API PUBL 4695 : 1999

Scope

This manual covers many aspects of the NPDES permitting process, from the preparation of the permit application through the issuance of the final NPDES permit. The manual describes the development of permit limits and conditions from the permit application, state and federal regulations, and guidance. The manual also describes the procedures for challenging permits through the state or federal administrative processes and the courts.

This manual focuses on NPDES permits issued by states and EPA Regions under the authority of Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). In many states delegated to administer the NPDES program, the permit may not be called an NPDES permit. However, such permits in delegated states are NPDES permits regardless of what they are called.

Much of the information in this manual is based on practical experience with many NPDES permits and applications. Examples and case histories are provided to help the user understand the permit application process. A list of reference materials for technical resources is provided in a bibliography.

This manual does not address wastewater discharge permits that may be issued by states to regulate discharges that are not authorized under the CWA, such as discharges to ground water, or permits issued by states that have not been delegated NPDES permitting authority.

Users of this manual should understand that the CWA specifically allows NPDES delegated states to adopt regulations that are more restrictive than the federal regulations. Because each state's program is different, this manual does not attempt to identify specific state provisions that may be different or more restrictive than the federal regulations. Therefore, it is important that users of the manual, if their facility is in a delegated state, also become familiar with the state regulations.