This guide is intended as a brief summary of the steps needed to start a storm water pollution prevention plan, not as a manual. Permittees should contact the EPA or your state environmental agency for detailed directions.
Storm water runoff is simply rain water or snow melt that runs off the land and into streams, rivers, and lakes. When storm water runs through sites of industrial activity it may pick up pollutants and transport them into national waterways and effect commercial fisheries, restrict swimming areas, and affect the navigability of the nation's waters.
To help curb the problem of storm water runoff pollution the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has developed a program under the Clean Water Act. A major part of this program is the NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) which requires industrial activities to register for a discharge permit. Many industrial activities can apply under a general permit. To find out if you can register under a general permit, contact your area office.
In many states, including New York, this is accomplished by the state governmental environmental department. In New York the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) issues discharge permits under the SPDES (State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) program. In New York, industrial activities must submit an NOI (Notice of Intent) to determine whether they are eligible for a general permit. If you have questions on permit regulations, or whether you are eligible under a general permit you can call the EPA's storm water hotline at 703-821-4823. In New York you can call for copies of the General Permit or NOI forms at 1-800-952-2490.