1. (a) A national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit issued or renewed for a discharge to New Hampshire surface waters, as defined herein, shall not specify a schedule leading to compliance with New Hampshire or federal surface water quality standards, or both, unless:

   1. (1) The permittee cannot comply with the permit limits or other requirements immediately upon issuance of the permit; and

   2. (2) The compliance schedule is provided to afford the permittee adequate time to comply with one or more permit requirements or limitations that are:

      1. a. New;
      2. b. Newly interpreted; or
      3. c. Revised water quality standards that became effective after issuance of the original discharge permit and after July 1, 1977.

2. (b) A compliance schedule established to meet any surface water quality standard that applies to the New Hampshire waters receiving the discharge shall:

   1. (1) Include dates for specified tasks or activities leading to compliance;
   2. (2) Include interim effluent limits; and
   3. (3) Require compliance at the earliest practicable time.

Source. (See Revision Notes #1, #2, and #3 at chapter heading for Env-Wq 1700) #12042, eff 12-1-16; ss by #14203, eff 2-26-25