Region 6 Water Programs

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OVERVIEW
As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit Program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our Nation's water quality.

The Oversight and TMDL Section reviews wastewater permits in authorized states, establishes and approves TMDLs in Region 6. 

The following are Region 6 NPDES Programs:

• CAFO's - Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
• NPDES Oil & Gas Permits - Discharges from oil and gas facilities are generally authorized under general permits.
• Industrialized Pretreatment Program
• Sewage Sludge (Biosolids)
• Storm Water Program
• TMDL Program - Total Maximum Daily Loads and §303(d) Lists
• Wastewater Security
• Whole Effluent Toxicity
• 316(b) Rule - Thermal Discharges