Regulatory Information

Regulating Water Pollution

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of any pollutant to navigable waters from a point source unless the discharge is authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The passage of the Clean Water Act established NPDES permit requirements for discharges of stormwater. The NPDES permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.

For more information, please contact Stormwater Program Management at (731) 423-2041.

Regulating Industrial Facilities & Construction Sites

Industrial facilities and construction sites are regulated by TDEC, through general storm water permits. Most industrial, manufacturing, or transportation businesses that store materials, products, or equipment outdoors, or conduct vehicle washing or process operations outdoors are required to obtain coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Industrial Activities Stormwater Permit. Contact your local storm water coordinator for more information.

If your business conducts construction activities, including clearing, grading, stockpiling, or excavation, that result in soil disturbances of at least one acre, you are to contact TDEC.

Regulating Cities, & Counties

Cities and Counties are regulated through permits issued by TDEC. Operators of large storm drain systems such as Madison County’s have been required to:

• Develop a stormwater management program designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being dumped or washed by stormwater runoff, into the stormwater system, then discharged into local water bodies
• Obtain a NPDES permit

The NPDES permit programs in Tennessee are administered by TDEC Offices that issue NPDES permits and enforce regulations within their respective region.