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As authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under 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.

Stormwater discharge permits are required for certain activities by EPA regulations at 40 CFR § 122.26(b)(14). In compliance with this regulation, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) issues permits to regulate the discharge of stormwater to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.

Areas of Interest

area of interest

Spilling a single gallon of oil can contaminate as much as one million gallons of water.

Straight to Lake Mead

The storm sewer system carries UNTREATED stormwater runoff directly to Lake Mead – the Valley’s primary source of drinking water.

The EPA estimates that American's improperly dump about 193 million gallons of used oil every year, or roughly the equivalent of 17 Exxon Valdez oil spills.

MS4 refers to conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, and storm drains) which is owned or operated by a state, city, town, county, district, association, or other public body (created by or pursuant to state law)

Two System

The sanitary sewer and the storm sewer are two completely separate drainage systems.

MS4's Standards

MS4s are regulated by the NPDES permit program. The NPDES permit was enacted in 1972 as part of the pivotal Clean Water Act.

Fueling

When possible, cover fuel islands and grade the areas to contain spills. Utilize spill and overflow devices at the pumps. Have spill control kits available at the fuel island. Install curbing and/or posts to protect pumps.

Chemical Storage

Store chemicals in labeled, sealed containers within secondary containment provided and under permanent or temporary cover, such as a tarp or roofing.

Spill Management

Maintain a dedicated spill kit on site to contain and clean spills. Apply absorbent materials such as kitty litter or sand to clean spills. Sweep used absorbent into a trash bag and dispose properly.

Clogged Drain Grates

Blocked stormdrains can cause back-ups and overflow. Please keep drain clear to prevent flooding.

STORM SEWER vs. SANITARY SEWER

Las Vegas Valley has two separate collection systems. The sanitary sewer collects wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines, conveying it to a wastewater treatment plant to remove pollutants before returning it to Lake Mead. The storm sewer system carries UNTREATED stormwater runoff directly to Lake Mead – the Valley’s primary source of drinking water.

Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance

Use drip pans to contain leaks from vehicles awaiting service. Clean leaks and spills using an absorbent such as kitty litter or sand. Sweep up and properly dispose of used absorbent. Properly dispose or recycle greasy rags. Keep auto parts indoors or on pallets and under cover.

Runoff Management

Regularly maintain and clean retention basins, drywells and stormwater treatment conveyances to ensure proper operation. Keep pollutants away from these structures

State of Nevada NPDES Permits

Multi-Sector General Permit (Industrial) Permits

Activities that take place at industrial facilities, such as material handling and storage, are often exposed to stormwater. The runoff from these activities discharges industrial pollutants into nearby storm sewer systems and water bodies. This may adversely impact water quality.

The NDEP requires industrial facilities to obtain a Multi-sector General Permit if they are defined as “stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity” under the 11 categories listed in 40 CFR §122.26 (b)(14)(i)-(xi). See the following link Who's Covered for the NDEP website that discusses the 11 categories.

Operators of industrial facilities or sites with activities included in one of these 11 categories must obtain coverage under an NDEP Multi-sector General Permit unless conditionally excluded. Exclusions include any Mineral Industry Facilities defined within SIC code 10 under Category III of 40 CFR §122.26(b)(14); or Construction activity defined under Category X of 40 CFR §122.26(b)(14). If an industrial facility discharges wastewater associated with industrial activities, then that facility will need an individual discharge permit in addition to their Multi-sector General Permit. For more information on Nevada’s Industrial Stormwater Permit requirements, see the following link for the NDEP Bureau of Water Pollution Control website: Permit Application Requirements

Permit Application Requirements : State of Nevada's required forms and procedures for obtaining a Multi-sector General permit.
Who's Covered : Identifies SIC codes and the 11 categories of "storm water discharges associated with industrial activity".
Industrial Stormwater Permitting Guidance : EPA guidelines for industrial stormwater permitting.
Developing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans : EPA manuals detailing guidance on developing industrial stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP).