General Discharge Permit 10-MA Reminders and Dates
1) Storm Water Sampling
Marinas that have the General Permit for Discharges from Marinas are required to collect quarterly storm water samples. The first quarter of the year ends March 31st; Time is running out for any affected boatyard or marina that has not taken a sample in the first quarter of 2013 yet.
Storm water sampling is a simple procedure, conducted by marina staff. The required form to record the sampling along with instructions are available here.
2) Discharge Limits for Total Suspended Solids and Oil & Grease are NOW IN EFFECT
As of March 1, 2013 marinas/boatyards that are discharging boat wash water to waters of the state must meet the following limits for Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Oil and Grease (O&G):
Total Suspended Solids Limit: 50 mg/L
Oil and Grease Limit: 15 mg/L
Facilities discharging boat wash water to state waters were required to test the discharge for TSS and O&G, along with dissolved metals, twice during the fall 2012 washing season, and report the results to MD Dept. of the Environment (MDE) by January 28, 2013. Facilities that exceeded these limits in the fall must take steps to further clean/filter the water to meet the limits from this point forward.
Facilities discharging to state waters must also professionally test wash water discharged twice between January and June for TSS and O&G only. Test results must be submitted to MDE by July 28th. If the marina does no washing this spring, it must still submit the required"Discharge Monitoring Form" to MDE, and check the "No Discharge" box to remain in compliance. These forms were provided to each marina/boatyard when they received notice of coverage under the Permit.
3) Questions?
MDE Website and staff, Mr. Ed Gertler: [email protected] or 410-537-3651
DNR's Clean Marina Website |