The Clean Water Act specifies that each major source of pollution, such as municipalities, industries and agricultural facilities, apply for a permit to discharge end-product pollutants.  Types and amounts of pollution in the discharge are to be specifically identified, as well as treatment procedures used to minimize pollution and its effects.  It further specifies that the NPDES permits are to be reviewed, adjusted and renewed at least every five years.  It is left up to each state to set allowable pollution limits and to regulate and enforce the permits.   The EPA posts these on their internet sites for public information.  It is important to have public involvement for the enforcement of the Clean Water Act.   We urge you to become involved and comment on the pollution permits for your area.

Note: The term "animal unit" (AU) refers to the number of specific animals.

All operations defined as CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) will become point sources of pollution.  The following aspects of CAFOs are addressed in the regulations:
    1. Land application of waste and wastewater.
    2. Inspection of production areas and requirements to use best management practices.
    3. Pollutant losses to atmosphere, especially ammonia.
    4. Pollutant losses to groundwater.

Effluent guidelines affect the following:
    1. Size and type of operation subject to effluent guidelines.
    2. Discharges to surface water via groundwater.
    3. New land-application standards for manure.  Pollutants of primary concern are nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, but also metals, sediment and pathogens.

Proposed NPDES Permits