The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDEP)
All point source discharges require a permit under the Clean Water Act.
In this way, the EPA is able to control and regulate the levels of water
pollution in the united states.
A point source is “any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance”
of pollution into a body of water. This definition encompasses discharges
from factories, sewage treatment plants, and any other direct introduction
of pollutants into surface waters.
What do permits require? |
- A level of treatment or control that complies with the CWA’s
discharge limitations.
- Any other actions or prevention methods to protect surface
waters.
- Permitted Activities cease whenever necessary to comply with
limits.
- Maintenance and operation of pollution control systems by permit
holder.
- Permit holder must provide information to the EPA or state
regulators.
- Permit holder must grant inspectors entrance to grounds.
- Set consequences for failure to comply.
- A new permit must be obtained before current permit expires
(every 5 years).
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How are permits obtained? |
Permits are obtained through the EPA or through state agencies
(the EPA has determined how permits are granted on a state by state
basis). The State of Minnesota deals with permit applications. Individual
permits set specific levels of allowable pollutants and are granted
on a case by case basis.
Applications and information on applying for point-source discharge
are available through the EPA and the state of Minnesota.
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/pwmtools.cfm?program_id=45 |
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