NPDES

NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System)

This permitting program controls point source pollution from sources such as:

• sewage treatment plants
• mining operations
• industrial operations

The permitting program worked so well at controlling point source, that the new program now applies to non-point source pollution (stormwater discharge) and is called NPDES Phase II—

• funded by county and city stormwater utility fees
• requires participation from community and education on storm water impacts