Tribal Consultation

EPA’s Proposed Renewal of the Multi-Sector General Permit

Deadline: October 25, 2024

The U.S. EPA is initiating consultation and coordination with federally recognized Indian Tribes on the renewal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) for stormwater discharges associated with industrial activities under the Clean Water Act. EPA renews this permit every five years, and the current MSGP is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2026.

Under the Clean Water Act, specific categories of industrial activities listed in 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14) must obtain coverage under an NPDES permit for stormwater discharges. EPA is typically the NPDES permitting authority in Indian country. As a result, facilities with stormwater discharges from industrial activities in Indian country need permit coverage under EPA’s MSGP or under an individual NPDES permit issued by EPA. Industrial facilities intending to seek coverage under EPA's MSGP must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) certifying that they have met the permit’s eligibility conditions and that they will comply with the permit’s requirements. More information about the MSGP can be found at: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-industrial-activities. The consultation period for this action extends to August 30, 2024.

The deadline to submit comments is October 25, 2024. The EPA will hold two listening sessions via webinar for Tribal leaders and staff:

• September 18, 2024 (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET)
  Microsoft Teams Webinar Link: Join the meeting now
  Meeting ID: 283 185 477 625; Passcode: cqMiRK
  Teleconference Number: +1 206-800-4483, 34369275#
• September 19, 2024 (3:00 – 4:30 PM ET)
  Microsoft Teams Webinar Link: Join the meeting now
  Meeting ID: 262 316 844 659; Passcode: QFPTEa
  Teleconference Number: +1 206-800-4483, 713106800#

For additional information on this proposed MSGP permit renewal, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-industrial-activities