Chapter 13
Wastewater Management
1. Scope.
A. Purpose. This chapter establishes U.S. Geological Survey (USGS or Bureau) policy and responsibilities for compliance with Federal water pollution control requirements for wastewater management programs.
B. Background. USGS operations that are regulated through wastewater management programs include the following:
(1) Sanitary or industrial wastewater discharged directly to receiving waters or through onsite USGS-owned treatment works (USGSOTW).
(2) Sanitary or industrial wastewater discharged to an offsite public-owned treatment works (POTW) or to a treatment plant of another Federal government activity.
(3) Stormwater runoff associated with industrial or construction activities discharged to receiving waters.
(4) Other operations that result in nonpoint source pollution.
(5) Agricultural, silvicultural, and grazing operations that contribute to polluted runoff or groundwater contamination.
(6) Sewage sludge generation, processing, use, and disposal practices.
(7) Facilities involved in the transfer, storage, and transportation of petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) which, because of their location, could reasonably be expected to cause substantial harm to the environment by discharging into navigable waters or on the adjacent shoreline.
(8) Hazardous material storage areas and other regulated storage areas where runoff is likely to occur.
2. Authorities/References.
A. Water Quality Act (WQA) of 1965 (Public Law 89-234)
B. Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-224)
C. Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) of 1972, as amended by Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 (33 U. S. C. 1251 et seq.)
D. Oil Pollution Act (OPA) of 1990 (Public Law 101-380, 33 U. S. C. 2701 et seq.)
E. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 1974 (42 U. S. C. 300(f) et seq.)
F. Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (33 U. S. C. 407 et seq.)
G. Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) of 1972, as amended (33 U. S. C. 1401 et seq. and 16 U. S. C. 1431 et seq.)
H. Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 (16 U. S. C. 1451 et seq.)
I. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 (42 U. S. C. 6901 et seq.)
3. Requirements.
A. General.
(1) Statutory Requirements. The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires compliance by Federal facilities with all requirements that are applicable to the control and abatement of water pollution. Furthermore, the act makes it illegal for any USGS facility to discharge any pollutant, other than when it is in compliance with effluent standards, treatment technology requirements, or other procedural requirements.
(2) Regulatory Requirements.
(a) Applicable requirements include Federal, State, and local regulations.
(b) Authorized EPA, State, or other regulatory officials who have presented proper credentials must be allowed to enter USGS facilities at reasonable times to examine or copy records, inspect facilities and monitor equipment, and sample any wastewater or stormwater which the activity is required to monitor. Designated representatives should accompany the officials during these site visits.
(3) Executive Order (EO) Requirements. EO 12088, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards, October 13, 1978, requires executive agencies to comply with applicable requirements of Federal laws, including the CWA.
(4) USGS facilities will comply with all wastewater management regulations established by the EPA or those States that have been granted primary enforcement responsibility.
B. Point Source Control.
(1) It is USGS policy to reduce or eliminate wastewater treatment and disposal needs through a pollution prevention program. This program should examine and implement wastewater volume and pollutant reductions through process changes, materials substitution, cooling water recycling, water conservation practices and equipment, wastewater reclamation and reuse, and wastewater collection system maintenance and renovation to decrease groundwater infiltration and stormwater inflow.
(2) The use of a regional or municipal POTW will be the preferred method for wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal whenever an analysis of life-cycle costs and environmental impacts indicates that the use of a POTW is more economical and environmentally beneficial than constructing/upgrading and operating an USGSOTW. Economic components used in the analysis should include any capital cost contributions to the POTW for a prorated share of system capacity; continuing user fees and surcharges; pretreatment costs; and USGSOTW capital; operation and maintenance costs, including expenses for permit fees, monitoring, utilities, equipment repair and replacement; solid handling and disposal; chemical usage; and personnel staffing, training, and certification. The environmental analysis should include surface and groundwater quality and quantity issues, threatened and endangered species impacts, and archaeological, cultural, and natural resources issues.
(3) The facility and operation of USGS-owned wastewater treatment and disposal facilities are authorized whenever a municipal system or other alternatives are not available or cost-effective.
(4) The USGS encourages wastewater reclamation for reuse; this option should be studied during planning for the construction of new wastewater facilities or for renovation, expansion, or the upgrading of existing facilities. Reuse options pertain to industrial wastewater recycling, aquifer recharge, constructed wetlands, wildlife habitat mitigation or enhancement; and to the irrigation of forests and tree lines and facility landscaping.
(5) Job descriptions for USGS wastewater treatment plant and collection system operators must require a State certification, or license, or the ability to obtain and maintain a certification or license as a condition of employment at all facilities where State certification requirements apply, as stipulated in the Federal Personnel Manual (Supplement 271-1, subchapters 3-4, "License and Credentials").
(6) USGS laboratories that perform wastewater and stormwater analyses as required in permit monitoring conditions must be certified under applicable regulations of the Federal, State, or local permitting authority, if required. Appropriate chain of custody procedures will be used to track samples collected for analysis. The 40 CFR 136 contains EPA test procedures for analyzing water pollutants.
C. Nonpoint Source Control.
(1) USGS facilities must implement best management practices (BMP's) to control nonpoint source pollution.
(2) Stormwater from construction projects that increase impervious surfaces must be managed in accordance with State regulations and engineering practices that manage the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff.
(3) Lease terms will include requirements for implementing BMP's for pesticide, fertilizer, and erosion controls to reduce contaminated runoff.
D. Septage Treatment and Disposal.
(1) USGS facilities with septic tanks will ensure that these tanks do not contaminate adjacent surface waters or groundwater.
(2) A periodic inspection program must be developed to determine when pumping is required and if any structural defects, such as broken baffles or cracked pipes, exist. The recommended frequency is every 4 to 5 years.
(3) USGS facilities may select their own preferred method of septage disposal. If land disposal is selected, the facility or its contractor must adhere to the requirements in 40 CFR 503.
E. Groundwater Protection.
(1) Underground injection of wastes will be used only as a last resort at USGS facilities after all other disposal alternatives have been considered and rejected as unfeasible.
(2) USGS facilities will inventory all class V wells to determine whether pollutants are discharged into underlying aquifers. Class V wells include certain septic system wells and cesspools, stormwater drainage wells, and dry wells used for waste disposal, such as those found in vehicle maintenance areas.
F. Sewage Sludge Use and Disposal.
(1) The preferred method of sewage sludge disposal is the beneficial use at land application sites, as regulated under 40 CFR 503. This method requires the effective pretreatment of industrial wastes to prevent contamination of sewage sludge. An effective monitoring program is also necessary to ensure compliance.
(2) If sewage sludge is transported offsite for disposal, the facility will ensure that the disposal agent acts in accordance with applicable regulations and permits.
G. Dredge and Fill Operations.
(1) USGS facilities proposing to undertake any action requiring a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permit must apply to the USACE District Engineer for the district in which the proposed activity is to be conducted.
(2) A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis must be conducted for any actions that will require an individual permit for dredge and fill activities or the loss of wetlands. Because this process is complex and lengthy, it must be initiated well in advance of developing and filing the permit applications.
(3) USACE permits are required by USGS facilities for the following actions:
(a) The construction of a dam or dike (33 CFR 321).
(b) The construction of a structure in, or one that will affect, waters of the United States (33 CFR 322).
(c) Dredging projects for navigation to enhance recreational activities (33 CFR 322).
(d) The discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters of the United States, including wetlands (33 CFR 323).
(e) The transportation of dredged material for dumping in ocean waters (33 CFR 323).
(4) Existing disposal sites, approved by the USACE, should be used wherever possible. Proposed new disposal sites should be identified and reported to the USACE District Engineer for evaluation and approval 2 to 3 years before project initiation.
(5) If a land disposal site is proposed, consideration must be given to the liquid runoff and leaching potential of undesirable chemical constituents and to any NPDES-permit requirements. Requests for revalidation of existing permits for maintenance dredging and disposal must be received by the USACE at least 6 months prior to expiration of the permit.
(6) A permit for maintenance dredging will include an expiration date that will not extend more than 10 years from the issue date. A request for renewal from the USACE must be filed with the District Engineer at least 1 year before expiration.
(7) The USACE may be requested, on a cost-reimbursable basis, to prepare or assist in the preparation of an Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Statement (EA/EIS) for projects requiring a USACE permit.
(8) Early planning for dredge spoil disposal site selection, preparation, and use is essential to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
H. Ocean Dumping. Except in emergency situations, the EPA may authorize ocean dumping only on a case-by-case basis. An EA must accompany requests for such authorization. Full compliance with EPA regulations (40 CFR 220-229) is required.
I. Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) Consistency Determinations. USGS facilities must review proposed actions to identify those that directly affect the coastal zone. For all activities affecting the coastal zone, facilities must provide a consistency determination to the appropriate State agency at least 90 days prior to final approval for the activity.
4. Responsibilities.
A. Bureau Safety Manager (BSM).
(1) Provides information and advice to regional managers regarding proposed and final rules and regulations pertaining to wastewater management and uniformly apply USGS policy as set forth in the Handbook.
(2) Assists regions in resolving disputes with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies as required.
(3) Ensures, through site assistance visits and the Environmental Compliance Auditing Program, USGS cooperation and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies with regard to wastewater management.
B. Regional Directors.
(1) Ensure that all regional activities comply with current Federal, State, and local wastewater requirements.
(2) Program and budget for personnel, equipment, materials, training, and monitoring to ensure compliance with wastewater requirements.
(3) Submit project documentation and funding requests for wastewater facilities, that are required to maintain compliance with applicable existing and emerging regulations and permits.
(4) Ensure that coordination occurs as appropriate with the BSM in matters relating to wastewater discharges, sewage sludge use or disposal, dredge and fill operations, and POL management.
(5) Maintain a liaison with the USACE and State or area-wide planning organizations to ensure that USGS interests are considered during regional wastewater treatment planning or to facilitate dredge and fill projects.
C. Regional Safety Managers (RSM) and Regional Safety Officers (RSO).
(1) Provide information and advice to facility managers and tenants regarding proposed and final rules and regulations pertaining to wastewater management.
(2) Assist facilities in resolving disputes with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies as required.
(3) Ensure, through site assistance visits and the Environmental Compliance Auditing Program, regional cooperation and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies with regard to wastewater management.
D. Organizational Managers and Supervisors.
(1) Ensure pollution prevention alternatives are evaluated and life-cycle cost impacts assessed in evaluating and selecting projects that address compliance requirements.
(2) Ensure project documentation and funding requests for wastewater facilities required to maintain compliance with applicable existing and emerging regulations and permits are submitted through the RSM.
(3) Program and budget for personnel, equipment, materials, training, and monitoring required to comply with wastewater requirements.
(4) Pay appropriate Federal, State, and local fees are paid.
(5) Ensure that all required Federal, State, and local permits are applied for and obtained.
(6) Submit and sign, as appropriate, wastewater reports and other required data to the EPA and State and local agencies.
(7) Sign certifications and permit applications, as required, for construction of all wastewater management projects.
(8) Ensure that management programs and controls exist to comply with applicable regulations, permit limits, monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for wastewater and stormwater discharges from point and nonpoint sources.
(9) Ensure municipal or regional wastewater collection and disposal systems are used to the maximum extent feasible.
(10) If responsible for operation of a USGSOTW:
(a) Notify the appropriate permitting agency of any changes in wastewater input to the treatment plant that may affect the ability of the plant to comply with applicable requirements.
(b) Operate and maintain the collection system, treatment works, and effluent discharge facilities to ensure compliance with applicable permit requirements.
(11) Ensure records of all monitoring information are maintained.
(12) Ensure that adequate access to wastewater generating and treatment facilities is provided to the EPA, State, and local pollution control authorities for the purpose of waste stream sampling and the inspection of operations and records.
(13) Ensure that coordination occurs as appropriate with the RSO in matters relating to wastewater discharges, sewage sludge use or disposal, and dredge and fill operations.
E. Collateral Duty Environmental Program Coordinators.
(1) Ensure innovative treatment technology is used where technically and economically feasible in the designs for the construction of new or the upgrading of existing wastewater treatment systems.
(2) Assist with identifying training and certification needs for operators of treatment and collection system facilities and allocate needed resources.
(3) Coordinate the resources needed for monitoring, sampling, and testing, as well as for maintaining and demonstrating compliance with permit and pretreatment requirements.
(4) Identify pollution prevention measures, devices, systems, and procedures to reduce the total generation of wastewater volume and pollutants.
5. Additional Resources.
A. Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance
B. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C. EPA Rules and Regulations
D. Federal Facilities Enforcement Office (FFEO)
E. EPA Office of Federal Activities - NEPA Review and International Enforcement/Compliance
F. The Yellow Book: Guide to Environmental Enforcement and Compliance at Federal Facilities