Watershed Assessments and Watershed Protection Plans
Ensuring Environmental Compliance for Wastewater Treatment Facilities
At Riverbend Environmental, we specialize in the development and implementation of Watershed Assessments (WA) and Watershed Protection Plans (WPP) for Public Owned Treatment Works (POTWs). Our services are designed to assist cities, counties, and wastewater treatment facilities in meeting the regulatory requirements set forth by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD).
Understanding Watershed Assessments and Protection Plans
Wastewater treatment facilities play a crucial role in treating wastewater and safeguarding the environment. To operate legally, these facilities require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which often mandates the preparation of Watershed Assessments, Watershed Protection Plans, and Watershed Monitoring Plans.
Our Watershed Services
Watershed Assessment Development: We conduct comprehensive Watershed Assessments to evaluate the current state of the watershed and identify potential impacts from wastewater discharges.
Watershed Protection Plan Creation: Our team develops Watershed Protection Plans that outline strategies and actions to protect and improve the health of the watershed. These plans are tailored to meet the specific needs of each facility and comply with EPD guidelines.
Watershed Monitoring Plan Implementation: We design and implement Watershed Monitoring Plans to track the effectiveness of protection strategies and ensure ongoing compliance with environmental standards.
Annual Reporting: Our services include the preparation of Annual Reports for Watershed Protection Plans, ensuring that facilities meet their reporting obligations. These reports include certifications of plan implementation, data analysis, progress on BMPs, and any necessary updates to the plan.
Who Requires These Services?
- Facilities with a capacity of 1.0 MGD (million gallons per day) or greater.
- New wastewater treatment facilities.
- Facilities undergoing expansion.
Compliance and Permit Authorization
- The completion and approval of WA and WPP are enforceable through the facility’s NPDES or LAS permit.
- New or expanding facilities must have their WA and WPP approved by the EPD before receiving operational authorization.
Contact Riverbend Environmental Today
For expert assistance in developing and managing your Watershed Assessments and Protection Plans, contact Riverbend Environmental. Let us help you achieve and maintain compliance while contributing to the health and sustainability of your local watershed.
Our Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions reach out and a team member will get in touch with you.
A Watershed Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a watershed’s condition, focusing on understanding the impacts of wastewater discharges from treatment facilities on the surrounding environment.
A WPP outlines strategies and actions to protect and improve the health of a watershed affected by wastewater discharges. It’s a regulatory requirement for certain wastewater treatment facilities to ensure they operate without harming the environment.
Facilities with a capacity of 1.0 million gallons per day (MGD) or greater, new wastewater treatment facilities, and those undergoing expansion are typically required to develop these plans.
The EPD sets the guidelines for Watershed Assessments and Protection Plans and reviews these documents to ensure they meet regulatory standards. They also provide operational authorization for new or expanding facilities based on these plans.
Facilities are generally required to submit annual reports that include updates on the implementation of their WPP, any changes made to the plan, and progress on Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The annual report should contain a certification of the plan’s implementation, all relevant data from the watershed plan, and a progress report on BMPs and any modifications to the plan.