During a recent meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) in Fairfield, Connecticut, significant discussions centered around the upcoming reissuance of the State of Connecticut's industrial user general permit. This permit, which is crucial for regulating industrial discharges into the sanitary sewer system, is set to be reissued by October 2025, and it will introduce several notable changes that could impact local management of wastewater.

The state has historically maintained a conservative approach to defining what constitutes a "significant industrial user." However, the new regulations will align more closely with federal definitions, potentially expanding the number of businesses classified as industrial users. This shift raises concerns for local authorities, as it may increase the administrative burden on the WPCA to monitor and manage these additional users.

Another significant change involves the removal of the PECHMM certification requirement for registrations under the permit. This means that applications may be submitted without prior review by a licensed professional, which could lead to challenges in ensuring compliance with environmental standards. The WPCA expressed concerns that this change could complicate their oversight responsibilities, as they will now need to manage registrations that lack state-level scrutiny.

Additionally, the state will now include groundwater remediation wastewater in the permit, which was previously governed by a separate general permit. This change means that municipalities will take on the responsibility of reviewing these registrations without the state's oversight, further increasing the workload for local authorities.

While the WPCA noted that Fairfield has not experienced significant industrial usage that has negatively impacted its wastewater treatment facility, there is a recognized need for a better understanding of the local industrial landscape. The commission discussed the possibility of conducting an industrial user survey to gain insights into who these users are and how they might affect the system.

In summary, the upcoming changes to the industrial user general permit present both challenges and responsibilities for the WPCA in Fairfield. As the state shifts its regulatory framework, local authorities will need to adapt to ensure compliance and protect the integrity of the community's wastewater management system. The WPCA's proactive approach in considering an industrial user survey reflects their commitment to understanding and managing these changes effectively.