NPDES Permit Review

Our Work

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act to addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. NPDES permit program is authorized to state governments by EPA to perform many permitting, administrative, and enforcement aspects of the program.

There are over 300 permitted discharges of pollution into the river. Every 5 years these permits come up for comment, adjustment, and renewal. The Catawba Riverkeeper team reviews permits to identify any entities who are not in compliance, or whose permits are inadequate. Explore the permitted discharges in our river basin on our interactive Basin Explorer Map.

Learn more about how Catawba Riverkeeper advocates for clean water.