NPDES Permit Updates
Posted on April 5, 2017
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program regulates point source discharges into waters of the United States. Most states have been delegated authority by the EPA to issue their own NPDES General Permits for industry. These permits expire 5 years from the date they are issued at which point the state releases an updated version of the permit. At this time, it is important to submit your Notice of Intent (NOI) before the expiration of your current permit for permit renewal. Different states have varying time frames for NOI submittal. Submitting your NOI is the first step in the permit renewal process. Permitees will then need to review the new permit and update their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or Stormwater Best Management Practices (SWBMP) Plan accordingly.
It is important that the plans are updated and that changes to the plans are implemented per the conditions stated in the current permit. Stormwater plans should be reviewed and updated annually by the permit holder to ensure accuracy to the facility’s conditions. Plans should also be amended if there is a change at the site that has a significant effect on the potential to pollute stormwater runoff. This includes changes in design, construction, operation, or maintenance. If your plan proves ineffective in protecting against pollution of stormwater runoff, it must be updated immediately.