National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, or NPDES, was enacted by the Federal Government in1972 as part of the Clean Water Act. It regulates discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States. In Florida, the Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) administers the program.
As a county government that owns and maintains stormwater infrastructure, such as roadside ditches, underground stormwater pipes, and stormwater ponds, Leon County is required to obtain a NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The MS4 permit requires that Leon County carry out and document the implementation of pollution control measures. When followed, these control measures should result in a reduction of pollutants discharged into receiving waters. The six minimum pollution control measures include:
- Public Education/Outreach
- Public Involvement/Participation
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
For more on the NPDES program, click on the following links:
Public Education/Outreach
Leon County staff are available to speak to your group about water quality related issues. Such groups include homeowner's associations, civic groups, student organizations, and schools. Contact Mark Tancig by phone (850-606-1523) or email (tancigm@LeonCountyFL.gov) for more information.
Leon County staff also contribute articles to the Tallahassee Democrat to increase awareness among readers of ways to help protect our local water resources. In case you missed these articles in the paper, the links below will take you to the entire article on the Tallahassee Democrat's website.
Public Involvement/Participation
Leon County has two sitting citizen committees that deal with water quality issues and the science behind them. The Water Resource Committee deals with policies that impact water quality and the Science Advisory Committee discusses the scientific issues and questions behind policy decisions.
Construction Site Runoff Control
Development Support and Environmental Management Department - Site Plan Review and Environmental Inspection and Compliance
Post-Construction Runoff Control
Development Support and Environmental Management Department - Environmental Inspection and Compliance
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Public Works Department - Operations Division - Stormwater Maintenance
Staff Training
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Public Works Department - Engineering Services Division - Proactive and Reactive Illicit Activity Program