ARIZONA MINING PERMITTING GUIDE - AZGS Document Repository

Arizona Mining Permitting Guide
AZPDES Arizona Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit – Continued
per the settlement, runoff from waste rock dumps and haul roads constructed of waste rock,
which does not mix with other mine drainage, is now classified as stormwater and is therefore
no longer subject to compliance with the federal requirements promulgated at 40 C.F.R. 440.
TYPES OF PERMITS: The two basic types of AZPDES permits that can be issued are
individual and general permits. An individual permit is a permit specifically tailored for an
individual facility. A general permit covers multiple facilities within a specific category.
EPA has developed a general permit for industrial facilities discharging stormwater into
waters of the U.S. - the stormwater Multi Sector General Permit (MSGP). Mining operations
discharging only stormwater may apply for coverage under the MSGP. For discharges of
mine drainage, or for discharges of mine drainage mixed with stormwater, an individual
AZPDES permit is required. In any case, ADEQ has the discretion to determine which type
of permit (individual vs. general) would be most appropriate for a specific discharge and may
require a specific facility to apply for an individual permit for discharges of stormwater.
Definitions:
A “point source” may be defined as any pipe, channel, ditch, conduit or other discrete
conveyance through which pollutants are or may be discharged into waters of the U.S.
“Waters of the U.S.” are defined by EPA to include navigable waters, tributaries of navigable
waters, interstate waters, and intrastate lakes, rivers and streams. This includes ephemeral
streams (dry washes) and wetlands but generally not ground water. However, if there is a
discharge to ground water which results in a hydrologic connection to nearby surface waters,
ADEQ may require the discharger to apply for an AZPDES permit.
EXEMPTIONS:
Discharge of dredged or fill material regulated under section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Any discharge in compliance with the instructions of an on-scene coordinator under 40 C.F.R.
300 or 33 C.F.R. 153.10(e).
Discharges from conveyances used for collecting precipitation runoff from mining operations
which are composed entirely of non-contact stormwater uncontaminated by mining operations
and mine site materials except waste rock as noted above.
FEES:
There is no ADEQ fee at this time.
AVERAGE PROCESSING TIME:
Once a complete AZPDES permit application is received, processing time is generally
between six months to one year, depending on the complexity of the project.
FORMS:
Guidance and forms:
www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/permits/azpdes.html
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