CHAPTER Env-Wq 300 SURFACE WATER PROTECTION
PART Env-Wq 301 STATE SURFACE WATER DISCHARGE PERMITS
Statutory Authority: RSA 485-A:6, VII; RSA 485-A:13, I(a)
Revision Note:
Document #10348, effective 5-22-13, renumbered the former
Chapter Env-Ws 400 titled “Protection of State Surface Waters” under a new
subtitle as Chapter Env-Wq 300 titled “State Surface Water Protection.” Document #10348 also readopted with
amendments and renumbered the former Part Env-Ws 401 titled “Protection of
State Surface Waters” under a new subtitle as Part Env-Wq 301 titled “State
Surface Water Discharge Permits.” The
redesignation from subtitle Env-Ws to subtitle Env-Wq was done pursuant to a
rules reorganization plan for Department rules approved by the Director of the
Office of Legislative Services on 9-7-05.
Document #10348 replaces all prior filings for rules
formerly in Env-Ws 401. The prior
filings for rules in former Env-Ws 401 include the following documents:
#589, eff 11-12-74
#2239, eff 12-31-82
#2670, eff 4-12-84, EXPIRED 4-12-90
#5063, eff 2-4-91; EXPIRED 2-4-97
#6460, INTERIM, eff 2-21-97; EXPIRED 6-21-97
#6533, eff 6-28-97
#8361, eff 5-28-05
Env-Wq 301.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to establish
the standards and procedures by which a facility can obtain a state discharge
permit under RSA 485-A:13, I(a).
Source. (See Revision Note at part
heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.02
Applicability.
(a)
These rules shall apply to all
discharges of pollutants from a point source to surface waters that require a state
discharge permit only.
(b) These rules shall not apply to:
(1) Facilities
that require both a state discharge permit and a federal National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit under section 402 of the Clean Water Act, which are subject to
regulations adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under
40 CFR, including but not limited to 40 CFR Parts 122 and 125;
(2) Any
activity for which a water quality certification is required pursuant to RSA
485-A:12, III and §401 of the Clean Water Act; or
(3) Discharges
that are subject to Env-Wq 305.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.03 Definitions.
(a) “7Q10” means “7Q10” as defined in RSA 485-A:2,
XXIV, as reprinted in appendix B.
(b)
“Administratively complete” means that the application contains all
items and information required by the applicable provisions in Env-Wq 301.
(c)
“Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)” means a measurement of the amount of
oxygen used by the decomposition of organic material in a wastewater sample
over a 5-day period.
(d)
“Bypass” means bypass as defined in RSA 485-A:2, XVII, as reprinted in
appendix B.
(e) “Department” means “department” as defined in
RSA 485-A:2, III, as reprinted in appendix B.
(f)
“Discharge”
means the addition, introduction, leaking, spilling, or emitting of a pollutant
to surface waters of the state, whether done intentionally, unintentionally,
negligently,
or otherwise.
(g)
“Effluent limitations” means any restriction(s) imposed by the
department, pursuant to RSA 485-A, or by the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), pursuant to 40 CFR Parts 122 or 125, on quantities, discharge rates,
characteristics, or concentrations of pollutants that are discharged to surface
waters of the state.
(h) “Existing uses” means those uses actually
attained in the water body on or after November 28, 1975, whether or not they
are included in Env-Wq 1700. The term does not include assimilation or transport of
pollutants.
(i) “Harmonic mean flow” means the number of
daily stream flow measurements divided by the sum of the reciprocals of the
daily stream flows.
(j)
“Industrial waste” means “industrial waste” as defined in RSA 485-A: 2,
VI, as reprinted in appendix B.
(k)
“Municipality” means a city or town.
(l) “Operator in responsible charge” means the
operator who oversees the daily operation of the wastewater treatment facility
and is ultimately accountable for decisions involving all plant operational
duties, including maintenance of process equipment, laboratory work, equipment
operation, administration, process control, record keeping, and reporting,
necessary for the wastewater treatment plant to comply with applicable federal
and state requirements.
(m)
“Other waste” means “other waste” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, VIII, as
reprinted in appendix B.
(n)
“Person” means “person” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, IX, as reprinted in appendix
B.
(o) “pH” means a measure of the hydrogen ion
concentration in a solution, expressed as the logarithm to the base 10, of the
reciprocal of the hydrogen ion concentration in gram moles per liter.
(p)
“Point source” means a discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance from which
pollutants are or might be discharged.
The term includes but is not limited to a pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel,
conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock, concentrated animal
feeding operation, or vessel or other floating craft. The term does not include return flows from
irrigated agriculture.
(q)
“Pollutant” means any dredged material, solid waste, incinerator
residue, sewage, filter backwash, garbage, sewage sludge, septage, munitions,
chemical wastes, biological materials, genetically engineered or altered
materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock,
sand, soil,
or any other
industrial, commercial, municipal, or agricultural waste or any other
substance in concentrations or amounts that, when in contact with surface
waters, could create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental, or
injurious to public health, safety, or welfare, to plant, animal, or aquatic
life, or to other designated or existing uses.
(r)
“Receiving water” means the surface waters into which pollutants are or
may be discharged.
(s)
“Sewage” means sewage as defined in RSA 485-A:2, X, as reprinted in
appendix B.
(t) “Surface waters” means “surface waters of the state” as
defined in RSA 485-A:2, XIV as reprinted in appendix B, wetlands that are
subject to regulation under RSA 482-A, and “waters of the United States” as defined in 40
CFR §122.2 that are within the jurisdiction of the state. The term does not include non-tidal drainage
ditches that were designed, built, and used to convey wastewater or
stormwater. The term also does not include constructed wetlands,
cooling ponds, lagoons, and other
treatment systems designed and built solely as wastewater or stormwater treatment
systems,
provided such facilities were not initially constructed in surface waters of
the state or were not constructed to serve other mitigation purposes.
(u)
“Tidal waters” means those portions of the Atlantic Ocean within the
jurisdiction of the state, and other surface waters subject to the rise and
fall of the tide.
(v) “Upset” means “upset” as
defined in RSA 485-A:2, XVIII, as reprinted in appendix B.
(w)
“Wastewater facilities” means “wastewater facilities” as defined in RSA 485-A:2,
XIX, as reprinted in appendix B.
(x)
“Wastewater treatment plant” means “wastewater treatment plant” as
defined in RSA 485-A:2, XVI-a, as reprinted in appendix B.
(y)
“Wetland” means “wetlands” as defined by RSA 482-A:2, X, as reprinted in
appendix B.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.04 Permit Application Required; Application
Content.
(a) Pursuant to RSA 485-A:13, I(a), no person
shall discharge any sewage or waste to surface water without first obtaining a
written permit from the department.
(b) Any person wishing to obtain a new or modified
state surface water discharge
permit shall apply for a permit or permit modification, as applicable, by
submitting the following information in writing to the department:
(1) The name and location of the facility;
(2) The name, title, and daytime telephone number of the operator in responsible charge of
the facility;
(3) The name, mailing address, daytime telephone number, and, if
available, an email address of the owner
of the facility and, if the owner is other than an individual, the name, title,
daytime telephone number, and, if
available, an email address of an individual who can be contacted regarding the
application;
(4) The mailing address of the facility;
(5) The applicable North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) code(s);
(6) A list of any other environmental permits that the
facility has obtained or has applied for;
(7) A description of the business conducted at the facility;
(8) A unit process flow diagram and design data
for existing and proposed wastewater treatment facilities;
(9) A list of the water
supply source(s) for the facility and, if water from more than one source is
discharged, the percent of the total that each source represents;
(10) An original
or a
color copy of a 7½ minute series USGS Quadrangle map showing the location of
the facility and all discharge pipes to the receiving water body, provided,
however that if a 7½ minute map is unavailable, a l5 minute series shall
be acceptable;
(11) A facility
site plan showing buildings, outfall locations, surface waters, and drainage in sufficient detail so that they
can be located on site;
(12) The name of the receiving water;
(13) If applicable, facility plans and specifications for design and
construction stamped by a
(14) A description and location of the uses of the receiving water
located within 5 miles of the discharge(s);
(15) Any available water quality data of the receiving water or, if
applicable, effluent data not previously submitted to the department;
(16) If the owner of the facility is not the owner of the land on which
the facility is or will be located, a notarized affidavit signed by the land
owner that the applicant, or the facility owner the applicant represents, has right, title, or interest in the
property on which the facility is or will be located, because the facility
owner leases or has a binding option to purchase the property on which the
facility is or will be located;
(17) If the owner of the
facility is an entity that is required by RSA 292, RSA 293, RSA 293-A, or other
applicable provision of New Hampshire law to register with the New Hampshire
secretary of state, proof that the entity is registered and in good standing to
do business in New Hampshire; and
(18) Where the applicant is
not the legal owner of the facility, a copy of the agreement authorizing the
applicant to act on behalf of the owner for purposes of the application.
(c) Any applicant requesting authorization for a
new discharge or an increased discharge of pollutants at an existing facility
shall contact the department prior to submitting the application to
determine whether the department will need any instream water quality
information in order to assess the impact of the discharge on the receiving
water. If the department does not already have the instream
water quality data necessary to assess the impact of the discharge on the
receiving water, the applicant shall submit the necessary data.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.05 Signature
Required.
(a) The applicant and, if the applicant is other
than the owner of the facility, the owner shall sign the application submitted
pursuant to Env-Wq 301.04.
(b) The signature(s) shall constitute
certification that:
(1) The information provided is true,
complete, and not misleading to the knowledge and belief of the signer; and
(2) The signer understands that
any permit granted based on false, incomplete, or misleading information shall
be subject to revocation.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.06 Completeness Review; Hearing Notice.
(a) Within
30 days of receipt of an application, the department shall determine whether
the application is administratively complete.
(b) If
the department determines that the application does not contain all required information,
the department shall notify the applicant in writing of what information is
needed to complete the application.
(c) The
notice sent pursuant to (b), above, also shall inform the applicant that:
(1) If the information is
not provided within 60 days of the department’s request, the application will
be denied; and
(2) The time that elapses
between the date of the notice and the receipt by the department of all
information required to complete the application shall not be included in the 60-day
period referenced in Env-Wq 301.08(c).
(d) If
the applicant submits any information to complete or amend the application
between the date of initial filing and the date the department determines the
application is complete, the 60-day period referenced in Env-Wq 301.08(c) shall be measured from the date of latest
submittal.
(e) If
the department does not receive the information needed to complete the
application, the department shall inform the applicant in writing that the
application is denied due to the incompleteness.
(f) Pursuant
to RSA 541-A:29, IV, the department may extend the time periods for review upon
written agreement of the applicant.
(g) When
the department determines that the application is administratively complete,
the department shall:
(1) Give notice of the application as required
by RSA 485-A:4, XVII, by first-class mail to the clerk of the municipality in which the point of discharge is located and each
adjacent municipality that is located on the same receiving water as the point
of discharge;
(2) Schedule a public hearing on the application
in the municipality in which the activity is proposed to occur and determine the date by which written public comments must be
submitted, which shall be 15 days after the date of the hearing;
(3) Publish notice of the
public hearing and public comment period no less than 30 days prior to the
hearing in a newspaper of local circulation; and
(4) Conduct the hearing in
accordance with Env-Wq 301.07 and the provisions of
Env-C 200 that apply to non-adjudicative proceedings.
(h) The
notice published pursuant to (g)(3), above, shall contain the following
information:
(1) The name and mailing
address of the applicant;
(2) The location, date, and time
of the public hearing;
(3) The locally-accessible place
where the application can be reviewed;
(4) The name, address, and telephone number of
the individual in the department to whom comments can be sent;
(5) The type of activity
proposed to be conducted;
(6) The proposed location of the
facility;
(7) The name of the owner; and
(8) The deadline for submission of
written comments.
(i) A determination that the application is administratively
complete shall not be construed as a decision on the merits of the application.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.07 Public Hearing.
(a) At
the hearing, the applicant shall:
(1) Make at least 2 copies of the application
available for people to review at the hearing, with additional copies being
provided at the applicant’s discretion;
(2) Make a presentation to the public,
summarizing all of the information contained in the application; and
(3) Respond to questions
concerning the proposed activity.
(b) After
the applicant has responded to all questions concerning the proposed activity,
the department shall receive public comment on the application, including any
comment and supporting information as to its accuracy and completeness.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.08 Application Review; Decision.
(a) After
the conclusion of the public comment period, the department shall complete a
technical review of the application and consider all of the comments received
at the hearing and in writing so as to determine whether the application meets
the criteria specified in Env-Wq 301.09.
(b) If
the information submitted with an administratively complete application is
insufficient for the department to determine that the application meets the
criteria specified in Env-Wq 301.09, the department shall
request such additional information from the applicant as the department deems
necessary to make the determination.
Such request shall be in writing and shall include the information
specified in Env-Wq 301.06(c).
(c) Within
60 days of receipt of a complete application and any information requested
pursuant to (b), above, the department shall:
(1) Approve the application and issue a permit
if the application meets the criteria specified in Env-Wq
301.09; or
(2) Deny the application if the application does
not meet the criteria specified in Env-Wq 301.09.
(d) The
department shall send written notice of its decision to the applicant and to
the governing body of the municipality(ies) to which
the notice specified in Env-Wq 301.06(g)(1) was sent.
(e) If
the department denies the application, the notice sent pursuant to (d), above,
shall:
(1) Specify the reason(s)
for the denial; and
(2) Inform the applicant
that the decision may be appealed to the water council in accordance with
Env-WC 200.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.09 Criteria for Issuance of Permit. The department shall issue a permit if it
determines that the information provided by the applicant establishes that the
proposed discharge:
(a) Will
not violate any applicable provision of RSA 485-A; and
(b) Will
not cause or contribute to a violation of Env-Wq
1700.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.10 Suspension, Revocation, or Refusal to
Renew.
(a) If,
after issuing a permit to a facility, the department receives information that
indicates that good cause, as set forth in (f), below, exists to suspend or
revoke the permit, the department shall proceed in accordance with the
provisions of RSA 541-A and Env-C 200 that apply to adjudicative proceedings.
(b) After proceeding in accordance with (a),
above, the department shall revoke the permit if the department determines that
the reason for good cause cannot be corrected to conform to applicable
requirements.
(c) After proceeding in accordance with (a),
above, the department shall suspend the permit, subject to (d) below, if the
department determines that, while good cause exists, the reason that good cause
exists can be corrected to conform to applicable requirements.
(d) If a permit is suspended pursuant to (c),
above, the department shall not reinstate the permit until:
(1) The reason for good cause
has been corrected to conform with applicable requirements; and
(2) The permit holder submits a
written request to the department requesting that the permit be reinstated.
(e) If after receiving a request for renewal of
a permit, the department receives information which indicates that good cause,
as set forth in (f), below, exists to refuse to renew the permit, the
department shall proceed in accordance with the provisions of RSA
541-A and Env-C 200 that apply to adjudicative
proceedings and refuse to renew the permit, until the
reason for good cause has been corrected to conform with applicable
requirements.
(f) Good cause to suspend, revoke, or refuse to
renew a permit shall include the following:
(1) The permit holder has not complied with the conditions
of the permit or these rules;
(2) The plans submitted with
the application do not accurately portray the actual site and facility;
(3) Information submitted in support of the application is
not true and complete or is misleading;
(4) The permit holder has
failed to comply with an order of the department relative to wastewater
management, including an order to undertake corrective measures;
(5) The permit holder has
failed to comply with an order of the department relative to a violation of any
other statute administered by the department; or
(6) The permit holder has
failed to pay any administrative, civil, or criminal penalties owed to the
department.
(g) If
the department determines, based on all available scientific and valid
information, that the permitted activity is creating an immediate danger to
human health or the environment, the department shall proceed in accordance
with RSA 541-A:30, III.
(h) The
department shall inform the applicant that the decision to suspend, revoke, or
refuse to renew may be appealed to the water council in accordance with Env-WC
200.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.11 Permit
Transfers.
(a) In order to
transfer a permit, the permit holder shall submit to the department:
(1) A copy of the permit;
(2) The name, mailing address, and daytime
telephone number of the person(s) to whom the permit will be
transferred;
(3) The
information required in Env-Wq
301.13(b); and
(4) A copy of a notarized
notification signed by the new permittee stating the date that the new
permittee will assume the responsibility of the requirements of the permit.
(b) The person to
whom the permit is proposed to be transferred shall submit the documentation required pursuant to Env-Wq 301.04(b)(16) through (18), as applicable.
(c) The department shall process the request in
accordance with Env-Wq 301.06 (a) through (f).
(d) The department
shall approve such transfer within 60 days of receiving an administratively
complete application if:
(1) The permit holder is in compliance with
these rules and the permit;
(2) Good cause as defined by Env-Wq 301.10(f) to suspend,
revoke, or refuse to renew the permit does not exist; and
(3) The person to whom the permit is
proposed to be transferred meets the requirements set forth in Env-Wq 301.04(b)(16) through (18).
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.12 Transfer of Land
Ownership.
(a) If a facility that has an existing state
discharge permit is located on land that is transferred to a new owner, the
permit holder shall notify the department within 10 days of the transfer and
shall suspend all activities covered by the permit until the statement
described in (c), below, is signed by the new property owner, notarized, and
received by the department.
(b) If a signed statement as described in (c), below, does not accompany
the notice of land transfer, then upon receipt of the notice the department
shall commence a proceeding under the provisions of RSA 541-A and Env-C 200
that apply to adjudicative proceedings to revoke the permit. If the permit holder obtains and submits the
signed statement, the proceeding shall be
terminated.
(c) The statement from the new owner shall state
that the new owner:
(1) Is aware that the facility
exists on the land;
(2) Agrees to the continued
operation of the facility;
(3) Has given permission to the
permit holder to enter upon the land for purposes of operation, including the
implementation of remedial measures if ordered by the department; and
(4) Is aware that the
department must be allowed access to the property to conduct inspections,
review and copy records, and monitor and sample a facility’s wastewater and the
surface water to which the facility discharges.
(d) If the new owner chooses to discontinue the
activities covered by the state discharge permit, the permit holder shall:
(1) Submit a written statement
to the department indicating that the permit-related activities have been
discontinued; and
(2) Remove sufficient
infrastructure specific to the activities that were subject to the permit so as
to eliminate the discharge to the receiving water.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.13 Modification of a Permit.
(a) The
permit holder shall apply to the department for approval to modify the permit
prior to modifying any processes or procedures that could result in a change to
the volume or quality of the discharge from the facility.
(b) To apply for a permit modification, the
permit holder shall provide the following information to the department:
(1) The
facility permit number;
(2) The
name, address, and daytime telephone number of the permit holder, owner, and
operator and, if available, an email address for each;
(3) A detailed
description of all proposed modifications;
(4) If applicable,
revised plans and specifications for construction stamped by a
(5) An explanation
of the necessity of the proposed change(s);
(6) The effect
of the modification on the facility’s discharge;
(7) The identification
and status of all other federal or state permits or approvals needed to effect
the necessary modification(s);
(8) The permit
holder’s proposed schedule for implementing such changes; and
(9) A list and
status of any outstanding violations, accompanied by a statement from the
permit holder indicating how full compliance shall be attained prior to
approval of the modification.
(c) The department shall process the permit
application in accordance with Env-Wq 301.06(a)
through (f).
(d) The department shall approve the
modification within 60 days of receiving an administratively complete application
if it determines that:
(1) All
applicable requirements of these rules have been met;
(2) If the
applicant is other than the owner, the owner has given permission to the
applicant for the modification; and
(3) All other state permits which are necessary for the
proposed modification have been applied for.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.14 Duration
and Renewal of State Surface Water Discharge Permits.
(a) A state surface water discharge permit issued pursuant to these rules shall be
valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and may be renewed.
(b) A permit holder wishing to renew a state
surface water discharge permit shall submit an application as
specified in Env-Wq 301.04 to the department at least
60 days prior to the date the permit will expire.
(c) Upon receipt of an application to renew, the
department shall proceed in accordance with Env-Wq
301.06(a) - (h), Env-Wq 301.07, and Env-Wq 301.08.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.15 Permit
Conditions Common to all Permits. The following conditions shall apply to each
state discharge permit:
(a) The permittee shall not at any time, either
alone or in conjunction with any other person(s), cause directly or indirectly
the discharge of any pollutant into receiving waters except pollutants that
have been treated in such a manner as to not lower the applicable class water
quality, interfere with the existing uses or designated uses assigned to waters
by the legislature, exceed the effluent limitations, or violate any of the conditions listed in the permit;
(b)
The permittee shall provide effective operation and maintenance of the
pollution control facilities, which means that the facility shall be operated
and maintained in accordance with the plant operation and maintenance manuals
and manufacturer’s equipment manuals, so as to meet the permit’s effluent
limitations;
(c) The permittee shall use only those laboratories
that have been accredited pursuant to Env-C 300;
(d) The
permittee shall monitor all discharges in accordance with the conditions
specified in the permit, using analyses performed in accordance with 40 CFR §136 unless
other test procedures have been specified in the permit;
(e) The
permittee shall submit monitoring results, postmarked no later than the
15th day of the month following the completed reporting period;
(f) The permittee shall retain records at the
permitted facility of the following:
(1) Monitoring
data;
(2) Monitoring
equipment calibration records;
(3) Monitoring
equipment maintenance records;
(4) Original
strip chart recordings from continuous monitoring instrumentation;
(5) Copies
of all reports required by the permit; and
(6) Records
of all data used to complete the application for the permit;
(g) The
records required by (f), above, shall be retained for not less than 3 years
from the date of the sample, measurement, report or application, as applicable,
provided that this period shall be extended through the duration of any
enforcement action;
(h) The permittee shall allow any authorized
employee or agent of the department to
enter any land or establishment of the company during the normal business hours
for the purpose of collecting samples, conducting dye tests, making video
recordings, examining and copying any records, or taking photographs, necessary to the investigation and
enforcement of the water pollution control laws of the state of New Hampshire;
(i) The effluent
limitations contained in the
permit and the stream classification requirements as provided by RSA 485-A:8
shall be met and maintained at all times.
Whenever it is demonstrated that the effluent limitations are not
adequate to maintain said stream classification requirements, the permittee
shall be required to conform to such effluent limitations as shall be necessary
for the maintenance of such requirements;
(j) The department shall periodically review and revise, as necessary, the
conditions of the permit so that water quality standards, existing uses, and
designated uses shall be
maintained and protected at all times;
(k) The
permit shall not be transferable except in accordance with Env-Wq
301.11;
(l) The permittee shall give notice in
accordance with RSA 485-A:13,
I(c), whenever a bypass or
upset of a treatment facility occurs; and
(m) Permittees that discharge treated wastewater
to tidal waters shall provide immediate notification to the department and the
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.16 Additional
Permit Conditions. If additional
conditions or effluent limitations are necessary to ensure that the discharge
does not violate Env-Wq 1700, the department shall
include such conditions or effluent limitations in the permit.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq 301.17 Application of Criteria in Establishing
Effluent Permit Limits.
(a) The
effluent limits for bacteria and pH for all permits shall be applied at the end
of the pipe with no allowance for dilution by the receiving water.
(b) Subject
to Env-Wq 301.18, all other applicable effluent
limits shall be developed as follows:
(1) Where the
receiving water is a river or stream, the harmonic mean flow shall be used to
develop effluent limits for all human health criteria for carcinogens;
(2) Where the
receiving water is a river or stream, the 7Q10 flow shall be used to develop
monthly average and maximum daily effluent limits for aquatic life criteria for
toxics, human-health criteria for non-carcinogens, and for non-toxic
pollutants, such as BOD; and
(3) Where the receiving water is a tidal water,
the flow condition for computing effluent permit limits for toxic substances and for non-toxic pollutants such
as BOD shall be equivalent to the conditions that result in a dilution that is
exceeded 99% of the time.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
Env-Wq
301.18 Use of Alternate Flow Conditions to
Develop Effluent Limits.
(a) An applicant who wishes to develop effluent
limits using a flow condition other than the applicable condition specified in Env-Wq 301.17 shall submit a written request to use an
alternative flow condition to the department with the application submitted
pursuant to Env-Wq 301.04.
(b) The request shall include:
(1) Any
additional information necessary to ensure
that the discharge will not violate Env-Wq 1700 or
the applicable provisions of RSA 485-A:8;
(2) An
explanation of why using the alternative flow
condition will result in an effluent limit that is at least as protective of
public health and the environment as the specified flow condition; and
(3) Whether
additional sampling will be done in support of the request.
(c) If additional sampling will be done in
support of the request, the applicant shall submit a scope of work and a
quality assurance project plan (QAPP) in accordance with EPA Requirements for
Quality Assurance Project Plans (QA/R-5), EPA/240/B-01/003, March 2001, prior
to initiating the additional sampling.
(d) The department shall approve the scope of
work if the scope of work and QAPP demonstrate that the data resulting from the
sampling will be a reliable indicator that using the alternative flow condition
will result in an effluent limit that is at least as protective of public
health and the environment as the specified flow condition.
(e) The department shall approve the use of an
alternative flow condition to develop one or more effluent limits if the
applicant demonstrates that:
(1) The
discharge will not violate Env-Wq 1700 or the
applicable provisions of RSA 485-A:8; and
(2) Using the alternative flow condition will result in
an effluent limit that is at least as protective of public health and the
environment as the specified flow condition.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq 301) #10348, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13613, eff 5-22-23
PARTS Env-Wq 302 – Env-Wq 303 - RESERVED
PART Env-Wq 304 CERTIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
OPERATORS
Statutory Authority: RSA 485-A:5-a; RSA 485-A:6, XI and XI-b; RSA
485-A:7-a;
RSA 485-A:7-b; RSA 485-A:7-c; RSA 485-A:7-d; RSA 486:9;
RSA 486:10, III
Revision Note #1:
Document #10392, effective 8-1-13, readopted with
amendments and renumbered former Part Env-Ws 901
titled “Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators” under a new
subtitle as Part Env-Wq 304. The redesignation from subtitle Env-Ws to subtitle Env-Wq was done
pursuant to a rules reorganization plan for Department rules approved by the
Director of the Office of Legislative Services on 9-7-05.
Document #10392 replaced all prior filings for rules
formerly in Env-Ws 901. The prior filings for rules in the former
Env-Ws 901 included the following documents:
#1774, eff 7-15-81
#2352, eff 4-26-83
#2851, eff 9-21-84, EXPIRED: 9-21-90
#6326, INTERIM, eff 9-3-96, EXPIRED: 1-1-97
#6502, eff 4-25-97
#8327, eff 4-23-05
REVISION NOTE #2:
Document
#13755, effective 9-27-23, readopted with amendment Part Env-Wq 304 titled “Certification of Wastewater Treatment Plant
Operators.” Document #13755 was the
first filing since Document #10392 that affected Part Env-Wq
304 and replaces all prior filings for rules in the former Part Env-Wq 304. The rules in
Document #10392 did not expire on 8-1-23 but were extended pursuant to RSA
541-A:14-a until replaced by the rules in Document #13755, effective 9-27-23.
The amendments in Document #13755 made extensive changes to
the former Part Env-Wq 304, including the readoption
with amendment and renumbering of Env-Wq 304.06
titled
“Operator in Responsible Charge - Multiple Plants” as Env-Wq 304.26 titled “Request
for Multi-Plant Certified Operator Endorsement”
Document #13755 also deleted Env-Wq 304.11 titled
“Information Required for Application” and inserted a new rule Env-Wq 304.25 titled “Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Code
of Ethics. These changes necessitated the renumbering by Document
#13755 of existing rules in Part Env-Wq 304 as indicated
in the source notes.
Env-Wq 304.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to
implement RSA 485-A:5-a, RSA 485-A:7-a, RSA 485-A:7-b,
RSA 485-A:7-c, RSA 485-A:7-d, and RSA 486:9, as reprinted in Appendix C, by
requiring operators of wastewater treatment plants to be suitably qualified and have the knowledge
and ability to properly operate and maintain such plants, in order to meet all applicable permit
requirements and achieve the highest quality of effluent of all
wastewaters prior to discharge to surface waters or groundwaters of the state.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.02 Applicability. These rules shall apply to:
(a) Any individual who applies to be certified
as a wastewater treatment plant operator;
(b) Any individual who is certified as a
wastewater treatment plant operator; and
(c) Any owner of a wastewater treatment plant
that requires a surface or groundwater discharge permit pursuant to RSA
485-A:13, I.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.03 Definitions.
(a) “Advanced treatment” means a process for
treating wastewater after secondary treatment to achieve effluent standards
that are more stringent than conventional secondary standards, such as by
removal of nutrients or metals, or both.
(b) "Authorized representative" means
an individual authorized by the wastewater treatment plant owner to submit
reports, respond to inquiries, and oversee the OIRC and the back-up OIRC.
(c) “Certificate” means “certificate” as defined
in RSA 485-A:2, I-a, as reprinted in Appendix B.
(d) “Certification committee” means
“certification committee” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, I-b, as reprinted in
Appendix B.
(e) “Department” means the department of
environmental services.
(f) “Operating experience” means satisfactory
performance or supervision of operation duties at a wastewater treatment plant, or equivalent
related qualifying experience as described in Env-Wq
304.07(e)-(f), as appropriate for the level of certification sought.
(g) “Operator” means “operator” as defined in
RSA 485-A:2,
(h) “Operator in responsible charge (OIRC)”
means the operator who oversees the daily operation of the wastewater treatment
plant, or a significant portion of a grade III or IV plant, and is
ultimately accountable for decisions involving all plant operational duties, including
maintenance of process equipment, laboratory work, equipment operation,
administration, process control, record keeping, and reporting necessary for the
wastewater treatment plant to comply with applicable federal and state
requirements.
(i) “Operator-in-training
(OIT)” means an applicant who has met the written examination and education
requirements for a particular grade but who has not had sufficient operating
experience to meet the full requirements for that grade.
(j) “Population equivalent” means the
calculated number of people that would normally contribute an equal amount of 0.2 pound of 5
day, 20°C, biochemical oxygen demand per capita per day.
(k) “Primary treatment” means a process for
treating wastewater that is intended to remove settleable and floatable
materials.
(l) “Secondary treatment” means a process for
treating wastewater that is intended to remove dissolved and suspended
biodegradable matter to attain conventional secondary effluent discharge
criteria.
(m) "Training credit hour (TCH)"
means one hour of participation on an organized continuing education experience
that qualifies under Env-Wq 304.17.
(n) “Wastewater facilities” means “wastewater
facilities” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, XIX, as reprinted in Appendix B.
(o) “Wastewater residuals” means “septage” as
defined in RSA 485-A:2, IX-a and “sludge” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, XI-a, both
as reprinted in Appendix B.
(p) “Wastewater treatment plant (plant)” means “wastewater treatment plant” as defined by RSA
485-A:2, XVI-a, as reprinted in Appendix B.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.04 Grades of
Wastewater Operator Certification.
There shall be 4 grades of operators to parallel the classification of
plants described in Env-Wq 304.27, as follows:
(a) Grade I certified operators shall be qualified to supervise
operation of grade I plants;
(b) Grade II certified operators shall be qualified to supervise
operation of grade II or lower plants;
(c) Grade
(d) Grade IV certified operators shall be qualified to supervise
operation of grade IV or lower plants.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.05 Operator-in-Training
Status.
(a) There shall be an operator-in-training (OIT) status
for each
grade of wastewater operator certification.
(b) Eligibility criteria for each OIT status
shall be identical to that for the full certification grade to which
the OIT correlates, except that applicants may take the written exam for a
particular grade with less operating experience than required for that full
grade, so long as the operating experience requirements can be met within 3
years.
(c) If the OIT applicant passes the written
examination and obtains OIT status but fails to meet the required operating
experience within 3 years, then the operator shall resume their prior grade.
(d) Full certification shall be granted to an
OIT after the department receives written verification from the
OIT’s supervisor that the OIT has completed the operating experience
requirement.
(e) An owner may request that the department
approve an OIT to be placed in responsible charge of a plant of the same
grade, by submitting a written waiver request pursuant to Env-Wq 304.32.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq
304.06 Operator Certification Requirements. To qualify for certification, an applicant shall:
(a) Pass
the written examination as provided in Env-Wq 304.12
or be granted reciprocity as specified in Env-Wq
304.19;
and
(b) Meet
the minimum operating experience and education requirements specified in Table
304.1, below,
as explained in Env-Wq 304.07 and Env-Wq 304.08, respectively:
Table
304.1 Operating Experience and
Education Requirements for Certification.
|
Grade |
Operating Experience (years) |
Education |
|
I |
1 |
High School Graduate or
High School Equivalency (HSE) Certificate |
|
II |
3 |
High School Graduate or
HSE Certificate |
|
|
4 |
High School Graduate or
HSE Certificate plus 2 years of relevant post-high school education |
|
IV |
6 |
High School Graduate or
HSE Certificate plus 2 years of relevant post-high school education |
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.07) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.07 Operating Experience
Requirements.
(a) For a grade I, no operating experience shall
be required in order to take the examination.
(b) For a grade II, a minimum of 1 year of
operating experience shall be required in order to take the examination, but the operating experience
may be substituted with the following:
(1) A one year certificate in
wastewater or environmental technology; or
(2) An associate degree in a
relevant field such as sanitary engineering, environmental technology or
studies, water treatment, wastewater treatment, natural sciences, or
non-sanitary engineering disciplines.
(c) For a grade III, a minimum of 2 years of
operating experience shall be required at a grade II wastewater treatment plant or higher in order to
take the examination.
(d) For a grade IV, a minimum of 3 years of
operating experience shall be required at a grade III wastewater treatment plant or higher in order
to take the examination.
(e) A minimum of 50% of the operating
experience required by Table 304.01 shall be met by actual on-site operating
experience at a wastewater treatment plant.
(f) An applicant may request one or more of the
following experience or education substitutions for the remaining
50% of the operating experience required by Table 304.01:
(1) Experience in a related utility division or
trade, such as wastewater collections, water distribution, plumbing,
electrical, pipe fitting, instrumentation, laboratory, utility construction,
utility design, engineering, facilities maintenance and management, public
works, or similar relevant military experience;
(2) Relevant post-high school education on a
year-for-year basis;
(3) Specialized operator training courses,
seminars, workshops, and technical conferences which are relevant to the
wastewater industry, provided the calculation shall be based on one TCH for every hour
of approved training.
(g) Education applied in substitution for any
stated experience requirements shall not also be applied to the education
requirement.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.08) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.08 Education
Requirements.
(a) The education requirement for grade I
and grade II shall be a high school diploma or HSE.
(b) The education requirement for grade III
and grade IV shall be a high school diploma or HSE certificate and 2
years of relevant post-high school education, as described in (c) through (g), below.
(c) Relevant post-high school education shall
include the following:
(1) For programs in sanitary engineering, environmental
technology or science, water treatment, or wastewater treatment, a bachelor’s degree
shall be counted as 4 years of relevant education and an associate’s degree
shall be counted as 2 years of relevant education; and
(2) For programs in other relevant technical and scientific
disciplines, such as natural sciences and non-sanitary engineering, a
bachelor’s degree shall be counted as 3 years of relevant education and an
associate’s degree shall be counted as 1.5 years of relevant education.
(d) Partial credit toward relevant post-high
school education requirements shall be allowed for academic work or vocational
training, as follows:
(1) Any bachelor’s degrees
other than those listed in (c), above, shall be counted as 2 years of relevant
education; and
(2) Any associates degree of other than those listed in (c),
above shall be counted as one year of relevant education.
(e) Incomplete degree programs shall be counted
as described in (f), below.
(f) Each 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours
of credits earned in programs listed in (c), above, shall be considered the
equivalent of one year of post-high school education.
(g) The applicant may request substitutions for
one year of required education based on the following criteria:
(1) Two years of operating experience may be substituted for one
year of the post-high school education requirement for grades III and IV;
(2) One year of operating
experience as an OIRC in a grade II wastewater treatment plant or higher, may
be substituted for one year of the education requirement;
(3) Operating experience
applied in substitution for any education requirement shall not also be applied
to the experience requirement; and
(4) Specialized operator
training courses, seminars, workshops, and approved technical conferences, and
relevant Military Operational Specialties (MOS) training may be
substituted for post-high school education provided that the calculation shall
be one TCH for every hour of approved training.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.09) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.09 Application
for Certificate, Application Fee, and Proof of Education and Experience.
(1) Complete
and submit electronically the "Wastewater
Treatment Operator Certification Exam Application",
NHDES-W-09-004, September 2023, available at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-004;
(2) Proof of
high school graduation or HSE, if no post-high school education was completed;
(3) Proof of post-high school education
in the form of transcripts;
(4) Proof of post high-school
specialized training pursuant to Env-Wq 304.07(f)(3)
and Env-Wq 304.08(g)(4), if any; and
(5) The application fee, as
specified in RSA 485-A:7-a, II, as reprinted in Appendix C.
(b) The applicant shall sign the application as
specified in Env-Wq 304.10.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.10) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.10 Signature Required.
(a) An applicant for certification,
certification renewal, reciprocal certification, or retesting shall sign and date the applicable
application form.
(b) The applicant’s signature shall constitute
certification that:
(1) The
information on the application form is true, complete, and not misleading to the
best of the applicant’s knowledge and belief;
(2) If certification is granted, the applicant agrees to
comply with Env-Wq 304, including the wastewater code
of ethics in Env-Wq 304.25; and
(3) By
submitting the online form, I certify that I am the applicant listed in this
application.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.12) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.11 Application
Processing.
(a) The certification committee shall review
applications and supporting documents to determine whether the minimum criteria
specified in Env-Wq 304.06 have been met such that the
applicant is eligible to take the examination or is eligible for reciprocal
certification.
(b) The certification committee shall
notify the applicant of their eligibility status in writing. If the committee determines that the applicant has
not met the requirements, the written notification shall specifically identify
the reason(s) for the determination.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.13) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.12 Examinations.
(a) The department shall prepare
the written examination required by RSA 485-A:7-b to be used in determining operator knowledge,
ability, and judgment in each grade of operator classification.
(b) The department shall administer written
examinations at least twice each year at places and times set by the
department.
(c) A score of 70% correct or higher shall be required to
pass the written examination.
(d) The department shall notify each applicant who completes a
written examination of the test results as soon as practicable but no later than
60 days following the examination.
(e) Any applicant who fails to pass
the written examination may, as provided in RSA 485-A:7-a,
(f) Any applicant who wishes to take a retest
pursuant to (e), above, shall
notify the department in writing at least 6 weeks prior to the scheduled
examination date and provide any changes to the original application submitted
pursuant to Env-Wq 304.09.
(g) Any applicant who fails to pass a written
examination may make arrangements with the department to review the applicant’s
written examination at the department’s office, provided the review occurs more than 60 days
preceding the
date of the
applicant’s retest.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.14) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.13 Meeting
with Certification Committee Required.
(a) Subject to (b), below, each applicant who
achieves certification, whether by examination or reciprocity,
shall meet with the certification committee prior to receiving certification
as follows:
(1) The
notice of the meeting shall be posted on the department's website and provided
to the applicant by email at least 10 days in advance of the meeting; and
(2) The
department shall provide the applicant with the certificate prior
to the close of the meeting.
(b) An operator previously certified in New
Hampshire who has met with the certification committee shall not be required to
meet with the committee again when certified at a higher grade.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.15) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.14 Issuance, Display, and
Duration of Certificates.
(a) The department shall issue to each applicant
who passes the written examination and meets with the certification committee,
a certificate designating the grade of treatment for which the operator is
qualified upon determining that:
(1) The
applicant possesses the minimum education and experience requirements for the
specified grade; and
(2) No
evidence has been presented to the certification committee that would
constitute grounds for suspending, revoking, or refusing to renew a
certification as specified in Env-Wq 304.20.
(b) The certificate shall be prominently
displayed in the office of the wastewater treatment plant at which the operator
is employed.
(c) As specified in RSA 485-A:7-c, I, a certificate
issued pursuant to these rules shall be valid for 2 years from the date of
issuance.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.16) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.15 Certification Renewal.
(a) As provided in RSA 485-A:7-c, II, certificates may be renewed.
(b) An operator wishing to renew their certification
shall provide to the department, no later than one state business day before
expiration of the certification, the following:
(1) Complete
and submit electronically the "Wastewater
Treatment Operator Certification Renewal Application", NHDES-W-09-004,
September 2023, available at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-004;
(2) Copies
of certificates for all education that the applicant has completed
within the 2-year period preceding the expiration of the certificate to
demonstrate compliance with the TCH requirements specified in
Env-Wq 304.16; and
(3) The renewal
fee specified by RSA 485-A:7-c, II, as reprinted in Appendix C.
(c) The applicant shall sign the application as
specified in Env-Wq 304.10.
(d) Failure of the operator to file an
application for renewal as specified in (b) above, shall result in expiration
of the operator’s certification.
(e) The
department shall notify the operator and the operator’s employer, if any, of
the expiration of the certification in writing via email or letter.
(f) If the completed renewal application is
submitted before the expiration date of the certification without payment, then
the operator shall submit the renewal fee within 90 days of the certificate's
expiration date, together with a late fee of 50% of the renewal fee, as
provided in RSA 485-A:7-c, II.
(g) Any operator whose certification has expired who fails to
submit a renewal application as specified in (b), above, who wishes to obtain
certification shall apply for certification by submitting an
application in accordance
with Env-Wq 304.09 and taking the written examination as required
by Env-Wq 304.12.
(h) Any operator requesting to have their
certification placed in inactive status shall submit the request in writing to
the department prior to the expiration of their certification, subject to the
following requirements:
(1) An operator may remain in
inactive status for a period of no
more than 2 years from the date of the request;
(2) An operator that is in inactive status shall
not engage in any activities associated with operation of a plant; and
(3) To reactivate from inactive
status, the operator shall:
a. Complete and submit a renewal
application as required in (b)(1) above:
b. Provide copies
of transcripts or certificates documenting 40 TCH’s;
and
c. Submit the $50 renewal fee
authorized in RSA 485-A:7-c, II.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.17) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.16 Continuing Education
Required.
(a) For certification
renewal, the
operator shall acquire not less than the
number of TCHs specified in Table 304.2, below:
Table 304.2: TCH Requirements for
Certificate Renewal
|
Operator Grade and OIT status |
Number of TCHs Required |
|
I-OIT |
10 |
|
All grades |
20 |
(b) At least 50% of the TCHs shall be
directly related to wastewater treatment processes or maintenance of those
processes, and the remaining shall be in a relevant field as provided in Env-Wq 304.07(f)(1).
(c) The required TCHs shall be completed during
the 2-year period immediately prior to the expiration date of the certificate,
except as provided in (d) below.
(d) If more than the minimum number of TCHs required
are earned, then:
(1) A I-OIT operator may carry
forward 5 TCHs; and
(2) All grades may
carry forward 10 TCHs.
(e) No operator shall carry any TCHs forward
beyond the renewal period immediately following the renewal period in which it
was earned.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.18) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.17 Requirements for Training Credit
Hours (TCH) Courses.
(a) To qualify for TCH credit, a course
shall be:
(1) Offered by the department;
(2) Offered by a state-wide or regional professional association
of wastewater treatment professionals; or
(3) Approved by the department
pursuant to Env-Wq 304.18.
(b) For courses qualified in
accordance with (a)(1)-(3) above, the department shall award TCHs in one hour
increments to instructors for each hour of instructor training provided.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.19) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.18 Approval
of Courses for TCH Credit.
(a) An organization that wishes to offer courses
for TCH credit in New Hampshire shall provide to the department the
following:
(1) Complete and submit
electronically the "Wastewater Operator Training Course Approval"
form, NHDES-W-09-068, September 2023, available at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-068;
(2) A syllabus for the course and the written materials to be used in the
course, if any;
(3) A sample of the transcript
or certificate that will be issued upon completion of the course; and
(4) If the organization is
required by RSA 292, RSA 293, RSA 293-A, or other applicable provision of New
Hampshire law to register with the New Hampshire secretary of state, proof that
the organization is registered and in good standing to do business in New
Hampshire.
(b) The department shall review applications
submitted pursuant to (a), above, within 45 days of receiving a complete
application.
(c) The department shall approve a course for a
period of 5-years, for TCH credit if the information submitted demonstrates
that the course is at least equivalent to a course that would be offered by the
department on the same or a similar topic.
(d) The department shall notify the organization
of its decision in writing. If the
application is denied, the department shall specify the reason(s) for the
denial in the written notice.
(e) Any changes to the course, approved pursuant
to (c) above, shall require written notice to and approval by the department
prior to implementation by the organization.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.20) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.19 Reciprocity
Applications.
(a) As provided in RSA 485-A:7-c,
(b) A request for reciprocity certification
shall be provided to the certification committee and include the following:
(1) Complete and submit electronically the
"Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification
Reciprocity Application", NHDES-W-09-004, September 2023, available
at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-004;
(2) A
copy of the certificate or license upon which the reciprocity
certification request is based;
(3) A
copy of the official regulations, rules, guidelines, or other written criteria
of the jurisdiction which issued the certificate;
(4) Proof of
high school graduation or HSE, if no post-high school education was completed;
(5) Proof
of post-high school education in the form of transcripts;
(6) Proof
of post high-school specialized training pursuant to Env-Wq
304.07(f)(3) and Env-Wq 304.08(g)(4), if any; and
(7) The
reciprocity fee specified by RSA 485-A:7-c, III, as reprinted in Appendix C.
(c) The applicant shall sign the application as
specified in Env-Wq 304.10.
(d) Subject to (e), below, the certification committee shall
grant the request and waive the requirement for a written examination if
the committee determines that:
(1) The certificate from the other jurisdiction
is still valid;
(2) The applicant obtained the certification by taking a
written examination;
(3) The applicant has not had a certification revoked or
suspended in any state; and
(4) As specified in RSA
485-A:7-c,
(e) No reciprocity certification shall be issued
for grade IV.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.21) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.20 Suspension,
Revocation, or Refusal to Renew Certificate.
(a) After issuing a certificate or receiving a
request for renewal of a certificate, if the department receives
information which indicates that cause, as defined in (c), below,
exists to suspend, revoke, refuse to renew, or conditionally renew the
certificate, the department shall proceed in accordance with RSA 541-A:30.
(b) After initiating a proceeding under (a),
above, the department shall determine whether to suspend, revoke, refuse to
renew, or conditionally renew the certificate as specified in Env-Wq 304.21 through Env-Wq 304.23.
(c) Cause to suspend, revoke, refuse to renew,
or conditionally renew a certificate shall include the following;
(1) Failing to use reasonable care, judgment,
and application of their knowledge in the performance of their
duties;
(2) Taking
action(s) or failing to take action(s) relating to the collection,
transportation, storage, or treatment of any wastewater in such a way as to jeopardize
public health, compromise the proper operation and maintenance of a plant, or
result in a violation of water quality standards or wastewater effluent
criteria;
(3) Obtaining
or assisting another to obtain a certificate through fraud, deceit, or
falsification;
(4) Submitting
false or misleading information regarding any application for certification or
renewal;
(5) Submitting
false or misleading operational documentation relating to the performance and
monitoring requirements of a plant;
(6) Failing
to submit required operational documentation to appropriate regulatory agencies
in a timely manner;
(7) Failing
to comply with an order of the department relative to the management of
wastewater or wastewater residuals; and
(8) Failing
to comply Env-Wq 304.25.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.22) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.21 Revocation of Certificate; Refusal to Renew
Certificate.
(a) In any proceeding initiated pursuant to Env-Wq 304.20, the department shall revoke or refuse to renew
the certificate, as applicable, if the department determines that:
(1) The underlying cause for the action cannot
be corrected to conform to applicable requirements;
(2) The operator’s conduct
caused harm or posed a substantial threat of harm to public health or the environment;
(3) The operator does not
acknowledge the severity of their conduct, shows no remorse, or otherwise exhibits a disregard for the wastewater operator certification program; or
(4) The operator is a chronic
non-complier as defined in Env-C 209.
(b) An individual whose operator certification
has been revoked or refused renewal pursuant to (a), above, shall not be
eligible to submit an application under Env-Wq 304.09
to become a certified operator in New Hampshire unless and until the individual
has submitted a written request that has been approved by the department as
specified in (c) through (f), below.
(c) No sooner than 3 years from the date the
certification was revoked or refused renewal, the individual seeking to apply
for certification shall submit a written request to the department requesting
that they be allowed to take the certification exam.
(d) The request filed pursuant to (c), above,
shall demonstrate that the individual:
(1) Understands
the seriousness of the offense(s);
(2) Has
taken
responsibility for their actions; and
(3) Has
taken
courses or otherwise engaged in education relating to wastewater operations at
a rate of 10 hours for each year since the certificate was revoked or refused
renewal.
(e) The department shall approve
the request to apply only if the department determines, based on
the information provided pursuant to (d), above, that the individual is not
likely to repeat the action(s) that caused their certificate to
be revoked or refused renewal.
(f) The department shall notify the individual
in writing of its decision. If the
department denies the request to apply, the notice shall specify
the reason(s) for the department's determination.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.23) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.22 Suspension
of Certificate.
(a) In any proceeding initiated pursuant to Env-Wq 304.20, the department shall suspend the certificate,
subject to (b) and (c), below, if it determines that:
(1) The underlying cause for the action can be
corrected to conform to applicable requirements; and
(2) The operator’s conduct does
not meet the criteria for revoking the certification specified in Env-Wq 304.21(a).
(b) If the department determines
that the operator would benefit from additional continuing education, the
department shall include as a condition of the suspension that
the operator obtain the additional continuing education prior to requesting
reinstatement pursuant to (c), below.
(c) If a certificate is suspended pursuant to
(a),
above, the department shall not reinstate the certificate until:
(1) The
underlying cause for the action has been corrected to conform with applicable
requirements;
(2) Any
conditions
established under (b), above, have been met; and
(3) The
certificate
holder submits a written request to the department requesting that the
certificate be reinstated which includes such documentation as is necessary to
demonstrate that any conditions established under (b), above, have been met.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.24) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.23 Conditional Renewal of Certificate. In any proceeding initiated pursuant to Env-Wq 304.20 relative to an application to renew
a certificate where the criteria for refusing to renew the certificate
specified in Env-Wq 304.21(a) are not met but the
department determines that at least one of the underlying causes
for the action has been proven, the department shall renew the certificate
subject to the following conditions:
(a) The operator shall take such action(s) as
may be required to remedy the underlying cause(s) for the action; and
(b) The operator shall take such additional
continuing education as the department determines is needed to
help ensure that the operator will not repeat the conduct that caused the
department to consider refusing to renew the certification.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.25) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.24 Certified
Operator Notification and Reporting Responsibilities.
(a) Each operator who receives certification
pursuant to these rules shall maintain a current mailing address, daytime
telephone number, and email address, if available, on file with the department,
at least one of which shall be for the operator personally rather than for the
operator’s employer.
(b) All communications issued by or at the
direction of the department that are sent to the operator’s last address of
record shall be presumed to have been received by the operator.
(c) An operator shall notify the department
in writing upon being designated as an OIRC, a back-up
OIRC, or upon termination from such a position.
(d) The
OIRC shall annually complete and submit electronically to the
department, no later than February 15, the "Wastewater Operator in
Responsible Charge Verification Form", NHDES-W-09-055, September 2023,
available at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-055.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.26) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.25 Wastewater
Treatment Plant Operator Code of Ethics.
(a) Certified wastewater treatment plant
operators shall comply with the following code of ethics, the purpose of which
is to ensure the ethical operation and maintenance of the plant assets,
mechanical equipment, and chemical processes in order to protect public health
and the environment.
(b) The certified operator shall comply with the
following:
(1) Use
reasonable care and judgement in the performance of their operational duties;
(2) Ensure
the integrity of the samples that they collect, prepare, or analyze to ensure
that the results are a true representation of water quality;
(3) Undertake
only those jobs which they are qualified for by reason of education, training,
and experience to perform;
(4) Immediately
advise the OIRC or the owner of the plant, as applicable, and document adverse
conditions as they arise; and
(5) If
the certified operator's judgment is overruled by the owner of the plant or
the certified operator's employer, in circumstances in
which the safety, health, or welfare of the public or the environment are
endangered, the certified operator shall inform and document that they informed
the owner or employer, as applicable, of the possible consequences.
Source. #13755, eff 9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at
part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.26 Request for Multi-Plant
Certified Operator Endorsement.
(a) Any certified operator seeking
to operate more than one plant shall request prior approval for a multi-plant operator
endorsement from the department in accordance with this section.
(b) A certified operator seeking
to be operate more than one plant shall complete and submit electronically
to the department a "Wastewater
Operator Multi-Plant Endorsement" form, NHDES-W-09-065, September 2023,
available at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-065.
(c) The department shall approve the
multi-plant endorsement request if it determines, based upon the information
provided that the request:
(1) Will
not jeopardize public health;
(2) Will
not compromise the proper operation and maintenance of the plants; and
(3) Will
not result in a violation of water quality standards or plant effluent
criteria.
(d) The
department shall notify the requestor of the decision in writing.
(e) If the
request is approved, it shall state the duration of the approval, list all of
the facilities for which the approval is
granted, and include conditions necessary to assure that the criteria in
(c)(1)-(3) are met for the duration of the approval.
(f) If the request is denied, the department
shall identify the specific reason(s) for denial.
(g) The following maximum number of wastewater
treatment plants may be operated under a multi-plant endorsement approved
pursuant to (d) above and as classified in Env-Wq
304.28:
(1) One
grade III or IV plant as OIRC;
(2) Two
grade III or IV plants as back-up OIRC;
(3) Two
grade I or II plants as OIRC; or
(4) Four
grade I or II plants as back-up OIRC.
(h) A certified operator that was issued an
approved multi-plant endorsement shall file an updated "Wastewater Operator Multi-Plant Endorsement" form specified in (a) above, within 10 days
of any change in the information that was previously provided.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (formerly Env-Wq 304.06) (see Revision Note
#2 at part heading for Env-Wq 304)
Env-Wq 304.27 Classification
and
Reclassification of Wastewater Plants.
(a) The department shall classify each wastewater
treatment plant into one of 4 grades based on the complexity and flow capacity of the
plant’s processes, ranging from grade I, the lowest, to grade IV.
(b) The classification shall be determined by
summing the applicable points from Env-Wq 304.28, as follows:
(1) Plants with 30 or fewer points shall be
grade I;
(2) Plants with 31-55 points shall be grade II;
(3) Plants with 56-75 points shall be grade
(4) Plants with greater than 75 points shall be
grade IV.
(c) The department shall re-evaluate a plant’s
classification whenever it learns of changes to the plant that may affect its
grade, including:
(1) System upgrades;
(2) Process
changes; or
(3) Changes in
effluent discharge requirements, laboratory processes or control, receiving water
classification,
water quality criteria, or increased treatment requirements.
(d) If as a result of a reevaluation the department
changes the grade of a plant, the department shall notify the owner in writing
of the change. If the change is to a
higher grade, the wastewater treatment plant
owner shall designate a properly certified
operator pursuant to Env-Wq 304.29(a) within one year
from the receipt of notification from the department.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.28 Classification
Points for Wastewater Treatment Plants.
Classification points for wastewater treatment plants shall be assigned in
accordance with Table 304.3:
Table 304.3 Point System for the Classification of
Wastewater Treatment Plants
|
Item |
Points |
|
Size |
|
|
For
industrial plants only, maximum population equivalent (pop.eq.)
served, peak day |
1 point per 10,000 pop.eq. or part thereof |
|
For all other plants, the larger of
design flow (avg. day) or peak month’s flow (avg. day) in gallons per day
(GPD) |
0.1 point per 100,000 GPD |
|
Effluent Discharge |
|
|
Receiving
stream sensitivity. Primary consideration is the degree of dilution provided
under low flow conditions. Point
values are: |
1-6 |
|
“Effluent
limited segment” in EPA terminology; secondary treatment is adequate |
1 |
|
More
than secondary treatment is required |
2 |
|
“Water
quality limited segment” in EPA terminology; stream conditions are very
critical (dry run, for example) and a very high degree of treatment is
required |
3 |
|
Effluent
used in direct recycle and reuse system |
6 |
|
Land
disposal evaporation |
2 |
|
Subsurface
disposal |
5 |
|
Rapid
infiltration basins |
6 |
|
Variation in Raw Wastes (slight to extreme), including
industrial discharge connections and septage receiving. Primary consideration is frequency or
intensity of deviation or excessive variation from normal or typical
fluctuations; such deviation can be in terms of strength, toxicity, shock
loads, I/I, etc. Point values are: |
0-6 |
|
Variations
do not exceed those normally or typically expected |
0 |
|
Recurring deviations or excessive
variations of 100 to 200 percent in strength and/or flow |
2 |
|
Recurring deviations or excessive
variations of more than 200 percent in strength and/or flow |
4 |
|
Raw wastes subject to toxic waste
discharges |
6 |
|
Pretreatment |
|
|
Screening,
comminution |
3 |
|
Grit
removal |
3 |
|
Influent
flow equalization |
1 |
|
Plant
pumping of main flow |
3 |
|
Primary Treatment |
|
|
Primary
clarifiers |
5 |
|
Combined
sedimentation/digestion |
5 |
|
Chemically
enhanced primary treatment |
7 |
|
Secondary Treatment |
|
|
Activated sludge with secondary
clarifiers (including extended aeration, sequencing batch reactors &
oxidation ditches) |
15 |
|
Stabilization
ponds without aeration |
5 |
|
Aerated
lagoon |
8 |
|
Sand
filters |
5 |
|
Fixed
film media system |
10 |
|
Subsurface
disposal |
5 |
|
Rapid
infiltration basins |
6 |
|
Overland
flow |
6 |
|
Advanced Treatment |
|
|
Polishing
pond |
2 |
|
Chemical/physical,
including ballasted treatment |
12 |
|
Biological
or chemical/biological |
12 |
|
Ion
exchange |
10 |
|
Reverse
osmosis or
membrane filtration |
15 |
|
Chemical
recovery, carbon regeneration |
4 |
|
Spray
irrigation |
8 |
|
Overland
flow |
6 |
|
Filtration |
8 |
|
Solids Handling |
|
|
Mechanical
thickening |
5 |
|
Anaerobic
digestion |
10 |
|
Aerobic
digestion |
6 |
|
Evaporative
sludge drying |
2 |
|
Mechanical
dewatering |
8 |
|
Solids
reduction (incineration, wet oxidation) |
12 |
|
Composting |
7 |
|
Lime
stabilization |
5 |
|
Septage
receiving |
3 |
|
Disinfection |
|
|
Chlorination
or comparable |
5 |
|
On-site
generation of disinfectant |
5 |
|
Dechlorination |
5 |
|
Ultraviolet |
5 |
|
Effluent post aeration |
2 |
|
Effluent flow equalization |
1 |
|
Odor Control.
Primary consideration is complexity of odor control system operation
and maintenance. Point values are: |
0-2 |
|
Soil or carbon filters or equivalent |
1 |
|
Chemical/wet scrubber systems or
equivalent |
2 |
|
SCADA System |
1 |
|
Laboratory Control by Plant Personnel.
Primary consideration is complexity of lab work done by plant
personnel. Point values are: |
0-10 |
|
Push button or visual methods for simple
tests such as pH, chlorine residual, settleable solids |
1 |
|
Standard
procedures such as DO, |
3 |
|
More advanced determinations, such as
total oils, phenols, metals |
5 |
|
Biological identification |
7 |
|
Virus studies or similarly complex work
conducted on site |
10 |
|
Highly sophisticated instrumentation
such as atomic absorption and gas chromatography |
10 |
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.29 Wastewater
Treatment Plant Owner Responsibilities.
(a) As specified in RSA 485-A:5-a, wastewater
treatment plants shall be operated only by certified operators.
(b) Each wastewater treatment plant owner shall:
(1) Designate
an individual to be the OIRC who is certified in the grade equal to or greater
than the classification of the plant;
(2) Designate
an individual to be the back-up OIRC who would be available
to be in responsible charge of the plant in the absence of the usual
certified OIRC. This designated
individual shall be certified in the grade equal to or greater
than the classification of the plant;
(3) Designate
an authorized representative for the plant; and
(4) Ensure
that all personnel performing the following important operating functions at
wastewater treatment plants are certified under these rules:
a.
Removal of all pollutants from wastewater in order to comply with
permitted limits;
b. Maintenance of pumps, valves, and processing equipment;
c.
Operation of chemical feeding devices, performance of laboratory
analysis, and maintenance of required records; and
d.
Monitoring of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system,
gauges, or other equipment that monitors process stability.
(c) The
wastewater treatment plant owner shall annually complete and submit
electronically to the department, no later than February 15, the
"Designation of Authorized Representative, Operator in Responsible (OIRC)
and Back-up OIRC for Permitted Wastewater Treatment Plants" form,
NHDES-W-09067, September 2023, available at: https://onlineforms.nh.gov/?formtag=NHDES-W-09-067.
(d) The wastewater treatment plant owner or its
authorized representative shall notify the department in writing
via email or a letter within 24-hours of the termination of the OIRC or the
back-up OIRC.
(e) The wastewater treatment plant owner or its authorized
representative shall hire a replacement for the OIRC or the
back-up OIRC, as applicable, as soon as practicable after a
termination occurs, and notify the department of such hiring,
taking into consideration:
(1) The
owner’s personnel code or other applicable requirements, including but not
limited to the terms of any collective bargaining agreement extant in the
municipality relative to hiring and promotions; and
(2) The
public interest in an open competitive recruitment process for selection of
qualified public employees.
(f) The department shall give temporary approval
for a wastewater treatment plant owner to hire an operator one grade below the
required grade upon written request to the department, provided the operator is
qualified to take, and does take, the next scheduled examination in the next highest
grade. If the operator does not pass the
examination, the temporary approval shall be extended to allow one retest at
the next scheduled examination.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq 304.30 Penalties.
(a) Failure to have a certified OIRC or back-up
OIRC shall be deemed to be a failure to provide proper and
efficient operation and maintenance of a plant as required by RSA 486:9.
(b) Any person who is subject to these rules
shall be subject to the enforcement and penalty provisions as set forth in RSA
485-A:22.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq
304.31 Certification Committee. The certification committee serves as the review
committee for certification of wastewater treatment plant operators, and shall
be comprised as follows:
(a) Three certified operators designated
by the director of the department’s division of water, no more than 2 of which shall be
employed by the department;
(b) Two
certified operators shall be elected by the New Hampshire Water Pollution
Control Association as specified in RSA 485-A:2, I-b, provided that the
designated individuals elected shall hold a current New Hampshire wastewater
treatment plant operator certification pursuant to these rules;
and
(c) Two certified operators
designated by the director of the department's division of water, one of which
shall be designated as the primary alternate, and the other designated as the
secondary alternate, to sit in place of a member(s) designated in (a) or (b)
above, in the event that a member(s) is unavailable.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
Env-Wq
304.32 Waivers.
(a) The purpose of this section is to
accommodate situations where strict compliance with all rules in this part may
not be the best outcome in light of the particular circumstances of the
situation.
(b) Anyone who wishes to obtain a waiver of one
or more specific requirements of this part shall file a written request that
contains the information specified in (c), below, and is signed as specified in
(d), below.
(c) The information required by (b), above,
shall be as follows:
(1) The name, daytime telephone
number, and e-mail address of the person who is requesting the waiver;
(2) If the requestor is not an
individual, the name, daytime telephone number, and e-mail address of each
individual who has been authorized by the requestor to discuss the request with
the department;
(3) If the requestor is a
certified operator, the certification number as shown on the certificate issued
pursuant to Env-Wq 304.16(a);
(4) If applicable, the name,
location, and EPA ID or DES ID number of the plant to which the waiver request
relates or at which the operator works;
(5) A reference to the specific
section of the rules for which a waiver is sought;
(6) A full explanation of why a
waiver is being requested, including an explanation of the economic and
operational consequences of complying with the rule as written;
(7) A full explanation with
supporting data of the alternative(s), if any, proposed to be implemented or
used in lieu of the requirement in the rule;
(8) An explanation of how long
the waiver will be needed; and
(9) A full explanation of why
the requestor believes the request meets the criteria specified in (f), below.
(d) The requestor shall sign and date the waiver
request. Such signature shall constitute
certification that the information submitted in support of the request is true,
complete, and not misleading to the best of the signer’s knowledge.
(e) The department shall issue a written
response to a complete, signed request for a waiver within 45 days of receipt
of the request. If the department denies
the request, the reason(s) for the denial shall be clearly stated in the
written response.
(f) The department shall deny a waiver unless
the submitted request demonstrates that:
(1) The requirement for which a
waiver is requested is not a statutory requirement;
(2) Granting a waiver will not
jeopardize public health or safety or the environment;
(3) The adverse operational and
economic consequences of complying with the rule as written outweigh any
benefit to be obtained from complying with the rule as written; and
(4) Granting a waiver will not
contravene the intent of these rules.
(g) The
department shall:
(1) Identify
in the waiver the date on which the waiver expires, if any; and
(2) Include in the waiver any conditions
necessary to ensure that the criteria specified in (f), above, are met.
Source. (See Revision Note #1 at part heading for
Env-Wq 304) #10392, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13755, eff
9-27-23 (see Revision Note #2 at part heading for Env-Wq
304)
PART Env-Wq 305
PRETREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
Statutory Authority:
RSA
485-A:6, VI
Revision Note:
Document #10381, effective 8-1-13, readopted with amendments
and renumbered former Part Env-Ws 904 titled “Standards for Pretreatment of
Industrial Wastewater” under a new subtitle as Part Env-Wq 305 titled
“Pretreatment of Industrial Wastewater”.
The redesignation from subtitle Env-Ws to subtitle Env-Wq was done pursuant
to a rules reorganization plan for Department rules approved by the Director of
the Office of Legislative Services on 9-7-05.
Document #10381 replaces all prior filings for rules
formerly in Env-Ws 904. The prior
filings for rules in former Env-Ws 904 include the following documents:
#2240, eff 12-31-82
#2851, eff 9-21-84; EXPIRED 9-21-90
#6373, eff 11-16-96
#8203, INTERIM, eff 11-16-04
#8328, eff 4-23-05
Env-Wq
305.01 Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to
implement RSA
485-A:4, XV and RSA 485-A:5 so as to
prevent the indirect discharge of pollutants to a publicly owned treatment
works (POTW) that would:
(a) Pass through, interfere with, or otherwise be
incompatible with the safe and successful performance, operation, and
maintenance of the POTW;
(b) Cause the POTW to violate any water quality
standards specified in Env-Wq 1700; or
(c) Adversely impact sludge quality and prevent
its use or disposal as other than a hazardous waste.
Source. (See Revision Note at part
heading for Env-Wq 305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.02 Applicability. These rules shall apply to the discharge of
industrial wastes, as defined in RSA 485-A:2, VI, to a POTW.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.03 Definitions. As used herein the following terms shall have
the following meanings:
(a) “Department” means the
(b) “Domestic septage” means either liquid or
solid material removed from a septic tank, cesspool, or similar containment
area that receives only domestic sewage.
(c) “Domestic sewage” means sewage comprised of
waste and wastewater from household or commercial operations, that:
(1) Contains no
industrial waste; and
(2) Is
discharged to or otherwise enters a treatment works.
(d) “Fume toxicity screening level” means that
concentration of a pollutant in water that, under equilibrium conditions, a
confined environment, and a standard temperature, would cause the concentration
of the pollutant in the air over that water to exceed the exposure limit.
(e) “Headworks” means that portion of a
wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) that first receives the total influent flow
for initial treatment.
(f) “Headworks loading limit” means the maximum
allowable quantity of pollutants at the headworks of a WWTP when the following
constraints are considered:
(1) Water
quality standards for the receiving water;
(2) Discharge
permit limits;
(3) Inhibition
of biological treatment processes;
(4) Sludge
criteria;
(5) Corrosive
destruction of the WWTP;
(6) Air quality
limitations; and
(7) Worker
safety.
(g) “Indirect discharge” means the introduction
of pollutants into a POTW from any non-domestic sources.
(h) “Indirect discharger” means a facility that
discharges waste, as defined in RSA 485-A:2, XVI, alone or in combination with domestic
sewage to a POTW.
(i) “Industrial waste” means “industrial waste”
as defined in RSA 485-A:2, VI, reprinted in Appendix B.
(j) “Interference” means an indirect discharge
that, alone or in conjunction with indirect discharge(s) from other sources:
(1) Inhibits or
disrupts the POTW’s treatment processes or operations, or its processing, use,
or disposal of sludge in compliance with applicable statutes and rules;
(2) Is a cause
of a violation of any requirements of the POTW’s federal or state discharge
permit; or
(3) Prevents
sewage sludge use or disposal in compliance with the following statutory
provisions and rules or permits issued thereunder:
a. Env-Sw 100 et seq. relative to
solid waste management;
b. Env-A 100 et seq. relative to
air pollution control;
c. The General Pretreatment Regulations For
Existing and New Sources of Pollution, 40 CFR 403;
d. The Federal Toxic Substances Control Act, 15
U.S.C. ch. 53;
e. The Federal Marine Protection, Research and
Sanctuaries Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1401-1445 and 16 U.S.C. §§ 1431-1445; and
f. Env-Wq 800 and 40 CFR Part 503 relative to
use or disposal of sewage sludge.
(k) “Local limit” means a pollutant quantity
specified in a municipal sewer ordinance that numerically limits the amount of
a specified pollutant that can be discharged to the POTW by an indirect
discharger.
(l) “Medical/infectious waste” means
“medical/infectious waste” as defined in RSA 125-N:2, VIII, reprinted in
Appendix B.
(m) “Municipal sewer use
ordinance” means that set of ordinances, bylaws, or regulations duly adopted by
the governing body of the municipality relating to the POTW and all appurtenant
structures, including any pretreatment facilities as are required for the
proper maintenance and operation of the foregoing enumerated facilities.
(n) “Municipality” means, for the purposes of
these rules, any state, county, city, town, district, governmental subdivision
of the state, or any other public entity, other than federal agencies,
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the treatment works.
(o) “Other wastes” means “other wastes” as
defined in RSA 485-A:2, VIII, reprinted in Appendix B.
(p) “Pass through” means a discharge to a POTW in
quantities or concentrations that, alone or in conjunction with a discharge or
discharges from other sources, is a cause of a violation of any requirement of
the POTW’s federal or state discharge permit, or both.
(q) “Person” means “person” as defined in RSA
485-A:2, IX, reprinted in Appendix B.
(r) “Pharmaceutical waste” means a prescription
drug, as defined in RSA 318:1, XVII, or a nonprescription or proprietary
medicine, as defined in RSA 318:1, XVIII, that is no longer suitable for its
intended purpose or is otherwise being discarded.
(s) “Pretreatment” means the application of
physical, chemical, or biological processes, either singly or in combination,
to reduce the amount of pollutants in or alter the nature of the pollutant
property in a waste prior to discharge into a POTW.
(t) “Publicly owned treatment works (POTW)” means
a treatment works that is owned by a municipality.
(u) “Radiological waste” means radioactive waste
as regulated by RSA 125-F.
(v) “Sewage” means “sewage” as defined in RSA
485-A:2, X, reprinted in Appendix B.
(w) “Significant indirect discharger” means an
indirect discharger that meets one or more of the following criteria:
(1) Is subject
to national categorical pretreatment standards under 40 CFR 403.6;
(2) Discharges
an average of 10,000 gallons per day or more of process wastewater;
(3) Discharges
a process wastewater that contributes 5 percent or more of the hydraulic or
organic loading to the wastewater treatment plant;
(4) Discharges
medical/infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste, or radiological waste if such a
discharge has been designated by the municipality as having a reasonable
potential for adversely
affecting the POTW’s operation or performance or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement;
or
(5) Is
designated as such by the municipality as having a reasonable potential for
adversely affecting the POTW’s operation or performance or for violating any
pretreatment standard or requirement.
(x) “Sludge” means “sludge” as defined in RSA
485-A:2, XI-a, reprinted in Appendix B.
(y) “Sludge toxicity” means the degree to which a
sludge has a toxic effect on living organisms.
(z) “Surface waters of the state” means “surface
waters of the state” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, XIV, reprinted in Appendix B.
(aa) “Treatment works” means any device or system
used in the collection, storage, treatment, recycling, or reclamation of sewage
or industrial waste and includes all collection sewers, interceptor sewers,
pumping stations, treatment and appurtenant facilities essential to the
operation of an entire system.
(ab) “Upset” means “upset” as defined in RSA
485-A:2, XVIII, reprinted in Appendix B.
(ac) “Waste” means “waste” as defined in RSA
485-A:2, XVI, reprinted in Appendix B.
(ad) “Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)” means
“wastewater treatment plant” as defined in RSA 485-A:2, XVI-a, reprinted in
Appendix B.
(ae) “Winnipesaukee River Basin Program (WRBP)”
means the wastewater collection system and treatment facilities established and
operated under RSA 485-A:45-54.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq 305.04 Municipal Sewer Use Ordinance.
(a) A municipality with a POTW shall develop and
maintain a sewer use ordinance.
(b) Any municipality served by the WRBP pursuant
to RSA 485-A:45-54 shall obtain verification of compliance with Env-Wq 1200
from the WRBP for a sewer use ordinance or revision thereto, prior to
department review.
(c) Subject to Env-Wq 305.07, in order to be
approvable pursuant to Env-Wq 305.08 a municipal sewer use ordinance or
revisions thereto shall include the following minimum pretreatment standards
and related provisions applicable to indirect dischargers:
(1) Local
limits as specified in Env-Wq 305.05;
(2) Fume
toxicity, explosivity, and ignitability screening levels when necessary for the
protection of personnel or sewer structures;
(3) A
requirement that wastes introduced into a POTW by any person shall not:
a. Interfere
with the safety, operation, maintenance, or performance of the POTW;
b. Have an
adverse effect on the receiving stream;
c. Prevent
disposal of sludge in the manner used by the POTW; or
d. Otherwise
endanger life, limb, public property, or constitute a nuisance;
(4) A
prohibition on diluting any waste stream to meet required limits;
(5) A list of
wastes prohibited to be discharged to the POTW, which shall include as a
minimum the items listed in Env-Wq 305.06;
(6) A provision
or provisions by which the municipality may require a discharger to:
a. Install and
maintain monitoring and sampling equipment;
b. Keep records
of monitoring and sampling data, including quality assurance/quality control
records for a period of at least 5 years from the date of the measuring,
sampling, or report, which period shall be extended through the duration of any
enforcement action; and
c. Submit
records upon written request to local or state officials;
(7) A space for
documentation that the local authority has adopted the sewer use ordinance,
including adoption date and signatures of adopting officials;
(8) A
requirement that an indirect discharge of wastewater shall only be allowed to a
sewer connected to the POTW;
(9) A
requirement that all newly-connected discharges shall be in compliance with
pretreatment standards prior to connection to the POTW;
(10) A
requirement that each significant indirect discharger obtain a discharge permit
from the owner of the POTW in accordance with Env-Wq 305.10 through Env-Wq
305.16, as applicable, prior to discharging any industrial waste to the POTW,
provided that the ordinance may include the provisions of Env-Wq 305.19 or
Env-Wq 305.20, or both, to allow the permitting authority to allow certain
discharges of limited duration without a permit;
(11) A
requirement that any discharge permit issued include the conditions identified
in Env-Wq 305.18;
(12) A requirement that any dental practice that
is required by Env-Wq 306 to have an amalgam separator, properly install and maintain the separator;
(13) A requirement that grease interceptors be
installed and maintained in accordance with local and state codes and
requirements and that maintenance records be periodically provided to the POTW;
and
(14) A requirement that at least once a year the
municipality inspect each significant indirect discharger for compliance with
the discharge permit, which inspection shall include sampling if the
municipality determines that sampling is necessary to determine compliance.
Source. (See Revision Note at part
heading for Env-Wq 305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.05 Local Limits. The municipality shall develop local limits
as follows:
(a) Local limits shall specifically meet the
headworks loading limit and reflect the design and operational capabilities of
the WWTP;
(b) Specific numerical limits shall be required
on constituents contained in waste if the inclusion of such limits is necessary
to meet applicable federal and state law;
(c) Local limits
shall be established on a mass basis to allow indirect dischargers to reduce
water use; and
(d) Local limits shall be reevaluated and revised
as necessary no less than every 5 years from adoption.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.06 Prohibited Wastes. The list of prohibited wastes required by
Env-Wq 305.04(c)(5) shall include the following:
(a) Any waste containing any pollutant in a
concentration that is likely to cause corrosive or structural damage to the
POTW, and in no case any waste having a pH lower than 5.0 or higher than 12.0;
(b) Solid or viscous pollutants in any amount
that is likely to cause obstruction to the flow in the POTW or result in
interference with the proper operation of the POTW;
(c) Any pollutant, including oxygen-demanding
pollutants, released in a discharge at a flow rate or pollutant concentration
or quantity that is likely to:
(1) Cause
interference with POTW operations;
(2) Constitute
a hazard to humans or animals;
(3) Create a
public nuisance;
(4) Exceed any
national categorical pretreatment standard; or
(5) Cause pass
through;
(d) Any waste that contains a concentration or
quantity of any pollutant such that the introduction of the waste to a POTW is
likely to cause a treatment process upset and subsequent loss of treatment
ability;
(e) Any waste that contains heat in an amount
that is likely to inhibit biological activity in a POTW resulting in an
interference, and in no case heat in such quantities that the temperature of
the influent at the WWTP headworks exceeds 40°C, equivalent to 104°F;
(f) Pollutants that create a fire or explosion hazard in the
POTW, including but not limited to waste streams with a closed cup flashpoint
of less than 140°F, equivalent to 60°C, using the test methods specified in 40 CFR Part 261.21;
(g) Petroleum oil, non-biodegradable cutting oil,
or products of mineral oil origin in an amount that is likely to cause
interference or pass through;
(h) Pollutants that result in toxic gases,
vapors, or fumes within the POTW in a quantity that is likely to cause worker
health and safety problems;
(i) Any trucked or hauled pollutants, except at
discharge points designated by the POTW;
(j) Any medical/infectious waste or radiological
waste designated by the municipality as having a reasonable potential for adversely
affecting the POTW’s operation or performance or for violating any pretreatment standard or requirement;
(k) Any wastewater that is likely to cause the
POTW’s effluent or sludge to fail a toxicity test;
(l) Any hazardous waste listed or designated by
the department under Env-Hw 400; and
(m) Any pharmaceutical waste, except for such
pharmaceutical wastes as are required by federal law to be disposed of by
flushing into a municipal sewer system.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.07 Alternate Provisions. A municipality may omit an element required
by Env-Wq 305.04 from its municipal sewer use ordinance, or may include
alternate or additional elements in its municipal sewer use ordinance, only if:
(a) The municipality obtains a waiver pursuant to
Env-Wq 305.09; or
(b) The municipality includes, as part of its
submittal pursuant to Env-Wq 305.08, an explanation of:
(1) Why the
required element was omitted or alternate or additional elements were included;
and
(2) How the
resulting municipal sewer use ordinance supports the purpose and intent of the
industrial pretreatment requirements as expressed in RSA 485-A and Env-Wq 305.
Source. (See Revision Note at part
heading for Env-Wq 305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.08 Approval of Municipal Sewer
Use Ordinance.
(a) Each municipality shall submit its sewer use
ordinance or any revisions thereto to the department for approval before
adoption.
(b) Within 60 days of receipt of a sewer use
ordinance from a municipality, the department shall review the ordinance for
conformity with Env-Wq 305.04.
(c) The department shall approve the sewer use
ordinance if it determines that:
(1) The
ordinance contains all of the elements required by Env-Wq 305.04 or alternate
provisions provided in accordance with Env-Wq 305.07; and
(2) The
ordinance does not contain any provisions that are less stringent than the
elements required by Env-Wq 305.04.
(d) The department shall notify the municipality
of its approval or disapproval of the sewer use ordinance in writing. If the ordinance is not approved, the written
notification shall specify the reason(s) for disapproval.
(e) Within 60 days of adopting the approved sewer
use ordinance, the municipality shall send to the department:
(1) A copy of
the adopted ordinance; or
(2) A copy of
the signature page together with a certification that no changes were made to
the department-approved ordinance prior to adoption.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq 305.09 Waivers.
(a) Waivers to the pretreatment standards set
forth in a sewer use ordinance approved by the department shall be granted by
the department only in accordance with this section.
(b) All requests for waiver approval shall be
submitted to the department by the municipality and shall be in writing.
(c) All waiver requests shall include the
following information:
(1) A full
explanation of why a waiver is necessary, with supporting information and
calculations;
(2) A full
explanation of how the granting of the waiver is consistent with the purpose of
RSA 485-A as set forth in RSA 485-A:1;
(3) A technical
analysis of the effects of the proposed discharge on the POTW, relative to:
a. Performance
and effluent quality;
b. Operation
and maintenance;
c. Safety and
health of workers;
d. Pass
through; and
e. Sludge use
or disposal; and
(4) Any other
information that the person requesting the waiver believes is relevant to the
waiver request.
(d) The department shall review the waiver
request within 30 days of receipt. If
the request does not contain all of the information specified in (c), above, or
if the information is otherwise insufficient to allow the department to make an
informed decision, the department shall request additional information.
(e) The department
shall grant a waiver if the information submitted by the applicant demonstrates
that:
(1) The
alternatives proposed are at least equivalent to the specific requirements
contained in the rule; or
(2) The
alternatives proposed are adequate to ensure that the purpose of RSA 485-A is
met and the result provides equivalent or better protection of the POTW and the
receiving waters.
(f) The department shall notify the municipality
of its decision in writing. If the
waiver request is denied, the written decision shall specifically state the
reason(s) for the denial.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq 305.10 Industrial Wastewater Discharge Request.
(a) Subject to (b), below, the owner of an
indirect discharger from which industrial waste is or will be discharged to a
POTW that has its wastewater treatment plant located in New Hampshire shall
apply for approval of the discharge in accordance with this section prior to
discharging any industrial waste, increasing the volume of the industrial
wastewater flow, or changing any characteristics of the discharge, such as
discharge location, pollutant concentration, or pollutant characteristics, if
such discharge:
(1) Is from a
significant indirect discharger;
(2) Could cause
pass through or interference with the POTW;
(3) Could have
an adverse effect on the receiving stream or otherwise endanger public or
private safety or property; or
(4) Could
constitute a nuisance by affecting qualities not specifically regulated, such
as odor or the color of the discharge.
(b) The requirements of (a), above, shall not
apply if the discharge request is submitted in accordance with Env-Wq 305.11,
Env-Wq 305.19, or Env-Wq 305.20.
(c) The completed discharge request application
required in (a) above, shall be submitted on the “Application for Industrial
Wastewater Indirect Discharge Request”, NHDES-W-09-027 dated July 2021,
available via the department’s website at www.des.nh.gov,
and
shall:
(1) Include the information specified in Env-Wq
305.12 and Env-Wq 305.13; and
(2) Be signed
by the applicant as specified in Env-Wq 305.14.
(d) The applicant shall submit the complete,
signed discharge request as specified in Env-Wq 305.15 or Env-Wq 305.16, as
applicable.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq 305.11 Discharge Request Submission, Processing,
and Approvals: EPA-Approved Pretreatment POTW. Any person proposing to discharge wastewater
to an EPA-approved pretreatment POTW, namely Claremont, Concord, Derry, Dover,
Jaffrey, Keene, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Nashua, Rochester, Somersworth,
or WRBP, shall comply with the applicable requirements of the respective POTW
per 40 CFR Part 403.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.12 Discharge Request Form:
Municipal Portion. The municipality
shall complete the first part of the discharge request form by providing:
(a) The name of the municipality;
(b) The name of the applicant;
(c) Whether the requested permit is for a new
discharge or a modified discharge;
(d) Prior flow volume, if any;
(e) Proposed flow volume and total flow volume to
be discharged; and
(f) The printed or typed name and title of the
individual authorized by the governing body of the municipality to sign
discharge requests as specified in Env-Wq 305.14(a).
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.13 Discharge Request Form:
Applicant Portion. The applicant
shall provide the following information on or with the applicant portion of the
discharge request form:
(a) The name, street address, and mailing address
of the indirect discharger;
(b) The name, position, and daytime telephone
number of a responsible individual at the indirect discharger, such as a plant
manager, plant engineer, president, or vice president of the company, who has
been authorized by the indirect discharger to certify the permit application as
specified in Env-Wq 305.14(b);
(c) The North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS) code of the indirect discharger and, if available, the SIC
code(s);
(d) Whether the indirect discharger is subject to
national categorical standards, and if so, which standards;
(e) Information on the proposed flow, including
the estimated average, minimum, maximum and total daily flow for domestic
discharges and each process discharge and the time and duration of those
discharges;
(f) A schematic of the proposed pretreatment
process;
(g) The name, company, and license number of the
chemical, civil, sanitary, or environmental professional engineer (PE)
authorized to work in New Hampshire under RSA 310-A who prepared the treatment
system plans and specifications, if plans and specifications are being
submitted for review;
(h) If applicable, plans, specifications, and
operation and maintenance procedures for new or modified treatment facilities
at the indirect discharger, stamped by the PE identified pursuant to (g),
above;
(i) A schematic diagram showing the production
process, including the origin of each waste stream;
(j) A list of pollutants expected to be present
in the discharge and the anticipated quantity of each, based on:
(1) Analyses of
the waste stream(s) to be discharged, in which case test results shall be
submitted with the discharge permit request; or
(2) Knowledge
of the process that produces the wastewater;
(k) If pretreatment is proposed, whether as a BMP
or control technique or technology, performance results of the pretreatment as
determined by testing or by the manufacturer;
(l) Information on the toxicity and treatability
of the pollutants proposed to be discharged, as available from manufacturer’s
testing, safety, and data publications;
(m) A map showing the location within the
municipality of the indirect discharger with respect to the POTW;
(n) A listing of all chemicals used at the
indirect discharger that will be or could be discharged, such as production
chemicals, degreasers, and cleaning solvents;
(o) A description and location diagram of all
sampling locations at the indirect discharger;
(p) A brief narrative describing those measures
taken or planned to reduce water usage and implement pollution prevention
techniques, if any, such as:
(1) Flow
restrictors;
(2)
Countercurrent rinses;
(3) Recycling
of non-contact cooling water;
(4) Chemical
substitutions; and
(5) Pollutant
source reduction; and
(q) A list of all environmental permits held by
or for the indirect discharger.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.14 Signatures and Certifications.
(a) The individual authorized by the governing
body of the municipality to sign discharge requests shall sign and date the
discharge application. Such signature
shall constitute certification that the proposal meets with the approval of all
local authorities having jurisdiction over the request.
(b) The responsible individual identified
pursuant to Env-Wq 305.13(b) shall sign and date the discharge
application.
(c) Such signature shall constitute
certification that:
(1) The
application and all attachments were prepared under the responsible
individual’s direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to
assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information
submitted;
(2) Based on
inquiry by the responsible individual of the individual or individuals who
manage the system, or those individuals directly responsible for gathering the
information, the information submitted is true, accurate, and complete to the
best of the responsible individual’s knowledge and belief; and
(3) The
responsible individual is aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false information, including the possibility of criminal prosecution
under RSA 641 for knowing violations.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.15 Discharge Request Submission:
Local Treatment.
(a) This section shall apply to the processing of
discharge requests where the municipality, in which the applicant is located,
owns and operates the POTW that will receive and treat the discharge.
(b) The applicant shall submit the completed,
signed discharge request to the municipality.
(c) Upon receipt of a discharge request, the
municipality shall evaluate the proposed discharge and the ability of the POTW
to accommodate the discharge based on information submitted by the applicant.
(d) No municipality shall allocate or accept for
treatment more than 90 percent of the headworks loading limits of its WWTP.
(e) The municipality shall not approve the
discharge request unless the proposed discharge meets all applicable
requirements of these rules and all applicable local pretreatment programs and
sewer use ordinances.
(f) If the municipality approves the discharge
request, an authorized official of the municipality shall:
(1) Sign the
discharge request as specified in Env-Wq 305.14(a); and
(2) Forward the
discharge request to the department.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.16 Discharge Request Submission:
Remote Treatment.
(a) This section shall apply to the processing of
discharge applications where the POTW that will receive and treat the discharge
(host POTW) is not owned and operated by the municipality in which the
applicant is located (satellite municipality), other than discharges that are
subject to Env-Wq 305.11.
(b) The applicant shall submit the completed,
signed discharge request to the satellite municipality. The satellite municipality may request the
applicant to submit 2 copies of the completed discharge request form.
(c) Upon receipt of a discharge request, the
satellite municipality shall:
(1) Evaluate
the proposed discharge for compliance with locally applicable requirements; and
(2) Approve the
discharge request if the proposed discharge meets all locally applicable
requirements.
(d) If the satellite municipality approves the
discharge request, an authorized official of the satellite municipality shall:
(1) Sign the
discharge request as specified in Env-Wq 305.14(a); and
(2) Forward the
discharge request to the department and to the host POTW.
(e) Upon receipt of a discharge request, the host
POTW shall evaluate the proposed discharge and the ability of the POTW to
accommodate the discharge based on information submitted by the applicant.
(f) No host POTW shall allocate or accept for
treatment more than 90 percent of the headworks loading limits of its WWTP.
(g) The host POTW shall not approve the discharge
request unless the proposed discharge meets all applicable requirements of
these rules and all applicable local pretreatment programs and sewer use
ordinances.
(h) If the host POTW decides to accept the
discharge, the host community shall submit a completed “Host POTW
Acknowledgement”, NHDES-W-09-063, dated January 2021, available via the
department’s website at www.des.nh.gov,
by providing the following information:
(1) The name of
the host POTW;
(2) The name of
the satellite municipality;
(3) The name of
the industry to which the discharge request applies;
(4) The date of
the discharge request;
(5) The date
the discharge request was received by the host POTW;
(6) Whether any
comments are being provided, and if so, the comments; and
(7) The name
and title of the individual who has been authorized to sign the Acknowledgement
on behalf of the host POTW.
(i) The authorized representative of the host
POTW shall sign and date the Acknowledgement.
(j) The host POTW shall send the completed
Acknowledgement to:
Industrial Pretreatment Supervisor
NH DES Water Division
PO Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.17 Discharge Application
Processing.
(a)
Upon receipt of a completed, signed discharge request and, if
applicable, a completed, signed “Host POTW Acknowledgement”, the department
shall review the request.
(b)
The department shall approve the request subject to the conditions
listed in (c), below, if the information submitted demonstrates that:
(1) The proposed discharge meets all applicable
requirements of these rules and all applicable local pretreatment programs and
sewer use ordinances; and
(2) If applicable, the host POTW has agreed to
accept the discharge.
(c)
The department’s approval of a discharge request shall be subject to the
following conditions:
(1) The indirect discharger shall fully comply
with the applicable sewer use ordinance;
(2) The indirect
discharger shall fully
comply with all applicable federal, state and local pretreatment standards and requirements;
(3) The indirect
discharger shall not add any
water or other liquid to the
effluent so as to reduce the concentration of pollutants by increasing the
volume of effluent as a substitute for any pretreatment necessary to maintain compliance;
(4) The indirect
discharger shall not make changes
to any processes that contribute to the wastewater discharge that would
increase the amount of flow, change the characteristics of the pollutants
discharged, or increase the concentration of any pollutant without prior approval by the department
through the submission of a new industrial wastewater discharge request in
accordance with Env-Wq 305.10;
(5) The
approval shall be based on and apply only to the subject discharge request and all associated plans and
supporting information as submitted in the completed, signed discharge
request;
(6) The
approval shall
become void if the discharge approved does not begin within one year from the
date of approval; and
(7) Any other conditions as may be necessary to
ensure compliance with pretreatment standards.
(d)
Upon receipt of notification from the department that the discharge
request is approved, the municipality in which the applicant is located shall
issue a discharge permit to the indirect discharger.
(e)
The municipality shall provide a copy of the discharge permit issued to
the indirect discharger in accordance with (d), above, and any subsequent
renewal, to the department by:
(1) Sending an electronic copy via email to des.wastewaterengineering@des.nh.gov; or
(2) Mailing a paper copy of the permit to:
Industrial
Pretreatment Supervisor
NH DES Water
Division
PO Box 95
Concord, NH
03302-0095.
(f)
The municipality shall enforce the conditions of the discharge permit in
accordance with RSA 485-A:5, III, reprinted in Appendix C.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.18 Discharge Permits. The discharge permit for significant indirect
dischargers issued pursuant to Env-Wq 305.17(d) shall contain the following
provisions:
(a) Indirect discharger name, street address,
mailing address, and daytime telephone number;
(b) Dates of issuance and expiration;
(c) The general and specific conditions and prohibitions
from the sewer use ordinance that apply to the discharge;
(d) A list of pollutants, allowable parameters,
and discharge limits;
(e) Identification of applicable EPA categorical
standards;
(f) A list of pollutants to be monitored and the
monitoring requirements applicable thereto;
(g) Sampling frequency, techniques, and
locations;
(h) Each condition specified in the department’s
IDR approval;
(i) Reporting requirements;
(j) Inspection requirements;
(k) Notification requirements, including for:
(1) Slug
loading;
(2) Spills,
bypasses, and upsets;
(3) Changes in
volume or characteristics of the discharge for which a permit revision is not
required; and
(4) Permit
violations;
(l) Record keeping requirements;
(m) Applicable definitions from the sewer use
ordinance;
(n) Applicable civil and criminal penalties for
violations;
(o) Notification requirements prior to any new or
increased discharge;
(p) A requirement to submit a complete
new application at a specified frequency, which shall be not less than once
every five years;
(q) A requirement to provide a copy of the permit
to the department, if the department so requests; and
(r) Notification that the state has legal
authority to take direct action against the indirect discharger to enforce the
provisions of Env-Wq 305.01 in accordance with RSA 485-A:5, IV, reprinted in
Appendix C.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq 305.19 Discharge Permits Not Required for New
Technology Trials. A discharge
request and permit shall not be required for a trial of a new technology
provided that:
(a) The trial will not last longer than 4 months;
and
(b) No discharge from
the indirect discharger at which the trial is occurring is likely to cause a
violation of:
(1) The
indirect discharger’s existing discharge permit from the municipality; or
(2) Any
requirements of the municipality’s sewer use ordinance or any other applicable
state, federal, or local requirements.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq 305.20 Approval of
Special Discharges of Limited Duration.
(a) Any person proposing to discharge, as a
one-time or otherwise limited duration discharge, waters or wastes to the
public sewers that contain the substances or possess the characteristics
enumerated in Env-Wq 305.06, or that exceed any applicable national categorical
pretreatment standard, local limit or local prohibited waste, or that might otherwise have a deleterious effect on
the POTW or its processes or equipment or on the POTW’s receiving waters,
or that might otherwise create a hazard to life or constitute a public
nuisance, shall request permission from the POTW prior to discharging the
waters or waste.
(b) To request
permission to discharge, the person shall provide the following information:
(1) The nature of the waters or wastes to be discharged;
(2) The estimated duration of the discharge; and
(3) The anticipated start of the discharge.
(c) If necessary to fully characterize the
proposed discharge, the person shall provide:
(1) The
discharge peak rate and volume over a specified time period;
(2)
Chemical analyses of the proposed discharge;
(3) A
line diagram of the production process showing the origin of each waste stream;
(4) A
listing of all chemicals used in the facility which could be discharged to the
sewer;
(5) A
plot plan of sewers on the user’s property showing sewer and any pretreatment
facility location;
(6)
Details of any wastewater pretreatment facilities; and
(7)
Details of systems established by the user to prevent and control the
losses of materials through spills to the public sewer or storm drain.
(d) The
POTW shall deny the request unless it determines that the proposed discharge:
(1) Is not likely
to cause a significant adverse impact to receiving waters or to the POTW,
community or POTW personnel;
(2) Is not likely to create a hazard to life or
constitute a public nuisance; and
(3) Could be treated to alleviate the adverse
impact.
(e) If the POTW
determines that the criteria specified in (d), above, are met, the POTW shall
grant the request, subject to any conditions as are necessary to minimize any
adverse impact, such as restricting the rate or timing of discharge or
requiring pretreatment of the discharge.
(f) If the POTW accepts the discharge but
determines that the discharge will cause the community or POTW to incur
additional expenses as a result of the discharge, the POTW may require the
person to pay the added cost of handling and treating
the wastes as a condition of allowing the discharge.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
Env-Wq
305.21 Reporting. In order to demonstrate compliance with RSA
485-A:5, III, each municipality shall provide the following to the department
no less frequently than once every 5 years:
(a) A copy of its current sewer use ordinance if
it has been revised without department approval subsequent to any previous
submittal to the department or a certification that no changes have been made;
(b) A current list of all significant indirect
dischargers to the POTW that includes the following information for each
significant indirect discharger:
(1) Name and
address;
(2) The name
and daytime telephone number of a contact person;
(3) Products
manufactured;
(4) Industrial
processes used;
(5) Existing
pretreatment processes; and
(6) Discharge
permit status;
(c) A list of all permitted indirect dischargers;
and
(d) A certification that the municipality is
strictly enforcing its sewer use ordinance and all discharge permits it has
issued.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
305) #10381, eff 8-1-13; ss by #13241, eff 7-24-21
PART Env-Wq 306
STANDARDS FOR MANAGEMENT OF MERCURY-CONTAINING AMALGAM
Statutory
Authority: RSA 485-A:6, XIII
Revision Note:
Document #10346, effective 5-22-13, readopted with
amendments and renumbered former Part Env-Ws 905 titled “Standards for Management of Mercury-Containing Amalgam” under
a new subtitle as Part Env-Wq 306. The redesignation from subtitle Env-Ws to subtitle Env-Wq was done pursuant
to a rules reorganization plan for Department rules approved by the Director of
the Office of Legislative Services on 9-7-05.
Document #10346 replaces all prior filings for rules
formerly in Env-Ws 905, which consisted of Document #8362, effective 5-28-05.
Env-Wq 306.01 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to implement
RSA 485-A:4, XVIII so as to reduce the discharge of mercury-containing amalgam
from dental offices into wastewater.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13287, eff 12-1-21
Env-Wq
306.02 Applicability.
(a) These rules shall apply to any dental
practice where mercury-containing amalgam is applied, altered, maintained, or
removed from within the human oral cavity or where mercury-containing amalgam
waste is otherwise generated and is or could be discharged as wastewater.
(b) These rules shall not apply to orthodontists,
periodontists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, oral pathologists, and oral and
maxillofacial radiologists who do not generate mercury-containing amalgam
waste.
(c) These rules shall not supersede the federal
requirements at 40 CFR 441 for dental practices that are subject to the federal
requirements.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13287, eff 12-1-21
Env-Wq
306.03 Definitions. For the purposes of this part, the following
definitions shall apply:
(a) “Amalgam separator” means equipment designed
to remove amalgam particles from wastewater at a dental practice, so as to
reduce the number of amalgam particles and therefore the amount of amalgam
entering the sewer system or subsurface sewage disposal system;
(b) “Dental practice” means a business
established for the purpose of practicing dentistry, as defined by RSA
317-A:20;
(c) “Department” means the New Hampshire department
of environmental services;
(d) “Hazardous waste rules” means the rules in
subtitle Env-Hw; and
(e) “Owner of the practice” means the individual,
partnership, corporation, or association who owns the dental practice.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13287, eff 12-1-21
Env-Wq
306.04 Amalgam Separator.
(a) Before any dental practice discharges
wastewater containing mercury-containing amalgam residues into a sewer system
or to a subsurface disposal system, the owner of the practice shall ensure that
such wastewaters are treated by an amalgam separator that:
(1) Subject to
(d), below, is certified by the manufacturer as meeting International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) 11143:2008(E) standards; and
(2) Is designed
and constructed for the expected volume and flow rate of discharge from the
dental practice it serves.
(b) The owner of the practice shall ensure that
the amalgam separator is installed, operated, and maintained at the dental
practice in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
(c) Waste amalgam collected by an amalgam
separator or by any other filter, trap, or other method shall be managed as
hazardous wastes in accordance with the hazardous waste rules.
(d) A dental practice that was in operation prior
to the 2013 effective date of this part that uses an amalgam separator
installed pursuant to Env-Ws 905 which meets the ISO 11143:1999(E) standards
may continue to use that separator until such time as the separator is
replaced, at which time a separator that meets the 2008 standard shall be
installed.
(e) For purposes of (d),
above, replacement of a collection container or other part, such as a filter,
that is considered routine maintenance shall not require replacement of the
entire system.
(f)
Notwithstanding (d) above, when a federal requirement relative to
standards for mercury amalgam separators that is more stringent than the 1999
standard becomes effective, which currently is scheduled to occur on June 14,
2027 under 40 CFR 441.30(a)(1)(iii), a separator that meets the federal
standard shall be installed.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13287, eff 12-1-21
Env-Wq
306.05 Initial Certification.
(a) The owner of the practice who installs or
arranges for the installation of an amalgam separator at a dental practice, or
who obtains an existing dental practice through purchase or transfer of any
kind, shall certify in writing to the department that an amalgam separator has
been properly installed in accordance with this part.
(b) The certification required by (a), above,
shall be provided to the department within 30 days of completion of
installation.
(c) The certification shall:
(1) Identify
the manufacturer and model of amalgam separator installed;
(2) Include a
written description, which may be a sketch, of the location of the amalgam
separator;
(3) Identify
the owner of the practice and the street address of the dental practice at
which the amalgam separator was installed; and
(4) Identify
the maximum flow rate the amalgam separator is designed to treat.
(d) The certification shall be signed by:
(1) A
duly-authorized corporate officer, if the dental practice is a corporation;
(2) One of the
general partners, if the dental practice is a partnership;
(3) The sole
proprietor, if the dental practice is a sole proprietorship; or
(4) A
duly-authorized officer of the association, if the dental practice is a
professional association.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13; ss by #13287, eff 12-1-21
Env-Wq
306.06 Annual Certification.
(a) By the last business day of January each
year, the owner of the practice shall certify to the department that the
amalgam separator is installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the
manufacturer's requirements.
(b) The certification required by (a), above,
shall:
(1) Include the
information specified in Env-Wq 306.05(c);
(2) Be signed
as specified in Env-Wq 306.05(d); and
(3) Be
submitted to the department by:
a. Attaching a scan of the certification to an email
sent to des.wastewaterengineering@des.nh.gov; or
b. Mailing or
delivering the certification to:
NH Department of Environmental Services
Wastewater Engineering Bureau
29 Hazen Drive P.O. Box 95
Concord, NH 03302-0095
Source. #13287, eff 12-1-21
Env-Wq
306.07 Waivers.
(a) The purpose
of this section is to accommodate situations where strict compliance
with all rules in this part might
not be the best outcome in light of
the particular circumstances of a specific situation.
(b) Any owner of the practice who wishes to
request a waiver of:
(1) Specific
rules in this part shall do so in accordance with (c) and (d),
below; or
(2) The
hazardous waste rules shall do so in accordance with Env-Hw 202.
(c)
A request for a waiver shall be submitted to the department in writing.
(d)
A request for a waiver of specific rules in this part shall include the
following information:
(1) A specific
reference to the section of the rule for which a waiver is being sought;
(2) A full
explanation of why a waiver is being requested;
(3) Detailed
information showing how the granting of the waiver is consistent with this
part; and
(4) A technical
analysis demonstrating how any proposed alternate technology, device, or
technique provides equivalent or better removal of amalgam waste than strict
compliance with this part.
(e) If the request for a waiver is incomplete or
provides insufficient information to allow the department to make a decision,
the department shall ask the requestor to provide additional
information. The owner of the practice
requesting a waiver shall supply the additional information within 30 days of
request by the department.
(f) The department shall grant a waiver if:
(1) The
proposed alternative technology, device, or technique is adequate to ensure
that the purpose of these rules is met and the result provides equivalent or
better removal of amalgam waste than strict compliance with this part;
(2) The amount
of amalgam waste generated annually by the practice contains no more than 0.5
grams of mercury; or
(3) Through the
use of evaporation devices or other technologies, the owner of the practice demonstrates
that:
a. There is no
wastewater discharge from any dental chair station; and
b. There is no
connection from any dental chair station or plumbing fixture that might
discharge amalgam waste to a sanitary sewer or subsurface sewage disposal
system.
(g) A waiver granted under this section shall
apply solely to the rule in this part that is waived, and shall not excuse
compliance by the alternative technology, device, or technique with any other
applicable federal, state, or local requirements.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13 (formerly Env-Wq 306.06)
Env-Wq
306.08 Compliance Period. No wastewater shall be discharged from any
dental practice that is subject to this part unless:
(a) An amalgam separator has been installed and
is operating as per Env-Wq 306.04; or
(b) A waiver has been obtained in accordance with
Env-Wq 306.07.
Source. (See Revision Note at part heading for Env-Wq
306) #10346, eff 5-22-13 (formerly Env-Wq 306.07)
Env-Wq 306.09 Record
Keeping.
(a) The owner of the practice shall maintain:
(1) Records of
manufacturer-recommended inspection and servicing events; and
(2) Shipping
manifests of amalgam waste that is collected and shipped as hazardous waste.
(b) The owner of the practice shall:
(1) Maintain
the records and manifests for a period of not less than 3 years, which period
shall be extended throughout the pendency of any enforcement action until such
time as the action is final; and
(2) Provide
copies of the records to the department upon request during an on-site
compliance inspection or based on questions raised by the annual certification
filed pursuant to Env-Wq 306.06 or by a failure to file the annual
certification.
Source. #13287, eff 12-1-21
Appendix A
|
Rule Section(s) |
State Statute(s) Implemented |
|
Env-Wq 301 (also see specific sections listed below) |
RSA
485-A:8; RSA 485-A:13, I(a) |
|
Env-Wq 301.06 |
RSA 485-A:4, XVII |
|
Env-Wq 301.10 |
RSA
541-A:30 |
|
|
|
|
Env-Wq 304 (also see specific sections below) |
RSA
485-A:5-a; RSA 485-A:7-a; RSA 485-A:7-b; RSA 485-A:7-c; RSA 485-A:7-d; RSA
486:9 |
|
Env-Wq 304.06 – Env-Wq 304.08 |
RSA
486:9 |
|
Env-Wq 304.09 – Env-Wq 304.11 |
RSA
485-A:7-a, I & II |
|
Env-Wq 304.12 |
RSA
485-A:7-a, III; RSA 485-A:7-b |
|
Env-Wq 304.13 |
RSA
485-A:7-a, I |
|
Env-Wq 304.14 |
RSA
485-A:7-c, I |
|
Env-Wq 304.15-Env-Wq 304.18 |
RSA
485-A:7-c, II |
|
Env-Wq 304.19 |
RSA
485-A:7-c, III |
|
Env-Wq 304.20-Env-Wq 304.22 |
RSA
485-A:7-d |
|
Env-Wq 304.23 |
RSA
485-A:7-c, II, RSA 485-A:7-d |
|
Env-Wq 304.24 |
RSA
485-A:5-a, RSA 486:9 |
|
Env-Wq 304.25-Env-Wq 304.30 |
RSA
486:9 |
|
Env-Wq 304.31 |
RSA
485-A:2, I-b |
|
Env-Wq 304.32 |
RSA
541-A:22, IV |
|
|
|
|
Env-Wq 305 (see also
specific sections listed below) |
RSA 485-A:4, XV; RSA 485-A:5 |
|
Env-Wq 305.09 |
RSA 541-A:22, IV |
|
Env-Wq 305.10 |
RSA 485-A:4, VI, IX-a, IX-b, IX-c |
|
Env-Wq 305.11 |
RSA 485-A:45-54 |
|
Env-Wq 305.12 - Env-Wq 305.16 |
RSA 485-A:4, VI, IX-a, IX-b, IX-c |
|
Env-Wq 305.17 |
RSA 485-A:4, IX-c |
|
|
|
|
Env-Wq 306 (see also specific section listed below) |
RSA 485-A:4, XVIII |
|
Env-Wq 306.06 |
RSA 541-A:22, IV |
|
Env-Wq 306.07 |
RSA 541-A:22, IV |
Appendix B -
Statutory Definitions
RSA 125-N:2
RSA 482-A:2
X. “Wetlands” means an area that is inundated or
saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration
sufficient to support, and that under normal conditions does support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil
conditions.
RSA 485-A:2
I-a. “Certificate” means a certificate of competency issued by the
department stating that the operator has met the particular requirements
established by the department for certification at each level of operation.
I-b. “Certification committee” means those persons designated by the
commissioner, and those persons elected by the New Hampshire Water Pollution
Control Association to serve as the review committee for certification of
wastewater treatment plant operators.
VI.
“Industrial waste” means any liquid, gaseous or solid waste substance resulting
from any process of industry, manufacturing trade or business or from
development of any natural resources.
VII-a. “Operator” means:
(a) The
individual who has full responsibility for the daily operation of a wastewater
treatment plant or a pollution control facility;
(b) The
individual normally responsible for the operations shift; or
(c) Individuals
who perform important operating functions.
VIII. “Other
wastes” means garbage, municipal refuse, decayed wood, sawdust, shavings, bark,
lime, ashes, offal, oil, tar, chemicals and other substances other than sewage
or industrial wastes, and any other substance harmful to human, animal, fish or
aquatic life.
IX. “Person”
means any municipality, governmental subdivision, public or private
corporation, individual, partnership, or other entity.
IX-a. “Septage” means material removed from septic tanks, cesspools,
holding tanks, or other sewage treatment storage units, excluding sewage sludge
from public treatment works and industrial waste and any other sludge.
X. “Sewage” means the water-carried waste
products from buildings, public or private, together with such groundwater
infiltration and surface water as may be present.
XI-a. “Sludge” means the solid or semisolid
material produced by water and wastewater treatment processes, excluding
domestic septage; provided, however, sludge which is disposed of at solid waste
facilities permitted by the department shall be considered solid waste and
regulated under RSA 149-M.
XIV. “Surface waters of the state” means perennial
and seasonal streams, lakes, ponds, and tidal waters within the jurisdiction of
the state, including all streams, lakes, or ponds bordering on the state,
marshes, water courses, and other bodies of water, natural or artificial.
XVI. “Waste”
means industrial waste and other wastes.
XVI-a. “Wastewater treatment plant” means the
treatment facility or group of treatment devices which treats domestic or
combined domestic and industrial wastewater through alteration, alone or in
combination, of the physical, chemical, or bacteriological quality of the
wastewater and which dewaters and handles sludge removed from the wastewater.
XVII. “Bypass” means the intentional diversion of
waste streams from any portion of the wastewater facilities.
XVIII.
“Upset” means an exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and
temporary noncompliance with permit effluent limitations because of factors
beyond the reasonable control of the permittee.
XIX. “Wastewater facilities” means the structures,
equipment, and processes required to collect, convey, and treat domestic and
industrial wastes, and dispose of the effluent and sludge.
Appendix C:
Statutory Provisions Cited
RSA 485-A:5-a Operator Certification Required. – The department shall certify operators of wastewater
treatment plants. Wastewater treatment plants shall be operated only by
certified operators.
RSA 485-A:6 Rulemaking. –
The commissioner shall adopt rules, under RSA 541-A, after public hearing,
relative to:
XI. The
minimum qualifications for and certification of operators of pollution control
facilities.
XI-b. Certification of operators
of wastewater treatment plants and revocation and suspension of such certificates
as provided in RSA 485-A:7-d.
RSA 485-A:7-a Application; Special
Fund. –
I. Any
operator of a wastewater treatment plant seeking certification or to increase
his level of certification shall file an application with the certification
committee at least 6 weeks prior to the next examination date on a form
provided by the department.
II. All
applications shall be accompanied by a $50 fee to cover department expenses for
conducting the certification program. All fees shall be deposited with the
state treasurer and deposited in a special nonlapsing
wastewater plant operator certification fund to be used by the department for
the administration of this subdivision and for the operation of the
department-owned
RSA 485-A:7-b
Examinations. – The
department shall prepare written examinations to determine the knowledge,
ability, and judgment of operators. Such examinations shall be administered in
accordance with rules adopted by the department pursuant to RSA 485-A:6.
RSA 485-A:7-c
Issuance of Certificates. –
I. Upon
satisfactory completion by an applicant of the established requirements, the
department shall issue to the applicant a suitable certificate designating the
applicant's competency. The certificate shall indicate the level of operation
for which the operator is qualified. The certificate shall remain in effect for
2 years from the date of issuance.
II.
Certificates shall be renewed biennially and shall be accompanied by a $50
renewal fee, which shall be deposited pursuant to RSA 485-A:7-a, II. If the
renewal fee is not submitted within 90 days of the certificate's expiration
date, the certified individual's name shall be removed from the current status
and the certificate shall be deemed expired. The department shall charge a late
fee of 50 percent of the renewal fee in addition to the renewal fee if the
renewal is late.
RSA 485-A:7-d
Revocation. – The
department may suspend or revoke the certificate of an operator under rules
adopted pursuant to RSA 485-A:6.
RSA 486:9 Operator Certification. – The
operators of pollution control facilities shall be certified as to their
qualifications and ability to operate said facilities in accordance with rules
adopted by the commissioner under RSA 541-A.
RSA 486:10 Rulemaking. – The
commissioner may adopt rules under RSA 541-A relative to treatment of wastes by
or from industrial and nonindustrial recipients of waste treatment services to
establish: