EPA signed and issued the 2021 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for industrial stormwater discharges on January 15, 2021. The 2021 MSGP will become effective on March 1, 2021, and will replace the 2015 MSGP.   

​Operators must submit a new Notice of Intent by May 30, 2021, to obtain authorization under the new 2021 MSGP.

The new 2021 MSGP has some new requirements not included in the 2015 permit. These include but not limited:

• Requiring quarterly indicator testing (ph, TSS, and COD) for certain non-benchmark monitoring sectors;
• Updated benchmark monitoring for select metals (Al, Cu, Se, and Cd);
• Requiring posting of a public sign with contact info and NPDES number; and
• Requirement of additional implementation measures (AIM) on a Tiered approach for exceeding benchmark monitoring limitations. 

Material handling and storage, equipment maintenance and cleaning, and other activities at industrial facilities are often exposed to the weather. Runoff from rainfall or snowmelt that comes in contact with these activities can pick up pollutants, and transport them directly to a nearby river, lake, or coastal water or indirectly via a storm sewer and degrade water quality.

The new Permit is effective March 1, 2021, and operators must submit a new Notice of Intent by May 30, 2021, to obtain authorization to discharge in accordance with the deadlines set forth in Part 1.3.3. of the 2021 MSGP.