DEM Hosting Two Virtual Informational Workshops on Proposed Revisions to 2024 MSGP Industrial Stormwater Permit

Published on Friday, April 12, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that its Office of Water Resources (OWR) is holding two virtual informational workshops to discuss the proposed revisions to the statewide Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for the Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (RIPDES). As a delegated state by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DEM last issued a statewide MSGP on May 3, 2019 to cover stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity, excluding discharges from construction sites. This MSGP expires on May 2, 2024. DEM is proposing to reissue the MSGP in late spring/early summer of 2024, which will replace the 2019 MSGP.

DEM has scheduled two informational workshops to discuss the proposed MSGP, which will highlight the proposed significant revisions to the RIPDES MSGP. Both workshops will be held virtually via Zoom to accommodate as many attendees as possible. Industrial stormwater permittees, owners, operators, and consultants, as well as environmental groups, are encouraged to attend. The same material will be provided in both workshops, and there will be time for questions and answers. The sessions will be recorded and will be made available for those who are unable to attend either of the scheduled workshops. Pre-registration is required at the links below.

Session 1: 
Thursday, April 25, 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lf-2hrjouGdWHGHGgfQ6Ls4kvpCGc4DNo 

Session 2:
Tuesday, April 30, 4:30 – 6 PM
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkfuypqDsqHtBmcl4Z-pYQhju6us3YyhRh 

Additional Reminders for Facilities Currently Authorized under the 2019 MSGP:

  • All existing MSGP permit holders are instructed to continue complying with the 2019 MSGP when the MSGP expires on May 2, 2024, until the DEM reissues a new MSGP in 2024. 
  • All No Exposure Certification (NEC) and No Discharge Certification (NDC) exclusion holders will not be affected by the permit expiration. NECs can be renewed in NeTMSGP on a five-year cycle. NDCs do not expire. 
  • Further guidance will be provided to all existing permittees and relevant stakeholders following the reissuance of the 2024 MSGP. 

For questions regarding these workshops or the permit reissuance process, please reach out to the RIPDES Municipal and Industrial Stormwater Program staff at DEM.RIPDESMSGP@dem.ri.gov. The RIPDES program forms the backbone of Rhode Island’s water pollution control strategy by developing and enforcing permit limits for municipal and industrial wastewaters, stormwater, and combined sewer overflows discharged directly to the waters of the state, as well as industrial wastewaters discharged to municipally-owned treatment facilities. RIPDES permit limits have led to water quality improvements throughout Rhode Island and supports OWR’s mission to protect the health of our local waters which are central to our environment, way of life, and economy here in the Ocean State.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.