Section 096-521-8 - Aqua culture projects [see 40 CFR 122.25](a) Permit requirement. Discharges into aqua culture projects, as defined in this section, are subject to the NPDES permit program through section 318 of CWA, and in accordance with Chapter 524.(b) Definitions. (1) Aqua culture project means a defined managed water area which uses discharges of pollutants into that designated area for the maintenance or production of harvestable freshwater, estuarine, or marine plants or animals.(2) Designated project area means the portions of the waters of the State within which the permittee or permit applicant plans to confine the cultivated species, using a method or plan or operation(including, but not limited to, physical confinement) which, on the basis of reliable scientific evidence, is expected to ensure that specific individual organisms comprising an aqua culture crop will enjoy increased growth attributable to the discharge of pollutants, and be harvested within a defined geographic area.06- 096 C.M.R. ch. 521, § 8