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Watershed-Based NPDES Permitting

OVERVIEW

Watershed-based NPDES permitting is a process that emphasizes addressing all stressors within a hydrologically-defined drainage basin, rather than addressing individual pollutant sources on a discharge-by-discharge basis. Watershed-based permitting can encompass a variety of activities ranging from synchronizing permits within a basin to developing water quality-based effluent limits using a multiple discharger modeling analysis. The type of permitting activity will vary depending on the unique characteristics of the watershed and the sources of pollution impacting it. The ultimate goal of this effort is to develop and issue NPDES permits that better protect entire watersheds. EPA's Water Quality Trading Policy describes flexible approaches to meeting water quality requirements.

WHAT CAN I FIND UNDER THIS TOPIC?

This web site provides information related to the development and implementation of NPDES watershed-based permitting approaches.

Policies and Guidance

  • Watershed-Based National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting Implementation Guidance

  • Describes EPA's recommended steps and ideas for watershed-based permitting implementation under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. This approach, aimed at achieving new efficiencies and environmental results, provides a process for considering all stressors within a hydrologically defined drainage basin or other geographic area, rather than addressing individual pollutant sources on a discharge-by-discharge basis (EPA 833-B-03-004).
    Date Published: 12/17/2003
  • Memorandum: Watershed-Based NPDES Permitting Policy Statement

  • Describes the benefits of watershed-based permitting, the implementing mechanisms for this component of the watershed approach, and how EPA will be encouraging use of watershed-based NPDES permits.
    Date Published: 01/07/2003
  • Committing EPA's Water Program to Advancing the Watershed Approach - Memo from the Assistant Administrator for Water, G. Tracy Mehan, III, on December 3, 2002.

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Last updated on March 19, 2004 1:53 PM
URL: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/wqbasedpermitting/wspermitting.cfm