Activities that take place at industrial facilities, such as material handling and storage, are often exposed to the weather. As runoff from rain or snowmelt comes into contact with these activities, it can mobilize exposed pollutants and transport them to nearby storm sewers or directly to rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. To minimize the impact of stormwater discharges from industrial facilities, the Maryland Department of the Environment regulates industrial stormwater discharges. Those regulations require authorization under an industrial stormwater permit or certification that industrial activities are not exposed to stormwater runoff.

A facility may certify that their industrial activities are not exposed to stormwater runoff by submitting a “no exposure certification.” As long as the condition of “no exposure” exists at a certified facility, the operator is excluded from industrial stormwater permit requirements. As a condition of MDE’s General Permit, no-exposure certifications must be renewed every five years. If conditions change at the facility and materials or activities become exposed, the facility must immediately file for a stormwater permit.

ESD Associates assists facility operators with NPDES Stormwater Compliance.  ESD will conduct an inspection of the facility, assess operations for exposure, and, if qualified, submit a “No Exposure” checklist and required certification to MDE attesting to the condition of no exposure. If not qualified, ESD Associates will consult with operators to comply with no exposure or determine mitigation and file necessary individual permit information to obtain a permit.