To whom are NPDES permits issued?

NPDES permits, which stand for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, are issued to operators who are responsible for a specific discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. This regulatory mechanism is essential for managing and controlling water pollution and helps ensure that discharges meet established standards and do not harm aquatic ecosystems or public health.

The issuance of these permits to operators is critical because it places the responsibility for compliance and environmental protection directly on the entities conducting activities that may discharge pollutants. This encourages accountability and promotes the implementation of best management practices to minimize environmental impact.

Other groups, such as state governors, environmental consultants, or non-profit organizations, may be involved in the regulatory or advocacy processes related to water quality, but they do not directly receive NPDES permits for their own discharge operations. The focus on operators reflects the intent of the Clean Water Act and its implementation through the NPDES framework.