NPDES Permits Unit
Mission and Vision
The NPDES Permits Unit seeks to improve the quality of surface waters in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska by issuing NPDES permits that protect human health and the environment. We accomplish this by:
- Focusing our activities in those watersheds and industrial areas where maximum environmental protection and improvement can be achieved.
- Issuing permits on a schedule that minimizes our permit backlog, consistent with EPA headquarters' and Region 10's goals
- Applying technical expertise, innovative methods, and common sense in our decision-making process.
- Integrating the NPDES program with other organizational units within and outside of EPA Region 10's Office of Water and Watersheds.
- Building partnerships with states, tribes, other federal agencies, industry and the public to facilitate an understanding of the NPDES program and to build capacity.
- Continuing to incorporate sludge management, pretreatment, stormwater, and NEPA conditions into NPDES permits.
- Promoting an organizational environment that encourages personal and professional growth, honors diversity, supports risk taking, and promotes team building.