test pub
pubs from w3
| Title | Link | Description | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protocol for Determining Economic Achievability for NPDES Permits | Protocol for Determining Economic Achievability for NPDES Permits (pdf) | Guidance for determining economic achievability when establishing best available technology economically achievable (BAT) on a case-by-case basis in NPDES Permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1982-protocol-economic-achievability-npdes.pdf |
| Work Book for Determining Economic Achievability for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permits | Work Book for Determining Economic Achievability for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permits (pdf) | Worksheets for determining economic achievability when establishing best available technology economically achievable (BAT) on a case-by-case basis in NPDES permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1982-workbook-economic-achievability-npdes.pdf |
| Toxicity Testing Requirements in Municipal Permits | Toxicity Testing Requirements in Municipal Permits (pdf) | Guidance urging inclusion of whole effluent toxicity (WET) testing in permits for POTWs. - Superseded by 7/1995 WET policy and 7/1990 rule requiring toxicity tests in POTW applications. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1985-guidance-wet-potws.pdf |
| National Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy | National Combined Sewer Overflow Control Strategy (pdf) | Strategy for control of discharges from combined sewer overflows. - Updated by 4/19/1994 CSO Policy. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1989-cso-strategy.pdf |
| Guidance for Determination of Appropriate Methods for Detection of Section 313 Water Priority Chemicals | Guidance for Determination of Appropriate Methods for Detection of Section 313 Water Priority Chemicals (pdf) | Guidance to facilities discharging storm water and subject to EPCRA section 313 reporting requirements on what pollutants to sample for and what methods to use when sampling. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1989-permit-strategy-ocpsf.pdf |
| New Regulations Governing the Discharge of Toxic and Hazardous Pollutants to Publicly Owned Treatment Works | New Regulations Governing the Discharge of Toxic and Hazardous Pollutants to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (pdf) | Memorandum describing applicability of 7/25/1990 regulations for control of toxic and hazardous pollutants on pretreatment and NPDES permitting programs. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1990-pretreatment-regs-hazardous-waste.pdf |
| The Watershed Protection Approach - Framework Document - With 10/28/1991 cover memo | The Watershed Protection Approach - Framework Document - With 10/28/1991 cover memo (pdf) | Memorandum explaining the Office of Water approach for implementing a watershed approach. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1991-watershed-framework.pdf |
| Reducing the NPDES Permit Backlog | Reducing the NPDES Permit Backlog (pdf) | Memorandum from J. Charles Fox to Regional Administrators about reducing the backlog of NPDES permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/1999-reducing-npdes-backlog.pdf |
| Agency Interpretation of Applicability of Section 402 of the CWA to Water Transfers | Agency Interpretation of Applicability of Section 402 of the CWA to Water Transfers (pdf) | Memorandum from Ann Klee and Ben Grumbles addresses whether NPDES program applies to water control facilities that merely connect or convey navigable waters. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/2005-agency-interpretation-water-transfers.pdf |
| Technical Guidance Manual - Regulations Promulgated Pursuant to Section 301(g) of the CWA of 1977 and 40 CFR Part 125 (Subpart F) | Technical Guidance Manual - Regulations Promulgated Pursuant to Section 301(g) of the CWA of 1977 and 40 CFR Part 125 (Subpart F) (pdf) | Guidance to EPA Regions and States on how to conduct technical analysis required in support of Section 301(g) variances to effluent guidelines. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/301g-variance-guidance.pdf |
| Questions and Answers on Implementation of Section 304(l) of the Clean Water Act | Questions and Answers on Implementation of Section 304(l) of the Clean Water Act (pdf) | Memorandum providing answers to miscellaneous questions about implementing section 304(l) of the CWA. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/304l-implementation-qsas.pdf |
| Interim Guidance on Implementation of Section 402(o) Antibacksliding Rules for Water Quality-Based Permits | Interim Guidance on Implementation of Section 402(o) Antibacksliding Rules for Water Quality-Based Permits (pdf) | Interprets CWA section 402(o) for water quality-based effluent limits and clarifies that the 1/4/1989 regulation interprets the Act for technology-based effluent limits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/402o-wqbels.pdf |
| Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - Final Rulemaking - Q & A | Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations - Final Rulemaking - Q & A (pdf) | Fact sheet provides questions and answers relating to the 2008 Final CAFO Rule. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/cafo-final-rule2008-qa.pdf |
| Clarification of "Instantaneous Maximum" as Applied to Steam Electric Facilities Effluent Limitations | Clarification of "Instantaneous Maximum" as Applied to Steam Electric Facilities Effluent Limitations (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying that steam electric effluent guideline for chlorine is intended to be an instantaneous maximum limit and not a daily maximum limit. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/clarification-tbel-steam-electric.pdf |
| Clarifications Regarding Certain Aspects of EPA's Surface Water Toxics Control Regulations | Clarifications Regarding Certain Aspects of EPA's Surface Water Toxics Control Regulations (pdf) | Clarifications of EPA's regulatory interpretations of the definition of whole effluent toxicity, the enforceability of limits based on a single toxicity test result, requirements for limits on pollutants and the use of indicator pollutants, use of state narrative water quality criteria, and standards for listing waters under CWA section 304(l). | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/clarifications-304l-and-wqbel-regs.pdf |
| Eligibility for Variances Under Section 301(i)(l) of the CWA | Eligibility for Variances Under Section 301(i)(l) of the CWA (pdf) | Legal answers to several questions about eligibility for section 301(i) variances. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/clarify-potw-eligability-301h-variances.pdf |
| Storm Water Phase II - Compliance Assistance Guide | Storm Water Phase II - Compliance Assistance Guide (pdf) | Explains applicability of 12/9/1999 storm water regulations. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/comguide.pdf |
| Transmittal of Final 304(l) Implementation Guidance - Cover memorandum only; guidance on separate row | Transmittal of Final 304(l) Implementation Guidance - Cover memorandum only; guidance on separate row (pdf) | Cover memorandum for guidance to Regions and States on how to identify waters subject to listing under CWA section 304(l) and development of Individual Control Strategies for point sources discharging into these waters. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/cover-memo-304l-impl.pdf |
| Judicial Officer's Decision on Part 124 Proceedings | Judicial Officer's Decision on Part 124 Proceedings (pdf) | Guidance that when both legal and factual issues arise in an evidentiary hearing, and the EPA region grants the hearing on the factual issues, that the legal issues must also be heard by the administrative law judge. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/decision-part-124.pdf |
| Interim Strategy for the Regulation of Pulp and Paper Mill Discharges to the Waters of the U.S. | Interim Strategy for the Regulation of Pulp and Paper Mill Discharges to the Waters of the U.S. (pdf) | Strategy for writing permit limits to control dioxins and furans discharged from pulp and paper mills. - Revised and finalized 5/21/1990. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/dioxin-strategy-pulp-and-paper.pdf |
| Effluent Guidelines For the OCPSF Industrial Category | Effluent Guidelines For the OCPSF Industrial Category (pdf) | Interim guidance to permit authorities on application of new effluent guidelines for organic chemical facilities to NPDES permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/elg-ocpsf.pdf |
| Enforcement Efforts Addressing Sanitary Sewer Overflows | Enforcement Efforts Addressing Sanitary Sewer Overflows (pdf) | Memorandum discussing upcoming efforts to better understand SSO problems and possibility of drafting national guidance. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/enforcement-sso.pdf |
| Memorandum: Questions and Answers Regarding the OCPSF Effluent Limitations Guidelines | Memorandum: Questions and Answers Regarding the OCPSF Effluent Limitations Guidelines (pdf) | Memorandum and attachment providing frequently asked questions and answers related to the new effluent guideline for organic chemical plants. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/faq-ocpsf-elg.pdf |
| Fundamentally Different Factors Variances for Iron and Steel Facilities | Fundamentally Different Factors Variances for Iron and Steel Facilities (pdf) | Memorandum requesting answer on whether to consider "wholly disproportionate costs" on a facility or subcategory basis when processing an FDF variance, and expressing preference that a subcategory basis be used. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/fdf-variances-ironsteel.pdf |
| National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting for Environmental Results Strategy | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting for Environmental Results Strategy (pdf) | Presents a coordinated and integrated management system that when fully implemented will produce an NPDES program that is more efficient and focuses on environmental results. This Strategy is an important element in an overall plan to meet the watershed restoration goals established in EPA's Strategic Plan. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/final-per-strategy.pdf |
| Fact sheet on Storm Water Program Phase II Extension Under the Water Resources Development Act | Fact sheet on Storm Water Program Phase II Extension Under the Water Resources Development Act (pdf) | Memorandum explaining that CWA was amended to extend storm water moratorium date from 10/1/1992 to 10/1/1994. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/fs-sw-phase-ii-extension.pdf |
| EPA's Authority to Issue NPDES General Permits in Approved NPDES States | EPA's Authority to Issue NPDES General Permits in Approved NPDES States (pdf) | Memorandum explaining that EPA has no authority to issue general permits in authorized States, where the State has yet to receive authority to issue general permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/gp-epa-authority.pdf |
| General Permit Program Guidance (cover memorandum) - 3/1/1988 cover memorandum only; guidance is separate file | General Permit Program Guidance (cover memorandum) - 3/1/1988 cover memorandum only; guidance is separate file (pdf) | Cover memorandum to guidance on issuance of general permits and authorization of state general permit programs. Guidance also identifies which general permits EPA Headquarters will review (a provision rescinded in 6/29/1995 regulation). | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/gp-program-cover-memo.pdf |
| The NPDES Permitting Process for Oil and Gas Activities on the Outer Continental Shelf - With 7/3/1985 cover memo: "Transmittal of General Permitting Strategy for OCS Oil & Gas Activities Under EPA/MMS MOU" | The NPDES Permitting Process for Oil and Gas Activities on the Outer Continental Shelf - With 7/3/1985 cover memorandum: "Transmittal of General Permitting Strategy for OCS Oil & Gas Activities Under EPA/MMS MOU" (pdf) | Guidance on developing NPDES permits for offshore oil and gas activities. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/guidance-npdes-ocs-oilgas.pdf |
| Clarification of Sampling Procedures for the VOA Fraction | Clarification of Sampling Procedures for the VOA Fraction (pdf) | Guidance on collecting and compositing samples containing volatile organics. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/guidance-sampling-voa.pdf |
| Final Guidance - Implementation of Requirements under Section 304(l) of the Clean Water Act As Amended - Cover page and TOC only. Cover memorandum is separate document | Final Guidance - Implementation of Requirements under Section 304(l) of the Clean Water Act As Amended - Cover page and TOC only. Cover memorandum is separate document (pdf) | Cover page and TOC for guidance to EPA Regions and States on how to identify waters subject to listing under CWA section 304(l) and development of Individual Control Strategies for point sources discharging into these waters. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/implementation-304l.pdf |
| Interim Petroleum Refinery Dioxin Discharges Activities and Guidance Update | Interim Petroleum Refinery Dioxin Discharges Activities and Guidance Update (pdf) | Memorandum providing an interim report on the available information regarding the potential presence of dioxins and furans in wastewater discharged from petroleum refineries and to provide the Regions with recommendations concerning notification of petroleum refineries about the detection of dioxins and furans in certain refinery wastestreams. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/int-report-dioxin-petrol-refinery.pdf |
| Clarification of CWA 316(b) Requirements for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Import Terminals | Clarification of CWA 316(b) Requirements for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Import Terminals (pdf) | Memorandum identifies requirements that apply or could potentially apply to cooling water intake structures at Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) import terminals under CWA Section 316(b). | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/lng-clarification-memo.pdf |
| Delegation of Updates to Major/Minor Lists | Delegation of Updates to Major/Minor Lists (pdf) | Memorandum establishes delegation to Regions of determinations of major/minor status for municipal and non-municipal NPDES dischargers. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/majorminorlist.pdf |
| Coal Mining Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and Its Relationship to EPA's Current Responsibilities for Coal Mining Operations | Coal Mining Under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 and Its Relationship to EPA's Current Responsibilities for Coal Mining Operations (pdf) | Memorandum summarizing requirements of SMCRA and effect on NPDES permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-1978-smcra.pdf |
| Clarifications on the Flexibility in 40 CFR Part 136 Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Methods | Clarifications on the Flexibility in 40 CFR Part 136 Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Methods (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying flexibility in regulations establishing analytical test methods for determining whole effluent toxicity. Information to conduct WET test methods, for authorized States. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-1996-clarifications-wet-methods.pdf |
| Applicability of Section 301(h) & (i) Modifications to Federal Facilities | Applicability of Section 301(h) & (i) Modifications to Federal Facilities (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying that because federal facilities are not POTWs, they are not authorized to receive 301(h) or 301(i) waivers. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-applicability-301h-301i-ff.pdf |
| Authorization of Partial State Sewage Sludge Programs | Authorization of Partial State Sewage Sludge Programs (pdf) | Memorandum stating that states can request authorization for parts of the sludge permit program. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-biosolids-partial-auth.pdf |
| Annual Permit Limits for Nitrogen & Phosphorus for Permits Designed to Protect Chesapeake Bay & Its Tidal Tributaries from Excess Nutrient Loading Under NPDES | Annual Permit Limits for Nitrogen & Phosphorus for Permits Designed to Protect Chesapeake Bay & Its Tidal Tributaries from Excess Nutrient Loading Under NPDES (pdf) | Memorandum from Jim Hanlon to Region 3 and Chesapeake Bay Program Office concurring on use of annual permit limits for nitrogen and phosphorus. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-chesapeakebay.pdf |
| Approach Taken By Michigan to Regulate Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities | Approach Taken By Michigan to Regulate Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities (pdf) | Memorandum providing guidance to the regions on an approach, used by the state of Michigan, which could be used to regulate storm water discharges from construction activities. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-construction-sw-mi.pdf |
| Enforcement Policy and the Use of Enforcement Compliance Schedule Letters (ECSLs) for Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) | Enforcement Policy and the Use of Enforcement Compliance Schedule Letters (ECSLs) for Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying that enforcement compliance schedule letters are only applicable to certain POTWs. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-ecls-potws1.pdf |
| Procedures for Processing Fundamentally Different Factors Variances | Procedures for Processing Fundamentally Different Factors Variances (pdf) | Memorandum identifying regulatory requirements for processing FDF variances. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-fdf-variances.pdf |
| NPDES Permits and Requirements of State Law | NPDES Permits and Requirements of State Law (pdf) | Memorandum expressing that NPDES permits to federal facilities must conform with state water quality management plans, but need not be immediately modified to include recent revisions to such plans. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-ff-state-law-requirements.pdf |
| Applicability of General Permits to New Sources | Applicability of General Permits to New Sources (pdf) | Memorandum explains that general permits can include new sources, but only after NEPA requirements are fulfilled. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-gp-newsource.pdf |
| Use of In-Stream Mechanical Aerators to Meet Water Quality Standards | Use of In-Stream Mechanical Aerators to Meet Water Quality Standards (pdf) | Memorandum recommending that use of instream aerators not be considered analogous to low flow augmentation. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-instream-aerators.pdf |
| Use of Low Flow Augmentation by Point Sources to Meet Water Quality Standards | Use of Low Flow Augmentation by Point Sources to Meet Water Quality Standards (pdf) | Memorandum explaining EPA's policy discouraging use of flow augmentation as an alternative to treatment for meeting water quality standards. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-lowflow-augmentation.pdf |
| Municipal Wastewater Treatment Ponds | Municipal Wastewater Treatment Ponds (pdf) | Guidance on permitting and enforcement activities under new regulation allowing municipal wastewater treatment ponds to satisfy secondary treatment requirements. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-muni-ww-treatment-ponds.pdf |
| Determining Whether Revisions to State NPDES Programs Made to Authorize the Issuance of General Permits are Substantial | Determining Whether Revisions to State NPDES Programs Made to Authorize the Issuance of General Permits are Substantial (pdf) | In response to Regional and State comments, re-interprets which state program revisions are "substantial." | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-npdes-prog-rev-substantial.pdf |
| NPDES Permits in Wetlands Areas | NPDES Permits in Wetlands Areas (pdf) | Memorandum explaining that, in most cases, an NPDES permit resulting from the creation of a landfill in a wetlands would be denied. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-npdes-wetland.pdf |
| Additional Guidance for Petroleum Marketing Terminals & Oil Production Facilities | Additional Guidance for Petroleum Marketing Terminals & Oil Production Facilities (pdf) | Memorandum explains that oil and grease monitoring for petroleum marketing terminals and oil production facilities must use daily maximum limits, not instantaneous maximum limits. -Supersedes 3/18/1974 memorandum. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-oilgrease-monitoring.pdf |
| Expediting Achievement of Water Quality Improvements by 301(h) Applicants | Expediting Achievement of Water Quality Improvements by 301(h) Applicants (pdf) | Memorandum establishing required actions to expedite compliance with the CWA for POTWs discharging offshore that request a variance from secondary treatment. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-potw-compliance-301h.pdf |
| Statutory Deadlines for Compliance by Publicly Owned Treatment Works Under the Clean Water Act | Statutory Deadlines for Compliance by Publicly Owned Treatment Works Under the Clean Water Act (pdf) | Legal memorandum explaining that although the 1981 CWA amendments extended the opportunity for 301(i) variances to 7/1/1988, this does not authorize granting compliance schedules for POTWs that have not received this variance. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-potw-compliance-deadline.pdf |
| Suspended Solids Effluent Limitations for Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Ponds Followed by Other Treatment Elements | Suspended Solids Effluent Limitations for Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Ponds Followed by Other Treatment Elements (pdf) | Policy stating when the secondary treatment requirement for total suspended solids can be adjusted. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-potw-tss.pdf |
| Calculation of Production-Based Effluent Limits | Calculation of Production-Based Effluent Limits (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying procedure for calculating production based effluent limitations and on the use of alternate limitations. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-production-based-tbels.pdf |
| Interpretive Policy Memorandum on Reapplication Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems | Interpretive Policy Memorandum on Reapplication Requirements for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (pdf) | Interpretive policy memorandum clarifies regulations addressing reapplication requirements. Explains that MS4 permit applicants and NPDES permit writers have considerable discretion to customize appropriate and streamlined reapplication requirements on a case-by-case basis. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-reapplication-req-ms4.pdf |
| Regional Review of State-Issued NPDES Permits | Regional Review of State-Issued NPDES Permits (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying that EPA's review of State issued permits is not an approval because the CWA only allows EPA to veto State-issued permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-reg-rev-st-issued-permits.pdf |
| Remand of Restoration Provisions in Rule Governing Cooling Water Intakes at New Facilities under Section 316(b) of the CWA | Remand of Restoration Provisions in Rule Governing Cooling Water Intakes at New Facilities under Section 316(b) of the CWA (pdf) | Memorandum discusses the remand of restoration measures for 316(b) Phase I New facilities. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-remand.pdf |
| Sewage Disposal from Trains | Sewage Disposal from Trains (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying that sewage disposal from trains is best addressed by the Rail Passenger Service Act, and not the CWA. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-sewage-trains.pdf |
| State Pretreatment Programs | State Pretreatment Programs (pdf) | Memorandum expressing allowable flexibility in developing and implementing State pretreatment programs. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-st-pretreatment.pdf |
| Clarification of OGC Opinion No. 40 (State Review Authority) | Clarification of OGC Opinion No. 40 (State Review Authority) (pdf) | Legal memorandum clarifying that states have same authority as EPA Regions in considering economic impact of technology based effluent limits, when establishing these limits using best professional judgment. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-state-authority-tbel-bpj1.pdf |
| State General Permit Program Development | State General Permit Program Development (pdf) | Under the cover titled "General Permit Program Guidance" are the following documents to help states gain authority for general permit issuance: - 6/13/1989 memorandum "Development of State NPDES Permit Programs" (pp. 3-4 of PDF file) - 6/13/1989 guidance "State General Permits Program Development" (pp. 5-30 of PDF file) - 2/1988 guidance "General Permit Program Guidance" (pp. 31-133 of PDF file). The 6/1989 documents supplement the 2/1988 guidance. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-state-gp-authority.pdf |
| State Regulation of Federal Facilities Under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1977 (Clean Water Act) - Policy Guidance Memorandum | State Regulation of Federal Facilities Under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1977 (Clean Water Act) - Policy Guidance Memorandum (pdf) | Memorandum clarifying that States can issue NPDES permits to federal facilities, but only after receiving authority to do so from EPA. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-state-npdes-permits-ff.pdf |
| Policy for End of Moratorium for Stormwater Permitting - October 1, 1994 | Policy for End of Moratorium for Stormwater Permitting - October 1, 1994 (pdf) | Memorandum describing EPA's approach for dealing with phase II storm water sources after October 1, 1994. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-sw-phase-ii-application-req.pdf |
| Policy Regarding the Inclusion in Permits of Effluent Parameters More Stringent Than or Additional to Those Based on Secondary Treatment or Effluent Guidelines | Policy Regarding the Inclusion in Permits of Effluent Parameters More Stringent Than or Additional to Those Based on Secondary Treatment or Effluent Guidelines (pdf) | Policy expressing when effluent limitations in addition to those required by effluent guidelines or secondary treatment can be included in permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-tbel-more-stingent-elg.pdf |
| The Watershed Approach: Our Framework for Ecosystem Protection | The Watershed Approach: Our Framework for Ecosystem Protection (pdf) | Memorandum describing actions EPA will take to foster a watershed approach to protecting surface waters. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-watershed-framework.pdf |
| Use of Biomonitoring in the NPDES Permits Program | Use of Biomonitoring in the NPDES Permits Program (pdf) | Legal memorandum explaining that EPA has authority to require biomonitoring and establish non-effluent guideline limitations for toxics in NPDES permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-wet-biomonitoring.pdf |
| Disposal of Supply Water Treatment Sludges | Disposal of Supply Water Treatment Sludges (pdf) | Memorandum explaining EPA position that while discharge of wastewater treatment sludges is not allowed, discharge of water treatment sludges may be allowed, under NPDES regulations. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/memo-wwtp-sludge.pdf |
| Model NPDES Permit for Discharges from the Cleanup of Gasoline Released from Underground Storage Tanks | Model NPDES Permit for Discharges from the Cleanup of Gasoline Released from Underground Storage Tanks (pdf) | Model permit for technology-based controls on discharges from cleanup operations for gasoline leaks from underground storage tanks. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/model-permit-tbels-ust.pdf |
| Applicability of 2008 MSGP to Gravel Pits Associated with Road & Bridge Construction & Maintenance | Applicability of 2008 MSGP to Gravel Pits Associated with Road & Bridge Construction & Maintenance (pdf) | Clarifies the applicability of the recently issued 2008 Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity to gravel pits that supply material to road and bridge construction and maintenance projects. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/msgp2008-sand-and-gravel.pdf |
| NPDES Permit Writer's Guide on Data Quality Objectives | NPDES Permit Writer's Guide on Data Quality Objectives (pdf) | Guidance to help permit writers ensure that environmental data collected or required by NPDES permits will be adequate for decision-making. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/npdes-data-quality-objectives.pdf |
| NPDES Permit Issuance for Pulp and Paper Facilities and Issuance of Permits with BCT Limitations to Other Facilities | NPDES Permit Issuance for Pulp and Paper Facilities and Issuance of Permits with BCT Limitations to Other Facilities (pdf) | Memorandum discussing EPA's position on regulation of Pulp and Paper Industrial Point Source Category, examining methods for issuance of permits to facilities in that category and issuance of permits with BCT limits to secondary categories other than pulp and paper. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/npdes-tbels-pulp-and-paper.pdf |
| NPDES Permitting Strategy for OCPSF Industry Direct Dischargers | NPDES Permitting Strategy for OCPSF Industry Direct Dischargers (pdf) | National strategy calling for expeditious reissuance of NPDES permits for organic chemical facilities, in order that the new effluent guidelines can quickly become implemented. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/permit-strategy-ocpsf.pdf |
| Permitting for Environmental Results - Permit Issuance and Priority Permits | Permitting for Environmental Results - Permit Issuance and Priority Permits (pdf) | Procedures for identifying environmentally significant priority permits; and asks Regions and States to incorporate these procedures. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/prioritization-memo.pdf |
| Process for Obtaining Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification for EPA-Issued NPDES Permits | Process for Obtaining Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification for EPA-Issued NPDES Permits (pdf) | Memorandum clarifies procedures for obtaining 401 certifications. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/process-401-cert-epa-npdes-permits.pdf |
| Guidance on Pretreatment Program Modification Requirements of 40 CFR 403.18 - With cover memo: 40 CFR 403.18 Pretreatment Program Modifications | Guidance on Pretreatment Program Modification Requirements of 40 CFR 403.18 - With cover memo: 40 CFR 403.18 Pretreatment Program Modifications (pdf) | Provides guidance on implementation of 403.18 procedures for approving changes to approved pretreatment programs. Suggests how states and EPA approval authorities might reduce effort to comply with 403.18, especially public notice requirements. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/promod.pdf |
| Revised Policy Statement on Scope of Discharge Authorization and Shield Associated with NPDES Permits | Revised Policy Statement on Scope of Discharge Authorization and Shield Associated with NPDES Permits (pdf) | Changes to 7/1/1994 policy outlining EPA's interpretation of CWA section 402(k), also known as "permit as a shield." | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/revised-1994-memo-npdes-authorization-sheild.pdf |
| Whole Effluent Toxicity Sample Permitting & Enforcement Guidance - Attaches 2/2/1989 memo "Whole Effluent Toxicity Basic Permitting Principles and Enforcement Strategy" | Whole Effluent Toxicity Sample Permitting & Enforcement Guidance - Attaches 2/2/1989 memo "Whole Effluent Toxicity Basic Permitting Principles and Enforcement Strategy" (pdf) | Sample permit language to improve consistency in whole effluent toxicity limits in NPDES permits. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/sample-permit-wet.pdf |
| Representative Sampling in NPDES Permits | Representative Sampling in NPDES Permits (pdf) | Memorandum expressing importance of clear expressions of monitoring locations in NPDES permits, and recommending appropriate permit language. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/sampling-npdes.pdf |
| Strategy for the Regulation of Discharges of PHDDs and PHDFs from Pulp and Paper Mills to Waters of the U.S. | Strategy for the Regulation of Discharges of PHDDs and PHDFs from Pulp and Paper Mills to Waters of the U.S. (pdf) | Strategy for writing permit limits to control dioxins and furans discharged from pulp and paper mills. - Replaces 8/9/1988 interim strategy. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/strategy-dioxins-pulp-and-paper.pdf |
| Revisions to Stormwater Regulations to Clarify that an NPDES Permit is not Required for Stormwater Discharges from Logging Roads (EPA-HQ-OW-2012-0195) | Revisions to Stormwater Regulations to Clarify that an NPDES Permit is not Required for Stormwater Discharges from Logging Roads (EPA-HQ-OW-2012-0195) (pdf) | Fact sheet describes "revised Phase I stormwater regulations to clarify that stormwater discharges from logging roads do not constitute stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity and that an NPDES permit is not required for these stormwater discharges." | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/sw-forestroad-factsheet1.pdf |
| Anticipated Questions on Revisions to Stormwater Regulations to Clarify that an NPDES Permit is not Required for Stormwater Discharges from Logging Roads | Anticipated Questions on Revisions to Stormwater Regulations to Clarify that an NPDES Permit is not Required for Stormwater Discharges from Logging Roads (pdf) | Qs and As addressing revisions to stormwater regulations | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/sw-forestroad-faq.pdf |
| Interpretive Statement & Regional Guidance - CWA's Exemption for Return Flows from Irrigated Agriculture | Interpretive Statement & Regional Guidance - CWA's Exemption for Return Flows from Irrigated Agriculture (pdf) | In Headwaters, Inc. vs. Talent Irrigation District, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that an applicator of aquatic herbicides was required to obtain a NPDES permit under the CWA. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/talentfinal.pdf |
| NPDES Permit Issuance Flexibility Policy in Watershed Permitting | NPDES Permit Issuance Flexibility Policy in Watershed Permitting (pdf) | Memorandum to Regions recognizing challenges of meeting permit issuance requirements during the transition to the watershed approach. Outlines measures to facilitate transition. | https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-04/wbp-flexability-policy.pdf |