification or registration within three years

Benefits

• Continental offers an excellent benefit package
• Excellent 401k matching program
• Great vacation and schedule flexibility
• Opportunity for bonuses
• Excellent salary structure

 
Contact Information
Mr. Brent Tardif
Continental Placer Inc.
2 Winners Circle
Albany, NY 12205
phone (518) 458-9203
fax (518) 458-9206
btardif@continentalplacer.com

Continental Placer Inc is always looking for new talent!  If you are currently looking for a career change as a CAD Operator, send Continental Placer Inc your resume.  Our current need is for a full-time CAD Operator located in our Albany, NY office.
 
Requirements:
▪  2 year Associate degree from a technical school.
▪  2+ years of AutoCAD experience.
▪ Knowledge of AutoCAD, AutoDesk Civil 3D to produce maps, plans and cross sections for site planning and design.  Familiarity with Carlson Software Suite and/or GIS Software a plus.

 Benefits
Continental Placer Inc offers an excellent benefit package for full-time employees including:

• Full time position
• 401K matching program
• Great vacation and schedule flexibility
• Opportunity for bonuses
• Excellent salary structure
  

Please send a cover letter and resume to btardif@continentalplacer.com or mail to:
Continental Placer Inc.
Attention: Brent Tardif
2 Winners Circle
Albany, NY 12205

Continental Placer Inc is always looking for new talent!  If you are currently looking for a new career within the mining consultant industry send us your resume.  Our current needs are mining engineer/mining geologist.

The mining engineer/geologist will assist in all phases of mining, geology, and environmental studies within the United States, with some travel throughout North America/Caribbean.  Responsibilities include a range of office and field assignments including short/long term mine planning, geologic block modeling, slope stability studies, mine valuations as well as geological mapping, drill rig supervision, core logging/sampling, mine surveying, and environmental audits.
Requirements:
▪  BS in Mining Engineering or Geology, MS a plus.
▪  3-8 years of professional experience.
▪  EIT /GIT certification, PE/PG license a plus.
▪ Knowledge of AutoCAD, computer mapping programs, mine survey maps, and computer reserve analysis.  GEMs, Carlson, Surpac, a plus.
▪  Report and analytical writing and formatting required.
▪  Formal field mapping experience (joint systems, faults, alteration zones, etc.)
▪  Surveying experience (GPS). Total Station, LIDAR, rod and transit a plus.
▪  Ability to initiate and coordinate client projects on time and with minimal supervision.
▪  Previous construction aggregate or industrial mineral experience a plus.
▪  Travel and fieldwork required.

 Benefits

• Continental offers an excellent benefit package
• Excellent 401k matching program
• Great vacation and schedule flexibility
• Opportunity for bonuses
• Excellent salary structure

 
Please send cover letter and resume to mmoore@continentalplacer.com or mail to:
​5010 Lenker St. Suite 200, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, attention Michelle Moore