United States Office of Water
EPA830/R-85-901 Environmental Protection Enforcement and Permits
Agency Washington DC 20460
v>EPA NPDES
Self-Monitoring System
User Guide
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NPDES SELF-MONITORING SYSTEM
USER GUIDE
Office of Water
Office of Water Enforcement and Permits
January 1985
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EN-338
401 M Street S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
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DISCLAIMER
This manual has been reviewed by the Office of Water Enforcement and
Permits, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for
publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products constitutes
neither endorsement nor recommendation for use.
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NPDES
Self-Monitoring System
User Guide
Contents Page
Introduction 1
NPDES Program Authority 1
Legal Authority for NPDES Monitoring of Discharges 2
Inspection of NPDES Permittee Facilities 3
Meeting Permit Requirements 3
Organizing a Self-Monitoring Program 5
Elements of a Self-Monitoring System 5
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs) 10
Discharge Monitoring Report - Instructions for Completion 14
Checklist for Self-Monitoring 24
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide i January 1985
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INTRODUCTION
The major goal of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) program is to improve the nation's water quality by reducing or
eliminating pollutants from waste streams discharging directly into our
waterways. The major instrument used to achieve the goal is the NPDES
permit which sets limits on the pollutants in direct discharge effluents.
The permit then is a legally enforceable agreement between the regulatory
agency (EPA/State) and the direct dischargers on the quality of effluent
released into receiving waters. As with any agreement, in order to be
successful both parties must abide by their commitments. Over and above
this is the result that both permit issuer and permit holder become
integral participants in the drive for clean water.
This booklet is designed to assist the NPDES permittee in developing,
operating, and maintaining a self-monitoring system which will enable the
permittee, at a minimum to comply with permit requirements.
The amount of time spent each day on monitoring, recording, and reporting
will pay off in more efficient plant operation, and a higher quality
effluent, and will ultimately result in achieving the goal of improved
water quality.
NPDES Program Authority
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended by the Clean
Water Act of 1977, gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the
authority to regulate the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United
States. The Act provides broadly defined authority to establish the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program, to
define control technologies, to establish effluent limitations, to obtain
information through reporting and compliance inspections, and to take
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 1 January 1985
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enforcement actions (both civil and criminal) when violations of the Act
are found.
Legal Authority for NPDES Monitoring of Discharges
Dischargers of pollutants are issued permits under Section 402 of the Act
that set specific limits and operating conditions to be met by the
permittee. The Act authorizes inspections and monitoring to determine
whether or not NPDES permit conditions are being met. It provides for two
types of monitoring:
o Self-monitoring, where the facility must monitor itself; and
o Compliance monitoring, which may consist of checking and/or
inspecting the self-monitoring program or monitoring conducted by
the regulatory agency.
Inspection Authority
According to Section 308 of the Act, EPA may request and collect informa-
tion by various means including the conduct of an inspection wherever there
is an existing NPDES permit, or where a discharge exists or is likely to
exist and no permit has been issued.
State Program Authority
Much of the compliance monitoring in the NPDES program takes place at the
State level. The Clean Water Act provides for the transfer of Federal
program authority to the States to conduct NPDES permit compliance monitor-
ing. EPA Regional Administrators and some State water pollution control
agencies have signed formal cooperative agreements that ensure timely,
accurate monitoring of compliance with permit conditions.
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 2 January 1985
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Inspection of NPDES Permittee Facilities
Under the NPDES program the regulatory agency may conduct inspections of
permittee facilities to verify that permit requirements are being met.
Inspections may be limited and routine unless suspected violations of per-
mit requirements are uncovered, at which point a more in-depth investiga-
tion may follow. Inspections are conducted by trained, qualified inspec-
tors whose main responsibilities are to gather information that can be used
to determine compliance with permit conditions, applicable regulations, and
other requirements. Inspections conducted under the NPDES program extend
to all things relating to compliance with the permit, including files,
operating logs, and records; and treatment processes, controls, and
facilities.
Meeting Permit Requirements
Introduction
The permits issued under the NPDES program impose precise and detailed
pollution control requirements on direct dischargers. Permits are written
so that they:
o Limit discharges of effluents based on national technology-based
guidelines and, where necessary, on water quality standards;
o Require permittees to monitor their discharges and report results
and any violations to the permitting agency; and
o Where necessary, impose compliance schedules that the permittee
must adhere to in abating pollution and in complying with specified
effluent limitations.
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 3 January 1985
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The permittee is responsible for understanding and meeting all permit
requirements.
Self-Monitoring Responsibilities
The permit stipulates the self-monitoring requirements that are the respon-
sibility of the discharger. Typically, this portion of the permit sets
forth the frequency and type of sampling (grab and/or composite) require-
ments, as well as the flow monitoring, analytical, and data reporting
requirements. The required information obtained by the permittee's self-
monitoring program is reported to the permitting agency generally through
the submission of a Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR). The DMR is
submitted to the permitting agency on a specific schedule delineated in the
permit. The validity, or quality, of the DMR data is the responsibility of
the permittee and is a direct result of the adequacy and functioning of the
permittee's self-monitoring program. For the program to function properly,
it must be organized in a way that provides correct and reliable data and
the appropriate responses required by the permit.
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 4 January 1985
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ORGANIZING A SELF-MONITORING PROGRAM
The overall objectives of a self-monitoring program are to collect,
analyze, and report accurate data that is representative of the actual
discharge(s) as required by the permit and to produce the data necessary to
determine facility compliance with permit effluent limitations.
A properly organized and maintained program will aid in:
o Identifying problem areas that could result in noncompliance
situations;
o Rapidly discovering and rectifying noncompliance episodes;
o Reporting noncompliance as required by the permit;
o Reporting accurate and timely self-monitoring data via the DMR;
o Reporting other permit required data; and
o Establishing a consistent, regular program of self-monitoring
evaluation.
Elements of a Self-Monitoring System
A self-monitoring program can be viewed as an organized system of compo-
nents, typically including sampling, flow measurement, laboratory and field
analyses, recordkeeping, reporting, and data quality assurance. It con-
sists of both technical and administrative activities, which are of equal
importance to the smooth and proper operation of the program and to meeting
permit requirements. There are certain generic elements common to develop-
ing and maintaining a successful self-monitoring program; these elements
are:
o Reviewing permit requirements and setting program objectives;
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 5 January 1985
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o Establishing staff training;
o Developing a quality assurance (QA) plan; and
o Conducting periodic evaluations of the program.
Reviewing Permit Requirements and Setting Program Objectives
The specific elements of the self-monitoring program are stipulated in the
permit. The general areas of concern in setting the program objectives
are:
o Effluent limitations (qualitative and quantitative)—for example,
average and maximum concentrations and average and maximum daily
loads.
o Self-monitoring requirements—location, frequency, and type of
sampling (grab or composite), flow monitoring, methods of analysis,
and data reporting requirements (including noncompliance
incidents).
The program objectives are set so that self-monitoring will yield accurate
data on the quality of the effluent in accordance with the requirements in
the permit. Therefore, an acceptable self-monitoring program will include:
o Frequency and type of effluent sampling at permit-specified
locations;
o Flow measurements;
o Sample analysis to determine effluent quality;
o Accurate recordkeeping for all activities specified in the permit;
o Data reporting via the DMR in the manner specified in the permit;
and
o Other reporting as required by the permit.
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 6 January 1985
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Staff Training
A capable and qualified staff is a basic requirement of a self-monitoring
program. It is the responsibility of the permittee to ensure that the
staff is properly trained and qualified to perform the activities and
report the results in accordance with the permit requirements. This holds
true whether the facility uses its own staff or outside consultants.
When developing in-house or selecting outside training programs, the
following instruction areas should be considered:
o Sampling (including proper preservation methods) and flow
measurement procedures;
o Laboratory procedures, including proper sample handling, analysis,
quality control, data manipulation, and recordkeeping and reporting
procedures;
o Proper use of instruments and equipmment including appropriate
calibration procedures and schedules;
o Preventive maintenance practices;
o Equipment trouble-shooting; and
o Safety procedures, including handling emergencies.
Various relevant training alternatives are sponsored by regulatory
agencies, industry associations, professional societies, and colleges and
universities. If required by the regulatory agency, proper certification
and/or license must be obtained.
NPDES Self-Monitoring Systea User Guide 7 January 1985
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Taking Into consideration the technical and procedural training aspects
discussed above, the overall facility training program should be organized
so that it includes the following elements:
o Orienting new staff;
o Training new supervisors;
o Training new technicians;
o Continued training and updating of existing staff; and
o Cross-training staff members to provide backup.
Developing a Quality Assurance (QA) Plan
The establishment of an effective QA plan is essential to the proper
functioning of an NPDES self-monitoring program. The overall objective of
the QA plan is to ensure the production and reporting of accurate data to
the regulatory agency. It also provides data that facility management can
use to assess the performance of the facility.
The QA plan must consider and integrate all elements of the self-monitoring
program, both administrative and technical. In general the QA plan should
cover the following elements:
o Sample collection
- Proper sampling procedures and equipment used
- Sample type, frequency, method, and location in accordance with
permit requirements
- Sample preservation procedures currently accepted by regulatory
agency
- Sampling activity records
- Control checks (duplicate samples, split samples, spike samples,
and sample preservative blanks) performed during the actual
sample collection to determine the accuracy of the sample
collection system
- Proper procedure and schedule used for calibration and
maintenance of automatic samplers
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 8 January 1985
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o Flow measurement
- Functioning of primary and secondary measurement devices
- Procedures and schedule for calibrating secondary devices
- Regular maintenance and inspection of primary device
- Documentation of flow measurements and associated activities
- Evaluation of accuracy and precision of flow measurement devices
o Laboratory operations
- Proper sample handling procedures
- Sample analysis procedures currently accepted by regulatory
agency
- Proper procedures and schedule used for calibration and
maintenance of instruments and ancillary equipment
- Accuracy and precision of analyses monitored
- Proper staff training
- All above activities accurately documented
o Recordkeeping and reporting
- Recordkeeping and reporting in accordance with permit
requirements
- Recordkeeping system organized to facilitate retrieval
- Recordkeeping system organized to produce accurate and complete
reports (especially DMRs) when required
Periodic Evaluation of Self-Monitoring Program
Integral to the efficient continued functioning of the self-monitoring
program is the establishment of procedures and a regular schedule of
program evalution. The following elements should be included:
o Confirm that sampling and flow measurement equipment is being
maintained properly;
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 9 January 1985
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o Verify that analyses are being performed properly and equipment is
in good working order;
o Verify that currently approved analytical methods are being used;
o Verify that proper quality control procedures are being employed;
and
o Verify that recordkeeping and reporting systems are being
maintained properly.
The checklists that appear at the end of this booklet can be used in con-
ducting self-evaluation and periodic checks on the various components of
the self-monitoring program.
Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs)
The DMR is a routine compliance report that gives a summary of the quality
and/or quantity of the permittee's discharge. The DMR is submitted to the
regulatory agency in accordance with a schedule which is stipulated in the
permit, usually monthly or quarterly. It provides data on facility flow,
sample collection, and analytical results. It is extremely important that
the data reported on the DMR be accurate and timely because the reported
data will be compared with permit effluent limitations to determine
facility compliance.
How to Use the Discharge Monitoring Report Form
A Discharge Monitoring Report Form (Figure 1) is used for the routine
reporting of effluent compliance data. This form generally is completed
each month for each permitted discharge having specific effluent
limitations and/or monitoring requirements.
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 10 January 1985
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Although the permit may limit pollutants on a 30-consecutive day average
and a 7-consecutive day average, to simplify reporting procedures, it is
acceptable to report the 30 day average as the average for the calendar
month. Likewise, the 7-consecutive day average may be reported as the
average for each calendar week ending during the month.
Detailed instructions for completing the form and performing relevant
calculations follow the sample form.
NPDES Self-Monitoring Systea User Guide 11 January 1985
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GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
I. If form has been partially completed by preprinting, disregard instructions directed at entry of that information already preprinted.
2. Enter ••PERMITTEE NAME/MAILING ADDRESS (and facility name/location, if different)." "PERMIT NUMBER." and "DISCHARGE
NUMBER" where indicated. (A separate form is required for each discharge.)
3. Enter dates beginning and ending "MONITORING PERIOD" covered by form where indicated.
4. Enter each "PARAMETER" as specified in monitoring requirements of permit.
- 5. Enter "SAMPl E MEASUREMENT" data for each parameter under'QUANTITY" and "QUALITY" in units specified in permit.
"AVERAGE" is normally arithmetic average (geometric average for bacterial parameters) of all sample measurements for each parameter
obtained during "MONITORING PERIOD/' "MAXIMUM" and "MINIMUM" are normally extreme high and low measurements
obtained during "MONITORING PERIOD." (NOTE to municipals with secondaiy treatment requirement, enter 30-day average of sample
measurements under "AVERAGE" and enter maximum 7-day average of sample measurements obtained during monitoring period under
"MAXIMUM".
6. Enter "PERMIT REQUIREMENT' for each parameter under "QUANTITY" and "QUALITY" as specified in permit.
7. Under "NO. EX" enter number of sample measurements during monitoring period that exceed maximum (and/or minimum or 7-day
average as appropriate) permit reqr;'ement for each parameter. If none, enter "0".
8. Enter "FREQUENCY OF ANALYSIS" both as "SAMPLE MEASUREMENT' (actual frequency of sampling and analysis used during
monitoring period) and as "PERMIT REQUIREMENT' specified in permit, (e.g.. Enter "CONT." for continuous monitoring.
•'1/7" for one day per week. "1/30" for one day per month. "1/90" for one day per quarter, etc.)
9. Enter "SAMPLE TYPE" both as "SAMPLE MEASUREMENT' (actual sample type used during monitoring period» and as
"PERMIT REQUIREMENT." (e.g.. Enter "GRAB" for individual sample. "24HC" for 24-hour composite. "N/A" for continuous
monitoring, etc.)
(X8UIJ 3d3H O.1OJ)
10. WHERE VIOLATIONS OF PERMIT REQUIREMENTS ARE RFPORTED. ATTACH A BRIEF EXPLANATION TO DESCRIBE
CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS TAKEN. REFERENCE FACH VIOLATION BY DATE.
II. If "no discharge" occurs during monitoring period, enter "NO DISCHARGE" across form in place of data entry.
12. Enter "NAMF/TITLE OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER" with "SIGNATURE OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR
AUTHORIZED AGENT." "TELEPHONE NUMBER" and "DATE at bottom of form.
13. Mail signed Report to Office I-,) by dale(s) specified in permit. Retain copy for >our records.
14. More detailed instructions for use'of this DISCHARGE MONITORING REPORT (DMR) form may be obtained from Office(s)
specified in permit.
LEGAL NOTICE
This report is required by law (33 U.S.C. 13IS: 40 C.F.R. 125.27). Failure to report or failure to report truthfully can result in civil penalties not
to exceed $10.000 per day of violation: or in criminal penalties not to exceed $25.000 per da\ of violation, or hy imprisonment for not more than-
one year, or by both.
QNO33S 3U3H O1OJ
31dVJLS
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Discharge Monitoring Report
Instructions for Completion
(See Figure 1)
1. Permittee Name/Address - Record name and address of permittee. If
different, the name and location of the treatment facility should
also be recorded.
2. Permit Number - Record the State abbreviation and permit number, as
it appears in the upper right hand corner of the permit.
3. Discharge Number - Record the number as stated in the permit for the
actual discharge being reported. Usually, the effluent pipe from
a treatment plant is designated as "001" (Use three digits).
4. Monitoring Period - Record the dates for the beginning and end of
the monitoring period. Specify "YEAR, MO, DAY" (e.g. 84/04/29).
Monitoring period is from the first day to the last day of the
calendar month.
5. Parameter - Enter the parameters specified in the permit, one para-
meter per box. Include any applicable special conditions.
6. Sample Measurement - Enter sample measurement data for each parame-
ter under "Quantity or Loading" or "Quality or Concentration" in
accordance with permit limitations. Indicate units as specified in
permit. "Average" is normally arithmetic average (geometric average
for bacterial parameters) of all sample measurements for each
parameter obtained during the monitoring period. "Maximum" and
"Minimum" are normally extreme high and low measurements obtained
during the monitoring period. (Municipals with secondary treatment
requirement should enter 30-day average of sample measurements under
"Average" and enter maximum 7-day average of sample measurements
obtained during monitoring period under "Maximum." (See instruction
"for example calculations.")
NPDKS Self-Monitoring System User Guide 14 January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
7. Permit Requirement - Enter requirement for each parameter as
specified in the permit under "Quality or Loading" or "Quality or
Concentration".
8. No, Ex. (Number of Exceptions). Enter the number of sample
measurements as calculated values for the monitoring period that
exceed (maximum and/or minimum, 7-day average, etc.) the permit
requirements for each parameter. The number should be the total of
all exceptions during the reporting period—includes loading and
quality or concentration limits. If none, enter "0".
9. Frequency of Analysis - Enter frequency of analysis which is the
actual frequency of sampling and analysis used during the monitoring
period; the minimum is as specified in permit. Enter "CONT" for
continuous monitoring, "01/07" for one day per week, "01/30" for one
day per month, "01/90" for one day per quarter, etc.
10. Sample Type - Enter the sample type both as Sample Measurement
(actual sample type used during monitoring period) and as Permit
Requirement. Enter "GRAB" for individual sample, "24HC" for 24-hour
composite, "N/A" for continuous monitoring.
11. Completion of Reported Values. After entering each parameter, and
the permit conditions for each, the values must be computed. Listed
below are sample calculations.
a. Quality or Concentration. As an example, complete the concen-
tration (mg/L) for BODs. Table 1, page 15, "Monthly Monitoring
Data", lists five 8005 tests for the month reported. The values
are 19, 6, 11, 7, and 10 mg/L. The average concentration of
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 15 January 1985
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Monthly
Table 1
Monitoring Data
(December 1982)
(Sample)
Flow BODs TSS pH
1st Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
2nd Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
3rd Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
4th Week
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
5th Week
Mon
Tue
Date
12/1
12/2
12/3
12/4
12/5
12/6
12/7
12/8
12/9
12/10
12/11
12/12
12/13
12/14
12/15
12/16
12/17
12/18
12/19
12/20
12/21
12/22
12/23
12/24
12/25
12/26
12/27
12/28
12/29
12/30
.50
.32
.33 19
.33
.43
.34
.25
.58
.47 6
.42
.37
.46
.32
.27
.62
.61
.61
.60 11
.46
.36
.40
.52 7
.40 10
.38
.45
.42
.39
.42
.64
.45
7.3
7.7
34 7.4
7.6
6.8
7.2
7.4
7.6
3 7.4
7.0
6.6
6.8
7.0
7.0
7.4
7.5
6.9
15 7.3
6.8
7.2
7.4
6 6.8
7.2
6.9
7.0
7.1
7.2
7.0
6.8
7.2
C12
2.3/1.5
1.8/1.6
2.3/2.3
2.0/2.0
2.3/1.9
1.7/1.6
1.7/1.7
0.2/1.8
1.7/1.8
0.0/1.6
2.0/2.1
1.8/2.0
1.9/1.9
1.7/1.8
1.6/1.8
2.1/2.0
1.9/2.0
1.6/1.8
1.6/1.7
1.6/1.9
1.8/1.7
0.0/0.0
0.3/1.8
1.9/2.1
2.0/1.9
1.8/2.3
1.6/1.8
1.7/1.9
1.7/1.9
2.0/1.8
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide
16
January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
10.6 mg/L was determined by adding these five values and
dividing by the number of values.
The highest concentration (19 mg/L) and the monthly average
concentration (10.6 mg/L) are entered on the monthly monitoring
report as maximum and average concentration, respectively. The
total number of exceptions (permit conditions exceeded) for
average and maximum concentrations must be entered in the "No.
Ex." boxes on the report for each parameter. In the sample
illustration, there were no noncompliances of the permit condi-
tions, thus, no exceptions. The "average" figure reported will
correlate with the "average monthly" limit in the discharge
permit and the "maximum" figure reported will correlate with the
"maximum daily-maximum instantaneous concentration" limits in
the discharge permit.
Use the above procedures for calculating and reporting concen-
trations (mg/L) for total suspended solids, phosphorus, ammonia,
metals, etc.
b. Quantity or Loadings (Ibs/day or kg/day). The "average monthly
discharge" is the total of the daily loads (in pounds) as
derived from each day's calculated measurement divided by the
number of days during the month the measurements were made. In
completing calculations for these averages, quantities or load-
ings are to be reported in Ibs/day or kg/day using the following
equations:
Quantity (Ibs/dy) = Flow (MGD) x cone. (mg/L) x 8.34 (Ibs/gal)
Quantity (kg/dy) = Flow (MGD) x cone. (mg/L) x 3.79 (kg/gal)
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 17 January 1985
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Table 2
5-Day Biochemical Oxygen Demand (8005)
(Sample Calculation)
Flow (MGD) x
1st Week
Wed
2nd Week
Tue
3rd Week
Thu
4th Week
Mon
Tue
Daily Average
Maximum
.33
.47
.60
.52
.40
= 52.29 + 23.52
= 55.0 Ibs/dy
BODS (mg/1) x
19
6
11
7
10
+ 55.04 + 30.
5
BOD5 Daily Average Loading
8005 Maximum Daily Loading
8.34 (Ibs/gal) = Quantity
8.34 52.29
8.34 23.52
8.34 55.04
8.34 30.36
8.34 33.36
36 + 33.36 - 194.57 - 38.9
5
(Ibs/dy) = 38.9 Ibs/dy
(Ibs/dy) = 55.0 Ibs/dy
(Ibs/dy)
(highest)
Ibs/dy
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
(Sample Calculation)
Flow (MGD) x TSS (mg/1) x 8.34 (Ibs/gal) = Quantity (Ibs/dy)
1st Week
Wed
2nd Week
Tue
3rd Week
Thu
4th Week
Mon
.33
.47
.60
.52
34
15
8.34
8.34
8.34
8.34
93.57 (highest)
11.76
75.06
26.02
Monthly Average = 93.57 + 11.76 + 75.06 + 26.02 = 206.41
4 4
Maximum = 93.57 Ibs/dy
51.6 Ibs/dy
TSS Daily Average Loading (Ibs/dy) =• 51.6 Ibs/dy
TSS Maximum Dialy Loading (Ibs/dy) = 93.6 Ibs/dy
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide
18
January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
Enter the average monthly loading for 8005 (38.9 Ibs/dy in the
Table 2 example) and the maximum daily loading (55.0 Ibs/dy) on
the DMR as "average" and "maximum", respectively. The total
number of exceptions (permit conditions exceeded) for the
average and maximum must be entered in the "No. Ex." box on the
report. As with BOD5, Total Suspended Solids averages are
entered on the DMR. (Table 2, lower, illustrates TSS
calculations.)
c. Flow. When flow is to be monitored the average monthly flow is
the average of all the daily determinations of flow made during
the monthly reporting period. The flow from the sample
illustration (Table 1) was computed to be 0.44 MGD. The daily
maximum flow is the highest daily flow observed during the
monthly reporting period. This was 0.64 MGD which occurred on
Monday of the 5th week in the sample illustration. The monthly
average and daily maximum flow should be determined from avail-
able data. Daily flow and concentration are used in calculating
loadings. Enter both these two values on the report form. The
total number of exceptions (permit conditions exceeded) for
average flow must be entered in the "NO. EX" box on the report.
d. pH (Standard Units, S.U.). The minimum and the maximum values
for pH allowed in a discharge permit are usually listed toward
the bottom of the "Effluent Limitations" page. Reported values
should be extremes only, of all the test values determined
during the reporting month. (Reference to the sample monitoring
data [Table 1] indicates that the maximum pH is 7.7 S.U. and the
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 19 January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
minimum is 6.6 S.U.) Enter these values on the monthly report
along with the number of noncompliances (exceptions).
e. Total Chlorine Residual. The total chlorine residual concentra-
tions (mg/L) reported are the maximum and minimum values only,
of all the determinations made during the reporting month.
(Reference to the sample monitoring data [Table 1] indicates
indicates that the maximum total chlorine residual (C^) is 2.3
mg/L and the minimum is 0.0 mg/L.) Enter these values on the
monthly report after "Total Chlorine Residual," along with
number of exceptions.
12. Complete the bottom of the monitoring report with the name and title
of the principal executive officer, the date and the telephone
number, along with the signature of the principal executive officer
or authorized agent. Mail to the appropriate regulatory agency
listed in the permit.
13. All limited parameters, as well as any parameters with monitoring
requirements listed in the permit currently in effect must be
reported.
14. All monitoring requirements of the permit are minimum requirements.
The results of any additional monitoring of parameters at the
location(s) designated in the permit, using approved analytical
methods, must be included in the monthly monitoring report. Such
increased frequency should also be indicated in the report.
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 20 January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
15. If no discharge occurs during the month, a report must still be
submitted, simply enter "No Discharge" across the face of the report
for that reporting month,
16. Definitions;
a. Average monthly discharge limitation means the highest allowable
average of "daily discharges" over a calendar month, calculated
as the sum of all "daily discharges" measured during a calendar
month divided by the number of "daily discharges" measured
during that month.
b. Average weekly discharge limitation means the highest allowable
average of "daily discharges" over a seven day period calculated
as the sum of all "daily discharges" measured during that period
divided by the number of "daily discharges" measured during that
week.
c. Maximum daily discharge limitation means the highest allowable
"daily discharge."
d. Minimum or Maximum Value. The lowest or highest value measured
during the month.
e. Composite Sample. A combination of individual samples
(aliquots) obtained at intervals over a time period. If any
instantaneous flow varies by more than 15% from the average, the
composite sample must be proportional to flow. Either the
volume of each individual sample is proportional to the
discharge flow rate or the sampling interval is proportional to
NPDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 21 January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
the flow rates over the time period used. For a continuous
discharge, a minimum of 8 individual grab samples should be
collected and combined to constitute a 24-hour composite
sample. Composite sampling protocols delineated in the permit
take precedence.
f. Grab Sample. An individual sample collected in less than 15
minutes.
17. Twenty-Four Hour Reporting
The permittee shall report any noncompliance which may endanger
health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally
within 24 hours from the time the permittee becames aware of the
circumstances. A written submission shall also be provided within 5
days of the time the permittee becomes aware of the circumstances.
The written submission shall contain a description of the noncompli-
ance and its cause; the period of noncompliance, including exact
dates and times, and if the non.i;->mpliance has not been corrected,
the anticipated time it is expected to continue; and steps taken or
planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the
noncompliance.
The following shall be included as information which must be
reported within 24 hours under this paragraph.
a. Any unanticipated bypass which exceeds any effluent limitation
in the permit.
b. Any upset which exceeds any effluent limitation in the permit.
NFDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 22 January 1985
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Discharge Monitoring Report Instructions (cont'd)
c. Violation of a maximum daily discharge limitation for any of the
pollutants listed by the Director in the permit to be reported
within 24 hours.
The Director may waive the written report on a case-by-case basis if
the oral report has been received within 24 hours.
NFDES Self-Monitoring System User Guide 23 January 1985
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Checklist for Self-*fonitoring
A. Pemdt Verification
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
1. Name, mailing address, and telephone numbers on permit are correct.
2. Facility is correctly described in permit.
3. Notification has been given to EPA/State of new, different, increased discharges.
4. Number and location of discharge points are as described Li the permit.
5. Name and location of receiving waters are correct.
6. All discharges are permitted.
B. Recondfceeping and Reporting
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Records and Reports are Maintained as Required by Permit
1. All required information is available, complete, and current; and
2. Information is maintained for required period (3 years).
3. The data reported on the EMRs are consistent with analytical results.
4. Sampling and Analysis Data are adequate and include:
a. Dates, times, location of sampling
b. Natne(s) of individual(s) performing sampling
c. Analytical methods and techniques used
d. Results of analysis
e. Dates and times that analysis began
f . Name of personnel performing analysis
g. Instantaneous flow at grab sample stations
h. 24-hour flow for composite samples
5. Monitoring records are adequate aid include
a. Flow, pH, D.O. , etc. as required by permit
b. Monitoring strip charts
6. Laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance records are adequate.
NTOES Self^fonitoring System User Guide
24
January 1985
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C. Sampling Evaluation
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
1. Samples are taken at sites specified in permit.
2. Locations are adequate for representative samples.
3. Flow proportioned samples are obtained where required by permit.
4. Parameters and sampling frequency comply with permit.
5. Mathod of sample collection required by permit is being used.
Required Tfethod:
( ) Grab ( ) ^fenual composite ( )
( ) Automatic composite
6. Sample collection procedures are adequate:
a. Samples refrigerated during compositing
b. Proper preservation techniques used
c. Containers and sample holding times before analyses conform with 40 CFR 136.3
7 Monitoring and analyses are performed more often than required by permit. If so,
results reported in self-monitoring report.
D. Ml Completion
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
Yes No N/A
1. All data that are collected are summarized on the EMR.
2. Monthly and weekly average loading values are calculated using daily loading
information.
3. Bacteria data are summarized as a geometric mean where required by permit.
4. The maximum and raininun values of all data points are reported where required by
permit.
5. The number of exceptions column (No. Ex.) is completed properly.
NEDES Self-MonitoriEg System User Guide
£11.8. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE; 1985 "t61 218 2000"f
25
January 1985
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