Compliance Monitoring / Use Attainability Analyses

As a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) delegated state, Kansas has been issuing NPDES permits and conducting compliance sampling inspections since the mid 1970s. Parameters sampled for analysis are those specified in each individual facility's NPDES permit. Additional parameters such as metals, nutrients, and organic compounds are frequently sampled to obtain additional information regarding effluent characteristics. Whole effluent toxicity samples have also been collected during compliance sampling.

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NPDES permits contain specific and legally enforceable effluent limitations and self-monitoring requirements for flow measurement and sampling. The sampling frequency, the sample type (grab or composite), the parameter limitations, the analytical methods, and the reporting frequency are determined by the permitting agency (KDHE). Self-monitoring data are submitted to KDHE by the permit holder at intervals specified in the permit.

Compliance Monitoring

Compliance monitoring includes all field activities conducted to determine the status of compliance with permit requirements. A compliance sampling inspection is conducted to accomplish one or more of the following objectives:

  • Verify compliance with effluent limitations
  • Verify self-monitoring data
  • Verify that parameters specified in the permit are consistent with wastewater characteristics
  • Support permit re-issuance and revision
  • Support enforcement action

Program Scope

The scope of the program is statewide. Any NPDES permit holder may be subject to compliance monitoring. Facilities are selected by KDHE Bureau of Water regulatory personnel. Bureau of Environmental Field Services currently monitors 20 to 30 facilities per year.