National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federal program designed to eliminate stormwater pollutant discharges to receiving waters of the United States. In 1987, the EPA was required under Section 402 (p) of the Clean Water Act (N40CFR Part 112.26) to establish final regulations governing stormwater discharge permit application requirements. In 1990, the Federal Register indicated that Palm Beach County was to begin compliance with the program. In 1997, the first 5-Year permit was issued to Palm Beach County's forty co-permittees. In November 2002, the second term 5-Year Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit was issued. The County has a cooperative program now involving thirty-nine co-permittees, the Florida Department of Environment Protection and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (NPBCID) acts as lead permittee for the Palm Beach County group. A Steering Committee was formed in 1991 to coordinate and facilitate joint activities within the Palm Beach County MS4 NPDES program. Mock•Roos, Inc. acts as staff to the Steering Committee, assisting with the administration of the program.