Frequently Asked Questions
N.P.D.E.S. Questions
Q. What does NPDES stand for?
A. NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. It is a program that was developed in 1972. It was originally put into place to focus on reducing pollutants in discharges from industrial wastewater and municipal sewage. In 1987 there was an amendment called the "Water Quality Act" that established a phased approach to storm water permitting. Phase 1 was for municipalities with more than 100,000 people and construction activities more than 5 acres. Phase 2, which took place in May 2003, is for municipalities with less than 100,000 people and construction activities of more than 1 acre. Port Saint Lucie is under Phase 2.
Q. What is an NOI and where can I get it?
A. An NOI stands for Notice of Intent. It is required to issue an Engineering Permit for projects greater than one acre. The NOI needs to be filled out and sent to FDEP (Federal Department of Environmental Protection) to work under the Generic Permit for Stormwater Discharge from Large and Small Construction Activities.
The NOI can be found at:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/stormwater/npdes/forms/cgp_noi.pdf
The Generic Permit and its regulations can be found at:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/stormwater/npdes/docs/cgp.pdf
Q. What is a SWPPP, and do I need this when I submit plans?
A. A SWPPP stands for Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. This plan includes all of the Best Management Practices that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommends. The SWPPP can be submitted alone or all the information from the FDEP's Generic SWPPP must be incorporated into the construction plans.
The FDEP Generic SWPPP can be found at: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/stormwater/npdes/swppp.htm
Q. If I notice any illicit discharges into the St. Lucie River or into the City's drainage system (canals, lakes, ditches), is there a number I can call to report it?
A. Yes. You can call the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Hotline (772/344-4319), 24 hours a day. Any illegal dumping, whether it is oil, paint, dirt, trash, muddy water, etc., can be called into this hotline.