The 1200-z Permit is an industrial stormwater permit which is managed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. If you have received a letter regarding this permit or you think you may need to file for this permit, we have provided resources to some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you have more questions or concerns visit the DEQ website or fill out their contact form.
A 1200-Z Permit is a discharge permit under Oregon's Pollution Control and Prevention program. These permits are specific to stormwater pollution occurring on the property of industrial operators. Stormwater pollution caused by rain or other precipitation falling on unenclosed industrial uses which then wash into the stormwater system. For example you store materials outside, rain falls onto your storage yard and washes into the storm drain. This creates stormwater pollution.
Operators must apply for a 1200-Z permit or No Exposure Certification every 5 years to maintain compliance and avoid fines. The permit requires operators to construct a pollution control plan and adhere to monitoring and sampling requirements.
DEQ Stormwater Permit Site: www.oregon.gov/deq/wq/wqpermits/pages/stormwater-industrial.aspx
"Stormwater is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other sites. When stormwater is absorbed into soil, it is filtered and ultimately replenishes aquifers or flows into streams and rivers.
In developed areas, impervious surfaces such as pavement and roofs prevent precipitation from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, water runs rapidly into storm drains, sewer systems and drainage ditches and can cause:
- Downstream flooding
- Stream bank erosion
- Increased turbidity (muddiness created by stirred up sediment) from erosion
- Habitat destruction
- Combined storm and sanitary sewer system overflows
- Infrastructure damage
- Contaminated streams, rivers and coastal water"
(EPA)
This is what happens to stormwater in industrial areas which are predominantly covered with surfaces such as pavement or buildings made of impermeable stone, wood, and metal. When water runs across these surfaces it picks up residues like gas, tire debris, oil, paint and more which become water contaminants. This causes huge negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems in the ways mentioned above because stormwater is not treated, cleaned, or processed. Stormwater simply collects in storm drains and drainage ditches and flows into nearby creeks and rivers like Wade Creek and the Clackamas River.
The 1200-Z permit was created to make sure industrial operators developed pollution control and prevention plans to prevent these downstream effects which impact everyone.
Industrial operators are required to apply for 1200-Z permits based on their SIC code.
This PDF breaks down which industries are subject to permitting requirements: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:b9e8478f-fc0a-4055-a6ab-ad3ca4ecc0c6
You can find your SIC code here: https://www.naics.com/sic-lookup-help/
Or using the Manta business search (“business name + city + manta”). https://www.manta.com/
An industrial operator whose SIC code is required to file for a 1200-Z permit may be eligible for a Non-Exposure Certification if their operations, storage, materials, and transportation are entirely contained at all times.
More detailed NEC requirements can be found here. NEC Reqs
If you are required to apply for a 1200-Z Permit the documents below can help you prepare your application:
Need more guidance? DEQ has put together a playlist full of instructional videos to help walk you through the process and requirements.
Need help navigating the portal? Reach out to: YourDEQOnline@deq.oregon.gov