• An NPDES individual permit is written to reflect site-specific conditions of a single discharger based on information submitted by in a permit application and is unique to that discharger.
• EPA has developed eight individual permit application forms that match up to the different categories of discharges subject to permitting.

A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) individual permit is written to reflect site-specific conditions of a single discharger (or in rare instances to multiple co-permittees) based on information submitted by that discharger in a permit application and is unique to that discharger. Obtaining coverage under an individual permit may take more than six months.

Individual permits are specifically tailored to an individual facility. Once the facility has submitted the correct forms, the permitting agency will develop a permit for that facility based on information on the permit application and other information such as:

• Previous permits,
• Monitoring reports,
• Technology and water quality standards,
• Total maximum daily loads,
• Ambient water quality data, and
• Special studies.

The permitting authority then issues the permit to the facility for a specific period (five years or less). The facility must reapply before the expiration date.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) regulations at 40 CFR 122.21 establish permit application requirements for applicants seeking coverage under individual permits. Further, EPA has developed eight individual permit application forms that match up to the different categories of discharges subject to permitting.

NPDES applications and program updates rule

In February 2019, EPA finalized new application requirements at 40 CFR 122.21 in the NPDES Applications and Program Updates Rule. The final rule, which became effective June 12, 2019, updated the eight forms applicants must use to apply for an individual NPDES permit.

States that run their own NPDES programs might use the new forms, or they may have developed their own NPDES application forms. However, those states must make sure their forms meet the program and regulatory changes in the new rule within one year (or up to two years if the state must make statutory changes).

NPDES Application Form 1: General Information. All applicants for individual NPDES permits (except publicly owned treatment works or other sewage treatment plants) must complete Form 1 and one or more of the following forms.

NPDES Application Form 2A: New and Existing Publicly Owned Treatment Works.

NPDES Application Form 2B: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Concentrated Aquatic Animal Production Facilities.

NPDES Application Form 2C: Existing Manufacturing, Commercial, Mining, and Silvicultural Operations. This form is for facilities and operations that currently discharge process wastewater.

NPDES Application Form 2D: New Manufacturing, Commercial, Mining, and Silvicultural Operations. This is for those that have not yet commenced discharge of process wastewater.

NPDES Application Form 2E: Manufacturing, Commercial, Mining, and Silvicultural Facilities. This form is for those which discharge only non-process wastewater. This form is for new and existing facilities.

NPDES Application Form 2F: Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity. This form is for new or existing facilities whose discharge is composed entirely of stormwater associated with industrial activity, excluding discharges from construction activity under 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(x) or (b)(15). If discharge is composed of stormwater and non-stormwater, complete Forms 1 and 2F, and Form 2C, 2D, or 2E, as appropriate.

NPDES Application Form 2S: New and Existing Treatment Works Treating Domestic Sewage.