Georgia Mandates Outfall Identification
 
January 23, 2002
 

By November 15, 2002, all entities operating with NPDES permits for the discharge to any waters of the State of Georgia of treated processed wastewater, treated domestic sewage or cooling water in excess of one million gallons a day, must, with limited exceptions, identify all outfalls allowed by the permit with signage providing state mandated information. The information that must be stated is the type of discharge (Treated Wastewater, Treated Industrial Water or Cooling Water), the permit number, the outfall number and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s name and telephone number. In the case of outfalls discharging treated wastewater, the signage also must state the facility’s name and the owner’s telephone number.

The signs are required to be posted on or near the actual outfall and must be visible from the receiving water. Minimum sign size is set at 15 inches square and the sign must be made of durable materials. The permittee is required to maintain the sign. To be deemed in compliance with the regulation, the permittee must make a good faith documented effort at maintenance.

This regulation applies to outfalls allowed by individual permits and general permits. Permittees discharging under a general permit must apply to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to obtain a unique, five-digit number to use as the permit number on outfall identification signage.

For more information, contact Keith Reisman at 888-688-8500 or via e-mail at kreisman@hklaw.com.