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NPDES Wastewater Permits
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program regulates wastewater discharges to surface waters, like San Francisco Bay, pursuant to the federal Clean Water Act and California’s Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Wastewater is water that contains waste from residential, commercial, and industrial processes. Municipal wastewater contains sewage, gray water (e.g., water from sinks and showers), and sometimes industrial wastewater from small industries. Large industries, such as refineries, also generate wastewater and discharge separately from municipal wastewater. Some wastewater discharges are exempt from federal NPDES requirements, but California law may still apply. For example, under California law, we require waste discharge requirements (WDRs) for discharges to land that could potentially affect groundwater. Therefore, we issue WDRs for wastewater recycled for reuse and wastewater discharged to land, including on-site treatment systems.
NPDES permits contain specific requirements that limit the pollutants in discharges and require monitoring to ensure that the discharges meet those requirements. Wastewater dischargers must maintain their treatment facilities, and treatment plant operators must be certified. We routinely inspect treatment facilities and enforce permit requirements. Many wastewater discharges are permitted individually. However, similar discharges that are of less threat to water quality are permitted through general permits. The Regional Water Board adopts permits at public hearings after consideration of public comments.
Announcements
Applying for an individual NPDES wastewater permit
If a discharge cannot be covered by a general NPDES permit, you must apply for an individual permit. To apply for an individual NPDES wastewater permit, you must complete State Application Form 200 and Federal Application Forms 1 and 2 and pay the correct fee. Applications and application fees should be mailed to:
- Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Francisco Bay Region
Attn: NPDES Wastewater
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland, CA 94612
Seeking coverage under a general NPDES permit
Several general NPDES permit already exist to cover the following discharge categories:
These general permits specify the discharge types that qualify for coverage and explain how to obtain such coverage. To obtain coverage under one of the general permits, you must submit a notice of intent and pay the correct fee as described in that general permit. You need not apply for a new permit.
Permit Reissuance Schedule
NPDES permits must be reissued every five years. The Regional Water Board reissues permits at public hearings, or board meetings after consideration of public comments on tentative orders. Board meeting agendas are found here and adopted orders are found here. The reissuance schedule is updated regularly.
Watershed Permits
While many dischargers hold individual permits, there are also region-wide watershed permits for municipal and industrial wastewater discharges of mercury, PCBs, and nutrients to San Francisco Bay.
Standard Permit Attachments
NPDES permits contain requirements that include Federal Standard Provisions based on 40 C.F.R. sections 122.41 and 122.42 and Regional Standard Provisions:
Some NPDES permits also contain stormwater provisions and related monitoring and reporting requirements based on the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (NPDES No. CAS000001):
How can I get more information?
For more information, contact Robert Schlipf at robert.schlipf@waterboards.ca.gov or at (510) 622-2478.
Contact
Bill Johnson
bill.johnson@waterboards.ca.gov
Phone: (510) 622-2354
