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Industrial storm water permits

The storm water industrial general permits (Tier 1, Tier 2, Non-metallic mining, and vehicle and scrap recycling) are expiring in 2021. For facilities with existing permit coverage, there is no requirement to file an application for renewal at this time. The department will notify the owner or operator of the facility’s continued coverage under the reissued permit.

On May 1, 2021 The department has made a final determination to reissue the Recycling of Scrap and Waste Materials, WPDES General Permit No. WI-S058831-4 and Dismantling of Vehicles for Parts Selling and Salvage, WPDES General Permit No. WI-S059145-4. The department has prepared a response to comments received during the public notice period. The Recycling of Scrap and Waste Materials, WPDES General Permit No. WI-S058831-4 and Dismantling of Vehicles for Parts Selling and Salvage, WPDES General Permit No. WI-S059145-4 are now available.

On May 31, 2021 the department has made a final determination to reissue the Tier 1 Industrial Storm Water General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. S067849-5 and Tier 2 Industrial Storm Water General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. S067857-5. The department has prepared a response to comments received during the public notice period. The Tier 1 Industrial Storm Water General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. S067849-5 and associated fact sheet and Tier 2 Industrial Storm Water General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. S067857-5 and associated fact sheet are now available.

On June 7, 2022 the department has made a final determination to reissue the Mineral (Nonmetallic) Mining and/or Processing General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. WI-0046515-07-0. This general permit replaces and combines the Nonmetallic mining operation WPDES General Permit No. WI-A046515-06 and WPDES General Permit No. WI-B046515-06. The permit will become effective January 1, 2023. The department has prepared a Notice of Final Determination along with a response to comments received during the public notice period. The (Nonmetallic) Mining and/or Processing General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. WI-0046515-07-0 and associated fact sheet are now available.

On September 5, 2023 the department has made a final determination to modify the Mineral (Nonmetallic) Mining and/or Processing General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. WI-0046515-07-1. This general permit modifies the Nonmetallic mining operation WPDES General Permit No. WI-0046515-07. The permit will become effective October 1, 2023. The department has prepared a Notice of Final Determination  along with a response to comments received during the public notice period. The (Nonmetallic) Mining and/or Processing General Permit, WPDES General Permit No. WI-0046515-07-0 and associated fact sheet are now available.

Pollutants carried in storm water runoff from industrial facilities threaten or degrade water quality in many areas of the state. Because of this problem, state and federal laws require that certain dischargers of industrial storm water have a storm water discharge permit. The purpose of the permit is to identify conditions under which industrial storm water can be discharged so that the quality of surface waters, wetlands and groundwater is protected.

Industrial storm water discharge permit coverage is based on both:

These exposed materials can contaminate storm water runoff
These exposed materials can contaminate storm water runoff. DNR Photo - Gerry Jarmuz

Chapter NR 216 [PDF, Exit DNR] Wis. Adm. Code, contains a list of classifications of industrial facilities that must obtain storm water discharge permit coverage. For information on the types of pollutant concerns at industrial sites and how they are regulated see How is storm water regulated?

Use the links below to find out information on who is affected, how industries comply with permit requirements and technical assistance documents.