NOTICE OF ISSUANCE OF DRAFT GENERAL PERMIT (OKG38)

FOR DISCHARGE OF WASTEWATER FROM FILTER BACKWASH OF

POTABLE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

WATER QUALITY DIVISION

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has prepared a DRAFT GENERAL PERMIT (OKG38) for discharging treated wastewater from filter backwash operation of potable water treatment plants within the State of Oklahoma. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public of the DEQ’s intention to issue Authorizations under this permit. The Authorizations to be issued under this General Permit will follow the DEQ’s Tier I permitting process. The purpose of this General Permit is to implement the DEQ’s goal of expediting the permitting process for discharge of filter backwash wastewater from potable water treatment plants with relatively low risk of water quality degradation. This General Permit will reduce the average individual permitting time while providing a uniform measure of environmental protection consistent with all the laws, rules and regulations of the DEQ.

The Authorization to discharge treated wastewater under this General Permit will be granted by the DEQ to the potable water treatment facilities that meet the qualifying requirements specified in the General Permit and discharge in the receiving waters without the restrictions specified in the General Permit. The concentration and mass loading of the pollutants discharged in the receiving waters are limited by the Rules of Water Quality Standards. The residuals (sludge) generated by the filter backwash under this General Permit are self-contained within the lagoons. Any disposal of residuals from lagoons must comply with Subchapter 13 of OAC 252:626 and requires prior written approval from the DEQ.

This General Permit shall be issued for a 5-year term.

The issuance procedure for this draft General Permit is based on the Oklahoma Environmental Code, Title 27A of the Oklahoma Statutes, §2-6-201 et seq. (OPDES Act), and the Rules OAC 252:004, OAC 252:606, and OAC 252:626 of the DEQ.

A copy of the draft General Permit, fact sheet, Authorization and other relevant documents may be reviewed at the office of the DEQ, Water Quality Division, 707 N. Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK, 73102, or at 3105 E. Skelly Dr., Suite 200, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105-6370 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A copy of the draft permit and fact sheet may be reviewed on the DEQ website at http://www.deq.state.ok.us/mainlinks/publicpermits.html.

Pursuant to 27A O.S. Sec. 2-14-302, persons wishing to make comments concerning the draft permit may do so by sending the comments in writing to the Contact Person for the DEQ, at the address listed below, within 30 days after the date of publication or mailing. Comments should include: (1) name and address of the interested person, (2) the application name to which the request relates, (3) the nature and basis of the interest of the person affected, and (4) a statement of the objection or comment, the basis of the objection or comment, and any requested action by the DEQ.

The contact person for the DEQ, to schedule a date and time to review the draft permit at the office of the DEQ is:

Tammi L. Johnson

Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality

P.O. Box 1677

707 N. Robinson, 8th Floor

Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677

(405) 702-8170