What is NPDES and when do I need one of these permits?
NPDES is a federal program administered by the state. NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) is established to regulate all point source discharges (specifically-discharge of stormwater from construction sites). The Conservation District has delegation authority to administer this program. Any proposed disturbance of 1 acre or more through the life of the project must have an NPDES permit.
• General NPDES permit – Issued by the District after District review of the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan finds the plan adequate. This permit is for projects in non-protected watersheds.
• Individual NPDES permit – Issued by PA DEP after recommendation from the District to issue and a 30 day publication in the PA Bulletin. This is for sites in High Quality (HQ)/ Exceptional Value (EV) Watersheds and those sites with possible environmental pollution or history of non-compliance.

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1. When is an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan required?
2. What is NPDES and when do I need one of these permits?
3. What is an environmental complaint?