What does the NPDES regulate?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) specifically regulates stormwater discharges from industrial and construction sites, among other sources. This program is part of the Clean Water Act and aims to control the quality of water by regulating the pollutants that can be discharged into natural waters.

Stormwater runoff can carry a variety of pollutants, including sediments, nutrients, and debris, which can negatively impact water quality and aquatic habitats. Under the NPDES, facilities must obtain permits that specify the conditions under which they may discharge stormwater, along with the measures they need to implement to minimize pollution.

This focus on stormwater is essential because improper management of runoff can lead to serious environmental problems, including increased flooding, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Other options, such as industrial waste management, hazardous waste disposal, and groundwater contamination, involve different regulatory frameworks and agencies, such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste and various state and local regulations for groundwater protection.