Groundwater Discharge program overview

The Groundwater Discharge Program regulates the discharge of treated wastewater to ground or groundwaters of the state under Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451 (NREPA) and the Part 22 Groundwater Quality Rules. Groundwater Discharge permits staff review applications for authorizations to discharge treated wastes and wastewaters to the ground or groundwaters of the state. Authorizations include permits and exemptions. Upon completion of an application review, Groundwater Discharge permits staff make a determination of appropriate action including issuance or denial of an authorization to discharge.

Groundwater Discharge compliance staff review permit-required reporting information and inspect discharge facilities to ensure legal requirements are being met. Groundwater Discharge compliance staff may also refer discharge facilities to appropriate EGLE staff for the construction of public sewerage systems under Part 41 of the NREPA and/or the storage of hazardous material under the Part 5 Rules issued under Part 31 of the NREPA.

The issuance of a Groundwater Discharge permit does not authorize violation of any federal, state or local laws or regulations, nor does it prevent the necessity of obtaining such permits, including any other EGLE permits, or approvals from other units of government as may be required by law.