Without appropriate storm water pollution prevention and control measures, storm water run-off will transport debris, chemicals, and other pollutants. Storm water run-off may contain sediment, nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen), heavy metals (lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, nickel, iron), pathogens (bacteria), toxins, and oxygen-demanding substances. The result can be the loss of recreational uses for local water bodies and injury to plants and animals that live in or use the water. One way IDEM regulates such storm water run-off is through 327 IAC 15-6 (Rule 6) (Select Rule 6, Storm Water Discharges Exposed to Industrial Activity from the index or Scroll to page 23).
Industrial storm water permits are required for facilities where activities of the industrial operation are exposed to storm water and run-off is discharged though a point source to waters of the state. The general permit applies to specific categories of industrial activities that must obtain permit coverage. Determination of applicable industrial activities is based on a facility’s Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code(s) or facility activities included in the listed narrative descriptions within the rule. Additional information on the criteria for permit coverage or exclusion can be obtained by clicking Applicability).
Storm water discharge exposed to industrial activity can include storm water discharges from:
- industrial plant yards;
- immediate access roads and rail lines used or traveled by carriers of raw materials, manufactured products, waste material, or byproducts used or created by the facility;
- material handling sites;
- refuse sites;
- sites used for the application or disposal of process wastewaters;
- sites used for residual treatment, storage, or disposal;
- shipping and receiving areas;
- manufacturing buildings;
- storage areas (including tank farms) for raw materials and intermediate products; and
- areas where industrial activity has taken place in the past and significant materials remain and are exposed to storm water.
Note: Under certain circumstances, a facility may require an individual storm water permit. This permit is typically required only if a regulated industrial activity category has established effluent limitations or IDEM determines the storm water discharge will significantly lower water quality.
The Individual Storm Water Permit has its own set of application requirements and will generally address all applicable Rule 6 storm water requirements. If a facility regulated under Rule 6 obtains an individual permit, the facility should submit a written notice of termination to IDEM to terminate its Rule 6 coverage.