Which organization administers the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program in Virginia?

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program is designed to regulate discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. In Virginia, this program is specifically administered by the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES). The VPDES program is responsible for issuing permits to control the discharge of pollutants from point sources into state waters, ensuring that these discharges comply with water quality standards to protect water resources.

This system is essential for managing water quality and preventing pollution from various sources, including industrial facilities, municipal wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater runoff. VPDES functions within the framework of both federal and state regulations, implementing the requirements set forth by the EPA while adapting them to the unique needs of Virginia.

While other organizations such as the EPA set the national standards and VDCR (Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation) may have related roles in conservation and managing certain water resources, it is the VPDES that directly oversees the permit program related to discharges in Virginia.