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Industrial stormwater operator certification

As a result of the federal regulations governing stormwater discharges, the State of Michigan began issuing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit coverage for stormwater discharges associate with industrial activity in 1994. There are three types of NPDES permits authorizing the discharge of industrial stormwater available in Michigan: a general permit, a general permit that includes authorization for discharges from special use areas, or a site-specific individual permit. There are approximately 4,000 facilities operating in Michigan with industrial stormwater discharge authorization. 

All facilities that require industrial stormwater permit coverage must have an Industrial Stormwater (ISW) Certified Operator who has direct supervision over the stormwater treatment and/or control measures associated with the stormwater discharge.  The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division (WRD) through its Licensing and Technology Support Unit (LATS) manages the Industrial Stormwater Certification and Renewal Program.