Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 216.07

Current through October 28, 2024
Section NR 216.07 - Permit requirements

The department shall establish permit conditions to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the MS4 to the maximum extent practicable, to protect water quality, and to achieve and implement the water quality standards contained in chs. NR 102 to 105, 140, and 207. The department shall issue permits using the information provided by the applicant and other pertinent information when developing permit conditions. Permit conditions shall be expressed in clear, specific, and measurable terms. Permits shall, at a minimum, require development and implementation of written storm water management programs that address all of the following:

(1) PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH.
(a) A public education and outreach program using a variety of delivery mechanisms to increase awareness of storm water impacts on waters of the state. The program shall at a minimum be designed to achieve all of the following:
1. Promote detection and elimination of illicit discharges or water quality impacts associated with discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems.
2. Inform and educate the public to facilitate the proper management of materials and encourage the public to change their behavior that may cause storm water pollution from sources including automobiles, pets, household hazardous waste and household practices.
3. Promote beneficial onsite reuse of leaves and grass clippings and proper use of lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides.
4. Promote the management of stream banks and shorelines by riparian landowners to minimize erosion, and restore and enhance the ecological values of the waterway.
5. Promote infiltration of residential storm water runoff from rooftop downspouts, driveways and sidewalks.
(b) A program that includes elements to achieve all of the following:
1. Inform and educate those responsible for the design, installation or maintenance of construction site erosion control and storm water management practices on how to design, install and maintain the practices.
2. Target businesses and activities that may pose a storm water contamination concern, and where appropriate, educate specific audiences such as lawn care companies and restaurants on methods of storm water pollution prevention.
3. Promote environmentally sensitive land development designs by developers and designers.

Note: The public education and outreach program should be tailored, using a mix of locally appropriate strategies to educate the general public and target specific audiences likely to have significant storm water impacts.

(2) PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION. A program to notify the public of activities required by the municipal storm water discharge permit required under this subchapter and to encourage input and participation from the public regarding these activities. The implementation of this program shall comply with all applicable state and local public notice requirements.
(3) ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION. A program to detect and remove illicit discharges and improper disposal of wastes into the municipal separate storm sewer system, or require the discharger to obtain a separate WPDES permit. The program shall include all of the following:
(a) To the extent authorized by law, measures to effectively prohibit, through ordinance or other regulatory mechanism, non-storm water discharges into the storm sewer system and implement appropriate enforcement procedures and actions.
(b) A strategy to address all types of illicit discharges. In addition, non-storm water discharges or flows such as landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, uncontaminated groundwater infiltration, uncontaminated pumped groundwater, discharges from potable water sources, foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, irrigation water, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, fire fighting and discharges authorized under a WPDES permit shall be included in the strategy if identified by the municipality as significant sources of pollutants to waters of the state.
(c) Procedures to conduct on-going field screening activities during the term of the permit, including locations of storm sewers that will be evaluated.
(d) Procedures to be followed to investigate portions of the municipal separate storm sewer system that, based on the results of field screening or other information, indicate a reasonable potential for containing illicit discharges or other sources of non-storm water. Procedures may include sampling for the parameters listed within par. (i), testing with fluorometric dyes or conducting inspections inside storm sewers where safety and other considerations allow. The department shall be given advanced notice of the time and location of dye testing within an MS4.

Note: The dye may be reported to the department by concerned citizens as an illicit discharge. Prior notification will prevent false alarms.

(e) Procedures to immediately investigate reports of illicit discharges to its MS4, including cooperation with the department, in order to locate and eliminate illicit discharges.
(f) Procedures for immediate notification of the department in accordance with ch. NR 706, of a spill or release of a hazardous substance, into or from an MS4.

Note: The department shall be notified via the 24-hour toll-free spill hotline at 1-800-943-0003.

(g) Procedures to prevent, contain and respond to spills that may enter the municipal separate storm sewer system.
(h) Appropriate measures to eliminate any leakage or discharge from sanitary conveyance systems into municipal separate storm sewer systems.
(i) A field screening analysis for illicit connections and illicit discharges at all major outfalls, plus any additional selected field-screening points designated by the municipality or the department. At a minimum, a screening analysis shall include a narrative description of visual observations made during dry weather periods. If any flow is observed, field analysis shall be conducted to determine the presence of illicit discharges. All field analysis shall include a narrative description of the color, odor, turbidity, the presence of an oil sheen or surface scum, and a description of the flow rate as well as any other relevant observations regarding the potential presence of non-storm water discharges. In addition, the field analysis shall include sampling for pH, total chlorine, total copper, total phenol and detergents unless the permittee obtains concurrence from the department to perform alternative sampling that is more effective to detect illicit discharges such as with ammonia, potassium or bacteria. The field screening points shall be established using the following:
1. Field screening points shall, where possible, be located downstream of any sources of suspected illegal or illicit activity.
2. Field screening points shall be located where practicable at the farthest manhole or other accessible location downstream in the system. Safety of personnel and accessibility of the location shall be considered in making this determination.
3. Consideration shall be given to hydrological conditions, total drainage area of the site, population density of the site, traffic density, age of the structures or buildings in the area, history of the area and land use types.
(4) CONSTRUCTION SITE POLLUTANT CONTROL. Except for construction sites that are exempted under s. NR 216.42(2) to (11), a program to implement and maintain erosion and sediment control best management practices to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff from construction sites with one acre or more of land disturbance, and sites of less than one acre if they are part of a larger common plan of development or sale. This program shall encompass any adjacent developing areas that are planned to have a minimum density of 500 people per square mile, the urbanized area and developing areas whose runoff will connect to the MS4. The program shall include all of the following:
(a) The implementation and enforcement of a legal authority to comply with ss. NR 151.11 and 151.23, as well as sanctions to ensure compliance, to the extent authorized by law.

Note: Section NR 151.11 applies to construction sites that are not transportation facilities and s. NR 151.23 applies to transportation facility construction sites.

(b) Procedures for site planning which incorporate consideration of potential water quality impacts.
(c) Requirements for erosion and sediment control best management practices.
(d) Procedures for identifying priorities for inspecting sites and enforcing control measures which consider the nature of the construction activity, topography, the characteristics of soil and receiving water quality.
(e) Requirements for construction site operators to manage waste such as discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste at the construction site so as to minimize adverse impacts to water quality.
(f) Procedures for receipt and consideration of information submitted by the public.
(5) POST-CONSTRUCTION SITE STORM WATER MANAGEMENT. A program to develop, implement and enforce controls on discharges from new development and redevelopment projects that disturb one acre or more of land, including projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, that discharge into the MS4. This program shall encompass any adjacent developing areas that are planned to have a minimum density of 500 people per square mile, the urbanized area and developing areas whose runoff will connect to the MS4. The program shall include all of the following:
(a) The implementation and enforcement of a legal authority to comply with ss. NR 151.12 to 151.128 and 151.24 to 151.249.

Note: Section NR 151.12 applies to construction sites that are not transportation facilities and s. NR 151.24 applies to transportation facility construction sites.

(b) Procedures for site planning which incorporate consideration of potential water quality impacts.
(c) Requirements for source area control and regional best management practices.
(d) Procedures for inspecting and enforcing maintenance of best management practices.
(6) POLLUTION PREVENTION.
(a) A storm water management program and an operation and maintenance program that includes a training component and has the ultimate goal of preventing or reducing pollutant runoff and meeting the requirements of sub. (10). The program shall include all of the following activities:
1. Installation and maintenance of source area controls and regional best management practices.
2. Roadway maintenance including street sweeping and de-icer management. Permits may include requirements for de-icer usage tracking, equipment calibration, training, and de-icer reduction strategies.
3. If appropriate, collection and management of leaf and grass clippings.
4. Management of municipal garages, storage areas, and other municipal sources of pollution. Site-specific storm water pollution prevention plans shall be developed for sites with bulk storage piles, outdoor vehicle maintenance, fueling, outdoor material storage, uncovered dumpsters, composting, and other areas with discharges deemed by the department to be significant contributors of pollutants to waters of the state. Permits shall contain requirements for storm water pollution prevention plans that include the elements in s. NR 216.27 that are relevant to municipal sources of pollution.
5. Management of the application of lawn and garden fertilizers on municipally controlled properties in accordance with s. NR 151.13(1) (b) 3.
6. Inspection, surveillance and monitoring procedures necessary to determine compliance and noncompliance with permit conditions.
7. Adequate legal authority to require compliance with conditions in ordinances, permits, contracts or orders.
(b) An assessment of the actions taken under this subsection shall be conducted. The assessment shall include a pollutant-loading analysis using a model such as SLAMM, P8 or equivalent methodology that is approved by the department. At a minimum, a pollutant-loading analysis shall be conducted for total suspended solids and phosphorus. The department may require other parameters on a case-by-case basis.

Note: The department believes that computer modeling is the most efficient and cost effective method for calculating pollutant loads. Pollutant loading models such as SLAMM, P8 or equivalent methodology may be used to evaluate the efficiency of the design in reducing total suspended solids. Information on how to access SLAMM and P8 is available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Stormwater/standards/slamm.html or contact the storm water program in the bureau of watershed management at (608) 267-7694.

Note: The pollutant-loading analysis may be limited to pollutants generated within the municipality.

(7) STORM SEWER SYSTEM MAP. A sufficiently sized and detailed map with a scale suited for the level of detail depicting the following information:
(a) Identification and outline of the storm water drainage basins, the watersheds and municipal separate storm sewer systems. Other major municipal, government or privately owned storm water conveyance systems lying within, but not owned or operated by the permittee shall also be identified.
(b) A boundary defining the final urban storm water planning area and all municipal borders in the area.
(c) A list and location of all municipal storm sewer system outfalls discharging to waters of the state. Indicate the pipe size and identify those outfalls which are considered major outfalls.
(d) The location and permit number of any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system that has been issued a WPDES permit, or has filed a permit application with the department.
(e) The location of major structural controls for storm water discharges including retention basins, detention basins and major infiltration devices.
(f) Identification of publicly owned parks, recreational areas and other open lands.
(g) The location of publicly owned public works facilities.
(h) Other potential sources of pollutants.
(i) If the permittee is subject to a US EPA-approved TMDL, boundaries of applicable watersheds associated with a TMDL wasteload allocation.
(8) ANNUAL REPORT. For the permittee's first permit term of 5 years, submission of an annual report to the department. After the term of the first permit, the department may reduce annual reporting frequency but annual reports shall be filed in the 2nd and 4th years of the subsequent permit terms. Annual reports shall be submitted to the department using forms available from the department as specified under s. NR 216.006. The municipal governing body, interest groups and the general public shall be encouraged to review and comment on the annual report in accordance with sub. (2). The annual report shall include the following information:
(a) The status of implementing the permit requirements and compliance with permit schedules.
(b) A summary of activities to comply with subs. (6) and (10).
(c) A fiscal analysis which includes the annual expenditures and budget for the reporting year, and the budget for the next year.
(d) A summary of the number and nature of enforcement actions, and inspections conducted to comply with the required legal authorities.
(e) Identification of water quality improvements or degradation.
(f) If applicable, notice that the permittee is relying on another entity to satisfy some of the permit requirements as described in s. NR 216.075.
(g) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the components of the permittee's storm water management program.
(h) A summary of the progress toward implementing identified actions and activities to comply with requirements of sub. (10) (d) and if applicable, any changes to the TMDL implementation plan.
(i) A summary of any proposed changes to the permittee's storm water management programs created to comply with the requirements of subs. (1) to (6) and (10).
(j) For the annual report submitted in the 4th year of the permit term, the permittee shall also submit a fiscal evaluation summarizing program expenditures for the current permit term, projected program allocations for the subsequent permit term, and a list of planned modifications to storm water best management practices and programs necessary to comply with permit requirements or to achieve measurable goals.
(9) SCHEDULE OF COMPLIANCE. A compliance schedule for the permittee to fully develop, implement and enforce the requirements of this subchapter within 5 years after initial permit coverage is granted.
(10) OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
(a)Urbanized area performance standards. Installation and maintenance of source area controls and regional best management practices to comply with the developed urban area performance standards of s. NR 151.13(2) and the post-construction performance standards of ss. NR 151.12 to 151.128 and 151.24 to 151.249. The total suspended solids control requirements of s. NR 151.13(2) (b) 1. b. may be achieved on a regional basis across an urbanized area or within the urban storm water planning area for a municipality.
(b)Impaired waters. For a permittee that discharges to an impaired waterbody but for which there is no US EPA-approved TMDL for the pollutant of concern, the permittee shall include a written section in its storm water management program that discusses the management practices and control measures it will implement as part of its program to reduce, with the goal of eliminating, the discharge of pollutants of concern that contribute to the impairment of the waterbody.

Note: Every 2 years, the department updates and publishes a list of waters considered impaired under the Clean Water Act. The list is updated in even-numbered years. A list of Wisconsin impaired waterbodies may be found on the department website at: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/SurfaceWater/ConditionLists.html.

(c)US EPA-approved TMDL. If the permittee is subject to a US EPA-approved TMDL, the permittee shall evaluate its compliance with the applicable wasteload allocation consistent with the assumptions and requirements outlined in the TMDL. If the permittee cannot demonstrate compliance with the wasteload allocation within the first permit term, then the department may allow a permittee to develop a TMDL implementation plan that extends beyond one permit term for attaining the wasteload allocation. The implementation plan shall include estimated cost, schedules, assumptions, and levels of anticipated pollution control for each action. The TMDL implementation plan shall demonstrate continued progress leading to the attainment of the wasteload allocation as soon as possible. The department may establish numeric and narrative benchmarks within each permit term to ensure continued reduction of the pollutant of concern. In determining the length of time allowed under the TMDL implementation plan, the department shall consider all of the following factors:
1. Whether there is a need for the installation of both structural best management practices and the implementation of operation and maintenance programs to attain the wasteload allocation, and if so, how long it will take to implement taking into account factors including the need to acquire property, the need to remove or replace existing infrastructure, and the ability to obtain the necessary financing.
2. The length of time the permittee has had to attain the wasteload allocation under prior permits.
3. The extent to which the permittee has made good faith efforts to attain the wasteload allocation and other requirements in prior permits, if applicable.
4. The extent to which existing best management practices have proven to be effective in addressing the pollutant of concern covered by the wasteload allocation.
5. Whether the TMDL implementation plan is appropriate and necessary because the permittee cannot attain the wasteload load allocations within the existing permit term.

Note: The reports for department and US EPA approved TMDLs are available from the department website at: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/TMDLs/tmdlreports.html.

(d)Assessment. A permittee shall conduct an assessment of the actions required to be taken under this subsection. The assessment shall include a pollutant-loading analysis using an urban water quality model that uses small storm hydrology or equivalent methodology that is approved by the department, or monitoring, trend analysis, or other appropriate qualitative or quantitative evaluation methods approved by the department. At a minimum, a pollutant-loading analysis shall be conducted for total suspended solids, phosphorus, any applicable pollutants of concern covered under an applicable US EPA-approved TMDL, and pollutants of concern discharged by the permittee to a listed impaired waterbody, ERW, or ORW.

Note: The department believes that computer modeling provides an efficient and cost-effective method for calculating pollutant loads. Pollutant loading models such as WinSLAMM, P8, or equivalent methodology may be used to evaluate the efficiency of the design in reducing total suspended solids. Information on how to access WinSLAMM and P8 is available at https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/stormwater/standards/slamm.html.

(11) RECORDS. The permittee shall keep records relating to compliance with s. 283.33, Stats., this subchapter, or a permit issued under the subchapter for at least 3 years from the date of creation and make the records available to the public in accordance with subch. II of ch. 19, Stats.

Wis. Admin. Code Department of Natural Resources NR 216.07

CR 03-028: cr. Register July 2004 No. 583, eff. 8-1-04.
Amended by, correction in (8) (e) (Note) made under s. 35.17(2), Stats., Register November 2017 No. 743, eff. 12/1/2017
Amended by, correction in (6) (a) (intro.) made under s. 13.92(4) (b) 7, Stats., Register January 2020 No. 769, eff. 2/1/2020
Amended by, CR 21-027: am. (intro.), (1) (a) (intro.), (5) (a), (6) (a) (intro.), 2., 4., cr. (7) (i), am. (8) (intro.), (b), cr. (8) (f) to (j), (10), (11) Register March 2022 No. 795, eff. 4-1-22; correction in (5) (a), (6) (a) (intro.), (10) (a) made under s. 35.17, Stats., Register March 2022 No. 795, eff. 4/1/2022