Download the EPA's Approval Letter
Download the MDEQ's Cover Letter

Download the 2004 Mercury Permitting Strategy

In February, 2000, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) implemented a mercury permitting strategy, including a multiple discharger variance, to address implementation of the Environmental Protection Agency's analytical Method 1631 in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits issued during Fiscal Years (FYs) 2000 to 2004.  The MDEQ has updated its strategy and multiple discharger variance for NPDES permits issued during FYs 2005-2009.  The updates to the Mercury Permitting Strategy include lowering the Level Currently Achievable (LCA) from 30 nanograms per liter (ng/l) to 10 ng/l and the option for reduced monitoring for facilities that average less than 5 ng/l of mercury in their discharge over a 12-month period.  The revised strategy will further the goal of attaining the mercury water quality standard of 1.3 ng/l through the reduced LCA and continued implementation of pollutant minimization plans.

Printed copies of the report are available through Denise Page at 517-335-6969, or Email at paged@michigan.gov.