Stormwater and Wastewater Permits and Certification

Forms for Permits regarding Stormwater and Wastewater

Complete Permit Name	Short Name
Section 401 Water Quality Cert. Application 401A	Form 401A	Get form
Section 401 Water Quality Cert. Application 401B	Form 401B	Get form
Section 401 Water Quality Cert. Application 401C	Form 401C	Get form
Water and Wastewater Operators Exam		Get Form

Information about Specific Permits

Section 401 Water Quality Certification

A number of federal permits, most of which are identified in the Federal Clean Water Act, for construction, fill, dredging, and discharges to Waters of the United States and Guam Waters require Guam Section 401 Water Quality Certification from Guam EPA. 401 WQC issuance identifies that construction or operation of a proposed project or facility will be conducted in a manner consistent with the Guam Water Quality Standards. All federal permits for work in marine waters, rivers, streams and wetlands require 401 WQC. Submission of a completed 401 WQC Form is required.

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federal permit for all storm water and point source pollution discharges. Guam EPA reviews and certifies 401 WQC permits for compliance with all local regulations and policies and in accordance with the Guam Water Quality Standards. U.S. EPA coordinates, drafts and issues the permit for facilities that require wastewater discharges such as sewage treatment plants, electrical power generation plants, industrial processing facilities, storm water outfalls, aquiculture facilities, aquariums, and similar operations must be permitted under this permit system. Individuals anticipating the need to discharge wastewater to waters of the U.S. are encouraged to consult with Guam EPA or U.S. EPA as early in the project planning schedule as possible. NPDES Permit issuance may take between one to two years.

Sewer and Water Construction

A Sewer Construction Permit is required for all sewer related projects. This includes systems lateral extensions, lift stations, force mains, wastewater holding facilities, treatment works, and new sewer systems. Unless a private party is involved in constructing (financing) either an exclusive use system or is constructing a system for eventual transfer to the Guam Waterworks Authrotiy, this permit is usually issued to GWA or the Department of Defense as the main purveyor of all sewer systems in Guam. Permit issuance involves the prior review and approval of engineering and design plans by Guam EPA for compliance with all environmental requirements.

Sewer Connection/Individual Wastewater Disposal

As part of the building construction process, Guam EPA issues either a public Sewer Connection Permit through GWA or a separate permit for Individual Wastewater Disposal System (IWDS). The IWDS is typically for a septic tank/leaching field systems. IWDS must be designed in strict accordance with the Individual Wastewater Disposal System Regulations (available through the Water Pollution Control Program) which specify requirements for systems sizing, location, materials, testing, inspection, maintenance, and health considerations. Because this type of disposal system may contribute unacceptable levels of pollutants to surface or ground water, the Agency has developed policy standards in addition to the regulations which specify minimum lot sizes in order to control land use densities as appropriate. For more information about lot size, read our Land Use Permits section.

Pollution Discharge and Operating Permit

For discharges similar to those covered by the NPDES permit, Guam EPA may require a Government of Guam Pollution Discharge and Operating Permit. This permit may be issued for any number of liquid, gaseous, solid or thermal discharges to Guam’s waters that fall below the minimum criteria defined in the Federal Clean Water Act. Applicability is determined by the Administrator on a case by case basis.

Water and Wastewater Operator’s Examination

Water Operator’s Examinations are required for individuals who work in water treatment and production for potable water systems. Satisfactory completion of the Guam EPA administered examination by water system operators is required for both public and privately owned community systems to insure that operators possess the minimum knowledge and qualification necessary to operate and maintain clean water systems free of disease and chemical pollution in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and regulations. Examinations are administered by Guam EPA. For more information about these Certifications, contact the Safe Drinking Water Program.

Successful completion of the Wastewater Operators Examination is required for individuals who work in wastewater treatment facilities. These include public and private sewage treatment plants. Operator must have the basic knowledge and qualification to properly operate plant equipment and in particular, the ability to identify problems in the treatment process and to implement appropriate remedies as well as conduct normal maintenance procedures. This certification is critically important in order to ensure that discharges meet federal and local permit requirements. Examinations are conducted by Guam EPA.

Water Quality Monitoring

Water Quality Monitoring Plans (WQMPs) may be required to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental permits and/or compliance with performance standards. Water quality monitoring is a standards requirement for all industrial point source discharges, municipal wastewater treatment plant discharges, thermal discharges, marine and underwater construction activities, aquiculture effluent discharges, and mass clearing and grading projects such as golf course construction, among others.

Links to Guam EPA laws