An Online Basic Course

The discharge of pollutants from point sources is a major factor affecting the condition of our nation’s waters. To manage these discharges, the NPDES permitting program was established in 1972 under the Clean Water Act. Discharging of point source pollutants into a water of the United States is prohibited unless an NPDES permit has been granted.

The NPDES permitting program offers training courses, workshops, and webinars to explain the regulatory framework and technical considerations of the NPDES permit program. These courses are designed for permit writers, dischargers, EPA officials, and other interested parties. 

In addition, EPA’s Water Quality Standards Academy also provides a training module on the NPDES Permit Program, designed by EPA’s Office of Science and Technology for state and tribal employees and the general public, provides training on all aspects of the program including who has the ability to issue NPDES permits, the different types of permits that can be issued, and the steps involved in developing a permit to ensure compliance with water quality standards.