National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The Town was required by Federal law to apply for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. In 1972, the Clean Water Act provided for the regulation of point discharges of water, such as discharges from wastewater treatment plants. Subsequent amendments in 1987 added some non-point sources to those discharges regulated. These non-point sources include storm water runo ff from urban areas. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Clean Water Act. The USEPA accomplishes the regulation of point and non-point discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. Phase 1 of the NPDES Storm Water Program requires that all cities with a population of 100,000 or more apply for and obtain a permit to operate their municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). In Florida, the USEPA authorizes the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to issue NPDES permits
Visit the USEPA website to learn more about the NPDES program
Who is affected by the NPDES Permit?
The permit affects everyone who owns property, lives, or works in the Town of Orange Park or who visits the Town. Storm water runoff comes primarily from hard surface areas such as buildings, parking lots and roads, but can also come from construction sites and undeveloped areas. The Town's Public Works Department is administering the permit to ensure compliance, although there is no specific funding source for permit compliance at this time.
What are the consequences if the Town does not comply?
Failure to comply by the Town carries penalties including financial penalties of up to $25,000 per day.
What is the Town doing in response to the NPDES Permit?
The Town of Orange Park is developing and implementing a comprehensive Storm Water Management Program (SWMP). The goal of this program is to reduce the discharges of non-storm water into the storm sewer system and to reduce the discharges of pollutants from the storm sewer system into area waterways. The NPDES Permit requires that the Town's SWMP includes measures to address the impacts of the following elements on storm water quality:
- Operation and maintenance of storm water structural controls
- Discharge from areas of new development and significant redevelopment roadways
- Flood control projects
- Runoff from landfills and municipal waste sites
- Use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
- Illicit discharges and improper disposal
- Runoff from industrial and high risk sources
- Construction site runoff
Learn more about the Town's Storm Water Management Program
How does the NPDES Permit affect you?
Every citizen and visitor of Orange Park has the opportunity to contribute to the success of the Town's Storm Water Management Program through responsible practices such as proper disposal of household chemicals, reporting illegal dumping, and careful lawn management.
Does this mean I can't wash my car anymore?
Runoff from individual residential car washing and non-commercial car washing events is permitted; however, this activity should be limited to grass areas if possible.
Does this prevent me from watering my yard or garden?
Runoff from landscapes, gardens, lawns, and agricultural irrigation is permitted; however, proper watering techniques and usage are encouraged.
Can I continue to use a sump pump to keep my crawl space and basement dry?
Clean water from crawl spaces, basement sump pumps, and footing drains can be pumped out onto your yard.
Where is the correct place to drain the water from my swimming pool?
You can still clean and drain swimming pools onto your yard as long as the water is de-chlorinated.