Artesia News

Why are there NPDES requirements?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program regulates stormwater charges from three potential sources: municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities.

Most stormwater discharges are considered point sources, and operators of these sources may be required to receive an NPDES permit before they can discharge. This permitting mechanism is designed to prevent stormwater runoff from washing harmful pollutants into local surface waters sucha s streams, rivers, lakes or coastal waters.

Most states are authorized to implement the NPDES Stormwater Program and administer their own stormwater permitting programs.