The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended the comment period 30 days on the proposed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Discharges from Industrial Activities, also known as the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP). Comments are now due on Dec. 26. EPA is also seeking public comment until Dec. 16 on whether to require hazardous and nonhazardous landfills, deicing operations, and coal storage piles to acquire a MSGP. The EPA will be conducting an environmental assessment to see how this could affect the environment.

The 2013 draft MSGP released Sept. 27 is similar to the current permit issued in 2008, covering 30 industrial sectors. It will apply in locations where EPA is the NPDES permitting authority, including Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico. The Water Environment Federation is preparing comments on the draft MSGP. Read more.