Permit Number: 1700B
Expiration Date: Draft Copy
Page: 1 of 9

Draft Copy

GENERAL PERMIT
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITIES
WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT

Department of Environmental Quality
811 Southwest Sixth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
Telephone: (503) 229-5279

Issued pursuant to ORS 468B.050

ISSUED TO:

SOURCES COVERED BY THIS PERMIT: Vehicle, equipment, building, and pavement cleaning activities that discharge wash water by means of evaporation, seepage and/or irrigation.

ACTIVITIES NOT COVERED BY THIS PERMIT: This general permit does not cover the following: hydroblasting (See Schedule D for definition) or the use of abrasives to remove paint or oxidized metal; mobile washing operations; and washing the inside of trailers, railroad cars, and other large commodity-carrying containers. This permit also does not cover discharges from boat washing activities.

PERMITTED ACTIVITIES

Until this permit expires or is modified or revoked, the permittee is authorized to construct, install, modify, or operate a wastewater collection, treatment, control and disposal system in conformance with all the requirements, limitations, and conditions set forth in the attached schedules as follows:

All direct discharges to public waters are prohibited unless covered by NPDES permit.

Permit Number: 1700B
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SCHEDULE A

EXEMPTED ACTIVITIES

1. Any facility that collects, treats, and recycles ALL wastewater with no discharge to dry wells, surface waters or groundwater may operate without a permit from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

2. Any facility that collects ALL wastewater and discharges to a municipal sanitary sewerage system may operate without a permit from the DEQ. This includes those facilities that may collect and hold wastewater for later disposal to the municipal sewerage system. A permit for discharge to sanitary sewer may be required by the local city or county.

DEMINIMIS ACTIVITIES

3. The following washing activities are considered to have a deminimis impact on the environment and are allowed without obtaining a permit. However, any facility found to be adversely affecting water quality will be required to obtain a permit. Such a facility would then be subject to all terms and conditions of this permit.

1. ACTIVITIES WITH NO DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS, STORM SEWERS OR DRY WELLS - The use of acids, bases, metal brighteners, steam, or hot water is prohibited. The use of biodegradable, phosphate-free cleaners with cold water is allowed. However, cleaning only with cold water is recommended. Chemicals, soaps or detergents shall be used sparingly.
   
   
   1. The washing of buildings is permitted provided there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells.
      
      
   2. The washing of roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces is permitted provided surfaces are swept prior to washing and there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells.
      
      
   3. The rinsing of the chute and exterior of ready-mix concrete trucks at the construction site is permitted provided there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells.
      
      
   4. The washing of construction equipment and vehicles at construction sites, logging equipment and vehicles at the logging site, or farming equipment and vehicles at the agricultural site for the removal of accumulated dirt is permitted provided there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells. Cleaning shall be restricted to the exterior of the vehicle or equipment (no engines, transmissions, or undercarriages).
      
      
   5. The washing of golf carts and mowing machines is permitted provided there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells. Cleaning shall be restricted to the exterior of the vehicle or equipment (no engines, transmissions, or undercarriages).
      
      
   6. The washing of new or used vehicles or equipment awaiting sale, lease or delivery is permitted provided cleaning is restricted to the exterior of the vehicle or piece of equipment (no engines, transmissions, or undercarriages) and there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells. Rental car companies are not included in this exemption.
      
      
   7. Businesses that wash less than 8 vehicles or pieces of equipment per week are permitted provided there is no runoff off-site or discharge to surface waters, storm sewer or dry wells. Cleaning is restricted to the exterior of the vehicle or equipment (no engines, transmissions, or undercarriages). When washing large trucks or large pieces of equipment, they are counted as separate pieces.
      
      For facilities that do not discharge to surface waters or storm sewers, the Department may allow 8 or more vehicles or pieces of equipment per week to be washed if the operator demostrates that this activity will not impact the soils and the groundwater at the site. This approval shall be obtained in writing from the Department.
      
      
2. REFER TO 1700A PERMIT FOR DEMINIMIS ACTIVITIES WITH DISCHARGE TO SURFACE WATERS AND STORM SEWERS
   
   
3. NON-PROFIT ACTIVITIES - Vehicle washing by private citizens and fund-raising groups such as schools, churches, boy scouts, girl scouts, etc. is permitted. Fund-raising groups shall limit their frequency of washing to no more than once a month and employ the best management practices outlined in the Department's fact sheet on non-profit activities.

Permit Number: 1700B
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LIMITATIONS

4. Prohibitions - The use of organic solvents or non-biodegradable chemicals, soaps and detergents is prohibited for all washing activities covered by this permit, including activities in Condition 3 above. Any chemicals, soaps or detergents used shall be phosphate-free.

5. Construction and Use of Dry Wells - The construction of new dry wells for disposal of wash water is prohibited. The use of existing dry wells is allowed provided written approval is obtained from the Department. Prior to discharge to an approved dry well, the wash water shall comply with the limitations established in Condition 9. The use of any chemicals, soaps, detergents, steam, or hot water is prohibited when discharging to existing dry wells.

6. On-Site Treatment/Disposal Systems - The construction of new on-site treatment and disposal systems (i.e. septic tank & drainfields) for disposal of wash water is prohibited. The use of approved systems that have been designed and constructed specifically to treat wash water is allowed provided the system is functioning properly.

7. Lagoons/Ponds - The Department may require lagoons/ponds to be lined in areas of shallow groundwater or highly permeable soils to prevent adverse impacts to ground water.

8. Ground Water Protection - No activities shall be conducted that could adversely impact ground water quality. If adverse impacts to ground water quality are suspected from a facility covered by this permit, the Department may require the Permittee perform a ground water investigation.

9. Limits for all washing activities covered by this permit except activities listed in Schedule A, Condition 3 - Wash water shall be collected and treated prior to disposal by seepage or land irrigation. The treated wash water shall comply with the following limitations:

Permit Number 1700B
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10. Engine Cleaning, Acid/Caustic Washing, Metal Brighteners, Steam, and Hot Water Washing Activities. Facilities that conduct any engine cleaning, acid and/or caustic washing, metal brightening, or hot water washing shall conduct operations on an impermeable surface.

11. When disposing of wash water by means of evaporation, seepage and/or irrigation, the permittee shall do so in a manner to prevent the following:

1. Surface runoff or subsurface drainage through drainage tile.
2. The creation of odors, fly and mosquito breeding or other nuisance conditions.
3. The overloading of land with nutrients or organics.
4. Contamination of the soil and/or ground water.

Permit Number: 1700B
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SCHEDULE B

MONITORING REQUIREMENTS

1. Excluding activities listed in Schedule A, Condition 3, all other washing operations covered by this permit shall monitor their discharge in accordance with the following frequency:

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

2. Monitoring results shall be reported on approved forms. The reporting period is the calendar year. Reports must be submitted to the Department by the 15th day of January of the following year.

Permit Number 1700B
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SCHEDULE D

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

1. The permittee shall implement whenever practicable the best management practices listed in the DEQ’s guidance document titled Recommended Best Management Practices for Washing Activities.

2. The changing of vehicle fluids is prohibited in wash bay areas. All vehicle fluids such as gasoline, lubricating oils, anti-freeze, hydraulic fluids, degreasing agents, paints, organic solvents, etc. shall be collected and disposed of in accordance with methods approved by DEQ and the local city or county.

3. Catch basins and sediment traps shall be cleaned on a routine basis to prevent concentration of pollutants and re-contamination of the discharge.

4. Solids removed in any cleaning process shall be collected and disposed of in accordance with methods approved by DEQ and the local city or county.

5. Washing operations shall be conducted in a manner that will prevent erosion at the site.

6. The Director may revoke a general permit as it applies to any person and require such person to apply for and obtain an individual NPDES or WPCF permit if:

1. The permitted source or activity is a significant contributor of pollution or creates other environmental problems;
2. The permittee is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of this general permit; or
3. Conditions or standards have changed so that the source or activity no longer qualifies for a general permit.

7. Any permittee not wishing to be covered or limited by this general permit may make application for an individual WPCF or NPDES permit in accordance with WPCF or NPDES procedures in OAR 340-14-020 and 340-45-030.

8. "Hydroblasting" means the use of high pressure to remove paint or oxidized metals from a surface. Typically, pressures of 2000 psi and greater are used to remove paint or oxidized metal, however, lower pressures may also remove paint or oxidized metal. This permit does not cover hydroblasting activities.

Permit Number 1700B
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SCHEDULE F
WPCF GENERAL CONDITIONS

SECTION A. STANDARD CONDITIONS

1. Property Rights

The issuance of this permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any infringement of Federal, State, or local laws, or regulations.

2. Liability

The Department of Environmental Quality, its officers, agents, or employees shall not sustain any liability on account of the issuance of this permit or on account of the construction or maintenance of facilities because of this permit.

3. Permit Actions

After notice by the Department, this permit may be modified, suspended, or revoked in whole or in part during its term for cause including but not limited to the following:

1. Violation of any term or condition of this permit, any applicable rule or statute, or any order of the Commission;
   
   
2. Obtaining this permit by misrepresentation or failure to disclose fully all relevant facts.

4. Transfer of Permit

This permit shall not be transferred to a third party without prior written approval from the Department. Such approval may be granted by the Department where the transferee acquires a property interest in the permitted activity and agrees in writing to fully comply with all the terms and conditions of this permit and the rules of the Commission. A transfer application and filing fee must be submitted to the Department.

5. Permit Fees

The permittee shall pay the fees required to be filed with this permit application and to be paid annually for permit compliance determination as outlined in the Oregon Administrative Rules.

SECTION B. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF POLLUTION CONTROLS

1. Proper Operation and Maintenance

The permittee shall at all times maintain in good working order and properly operate as efficiently as possible all treatment or control facilities or systems installed or used by the permittee to achieve compliance with the terms and conditions of this permit.

2. Standard Operation and Maintenance

All waste collection, control, treatment, and disposal facilities shall be operated in a manner consistent with the following:

1. At all times, all facilities shall be operated as efficiently as possible and in a manner which will prevent discharges, health hazards, and nuisance conditions.
   
   
2. All screenings, grit, and sludge shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Department such as to prevent any pollutant from such materials from reaching any waters of the state, creating a public health hazard, or causing a nuisance condition.
   
   
3. Bypassing of untreated waste is generally prohibited. No bypassing shall occur without prior written permission from the Department except where unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage.
   
   

Permit Number 1700B
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3. Noncompliance and Notification Procedures

In the event the permittee is unable to comply with all the conditions of this permit because of surfacing sewage, a breakdown of equipment or facilities, an accident caused by human error or negligence, or any other cause such as an act of nature, the permittee shall:

1. Immediately take action to stop, contain, and clean up the unauthorized discharges and correct the problem.
   
   
2. Immediately notify the Department's Regional office, so that an investigation can be made to evaluate the impact and the corrective actions taken and determine additional action that must be taken.
   
   
3. Within 5 days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances, the permittee shall submit to the Department a detailed written report describing the breakdown, the actual quantity and quality of resulting waste discharges, corrective action taken, steps taken to prevent a recurrence, and any other pertinent information.

Compliance with these requirements does not relieve the permittee from responsibility to maintain continuous compliance with the conditions of this permit or the resulting liability for failure to comply.

4. Wastewater System Personnel

The permittee shall provide an adequate operating staff which is duly qualified to carry out the operation, maintenance, and monitoring requirements to assure continuous compliance with the conditions of this permit.

SECTION C. MONITORING AND RECORDS

1. Inspection and Entry

The permittee shall, at all reasonable times, allow authorized representatives of the Department of Environmental Quality to:

1. Enter upon the permittee's premises where a waste source or disposal system is located or where any records are required to be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit;
   
   
2. Have access to and copy any records required to be kept under the terms and conditions of this permit;
   
   
3. Inspect any treatment or disposal system, practices, operations, monitoring equipment, or monitoring method regulated or required by this permit; or
   
   
4. Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purpose of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by state law, any substances or parameters at any location.
   
   

2. Averaging of Measurements

Calculations for all limitations which require averaging of measurements shall utilize an arithmetic mean, except for bacteria which shall be averaged as specified in the permit.

3. Monitoring Procedures

Monitoring must be conducted according to test procedures specified in the most recent edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, unless other test procedures have been approved in writing by the Department and specified in this permit.

Permit Number: 1700B
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SECTION D. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

1. Plan Submittal

Pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute 468B.055, unless specifically exempted by rule, no construction, installation or modification of disposal systems, treatment works, or sewerage systems shall be commenced until plans and specifications are submitted to and approved in writing by the Department. All construction, installation or modification shall be in strict conformance with the Department's written approval of the plans.

2. Change in Discharge

Whenever a facility expansion, production increase, or process modification is anticipated which will result in a change in the character of pollutants to be discharged or which will result in a new or increased discharge that will exceed the conditions of this permit, a new application must be submitted together with the necessary reports, plans, and specifications for the proposed changes. No change shall be made until plans have been approved and a new permit or permit modification has been issued.

3. Signatory Requirements

All applications, reports or information submitted to the Department shall be signed and certified by the official applicant of record (owner) or authorized designee.

SECTION E. DEFINITIONS

1. BOD5 means five-day biochemical oxygen demand.
2. TSS means total suspended solids.
3. FC means fecal coliform bacteria.
4. NH3-N means Ammonia Nitrogen.
5. NO3-N means Nitrate Nitrogen.
6. NO2-N means Nitrite Nitrogen.
7. TKN means Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen.
8. Cl means Chloride.
9. TN means Total Nitrogen.
10. mg/1 means milligrams per liter.
11. ug/l means micrograms per liter.
12. kg means kilograms.
13. GPD means gallons per day.
14. MGD means million gallons per day.
15. The term "bacteria" includes but is not limited to fecal coliform bacteria, total coliform bacteria, and E. coli bacteria.
16. Total residual chlorine means combined chlorine forms plus free residual chlorine.
17. Grab sample means an individual discrete sample collected over a period of time not to exceed 15 minutes.
18. Composite sample means a combination of samples collected, generally at equal intervals over a 24-hour period, and apportioned according to the volume of flow at the time of sampling.
19. Week means a calendar week of Sunday through Saturday.
20. Month means a calendar month.
21. Quarter means January through March, April through June, July through September, or October through December.

Environmental Power Washing Reports and Ordinances

Last Update: November 28, 1997,Robert M. Hinderliter, Webmaster