Polluted storm water runoff is a leading cause of impairment to the nearly 40 percent of the surveyed U.S. water bodies which do not currently meet water quality standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in a negative effect upon fish, wildlife, and aquatic life habitats; this with not taking into account a loss in aesthetic value in addition to the possibility of creating a threat to public health.
With that, most storm water discharges are considered point sources and therefore require coverage by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
EPA, in coordination with States, the regulated community, and the public develops, implements, and conducts oversight of the NPDES permit program based on statutory requirements contained in the Clean Water Act and regulatory requirements contained in the NPDES regulations.
In conclusion; with the enactment of both the initial Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Clean Water Act and various state and local water quality regulations, two-thirds of the nation’s waters are now safe for fishing and swimming, the amount of soil lost due to agricultural runoff has been cut by one billion tons annually and phosphorus and nitrogen levels in water sources have been greatly reduced.
The future of water quality within our nation’s waterways lies with continued compliance with these regulations by all within the municipal, industrial and local community.
certain circumstances where a general permit is either not available or not applicable to a specific facility.
Individual permits are issued at the discretion of the NPDES permitting authority.
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