NPDES Permit Decision Times
The time it takes to issue an NPDES permit can vary greatly between permit applications. There are many factors that affect the time period for issuing a permit. These factors include, but are not limited to: the characteristics of the discharge; the characteristics of the receiving stream; whether or not the Department has an acceptable computer model for the receiving stream; whether or not the Department has water quality data on the receiving stream; the location of the discharge in relationship to shellfish waters, drinking water intakes, and natural swimming areas; whether or not a public hearing must be held; the work load of the Department at the time of application; etc. Therefore, the Department can never guarantee any permit applicant a certain time period for making a permit decision.
However, the Department is able to provide minimum and maximum estimates
for the Department's time period based on our past experiences. The
following table gives the minimum and maximum time periods for the different
Bureau steps in processing an NPDES permit application.
|
|
Minimum Time in Days |
|
| Administrative review of application |
|
|
| Technical review of application |
|
|
| Site visit |
|
|
| Review of existing data |
|
|
| Determine limits and permit conditions |
|
|
| EPA review |
|
|
| Lead time for public notice |
|
|
| Public notice period |
|
|
| Mail to clear to receive all comments |
|
|
| Review of comments |
|
|
| Public hearing (if necessary) |
|
|
| Review of hearing comments |
|
|
| Revise permit based on comments |
|
|
| Prepare response to comments |
|
|
| Issue permit decision |
|
|
| Totals without a public hearing |
|
|
| Totals with a public hearing |
|
|
As stated earlier, the total times given above are based only on the Department's actions. Since the Bureau must occasionally request additional information from applicants and proposed permits are normally sent to applicants for comments before they are public noticed, the time that it takes applicants to respond must be added to the above total times to get estimates of the total amount of time it takes to receive an NPDES permit. Generally, an applicant's response time varies from 30 to 90 days.
From the above information, it is very clear that the time to issue permits can vary significantly. However, if public hearings are not required, most permits are issued within 180 to 270 days after applications are received.
Bureau of Water . Phone: (803) 898-4300 . Fax: (803) 898-4215 . Contact Us