Antidegradation Review for Industrial Discharge

Environmental Compliance - Michigan

Project Need

A site operator at a 24-acre industrial property along the Detroit River was in the process of securing an individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. As part of the regulatory review, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) required an antidegradation demonstration to evaluate the potential for increased pollutant loading to state waters.

Services Completed

Lord & Winter prepared the antidegradation demonstration in accordance with Michigan’s Part 4 Water Quality Standards. The team conducted pollutant loading calculations and evaluated alternatives to confirm that the proposed discharge represented the least degrading, feasible option. A cost-benefit summary and supporting documentation were also developed to meet state regulatory expectations.

Issue Resolved

By addressing antidegradation requirements early in the process, Lord & Winter helped the client avoid permitting delays and supported the continued progress of the NPDES application. The analysis provided state regulators with a clear, data-backed rationale for approving the proposed discharge under Clean Water Act guidelines.

Photo by Tanner Boriack on Unsplash

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Environmental planning is critical to a development project's success

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