Water: Water Quality Standards Academy
Education & TrainingTraining ProgramsWater Quality Standards AcademyBasic Course: Supplemental Topics (NPDES Permit 3)Basic Course: Supplemental Topics (NPDES Permit 3)
Course Navigation
- Listing Impaired Waters and Developing TMDLs
- Monitoring & Assessment
- NPDES Permit Program
- Point Source Control
- Permitting Authority
- Types of Permits
- Categories of Permits
- Permit Components
- Key Considerations
- Technology-Based Determination
- Water Quality-Based Determination
- WQBELs Process
- Step 1: Identify WQSs
- Step 2: Assess Concentration
- Pollutants of Concern
- Dilution/Mixing
- Critical Conditions
- Dilution/Mixing Allowance
- Step 3: Establish Need
- Step 4: Calculate Limits
- Summary
- Quiz
- Human Health Ambient Water Quality Criteria
- Aquatic Life Criteria
Introduction: Jurisdictional Permitting Authority
Most States have been authorized by EPA under Section 402 of the CWA to issue NPDES permits for point source discharges. The Agency retains an oversight role by providing guidance and, in some instances, review of proposed permits. (Sec. 123) 
As with States, a Tribe (or a Territory) can also be authorized to implement the NPDES permit program in its jurisdiction if it can demonstrate that it meets the legal and programmatic requirements for program authorization established in the CWA.
In jurisdictions where the Agency has not authorized a State to issue NPDES permits, the EPA Region serves as the permitting authority, carrying out functions that include:
- Issuing permits.
- Conducting compliance and monitoring activities.
- Enforcing the requirements of the permit.
Resource. View a list of program authorization status by jurisdiction.
