Water/Wastewater Treatment/Reuse - Operating Permits

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department does not issue an operating permit per se for a water or wastewater treatment facility, reclaimed water facility or reuse water facility. Instead, a facility or system is permitted to operate subject to:
  • The requirements stipulated in the Approval of Construction or Approval of Proposed Plan certificate(s) issued for the facility or system.
  • The applicable rules and regulations governing treatment facilities or systems.

Issuance & Renewal of Operating Permits


New facilities and systems are issued an operating permit by the Department's Business Office when the Approval of Construction or Approval of Proposed Plan certificate is issued for the project.

Permits for operational facilities and systems are renewed annually. A renewal notice is mailed to the owner 30-days prior to expiration of the existing permit. When the renewal notice and fee are returned, the permit is renewed.
  

Standard & Special Operating Permit Requirements


A number of standard and special operating permit requirements are applicable to water or wastewater treatment facilities or systems, reclaimed water facilities or reuse water systems.

Standard operating permit requirements are common to all types of facilities and systems. They typically restrict modification of a facility or system, specify inspection and reporting requirements and stipulate compliance criteria and operational limitations.

Special operating permit requirements, which are unique to a particular facility or system, are determined during the approval process for a project.

Standard and special operating permit requirements are listed as stipulations on the Approval Of Construction or Approval of Proposed Plan certificates issued for a facility or system.

Approvals for Operational Facilities & Systems


Operational facilities and systems need to obtain an approval to modify their operating permit when:
  • The facility or system is going to be decommissioned.
  • The facility or system is going to be modified and the modification affects the capacity, quality, flow, location or operational performance of the facility or system.
  • The operational plan for a facility or system is going to be revised.
  • Ownership of the facility or system is going to be transferred.