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Upcoming Permit Renewal For BP Amoco Former Refinery
BP (formerly known as Amoco) is applying for a renewal of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. This NPDES permit is for storm water issues only; groundwater issues at this site are being addressed by Corrective Action measures under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Storm water that falls on the former refinery and the surrounding area reaches Sugar Creek, the Missouri River and other nearby creeks. The water comes from runoff from the former refinery, the Burlington Northern – Santa Fe railroad, city streets and smaller forested tributaries. Typically NPDES permits only include issues concerning the property owner. However this site has a varied topography which includes influences from outside potential contributing sources for some of the monitoring requirements. Surface water from these potential sources flows over the former refinery property before reaching the creeks or river. The permit sets limits for the amount of additional pollutants from the BP property which can be in the water that reaches the creeks or river.
The State of Missouri issues permits for a 5 year period. Soon BP will apply for a renewal of their NPDES permit. BP made an application prior to the end of their currently expired permit. However during two separate drafts and public comment periods, it became apparent that a more in-depth application needed to be submitted. The new application will take into account a deeper scope of issues than the previous NPDES permit addressed. Once the new application is received, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) will hold a public availability session prior to the start of a 30-day comment period.
Prior to the public availability session, a draft copy of the permit application will be available to the public by email. To receive a copy of the application by email contact Phil Schroeder at nrschrp@mail.dnr.state.mo.us or Jim Macy at nrmacyj@mail.dnr.state.mo.us. Paper copies of the permit application will also be made available to those wishing to attend the public availability session. To request a copy of the permit application, call Jim Macy at 816-622-7000. The public availability session will be designed to inform concerned parties about the permit process and to give an overview about the details of this particular permit application.
After the public availability session, the public will be invited to submit written comments on the proposed permit concerning surface water quality issues. Written comments will be responded to by MDNR in writing. To be considered by MDNR, any comments must be received within the official 30 day comment period. After consideration of public comments, MDNR will issue a permit to BP.
MDNR will consider all public comments and address those comments in a response letter or by amending the proposed permit. If the permit is amended, then the permit may be re-public noticed. This means that the public would have the opportunity to further comment on the amended permit. The permit will specify how often water samples will be taken, what the water will be tested for, and the acceptable limits of the water before it enters the creeks or river. It will also specify sampling locations and conditions for taking a sample.
The regulations governing this application process can provide for a formal public hearing if sufficient water quality information is gathered after the 30 day comment period. A decision on whether or not to hold a formal public hearing will be made by MDNR after public comments are received.
MDNR will announce the public availability session in the Independence Examiner and post notices in the Sugar Creek Library and at the Sugar Creek City Hall. This information will also be made available at the MDNR Kansas City Regional Office in Lee's Summit (816-622-7000). If you need more information contact Mr. Phillip Schroeder, NPDES Permit Section Chief, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Water Pollution Control Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Mr. Schroeder may also be reached by telephone at 573-751-1300.
Copies of all draft permits, comments, and other information including copies of applicable regulations are available for inspection and copying at MDNR's website, http://www.dnr.mo.gov/, or at 205 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Terrie Boguski
TOSC Program Coordinator
913-780-3328
