Department of Environmental Engineering

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program

Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our Nation's water quality. Chesterfield County has had an NPDES permit for the operation of the county municipal separate storm sewer system since 1996. The Water Quality Team administers the permit.

• Major elements of the permit include the following:
• Comprehensive stream monitoring
• Controlling the illicit discharge of pollutants to the storm sewer system and to waters of the county
• Minimizing pollutants from new development and redevelopment
• Conducting education and outreach on the proper use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers
• Monitoring and controlling discharges from industries and other types of uses that have the potential to contribute pollutants to waters of the county
• Controlling pollutants from construction sites
• Screening the storm sewer system for pollutant

Download the 2007 Stormwater Management and Monitoring Report for Chesterfield County, Virginia

Download the 2006 Stormwater Management and Monitoring Report for Chesterfield County, Virginia