 Resource Management Associates
NJ Concrete Stormwater Client
Weekly Update - April 2, 2009
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END OF 1ST QUARTER!
The first quarter 2009 is OVER.
Please ensure you do the following:
- Submit your DMR/WCR packages to us, signed as appropriate. Remember to make a copy before sending to us!
- Submit your analytical results from the lab, and your certified pH lab data summary form. Remember, we need data for pH, TSS and COD.
- Submit your storm event record forms, COMPLETELY FILLED OUT.
- If you didn't get a sample, remember to submit your DMR/WCR forms and a "No Discharge Certification Form".
DMR reporting is due to the NJDEP by the 25th of the month following the quarter, in this case April 25th. Please ensure you have gotten your data to us ASAP!!
Copies of all forms, should you need them, are available on the RMA Client Access Area. You can reach the Client Access area by clicking here.
The 2nd quarter of 2009 has begun. Remember, from this point, ALL sites will have to take stormwater samples each quarter - including "discharge to groundwater" sites (for pH only).
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1st Quarter - I Couldn't Get a Sample - What Do I Do?
Remember, if you couldn't get a sample during the 1st quarter, or any quarter, it is not the end of the world if you sincerely monitored your outfall and there was no discharge. This is not uncommon during the 1st quarter, when things are frozen or precipitation falls as snow, and also during hot dry summer periods when either there is no rain or light rainfalls infiltrate before running off.
If you don't get a sample, ensure you complete a "no discharge certification form", and forward it ASAP after the end of the quarter to RMA, along with your DMR/WCR package - we still need to report!
Unless you conveniently make a habit out of "not having a discharge", this shouldn't raise a significant issue with NJDEP, provided you made your sincere effort to get your sample. You might want to keep a logbook of rain events and the lack of discharge or presence of discharge, to document and support your claims. That would be a great idea and would likely be preferred by NJDEP should they question your lack of discharge.
Also, remember, you MUST get at least ONE sample each quarter, regardless of when it is. The phrase "during normal working hours" is no longer present in your permit - therefore, you must get a sample regardless of if you have to do it during the middle of the night, on weekends, etc. That is why we always say, get your sample early during the quarter, and get it over with! |
2nd Quarter 2009 Commences - DGW Monitoring Begins!
Remember, the 2nd quarter 2009, beginning April 1 2009 until June 31, 2009, is the beginning of discharge to groundwater monitoring (DGW), as well as regular surface water discharge sampling. DGW discharges are to be monitored for pH only, which many/most producers are certified to do. |
Poll of the Week
Each week, I'm going to try to add a short poll for your information. All replies are anonymous, but the results should be informative for all! Check it out.
Click here to take the poll of the week and to see current results. |
Draft Asphalt Stormwater Permit Issued
A few days ago, the NJDEP released their renewal stormwater discharge permit for the asphalt industry, which replaces one that has been in existence for several years (like the concrete permit). This permit joins stormwater permits for the concrete industry, mining & quarrying industry ("aggregate permit"), scrap metal industry, wood recycling industry, and several others. All these permits are important relative to one another, as what changes with one upon issuance is likely to appear in future version of others when they have to be renewed.
There are some major good points to the new asphalt permit:
- Same new exceedance criteria for TSS as in the new concrete permit (40% exceedance required, 2 out of 4 quarters, to become a limit rather than a benchmark);
- Eliminated zinc and copper monitoring;
- Eliminate TSS and COD monitoring for DGW dischargers (yes, they will also be doing DGW monitoring!);
- Elimate renewal report requirements;
- Eliminate the need for WCR reporting of storm event data (this is HUGE and one that I hope we see in any future concrete permit modifications).
There are some bad points to the new permit, the biggest drawback I see is the requirement that Drainage Control Plans (DCP) require the certification (signature) of a NJ licensed Professional Engineer, and be based upon topography generated by a NJ licensed land surveyor. This will greatly increase the costs associated with this new permit and the necessary documentation - I would anticipate by several thousand dollars for the documentation generation, particularly if the site doesn't have topography generated by a surveyor! As I am concerned that this may appear in future NJPDES permit - including future versions of the concrete permit - I will argue strongly against this requirement.
To review the new asphalt permit, click here.
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Where Can I Get Weather Data on the Internet?
Two great places for weather data are:
Weather Underground. This site has a LOT of data that you can use, including rainfall amounts by day (and in some cases by hour during rainstorm events) for many locations throughout the US - including some guaranteed to be near your site. Check out the weather underground site by clicking here.
The Weather Channel. Yes, that weather channel! A great site loaded with useful information. Check out their website by clicking here.
Either website allows you to put their information right on your computer desktop, and customize the site to your particular preferences. Also handy for weather forecasts for concrete deliveries!
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PS - A quick reminder that RMA offers a full range of environmental consulting services specifically for the concrete and construction materials industries. Contact RMA for more information on how we can help you meet your objectives!
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