Contributors: J.A. Arnold, S.W. Coffey, D.E. Line, and J. Spooner,
Extension Biological & Agricultural Engineering Specialists, and D.W.
Moody, U.S. Geological Survey
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Federal Rules
The Clean Water Act of 1972 prohibits the discharge of any pollutant to waters of the United
States from a point source unless the discharge is authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The permit specifies reporting
and control requirements for stormwater discharges from the site. In November of 1990, the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued new regulations requiring specific industries and
construction sites to apply for NPDES permits for point source discharges of stormwater. In
addition to industrial facilities, large and medium municipalities with more than 100,000 people
must obtain permits for discharges from their storm sewer systems.
The federal stormwater rules are administered by the North Carolina Division of Environmental
Management (DEM) through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit program. Under the terms of the federal Clean Water Act and amendments (as found in 40
CFR Parts 122, 123, and 124), operators of a wide range of construction and industrial activities
must obtain NPDES permits for point source discharges of stormwater. Conditions in the permits
typically require the creation of stormwater pollution prevention plans
Both the state and federal programs are administered by the Water Quality Section of the
Division of Environmental Management (DEM), in the North Carolina Department of
Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (NCDEHNR).
Return to Surface Pollutants & Stormwater Runoff
Send comments, questions to WebManager at webmail@ncsipm1.cropsci.ncsu.edu
Last Modified: 07/10/96