Fill Your Dhec 3685 Template

What is the DHEC 3685 form used for?

The DHEC 3685 form is a necessary document for reporting sewer system overflows (SSO) or pump station failures. This report must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Bureau of Water, Compliance Assurance Division. It plays a critical role in ensuring timely action is taken to mitigate any environmental or public health risks associated with such incidents. By providing detailed information about the overflow or failure, including when it occurred, the estimated volume of wastewater released, and the response actions taken, the form helps the SCDHEC monitor and manage the state's water quality more effectively.

How and where do I submit the DHEC 3685 form?

The completed DHEC 3685 form can be both mailed and/or faxed to ensure timely submission. The form should be directed to the SCDHEC Bureau of Water, Compliance Assurance Division at 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201. The fax number for submissions is 803.898.4215. Additionally, a copy of the form should also be sent to the local EQC District Office to ensure that all relevant local authorities are informed of the situation and can take appropriate action if needed. It's essential to follow these submission guidelines strictly to ensure compliance and proper handling of the sewer system or pump station incident.

What information is required when filling out the DHEC 3685 form?

Completing the DHEC 3685 form requires detailed information to ensure effective communication and response. You'll need to include the permit number and county, the name of the receiving POTW if your system is not owned or operated by a POTW, and detailed information about the SSO/failure, including the date and time it occurred. The form also asks for a description of the source of the overflow, the location, the cause, and any related weather conditions. Additionally, you must outline the control and corrective actions taken, estimated volume of wastewater released, and whether the wastewater entered a stream or body of water. Downstream water intakes that were notified must also be listed if applicable. Finally, the form requires initiation and completion dates for both corrective and cleanup actions, alongside contact information and signatures from the responsible parties.

What should I do if wastewater from an SSO or pump station failure enters a stream or body of water?

If wastewater from an SSO or pump station failure enters a stream or body of water, immediate action should be taken to minimize environmental harm. First, accurately report this on the DHEC 3685 form, including the name of the water body affected. It is critical to initiate prompt cleanup and corrective measures to limit pollution and potential health risks. Additionally, downstream water intakes should be notified immediately to prevent the intake of contaminated water, ensuring the safety of drinking water supplies and aquatic life. Specific details regarding the location on a USGS map or an equivalent should also be provided, if available, to assist in the response and mitigation efforts. Remember, timely and accurate reporting can significantly reduce the impact of such incidents on public health and the environment.

Filling out the DHEC 3685 form—an essential requirement for reporting Sewer System Overflow (SSO) or Pump Station Failures—is a critical process that ensures environmental compliance and public health protection. However, inaccuracies in completing this form can lead to significant issues, including delayed response times and potential environmental harm. Below are five common mistakes people make when completing this form:

1. Incorrect or Incomplete Permit Information: One of the first areas that often sees errors is the section asking for permit details, such as the Permittee's name and Permit No. If the permit information is not accurately filled out, it could create confusion or delays in form processing.

2. Failure to Provide Detailed Location: A precise description of the SSO/Failure location is crucial. Some reports either provide vague details or omit to include a map when available. Specific location details, including street address and additional identifiers, are needed for a swift response and remediation.

3. Omitting the Cause of SSO/Failure: Detailed cause analysis is vital for understanding and preventing future occurrences. Yet, this section often lacks the necessary depth, including related weather information or the initial cause, which hinders corrective action planning.

4. Estimation Errors: Accurately estimating the volume of wastewater released is crucial for assessing the environmental impact. Inaccurate estimations can lead both to underestimation of the response needed and to issues in regulatory compliance.

5. Neglecting the Notification Section: Often, the sections regarding whether the wastewater entered a body of water and if downstream water intakes were notified are overlooked or incorrectly filled out. Proper notifications are essential for public health and must be accurately reported.

Given the importance of accuracy in filling out the DHEC 3685 form, individuals tasked with this responsibility should take due diligence to verify all information provided. This will ensure that the necessary corrective actions can be taken in a timely and effective manner, thereby minimizing environmental impacts and safeguarding public health.

When a Sewer System Overflow (SSO) or Pump Station Failure occurs, the DHEC 368(s) form is crucial for ensuring that the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) is adequately informed of the incident. However, to provide a comprehensive report and ensure compliance with state regulations, various other forms and documents are often required alongside the DHEC 3685 form. These additional documents help in painting a full picture of the incident, the actions taken, and the steps planned to avoid future occurrences.

• Incident Report Form: Similar to the DHEC 3685, this form details the incident but includes more space for describing the environmental impact, immediate response actions, and preventative measures being considered to avoid similar future events.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: This document provides a thorough analysis of the environmental consequences of the SSO or pump station failure, detailing the impact on local water bodies, wildlife, and surrounding ecosystems.
• Compliance Action Plan: A comprehensive outline of corrective and preventative measures that the responsible party plans to implement. It includes timelines, responsible persons, and expected outcomes to prevent recurrence.
• Maintenance and Inspection Logs: These logs offer historical data on the maintenance and inspection of the sewer system or pump station involved in the incident. They are crucial for identifying patterns or issues that may have contributed to the failure.
<334i>Water Quality Test Results: Following an SSO or pump station failure, tests are often conducted on nearby water bodies that may have been affected. These documents provide detailed information on the water's quality and help in assessing the environmental impact of the overflow or failure.

Together, these documents support the DHEC 3685 form, ensuring that all aspects of the SSO or pump station failure are fully documented and reported. By providing a clearer understanding of each incident, they aid SCDHEC in monitoring water quality and environmental health, while also helping responsible parties to implement more effective preventative and corrective measures. Thus, ensuring the well-being of South Carolina's natural resources and its residents.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Incident Report Form is quite similar to the DHEC 3685 form in terms of purpose and content. Like the DHEC 3685, it requires detailed information about environmental incidents, including the location, the nature of the incident, the volume of discharge, and the response actions taken. Both forms are integral to the regulatory process, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate environmental damage and comply with federal and state regulations.

The Hazardous Waste Manifest is another document that shares similarities with the DHEC 3685 form. Although it focuses specifically on the tracking and handling of hazardous waste, it similarly collects comprehensive details about the waste, such as its quantity, nature, and the actions taken to safely manage it. Both documents serve regulatory purposes, helping to monitor and control potential environmental hazards.

The Water Quality Incident Report Form, used by many state environmental agencies, is also reminiscent of the DHEC 3685 form. It focuses on incidents that could affect the quality of water bodies, requiring information on the incident’s impact, the estimated volume of pollutants released, and the steps taken to address the issue. Both forms are essential for maintaining water quality standards and protecting aquatic environments.

The Facility Response Plan (FRP) is a document that outlines a comprehensive response to oil spills or hazardous substance releases. While not a report form per se, its connection to the DHEC 3685 form lies in the anticipatory detail and response strategies it requires for potential environmental incidents. Both documents ensure preparedness and immediate action in the event of environmental emergencies, thereby minimizing harm.

The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan is another analogous document. It details preventive measures and response procedures for oil spills, a focus that aligns with the DHEC 3685 form’s goal of prompt reporting and action in sewage spills. Both documents aim to prevent environmental damage through careful planning and immediate response to incidents.

The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) also bears resemblance to the DHEC 3685 form, though it specifically focuses on managing stormwater discharges to prevent pollution of waterways. While the SWPPP is more about prevention and the DHEC 3685 form is about reporting specific incidents, both play crucial roles in protecting water quality.

The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Incident Report Form is used to report leaks or spills from UST systems, making it similar to the DHEC 3685 form. Both forms require detailed incident reporting, including the cause, volume, and response actions to protect the environment from potential contaminants.

The Air Quality Complaint Form, while focusing on air rather than water or waste, parallels the DHEC 3685 form in its function as a tool for reporting and addressing environmental health concerns. By documenting the specifics of air quality incidents, it works alongside forms like the DHEC 3685 to safeguard environmental conditions.

The Pollution Incident Prevention Plan (PIPP) is a proactive document required for certain facilities, detailing measures to prevent pollution incidents. Its connection to the DHEC 3685 form lies in the emphasis on preventing environmental harm, with the DHEC form serving as a means to report and address incidents that still occur despite best efforts.

Finally, the Clean Water Act NPDES Permit Violation Notice requires facilities to report any non-compliance with permit conditions, including unauthorized discharges. This notice, while specifically for permit violations, shares the DHEC 3685 form's objective of ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting water quality from pollution.

When filling out the DHEC 3685 form, responsible for reporting Sewer System Overflow or Pump Station Failures, ensuring correctness and thoroughness is crucial. This document is critical for compliance with state regulations and helps in mitigating environmental impacts effectively. Here are essential dos and don'ts to remember:

• Do thoroughly complete every section of the form, providing as much detail as possible about the overflow or failure, including the specific location, cause, and volume of wastewater released.
• Do include the permit number and the name of the receiving POTW if the collection system is not owned or operated by a POTW.
• Do provide a detailed description of the source of the overflow or failure, such as a manhole or pump station, and include any identifying codes or numbers.
• Do describe the corrective and control actions taken in response to the overflow or failure, and be sure to include estimated dates and times for when these actions were completed.
• Do circle "Yes" or "No" where indicated, especially in sections asking if wastewater entered a stream or body of water and if downstream water intakes were notified.
• Don't leave any section blank. If a particular section does not apply, it is better to mark it with "N/A" (Not Applicable) rather than leaving it empty, to demonstrate that you have reviewed every part of the form.
• Don't forget to mail and/or fax the completed form to the SCDHEC Bureau of Water, Compliance Assurance Division at the address and fax number provided, and ensure a copy is sent to the local EQC District Office.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your submission is complete, accurate, and in compliance with state requirements, aiding in the effective management of wastewater systems and environmental protection.

The DHEC 3685 form, a crucial document for reporting sewer system overflows or pump station failures in South Carolina, is surrounded by a myriad of misconceptions. These misunderstandings can hamper the effectiveness of response and reporting procedures, ultimately affecting environmental and public health outcomes. Below, we dispel some of the common myths associated with the DHEC 3685 form.

• It's only for public service districts. A common misconception is that the form is exclusive to public service districts or municipally owned treatment works. However, any entity operating a collection system, regardless of ownership or operational status, must use the DHEC 3685 form to report sewer system overflows or pump station failures, including those systems not owned or operated by a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW).
• Email is an accepted method for the initial report. Despite the digital age, the DHEC 3685 form must be mailed or faxed to the SCDHEC Bureau of Water. The requirement is for a hard copy submission through traditional mailing or faxing to ensure the document is properly received and processed. Email submissions are not initially accepted as official notifications.
• A map is optional. Including a map is not merely a suggestion; it is crucial for a thorough report. A detailed map aids in identifying the precise location of the overflow or failure, which is essential for a swift response and for proper documentation practices. Maps provide a visual context that can significantly improve the understanding of the incident's impact on surrounding areas.
• The form is only necessary for significant spills. There's a misconception that the DHEC 3685 form should only be used for large or significant spills. However, all overflows and failures, regardless of size, must be reported. The threshold for reporting is not based on volume but on the occurrence of an overflow or failure itself. This ensures a comprehensive approach to environmental protection and public health.
• Reporting can wait until the next business day. Timeliness in reporting is crucial. The impression that reports can wait until the next business day is incorrect. Immediate action is necessary to notify the appropriate divisions within DHEC, highlighting the urgency of addressing any overflow or failure without delay.
• The form is the final step in the reporting process. Completing and submitting the form is not the conclusion of the reporting process. Corrective actions taken, along with their outcomes, must be closely documented and communicated. Additional follow-up with the local Environmental Quality Control (EQC) District Office may be necessary to ensure proper acknowledgment and resolution of the incident.
• Wastewater entering a conveyance is not considered reaching state waters. Any discharge that reaches a conveyance, such as a ditch or previously existing water, is indeed considered as having reached the waters of the state. This point clarifies the broad definition of state waters, emphasizing the importance of preventing and reporting any and all releases, regardless of their pathway to natural water bodies.

Correcting these misconceptions about the DHEC 3685 form ensures entities are better prepared to respond to and report sewer system overflows or pump station failures. This not only complies with regulatory requirements but also protects the environment and public health by facilitating timely and effective responses to such incidents.

Filling out and submitting the DHEC 3685 form is a structured process essential for reporting sewer system overflows (SSO) or pump station failures. Here are some key takeaways to ensure that the form is filled out appropriately and reaches the necessary parties for compliance and environmental safety:

1. The form should be sent both by mail and fax to the SCDHEC Bureau of Water, Compliance Assurance Division at the specified address and fax number, to ensure timely communication.
2. A copy of the completed form must also be sent to the local Environmental Quality Control (EQC) District Office, emphasizing the importance of local authorities being informed of the incident.
3. Accurate and comprehensive details are mandatory, including the permit number, county, date and time of the SSO/failure in military format, and the detailed description of the location and cause of the overflow or failure.
4. It requires the specification of the exact source of the issue (e.g., manhole, pump station), including any identification codes or numbers and the estimated volume of the wastewater released.
5. The form asks whether the wastewater entered a body of water and, if so, where, showcasing the necessity of understanding the environmental impact of the overflow or failure.
6. Detailing the control and corrective actions taken, along with the dates and times these actions were completed, is crucial for documenting the response to the incident.

Accuracy and promptness in filling out and submitting the DHEC 3685 form are crucial for compliance with environmental regulations and for minimizing the impact of sewer system overflows or pump station failures on the environment. The structured format of the form ensures that all relevant information is collected systematically, facilitating effective communication between permittees and environmental protection authorities.