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Applying for a Storm Water Permit Under the Phase I Program
The Office of Compliance Fact Sheet Series
Updated March 1998 - Doc. No. 1151
What is an NPDES Phase I Storm Water Permit? The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was established to control the discharge of storm water and/or industrial discharges that could adversely affect the quality of waters of the United States . Permits are authorized by Federal and/or State regulatory agencies that identify specific requirements necessary to ensure this control. Phase I storm water permits are required for different types of industrial activities. Who needs a phase I storm water permit? Owners or operators of facilities performing various industrial activities are required to have a NPDES storm water permit if storm water from facilities, grounds and equipment associated with the activity is collected and discharged offsite through a discrete conveyance (e.g., pipe, ditch, etc). Persons responsible for new discharges of storm water associated with industrial activities are required to apply for one of following permits:
- Individual permit
- General permit.
The regulatory agency that authorizes your facility's NPDES permit will determine the type of permit needed. How do I get a storm water permit? Your EPA regional office should be notified of your intent to obtain a permit. If your State also has an applicable program, a similar request should be made to its environmental protection office dealing with water quality programs. The EPA and State agency will provide the necessary forms to apply for the permit and provide instructions for any additional information. Such information may include a site topographical map showing key storm water features, a history of activities and any accidental releases, and estimates of potential pollutants. When should I apply for a phase I storm water permit if I don't already have one?
- A permit application should be submitted 180 days prior to the start of a new industrial activity or before a new discharge is proposed to begin.
- Facilities conducting construction activities that will disturb more than five acres must submit applications at least 90 days prior to the date construction is to start.
NOTE: To avoid delays, permit applications should be submitted well in advance of the deadline requirements . Additional Information: Publications: If you need more information on the NPDES storm water program, please consult the following EPA publications:
- Do I Need a Storm Water Permit in the Trucking Industry? Fact Sheet Phase I NPDES Permit RenewalFact Sheet
- Storm Water Phase II Program Fact Sheet
Contacts: Additional information is also available from the following sources: General information regarding the EPA - http://www.epa.gov
Application forms for permits - http://www.epa.gov/earth1r6/6wq/npdes/forms/forms.htm
Copyright @August,2004 Prepared by Transportation Environmental Resource Center (TERC)