Section 283.35. General permits.

 

(1)   Authorization. Instead of issuing a separate permit to an individual point source, the department may issue a general permit applicable to a designated area of the state authorizing discharges from specified categories or classes of point sources located within that area.

(1m)   Ballast water discharges.

(a) The department may issue a general permit authorizing a vessel that is 79 feet or greater in length to discharge ballast water into the waters of the state. A general permit issued under this subsection may contain effluent limitations.

(b) If the department issues a general permit under par. (a) , the department shall charge the following fees:

1. An application fee of $1,200 to be paid by any person who applies for coverage under a general permit issued under this subsection.

2. An annual fee of $345 to be paid upon initial coverage under the permit and annually thereafter.

(e) Coverage under a general permit issued under this subsection is valid for a period of 5 years. The department may renew coverage under a general permit issued under this subsection upon application.

(f) The department shall credit the fees collected under this subsection to the appropriation account under s. 20.370 (4) (aj) .

(2)   Voluntary withdrawal. Upon the request of the owner or operator of a point source, the department shall withdraw the point source from the coverage of the general permit and issue a separate permit for that source.

(3)   Withdrawal. The department may withdraw a point source from the coverage of a general permit and issue a separate permit for that source if:

(a) The point source is a significant contributor of pollution;

(b) The point source is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of the general permit;

(c) A change occurs in the availability of demonstrated technology or practices for the control or abatement of pollutants from the point source;

(d) Effluent limitations or standards are promulgated for a point source covered by the general permit after the issuance of that permit; or

(e) A water quality management plan containing requirements applicable to the point source is approved.

1979 c. 221 ; 1995 a. 227 s. 853 ; Stats. 1995 s. 283.35; 2009 a. 28 ; 2013 a. 20 ; 2015 a. 55 .