The Direction of the Point Source Program

The NPDES permit programs operate under the concept of providing for a cleaner environment by restricting the release of pollutants. Over 500,000 sources are now subject to regulation by these programs. The last 20 years has seen an evolution of these programs that resulted in increasing the number of facilities regulated and additional requirements. The current direction of the program is taking a different tack, with a focus on integrating the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program into a watershed context to include urban wet weather NPDES controls. This entire process is being conducted with consultation of all interested stakeholders, and should result in a more efficient and effective surface water protection program.