CC-14-009: EPA – Water – Final Rule – Use of Sufficiently Sensitive Methods for Permit Applications and Reporting

The August 19, 2014, edition of the <em>Federal Register</em> contained a final rule requiring use of “sufficiently sensitive” analytical methods when preparing NPDES permit applications and in permit compliance monitoring programs. The term “sufficiently sensitive” pertains to methods with analytical quantification levels that are either low enough to quantify chemical concentrations in effluents or are below water quality criteria concentrations. The rule obligates NPDES permitting authorities to require use of sufficiently sensitive methods in permit applications and effluent compliance monitoring programs. This memo will be of interest to all companies with facilities that hold NPDES permits.