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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
What is it? Under
the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program regulates "point
discharge" water pollution sources. Point sources are outflows
from distinct and intentional flows, such as pipes or man-made ditches
that enter surface waters. In addition to wastewater treatment facilities,
industrial facilities such as mining, oil and gas exploration, and
cannery operations, must obtain permits if their discharges go directly
to surface waters. If they don't obtain a permit, they can't operate.
Click here to go to the EPA
NPDES homepage:
Alaska Primacy:
Alaska is one of only two States that does not administer their
own NPDES program. EPA is responsible for permitting instead. However,
Alaska is trying to obtain "primacy" in NPDES. This means
that they will be given the authority by EPA to operate their own
program. The State is expecting
to submit their full application by mid-2006. Like almost any policy
change, there are pros and cons to this happening for Alaska Tribal
communities. We encourage you to decide what is best for your community
by being informed of the process. Ask EPA and the State what the
changes will happen for Alaska Tribes, and how they foresee the
primacy change impacting your community and lands. Then you can
discuss it with your Councils and community members to see whether
you want to provide comments that provide recommendations, concerns,
and/or support.
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