National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

What is NPDES?

The NPDES program was developed by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) to minimize or eliminate the possibility of polluting water bodies by stormwater runoff, illegal dumping, and illicit discharges (discharges of anything other than unpolluted stormwater). All cities and the unincorporated areas of Polk County are regulated by this permit system.

In 1996, the City was required to participate in the NPDES program and obtain a permit from the EPA. In 2003, EPA delegated the NPDES program to FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection).

As a permit condition, the City is required to submit an annual report outlining the permit elements. All permit elements must be met and the formal annual report submitted with FDEP to ensure that pollutants do not exceed the EPA's Water Quality Standards (FAC 62-302).

The City is issued a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) every five years.  The Permit 3 notification was issued to the City on September 12, 2011.