National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
Stormwater Permits
If you have a construction project that disturbs a total of one acre or more of soil, you are required to apply for coverage under the NPDES Storm Water Permit. You also must apply for coverage if your project is part of a larger common plan of development or sale of one or more acres. See the "NPDES Stormwater Permit" in the left-hand column of this page. For more information, contact the Kenai River Center at (907) 260-4882.
Water pollution degrades surface waters, making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.
Storm water runoff from construction activities can have a significant impact on water quality, contributing sediment and other pollutants exposed at construction sites. Under Phase I of the NPDES program, construction activities that disturbed more than 5 acres of soil are required to develop stormwater discharge plans and obtain permits.
Phase II took effect in the spring of 2003 and regulates construction sites of one acre or larger. Smaller sites that are part of a larger overall project may also require permits.
For more information about the NPDES Program, visit the EPA's NPDES Phase I & II web page.