• AIR PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

The Division supports the Air Program through the operation and maintenance of manual and automated, semi-continuous and continuous ambient air quality monitors; the visual inspection of permitted emission sources; the inspection of asbestos removal projects; the investigation of air related complaints and releases; and the observation of facility conducted stack tests. The ambient monitoring network maintained by the Division consists of discrete sampling sites for ozone, particulates (PM2.5 and PM10), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, and precipitation.

For Current Air Quality Data

• COMPLIANCE MONITORING PROGRAM

The Compliance Monitoring Program utilizes compliance sampling inspections (CSI), performance audit inspections (PAI), and reconnaissance inspections (RI) to assess the compliance of municipal and industrial facilities with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. During a CSI, samples are collected from the facility discharge and subjected to chemical and bacteriological analysis. The results of these analyses are used to determine compliance with the permitted discharge limitations, validate the self-monitoring reports submitted by the facility, determine the quantity and quality of the discharge, develop future permits, and provide evidence for enforcement proceedings.

• FISH KILL BIANNUAL REPORT

As part of its’ emergency response program, the ADEM investigates reported fish kills. These investigations are usually conducted in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). The purpose of the investigation is to determine the cause and severity of the kill. Often an investigation is inhibited by the time between the actual time of the kill and the receipt of the report by the appropriate authorities.

Depending on the given situation, a fish kill investigation may include the following: soil, water, and fish tissue sampling for laboratory analysis; on-site measurements of chemical and physical water quality parameters; interviews with associated residents and fishermen; and finally, a total count of individual fish killed and species involved. If a cause can be determined and regulatory action is deemed appropriate, the State Attorney General’s Office is authorized to recover, at a minimum, the monetary value of the fish killed for the purpose of restocking the waterbody by the ADCNR.

 

• BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR FORESTRY (TIMBER HARVESTING)

The Department has a long-standing and continuing compliance program relative to the implementation of effective best management practices (BMPs) associated with timber harvesting forestry activities, including road construction associated with these harvesting operations. 

         The Department’s Field Operations Division staff and Alabama Forestry Commission staff work cooperatively to promote forestry (silviculture) BMP implementation, conduct compliance assistance for forestry operators, perform routine evaluations of forestry activities statewide, respond to citizen complaints in a timely manner, achieve voluntary implementation of BMPs where possible, and the Department requires implementation of BMPs though compliance assurance activities, as necessary.  In addition, Field Operations Division staff independently perform compliance inspections of forestry operations and initiate appropriate compliance activities as needed in order to ensure that effective forestry BMPs are implemented and maintained to ensure the protection of water quality. 

Alabama’s Best Management Practices For Forestry document can be obtained from the Alabama Forestry Commission, or viewed/downloaded at www.forestry.state.al.us/bmps.htm.

 If you have any questions, wish to file a complaint related to BMP implementation or potential water quality impacts, or want to request additional information regarding water quality requirements relative to forestry timber harvesting operations, please contact ADEM at:

Mining & Nonpoint Source Section
Field Operations Division
Phone:   334-394-4311
Facsimile:  334-394-4326
mnps@adem.state.al.us 

 

UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL (UIC) SAMPLING INSPECTION PROGRAM The function of the Underground Injection Control sampling program is to verify that facilities are conforming to the limits contained in their wastewater disposal permit and/or to determine the constituents of any wastewater being disposed of in this manner. The Division is responsible for conducting monitoring activities at UIC facilities.

UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) INSPECTION PROGRAM The Division supports the Underground Storage Tank Program by conducting UST inspections and compliance activities out of the Birmingham, Decatur and Mobile Field Offices. This includes the inspection of new installations, upgrades, closures, and releases that occur from regulated storage tanks. These inspections provide the information to maintain a comprehensive UST database and are the primary mechanism for determining if the USTs are compliant with state regulations.

• CLEAN WATER ACT (CWA) SECTION 401 WATER QUALITY CERTIFICATIONS

Section 401(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. Section 1251, et seq., requires that certain type activities have a state water quality certification. The Department issues certification, for a period not to exceed five (5) years from the date of issuance, when there is reasonable assurance that discharges resulting from the proposed activities will not violate applicable water quality standards established under Section 303 of the Clean Water Act and Title 22, Section 22-22-9(g), Code of Alabama 1975, provided the applicant acts in accordance with conditions specified in the certification. The Department also certifies that there are no applicable effluent limitations under Section 301 and 302 nor applicable standards under Section 306 and 307 of the Clean Water Act in regard to the activities specified in each submittal. The 401 Water Quality Certifications are conducted in conjunction with CWA Section 404 permits that are issued by the Mobile and Nashville Districts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Department also issues water quality certification for Corps of Engineers Nationwide and General Permits.

In addition, ADEM Admin. Code Ch. 335-6-12 requires an operator/owner or applicant to register for and maintain valid National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) coverage for stormwater discharges prior to beginning construction or land disturbance (1) above the Ordinary High Water Mark, (2) for any non-dredge/fill operations below the Ordinary High Water Mark, and/or (3) construction of associated upland dredge disposal sites that will equal or exceed one (1) acre in size.  The regulations also require NPDES registration for disturbance activities less than one (1) acre that are part of, adjacent to, or associated with a larger common plan of development or sale, that may eventually equal or exceed one (1) acre, or if less than one (1) acre in size if stormwater discharges have reasonable potential to be a significant contributor of pollutants to a water of the State or have reasonable potential to cause or contribute to a violation of applicable Alabama water quality standards as determined by the Department.  The regulated construction disturbance also includes, but is not limited to, associated areas utilized for support activities such as vehicle parking, equipment or supply storage areas, material stockpiles, temporary office areas, and access roads, and pre-construction activities performed in advance or in support of construction such as logging, clearing, and dewatering.  Please be advised that a registrant, operator/owner, contractor, or other responsible entity, separately or collectively, must retain NPDES registration coverage for phased developments until all disturbance activity, including phased construction, is complete.  Information regarding registration under ADEM Administrative Code Chapter 335-6-12 for discharge of treated stormwater from regulated construction, construction materials management, small non-metallic, noncoal mining, processing and related activity can be viewed/downloaded from the ADEM Construction WebPage.

 

• HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAM

The objectives of the hazardous wastes monitoring program are achieved by conducting Comprehensive Monitoring Evaluations (CME) or Operations and Maintenance (O&M) inspections at regulated facilities. A CME involves locating monitoring wells, determining static water levels, establishing total well depths and evacuating all standing water. After these steps are completed and documented, samples are collected for laboratory analysis. O&M inspections are less intensive and involve observing the sampling techniques of facility personnel and obtaining split samples for analysis.

• SOLID WASTE PROGRAM

The Division supports the Solid Waste Program by conducting inspections at permitted solid waste facilities and unauthorized dump sites through the Decatur and Birmingham Field Offices. The permitted facilities include municipal solid waste landfills, industrial landfills, and construction & demolition landfills. These inspections provide information to the Solid Waste Program relative to facility compliance with applicable solid waste rules.

• RCRA

The objectives of the RCRA monitoring program are achieved by conducting Comprehensive Monitoring Evaluations (CME) or Operations and Maintenance (O&M) inspections. A CME involves locating monitoring wells, determining static water levels, establishing total well depths and evacuating all standing water. After these steps are completed and documented, samples are collected for laboratory analysis. O&M inspections are less intensive and involve observing the sampling techniques of facility personnel and obtaining split samples for analysis.