COnstruction Guide
Ensure safe, compliant construction with expert groundwater treatment.
Global Environmental’s proven process helps contractors manage contaminated groundwater efficiently, reduce delays, meet discharge regulations, and protect surrounding ecosystems.
REDEVELOPMENT
Across Michigan, thousands of sites carry the legacy of past industrial activity, many of which are now being revitalized for modern use.
From parks and office complexes to residential developments and warehousing facilities, these projects often require significant excavation work, including dewatering for the installation of underground utilities, building foundations, basements, and parking structures.
Download Guide
Download Guide
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
When discharging treated groundwater, it is essential to understand the permit requirements.
NPDES Permit: Issued by EGLE for discharge to surface water or groundwater.
Required under the Clean Water Act
Administered by EGLE in Michigan
Application process may take several months
Generally less restrictive on flow volume
Includes permit and renewal fees (no ongoing use charges)
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Understanding the nuances of municipal sewer system discharging.
POTW Discharge Permit: Issued locally for discharge to municipal sewer systems.
Managed by cities or counties through user permits or ordinances
May include stricter discharge limits
Often involves volume- or contaminant-based surcharges
Typically faster to obtain than NPDES permits
CHECKLIST
Before you treat: a groundwater discharge checklist.
Before discharging groundwater on a construction site, use this checklist to determine whether treatment is necessary:
1. Determine your discharge location
Will the groundwater be discharged to:
• A sanitary sewer?
• A storm sewer?
• Surface water or waters of the state?
Understanding the discharge destination sets the foundation for applicable treatment and permitting requirements.
• A sanitary sewer?
• A storm sewer?
• Surface water or waters of the state?
Understanding the discharge destination sets the foundation for applicable treatment and permitting requirements.
2. Conduct water sampling and analysis
Will the groundwater be discharged to:
• Collect representative groundwater samples.
• Review lab results for the presence and concentration of contaminants.
• Compare results to the limits specified in your discharge permit.
This data identifies whether treatment is needed — and helps select the most effective treatment method.
• Collect representative groundwater samples.
• Review lab results for the presence and concentration of contaminants.
• Compare results to the limits specified in your discharge permit.
This data identifies whether treatment is needed — and helps select the most effective treatment method.
3. Evaluate the maximum expected dewatering rate
Estimate flow rates by:
• Performing a pump test,
• Reviewing geotechnical data,
• Or referencing dewatering pump specifications.
Knowing the volume and flow rate ensures the treatment system
is properly sized and avoids unnecessary costs or delays.
• Performing a pump test,
• Reviewing geotechnical data,
• Or referencing dewatering pump specifications.
Knowing the volume and flow rate ensures the treatment system
is properly sized and avoids unnecessary costs or delays.
4. Review applicable discharge permits
• Have you secured all required local or state permits
for discharge?
• Are you familiar with the discharge limits and
monitoring requirements?
Permits vary depending on discharge location and
contaminant profile — confirm these before work begins.
for discharge?
• Are you familiar with the discharge limits and
monitoring requirements?
Permits vary depending on discharge location and
contaminant profile — confirm these before work begins.
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