TN Stormwater FAQs

Confused about stormwater compliance under the TMSP? We’ve compiled the answers to the most common questions below.

• Who must apply for coverage under this permit?
• How do I apply for permit coverage?
• Can I get an exemption from the permit?
• What is the start and end date of my permit?
• What is my monitoring and reporting period?
• When is my annual report due?
• Do I need a special certification to write a SWPPP?
• Is training required and if so, how often is training required?
• Do I have to sample and if so, what do I sample for?
• When do I collect samples / How often?
• What happens if my sample results are above benchmark or limits?
• How often do I need to perform inspections?
• What do I inspect?
• Contact Us

Who must apply for coverage under this permit?

If your industrial facility SIC code corresponds to any of the SIC codes listed under the second column of Table 1 located on pages 1-4 of the Tennessee Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Activities (TMSP), you must apply for coverage under this permit. 

How do I apply for permit coverage?

To apply for permit coverage, you must complete, sign and submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Methods of submission and contact information for submission can be found on the NOI form. If the Notice of Intent was approved, the agency will send the permittee a Notice of Coverage (NOC) and the operator is then authorized to discharge stormwater as of the effective date on the NOC. 

Can I get an exemption from the permit?

You may get an exemption from the permit if your industrial activities are identified in 40 CFR 112.26 (b) (14) (i)-(ix) or (xi) and if you can certify that there is no exposure at the industrial facility. If your facility is eligible to submit for an exemption, complete and submit a No Exposure Certification (NEC) form.

What is the start and end date of my permit?

The start date for your permit is April 15, 2015 and the end date for your permit is April 14, 2020. 

What is my monitoring and reporting period?

Your monitoring and reporting period starts January 1^st and ends December 31^st.

When is my annual report due?

There is no specific date in which your annual report will be due. The only requirement is that you complete it at least once every calendar year. The form(s) should be submitted 30 days after the sampling results are received, but no later than March 31^st of the following calendar year. To view the form and for more information, click here.

Do I need a special certification to write a SWPPP?

No, you do not need a special certification to write a SWPPP.

Is training required and if so, how often is training required?

If training is required and how often it is performed will be based on your SIC code(s). Look for your SIC code under the second column of Table 1 located on pages 1-4 of the TMSP and notice under the third column what sector of part 11 (Specific Requirements for Industrial Activities) your facility belongs to. Afterward, locate the specific sector under part 11 to locate the information.

Do I have to sample and if so, what do I sample for?

Whether you will be required to sample and what you will sample for if you are required to sample will be based on your SIC code(s). Look for your SIC code under the second column of Table 1 located on pages 1-4 of the TMSP and notice under the third column what sector of part 11 (Specific Requirements for Industrial Activities) your facility belongs to. Afterward, locate the specific sector under part 11 to locate the information.

When do I collect samples / How often?

How often you will sample if you are required to sample will be based on your SIC code(s). Look for your SIC code under the second column of Table 1 located on pages 1-4 of the TMSP and notice under the third column what sector of part 11 (Specific Requirements for Industrial Activities) your facility belongs to. Afterward, locate the specific sector under part 11 to locate the information.

What happens if my sample results are above benchmark or limits?

• Within 30 days of receiving the stormwater monitoring results:
  • The division’s local Environmental Field Office (EFO) must be informed in writing describing the likely cause of the exceedance(s)
• Within 60 days of receiving the stormwater monitoring results:
  • Review the SWPPP, make any modifications or additions to assist in reducing effluent concentrations to below monitoring limits
  • Submit to the division’s local EFO a brief summary of the proposed SWPPP modifications, along with a timetable for implementation

How often do I need to perform inspections?

How often you will perform inspections will be based on your SIC code(s). Look for your SIC code under the second column of Table 1 located on pages 1-4 of the TMSP and notice under the third column what sector of part 11 (Specific Requirements for Industrial Activities) your facility belongs to. Afterward, locate the specific sector under part 11 to locate the information.

What do I inspect?

What you will inspect will be based on your SIC code(s). Look for your SIC code under the second column of Table 1 located on pages 1-4 of the TMSP and notice under the third column what sector of part 11 (Specific Requirements for Industrial Activities) your facility belongs to. Afterward, locate the specific sector under part 11 to locate the information.

Contact Us

Have other questions regarding the Tennessee Stormwater Industrial General Permit that could not be answered by this article? Contact us at (800) 553-7420 or support@mapistry.com.