Stormwater general permits

Stormwater is rain and snow melt that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways, and parking lots. As water runs off these surfaces, it can pick up pollutants that contaminate local water bodies.

We use stormwater permits to limit the amount of pollution that drains into lakes, rivers, and marine waters. The permits are guided by both the federal water pollution permit program and state laws.

Stormwater "general" permits apply to certain types of facilities that are similar in their processes and type of wastewater produced. See our other general water quality permits that regulate specific categories of discharge, such as boatyards or wineries, which release treated storm/wastewater to either surface or groundwater.

We issue individual water quality permits for one specific entity where discharge characteristics are variable and do not fit a general permit category. Storm water