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Backlog Reduction

OVERVIEW

The Clean Water Act specifies that NPDES permits may not be issued for longer than five year terms. Permittees that wish to continue discharging beyond the five-year term must submit a complete application for permit renewal at least 180 days prior to the expiration date of their permit. If the permitting authority receives a complete application, but does not reissue the permit prior to the expiration date, the existing permit is generally "administratively continued." Permits that have been administratively continued beyond their expiration date are considered to be "backlogged." Where information is available, facilities awaiting their first NPDES permits are also considered part of the NPDES permit backlog.

BACKLOG REDUCTION GOALS

Several years ago, in an effort to address an unacceptable level of backlogged permits, EPA developed a national backlog reduction strategy that included two primary goals:

The number of facilities with current NPDES permits for major facilities will be increased to 90 percent in all states by the end of calendar year 2001.
The number of facilities (major and minor) with current NPDES permits will be increased to 90 percent in all states by the end of calendar year 2004.

WHAT CAN I FIND UNDER THIS TOPIC?

Backlog Reduction Rates and Trends