Understanding Limit Sets and Parameters in ICIS

1. Module 1d – Limits and Parameters

2. Permit Limits in ICIS • How can I tell in ICIS if the Permitted Feature and Limit Sets have been entered?

3. Parameter Limit Defined • A Limit is a parameter (something to be measured) with associated numerical limits or monitoring requirements for a release to the environment from a permitted feature • A parameter may be one of the following • Chemical (e.g., phosphorus) • Biological organism (e.g., fecal coliform) • Physical condition (e.g., temperature) • Characteristic (e.g., pH)

4. Parameter Limits on DMR Form • Limit Values determine the data a Permittee has to report on DMRs for a parameter

5. ICIS Columns Defined • ICIS refers to the value fields as Q1, Q2, C1, C2 and C3. • The terms “Average”, “Maximum” and Minimums” have no meaning as the Statistical Base code defines the type measurement taken for each value field. • ICIS is more flexible than the DMR form, and will allow up to 5 minimums, 5 averages, or 5 maximum values for each parameter limit. Q1 Q2 C1 C2 C3

6. Limit Segments • Limits are organized within a Limit Set by Parameter (e.g., Ammonia Nitrogen) • A Parameter is defined as a collection of Limit Segments that have matching • NPDES ID • Permitted Feature Identifier • Limit Set Designator • Parameter Code • Monitoring Location Code • Season ID

7. Limit Segments • Segments are the actual Limits or monitoring requirements for a Parameter • Usually Segments for a Parameter have different Limit Start and/or End Dates • There are three kinds of Limit Segments • Base Limits • Permit Modification Limits (PML) • Enforcement Action Limits (EA)

8. Limit Segments • Base Limits are the Limits initially issued with the Permit • PMLs are Limits that result from a Permit Modification • EA Limits are the Limits applied by an Enforcement Action’s Final Order • Limits for Segments within a Parameter can overlap each other • When Limits overlap, there is a hierarchy that determines which segment applies for a given point in time • EA Limits supercede PMLs and Base Limits • PMLs supercede Base Limits

9. Limit Segments for Arsenic PARAMETER (VA0000001, 001-A, Arsenic, Effluent Gross, Season 1) Base Limit Start End Value = 4 PML Start End Value = 2 Enforcement Action Limit Start End Value = 7

10. Limit Segments • ICIS Example of Limit Segments • Base Limit • Modification • Enforcement Action Limit

11. Test Your Knowledge • Which limit is in effect for the month? Base, Mod, or Enf Action • July 2011 • March 2012 • September 2010 • December 2010 • October 2015

12. Test Your Knowledge - Answer • Which limit is in effect for the month? Base, Mod, or Enf Action • July 2011 Enf Action • March 2012 Mod • September 2010 Base • December 2010 Enf Action • October 2015 Mod

13. Expected DMRs • An Expected DMR Schedule is generated when Limits are added to a Limit Set • Parameters with a limit value or monitoring requirement will show on the expected DMRs

14. Limit Segments • If DMR data have been received for a segment and a new segment is added, the data may be moved to the new segment • Updates to Limits such as changing dates and months will result in updates to the Expected DMR Schedule • Any changes to the Expected DMR Schedule may result in updates to Violations for the received DMR data • Any change that will result in orphaned received DMR data will be rejected

15. Limit Segments • When the Permit’s Expiration Date is reached its Limits remain in effect • Base and PML segments with Limit End Date = Permit Expiration date are eligible for Administrative Continuance • If more than one Segment is eligible for Administrative Continuance for a Parameter, the one highest in the hierarchy will be continued