Whenever your processes or activities have the potential to affect surface waters or adjoining shorelines, you may be required to obtain a permit to conduct business or to begin an activity (such as a construction project).
Major water permitting programs include:
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permitting program designed to limit the amount of pollutants that reach waters of the United States. While NPDES is a federal program, most states run their own Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting program.
The NPDES program requires permits for the discharge of “pollutants” from any “point source” into “waters of the United States.” The program covers the following types of pollutants:
Wetlands Permits (Part 404) must be obtained before beginning any project that could affect a wetland, including roads, bridges, and new facilities. Wetlands permits are issued jointly by EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.