In New York State, provisions of the Clean Water Act are administered for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
DEC uses a document called the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit to regulate municipal stormwater pollution control activities. The SPDES permit requires water departments (and any facility discharging to New York waters) to control, monitor, and limit pollutants in their wastewater or stormwater discharges, obtain authorization before operating or modifying discharge systems, and comply with strict water‑quality protection standards.
The SPDES program is designed to eliminate the pollution of New York waters and to maintain the highest quality of water possible, consistent with:
- Public health.
- Public enjoyment of the resource.
- Protection and propagation of fish and wildlife.
- Industrial development in the state.
Public Participation Plan (PPP)Public Participation Plan (PPP)
