Catawba Riverkeeper

Permitted Pollution

Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation

Permitted Pollution

Did you know there are over 350 permitted discharges of pollution into the Catawba River?


The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act to address water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.


Every 5 years NPDES permits come up for comment, adjustment, and renewal. Our team of scientists review these permits and advocate for changes and enforcement.


Learn more about Catawba Riverkeeper’s NPDES Permit Review Program.

Success Stories:

  • North Fork of the Catawba River

    In 2022, Catawba Riverkeeper successfully advocated for a discharge permit to be strengthened to protect the quality of the North Fork of the Catawba River in McDowell County (a Class B Trout Stream). Read the story here.

See our Advocacy Guide to learn how you can speak up for clean water.

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Let's protect the Catawba River!

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation is working towards clean, plentiful water now and for generations to come.