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RE: Effluent Parameter Monitoring Frequency

hoople — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:42:13 GMT

I beleive Wisconsin uses this. Most of our testing was reduced on our last permit and stayed that way on new permit. All 7 samples per week parameters were reduced to 5 samples per week. This included BOD, TSS, Phosphorus, Chlorine and fecal coliform were reduced from 2X/week to once a week.

RE: Effluent Parameter Monitoring Frequency

Julius W — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:41:28 GMT

I'm not from a utility, but your question rang a bell in my head from some research I did on wastewater systems in Oklahoma and Indiana; I think that both of those states adopted the guidance that you mention.

Here is a link to the Oklahoma rule: http://www.oar.state.ok.us/viewhtml/252_690-3-91.htm,

and this Indiana page mentions the opportunity to reduce NPDES permit sampling frequency as well as reporting frequency: http://www.in.gov/idem/4433.htm

Effluent Parameter Monitoring Frequency

Woodie — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:47:53 GMT

I am requesting your help to determine which state regulatory agencies have adopted guidance from EPA about performance-based reduction in monitoring frequencies.

In 1996, EPA issued a guidance memorandum to its regional directors titled Interim Guidance for Performance - Based Reductions of NPDES Permit Monitoring Frequencies. In summary, the memo outlines a process for granting reductions in monitoring frequency of effluent parameters, if the long-term average of the parameter is below the monthly average permit limit by certain percentages (and certain other conditions are met). The memo is attached for your information.

The Washington Department of Ecology incorporates the guidance in its Permit Writer’s Guide and I have seen it referenced in a Fact Sheet by one of California’s Regional Water Quality Control Boards.

I would appreciate your help with the following information:

o What state regulatory agency issued your NPDES permit?

o Has your state regulatory agency adopted this EPA guidance?

o If not, what is the basis for not adopting it?

Feel free to respond to me directly. I will post a summary of the feedback by the end of August. Thank you for your help.

This request is posted under Operation & Maintenance, Laboratory Management & Technical Issues, and Biological Nutrient Removal.