NPDES
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Environmental
| Stands for | National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
NPDES stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, an environmental abbreviation.
US Clean Water Act permit program, created in 1972, that regulates point sources discharging pollutants into rivers, lakes and coastal waters, such as factories, sewage plants and large construction sites. Each permit sets discharge limits and monitoring requirements.
Example: The plant's NPDES permit limits ammonia in its discharge to 2 mg/L in summer.
Usage notes
Most states administer NPDES permits themselves under authorization from the EPA. Stormwater from cities and construction sites was brought under the program in the 1990s. Discharging without a permit is a violation that can bring civil and criminal penalties.
Related abbreviations
More environmental abbreviations
- MRV – Measurement, reporting and verification
- MSW – Municipal solid waste
- NbS – Nature-based solutions
- NDC – Nationally determined contribution
- NEPA – National Environmental Policy Act
- NOx – Nitrogen oxides
- ODS – Ozone-depleting substance
- PM10 – Particulate matter 10 micrometers or smaller
- PM2.5 – Particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or smaller
- RCP – Representative Concentration Pathway
- RCRA – Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- REDD+ – Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation