Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 49, December 7, 2024
Section 250.406 - Relationship to surface water quality requirements(a) A regulated discharge to surface waters shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapters 91-96, 97 (reserved) and 102-105, including antidegradation requirements.(b) For point source discharges to surface water, compliance shall be measured at the point of discharge in accordance with limits specified in the NPDES permit.(c) For purposes of determining compliance with surface water quality standards from a diffuse surface or groundwater discharge, the person shall determine the expected instream regulated substance concentrations, that are attributable to releases at the site, using mass balance techniques and appropriate sampling for groundwater/surface water mixing at design flow conditions. If the results indicate that surface water quality standards are being achieved, no action is required. If results indicate that surface water quality standards are not being achieved, additional sampling may be performed to help evaluate whether surface water quality standards are being achieved. If the results of the sampling indicate the surface water quality standards are being met, no further action is required. If the results of the modeling, and sampling if any, indicate the surface water quality standards are not being met, the person shall perform further remedial action to attain the surface water quality standards, unless a waiver of the surface water quality standards is obtained under paragraphs (1) and (2).(1) In the case of a diffuse surface or groundwater discharge which existed at the time contamination was discovered, the Department may waive any otherwise applicable provisions, including the provisions of Chapter 93 (relating to water quality standards), under section 902(b) of the act (35 P. S. § 6026.902(b)).(2) An applicant for a waiver of provisions in Chapter 93 shall demonstrate to the Department that the proposed remedial alternative will result in attainment of a concentration in the stream that does not exceed human health criteria and aquatic life criteria under the requirements in Chapter 93. The person may propose the use of alternative site-specific exposure factors or design conditions that will demonstrate attainment of the human health criteria.(d) Except if an NPDES permit is required, for purposes of complying with surface water quality standards in a spring, the point of compliance is the point of first designated or existing use, as defined in §§ 93.1, 93.4 and 93.9 (relating to definitions; Statewide water uses; and designated water uses and water quality criteria). Where the point of first designated or existing use occurs in a surface water into which a spring flows, compliance with surface water quality standards shall be determined in the manner specified in subsection (c). This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.310 (relating to site characterization report).