Permits to discharge treated domestic waste (sewage) to surface water are handled by Permits Unit 2, which is managed by Michelle DeLaria: michelle.delaria@state.co.us
General Permits for Facilities Under 1 mgd
- General permit certifications can be issued far more quickly than individual permits, which may allow you to skip the PEL stage and use your permit as your Water Quality Planning Target.
- Certifications under existing general permits may offer dischargers engaged in long-term planning more certainty than individual permits.
- In many cases, general permit certifications can be modified after the general permit has been administratively extended (as long as the general permit itself does not need to be modified). Individual permits cannot be modified after the permit has been administratively extended.
- General permit PELs can be completed more quickly than individual permit PELs.
- General permit PEL and permit fees are lower.
Note that the two surface water general permits also provide for dilution in accordance with established tables in the permits. In addition, antidegradation limits will not be applied to permittees qualifying for coverage under the COG590000.
Qualifications for coverage under the COG590000 (100:1 Dilution General Permit)
In order for the facility to qualify for a General Permit COG590000, the facility must meet all the requirements for the COG591000 permit, AND the receiving stream must provide 100:1 dilution. The dilution ratio is the 30E3 (chronic low flow) of the receiving stream (just above the outfall) to the facility design flow. In addition, the facility cannot discharge to waters designated as threatened and endangered species habitat. If your facility does not meet these qualifications but you are under 1 mgd, you are probably qualified for coverage under the COG591000 - see below.
The COG590000 general permit replaced the COG588000 general permit as of April 1, 2021. New facilities and conversions from an individual permit that qualify should apply under the COG590000 general permit. The division is renewing existing facilities that are currently permitted under the COG588000 general permit under the COG590000 general permit as of April 1, 2021.
Qualifications for coverage under the COG591000 (<100:1 Dilution General Permit)
The COG591000 general permit has replaced the COG589000 general permit as of June 1, 2022. New facilities and conversions from an individual permit that qualify should apply under the COG591000 general permit. The division will renew existing facilities that are currently permitted under the COG589000 general permit under the new COG591000 general permit beginning June 1, 2022.
Links to Permit Documents and Applications
- NEW Domestic wastewater treatment plant with chronic low-flow design ratio 100:1 (COG590000):
- Domestic wastewater treatment facilities(COG591000):
- PREVIOUS Domestic wastewater treatment plant with chronic low-flow design ratio 100:1 (COG588000). Applications are no longer accepted for coverage under this permit.
- PREVIOUS Domestic wastewater treatment plant with chronic low-flow design ratio <100:1 (COG589000). Applications are no longer accepted for coverage under this permit.
- New or Renew individual permit for domestic system.
- Application
- Note you must file your renewal application at least 180 days before the permit’s expiration date if you would like your permit to be administratively extended.
- Note that individual domestic permits are renewed following the division’s basin schedule, which can be found at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/water-quality-permits
- Permitting forms webpage where you can find forms for modification requests, notices of transfer, withdrawal requests, application supplement forms, and requests for chemical evaluation
Facility Planning and Site Approval
- Facility design approval for drinking water and wastewater projects.
- Water Quality Planning Targets and Preliminary Effluent Limits (PEL).