Water Pollution Control (CWA) Flashcards

What is the maximum term of an NPDES permit before it must be reissued?

Answer: 5 years

CWA Section 402(b) and 40 CFR 122.46 limit NPDES permits to a fixed term not exceeding five years.

Under the NPDES Electronic Reporting Rule (40 CFR Part 127), how must most permittees submit Discharge Monitoring Reports?

Answer: Electronically, through systems such as NetDMR

The eRule requires NPDES DMRs to be submitted electronically instead of on paper.

Which CWA provision generally keeps a reissued NPDES permit from containing effluent limits less stringent than the previous permit?

Answer: Anti-backsliding

CWA Section 402(o) anti-backsliding provisions generally bar relaxing limits in renewed permits.

A company needs a federal license for an activity that may discharge into navigable waters. What certification does CWA Section 401 require?

Answer: A state water quality certification that the discharge will comply with water quality requirements

Section 401 requires the state (or tribe) to certify that a federally licensed discharge will meet applicable water quality requirements.

Which agency issues CWA Section 404 permits for discharging dredged or fill material into waters of the United States?

Answer: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Army Corps of Engineers runs the Section 404 permit program, and EPA has oversight and veto authority.

An industrial facility discharges process wastewater only to a municipal sewer system. Which program primarily regulates this discharge?

Answer: National Pretreatment Program (40 CFR Part 403)

Indirect dischargers to POTWs are subject to the General Pretreatment Regulations and categorical pretreatment standards.

Which situation would NOT qualify for the NPDES 'upset' affirmative defense?

Answer: Noncompliance caused by an improperly designed treatment system

Under 40 CFR 122.41(n), an upset excludes noncompliance caused by operational error, improper design, inadequate facilities, or lack of maintenance.