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Multi-Sector General Permit (Industrial Stormwater Permit)

Industrial facilities can release pollutants such as metals, oils, chemicals, and sediment when stormwater runs off their property. These pollutants can harm Nevada’s rivers, lakes, wetlands, and overall water quality. To protect these waters, many industrial facilities must obtain coverage under Nevada’s Multi Sector General Permit (MSGP), which regulates industrial stormwater discharges across a wide range of industries. This page explains who needs the permit, how to apply, how to manage your permit, and where to find helpful resources.

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The 2019 Multi-Sector General Permit (NVR050000) will be administratively continued while a permit renewal is being drafted. Renewal notices will be mailed once the new permit has been reissued. 

NDEP recommends reading the full permit and fact sheet to better understand the requirements for your facility.

 
Who Needs Permit Coverage

You may need coverage under the Multi-Sector General Permit if your facility conducts certain industrial activities. Coverage is based on your Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code or on specific narrative activities listed in federal rules.

Most businesses can find their SIC code on their federal tax forms, usually in the upper left corner of:

  • Schedule C or C EZ (sole proprietors)
  • Form 1065 (partnerships)
  • Form 1120 (C corporations)
  • Form 1120 S (S corporations)

Once you know your SIC code, review the Eleven Categories from CFR and the Sector Sections with SIC Codes and NAICS to determine whether your industrial activity requires MSGP coverage.

Qualifying for a No Exposure Exclusion

A No Exposure Exclusion may apply if all industrial activities and materials at your facility are kept indoors or fully covered by a storm resistant shelter. To qualify, stormwater must not be able to contact industrial materials or carry pollutants off your site through run on or run off.

Quick test: do you have no exposure?

You may qualify for a No Exposure Exclusion if you can answer “yes” to all of the following:

  • Are all industrial materials stored indoors or under a storm resistant cover?
  • Are all industrial activities done indoors or under a protective cover?
  • Is equipment kept so that rain and snow cannot touch it?
  • Is there no chance for stormwater to run across industrial areas and pick up pollutants?
  • Are waste materials stored in closed containers or inside a covered area?
  • Are loading and unloading areas protected so stormwater cannot reach them?

If you answer “no” to any of these questions, you likely do not qualify and will need MSGP coverage.

Learn more about the no exposure criteria:

If your facility meets the no exposure requirements, you can apply for a Notice of Intent online through the General Permits System.
 

How to Apply for Coverage

Access General Permit System

To get coverage under the Multi-Sector General Permit, you must complete all three steps. You cannot begin construction until you receive an approval letter from the Bureau of Water Pollution Control (BWPC).

1. Develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

Your SWPPP must be finished before you apply for permit coverage. You can use the SWPPP template provided or create your own plan.

2. Complete a Notice of Intent (NOI)

The NOI is submitted online through the General Permits System. In the system, you can:

  • Apply for a new NOI
  • Renew an existing NOI
  • Check permit status
  • View permit contact information

Guidance is available to help with the online application:

3. Submit the filing fee and mail the signed Notice of Intent

Your NOI must be signed by one of the following:

  • A principal executive officer of a corporation
  • A general partner of a partnership
  • The proprietor of a sole proprietorship
  • A principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or authorized employee of a public facility
  • A duly authorized representative with an authorization letter on file with BWPC 
    • The authorization letter must be written by someone listed above
    • It must name either a specific person or a position within the organization

You must receive an approval letter from BWPC before starting any ground disturbing work.
 

How to Pay the Application Fee and Annual Permit Fee

You can pay the application and annual permit fees online or by check. Make sure to include your site ID with every payment.

Pay online

Enter your site ID when submitting your fee.

Pay by check

Include your site ID on the check and mail it to:

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Pollution Control
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City, NV 89701

For current fees and the latest fee schedule:

Inspections and Sampling Requirements

As part of your MSGP coverage, you must perform routine inspections, visual assessments, stormwater sampling, and annual reporting. These activities help ensure stormwater discharges are monitored and controlled.

Quarterly routine facility inspections

Inspect all areas of your facility where industrial activities or materials are exposed to stormwater.

You must:

  • Complete and document inspections every quarter.
  • Conduct one quarterly inspection during a discharge event. If discharge is not occurring, document the reason.

Quarterly visual assessments

Collect a sample of stormwater and perform a visual assessment each quarter.

Look for:

  • Color
  • Odor
  • Clarity
  • Floating solids
  • Settled solids
  • Suspended solids
  • Foam
  • Oil sheen
  • Other signs of pollution

Stormwater sampling and analysis

Some facilities must collect and analyze stormwater samples. Two types of analytical monitoring may apply:

  • Effluent limitations monitoring: Sector specific requirements listed in Sections 7.3 and 9.0 of the MSGP.
  • Impaired waters monitoring: Required when the discharge location meets conditions in Section 7.4 of the permit.

Annual report

Prepare your Annual Report using the Annual Report template by January 28 each year.

  • If you collected samples, submit the report to the Stormwater Branch.
  • If you did not collect samples, keep the report with your SWPPP.

General guidance for each MSGP sector:

How to Terminate Coverage

Submit Notice of Termination

You can end your permit coverage once you meet all termination requirements. To terminate coverage, you must submit a Notice of Termination (NOT). The NOT must be signed by one of the following:

  • A principal executive officer of a corporation
  • A general partner of a partnership
  • The proprietor of a sole proprietorship
  • A principal executive officer, ranking elected official, or authorized employee of a municipal, state, or other public facility
  • A duly authorized representative with an authorization letter on file with BWPC 
    • The authorization letter must be written by someone listed above
    • It must authorize either a specific person or a position within the organization

If you do not terminate coverage before the end of the permit year, you will be responsible for paying the next annual permit fee.

Reinspection fees

NDEP charges a $200 reinspection fee for every denied Notice of Termination.

Additional Resources

These resources offer extra guidance, technical information, and stormwater tools for industrial facilities covered under the MSGP.

Additional information

NDEP resources

Other resources

Need Help?

If you need assistance or can’t find the information you need, please visit our Bureau of Water Pollution Control Contacts page to connect with a staff member who can help.

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