Region 8
NPDES - National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
View the Pesticide General Permit brochure (PDF)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Electronic Reporting Rule
Help EPA shape guidelines and requirements for electronic data reporting.
National Information
Regional Information
- NPDES Home
- NPDES Contacts
- Documents & Public Notice
** View Region 8 NPDES public notices **
The Clean Water Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program to control the discharge of pollutants into waters. NPDES permits authorize the discharge of pollutants into waterways. Permits incorporate technology-based standards and location-specific water quality standards in order to protect receiving waters.
In Region 8, EPA's NPDES program issues permits in Indian country and for Federal facilities in Colorado. The Region also provides regulatory oversight of state permitting programs.
NPDES Program Special Emphasis Areas
Biosolids
- The Biosolids Program ensures that sewage sludge is of suffucient quality to protect public health and the environment. The program also promotes the beneficial reuse of biosolids. Region 8 permits biosolids application in Indian country and in the states of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
- Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are places where a defined number of animals are kept and raised in confined situations. CAFO permits require specific nutrient management practices and plans. Region 8 permits CAFOs in Indian country and from Federal facilities in Colorado.
Pretreatment
- The Pretreatment Program ensures that discharges to the sanitary sewer system from industrial and commercial dischargers do not cause Pass Though of toxic pollutants or Interference with sewer system or treatment works and improve the opportunity for the benefical reuse of biosolids. Region 8 administers the pretreatment program in Indian country and in the states of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.
Stormwater
- The Stormwater Program requires management practices to ensure that pollutants are not transported in runoff. The program address runoff from larger municipalities, industrial activities, and construction. Region 8 permits stormwater runoff in Indian country and from Federal facilities in Colorado.
Tribal Lagoons
- Tribal Lagoons are permitted by EPA Region 8 through the use of state-specific permits. Wastewater lagoons are pond-like bodes of water or basins designed to receive, hold, and treat wastewater for a predetermined period of time. Lagoon permits have requirements for operations and maintenance specific to these types of facilities. The Region also conducts operator training to assist in the management of wastewater lagoons.
Whole Effluent Toxicity
- Whole Effluent Toxicity refers to the aggregate toxic effect to aquatic organisms from all pollutants contained in a facility's wastewater (effluent). WET testing and limits are required for a specific subset of permits. Region 8 provides assistance and oversight to states for addressing whole effluent toxicity in permits.
Region 8 NPDES Permitting Mailing Address:
Wastewater Unit (8P-W-WW)
US Environmental Protection Agency - Region 8
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
In Region 8 states: 1-800-227-8917