Why do I need an AZPDES Industrial Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP)?

Revised on: October 13, 2021 - 2:10pm

Industrial stormwater permitting is an important part of the federal Clean Water Act and the State Surface Water Protection Program law to ensure surface water quality. Certain industrial activities are required to obtain permit coverage in order to discharge stormwater to protected surface waters. Unlike wastewater that is treated before being discharged to protected surface waters, stormwater does not get treated.  The stormwater program relies on best management practices to minimize pollutants in stormwater discharges. ADEQ issues the industrial stormwater MSGP in Arizona.  The MSGP identifies 29 different sectors that are subject to permitting for industrial stormwater discharges to protected surface waters | View Sector List >

A facility must have permit coverage if an industrial activity falls within one of the sectors and will discharge stormwater to protected surface waters. If industrial stormwater will not discharge to protected surface waters, either directly or by way of a conveyance (such as a street, ditch, etc.), stormwater permit coverage is not required | Learn More by Visiting the No Discharge Certificate FAQs Page >

If a facility would otherwise be regulated by the MSGP, but are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit because there is no exposure of industrial materials or activities to precipitation or runoff because the industrial materials and activities at the site are covered by a storm-resistant shelter, you may apply for a No Exposure Certification | Learn More by Visiting the No Exposure Certificate FAQs Page >

2019 Industrial Stormwater MSGP - Modified

The 2019 Industrial Stormwater MSGP replaced ADEQ’s 2010 Industrial Stormwater MSGP. The 2019 MSGPs were modified to include non-WOTUS protected surface waters. This modification was necessary in order to incorporate Arizona’s new Surface Water Protection Program (SWPP)1 | Visit SWPP Page >

The MSGP permit modifications became effective Sept. 29, 2021. No action is currently required to maintain coverage if you have an active NOI.

Permit — Modified | View >
Fact Sheet — Modified | View > 
Response to Comments | View >

Submitting Online NOIs for MSGP Coverage

To obtain, modify or terminate an NOI for an MSGP you will need to use myDEQ | Learn More > 

A SWPPP is required to be completed prior to submitting an NOI | SWPPP Template >

Compliance Assistance

To help permittees stay in compliance with the 2019 MSGP, ADEQ has various report templates and forms available for download | Learn More >

Fees

An initial fee is due at the time the operator submits a Notice of Intent (NOI) fee to ADEQ, and is based on the amount of acreage at the site:

  • Less than or equal to 1 acre | $350 2
  • Great than 1 acres and less than or equal to 40 acres  | $500 2 
  • Greater than 40 acres  | $1,000 2

Permittees must also pay an annual registration fee based on the acreage of their facility, and fees continue until the industrial activity ceases or the facility closes, at which time the operator files a Notice of Termination (NOT) to end coverage.

Do you need the AZPDES Industrial Stormwater Mining MSGP (Multi-Sector General Permit)? | See Mining > 

1In accordance with A.R.S Title 49 Chapter 2, Article 3.1 | View >
2$1,000 SWPPP first time review fee is required if any of your outfall(s) are within 2.5 miles of impaired, not-attaining, Outstanding Arizona Waters. $500 SWPPP review fee for when a second review is needed.