EPA Proposes Draft NPDES Permit for General Electric facility in Pittsfield, Mass

Summary:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the General Electric (GE) facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The permit aims to regulate discharges of stormwater, groundwater, and potable water from 13 outfalls at the facility to the East Branch of the Housatonic River and Unkamet Brook. The permit sets limits for various pollutants, including Total Suspended Solids, pH, Oil and Grease, PCBs, and PFAS. It also requires Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize pollutant discharge and includes monitoring and reporting requirements for several parameters. The public is invited to comment on the draft permit until November 20, 2023, and a virtual public informational meeting and hearing are scheduled for November 8, 2023.