Wastewater
NPDES WASTEWATER PERMITS
How do I apply for an NPDES wastewater permit?
To obtain an NPDES wastewater permit, you must complete State Application Form 200 and Federal Application Forms 1 and 2 (Form 2 takes various forms depending on discharge type). You must also pay the correct fee.
Several general permits already exist to cover a number of similar discharge categories:
- Aggregate mining and sand washing
- Fuel cleanup
- Solvent cleanup
- Structural dewatering and aquifer restoration
- Surface water treatment for potable supply
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 as described in that general permit. You need not apply for a new permit.
What permits have been issued and when will they be reissued?
In addition to the general permits listed above, numerous dischargers hold individual permits. There is also a region-wide watershed permit for municipal and industrial wastewater discharges of mercury to San Francisco Bay.
NPDES permits must be reissued every five years. The Regional Water Board reissues permits at public hearings after consideration of public comments. The current reissuance schedule is updated regularly. To receive email notifications of upcoming comment opportunities, subscribe to our electronic mailing list.
A copy of each permit is available among the Regional Water Board’s adopted orders. The reissuance schedule lists all permits with their order numbers.
Where can I find standard permit attachments?
Most NPDES permits incorporate by reference several standard attachments, which are available here electronically:
- Standard Provisions and Reporting Requirements (August 1993)
- Self-Monitoring Program, Part A (August 1993)
- August 6, 2001 Letter (Requirement for Priority Pollutant Monitoring in receiving Water and Wastewater Discharges)
- Resolution 74-10: Policy Regarding Waste Discharger’s Responsibilities to Develop and Implement Contingency Plans (July 1974)
How do I report unauthorized discharges (e.g. spills or bypasses)?
Municipal wastewater treatment plants and sanitary sewer collection systems must report unauthorized discharges in accordance with the Regional Water Board's May 1, 2008 Requirements. The public may also report problems Here.
How can I get more information?
For more information, contact Bill Johnson at wjohnson@waterboards.ca.gov or (510) 622-2425.
Links
- State Application Form 200
- Federal Application Forms 1 and 2
- General Permits
- Watershed Permit
- Board Meetings
- Opportunities to Comment
- Email Subscriptions
- Permit Reissuance Schedule
- Adopted Orders
- Unauthorized Discharge Reporting