The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation administers the Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System under AS 46.03, requiring statewide stormwater permits for construction, industrial activity, and municipal separate storm sewer systems regardless of local rules.
AS 46.03.100 prohibits discharging pollutants to waters of the state without an APDES permit. ADEC's stormwater program requires Construction General Permit coverage for sites disturbing one acre or more, Multi-Sector General Permit coverage for industrial facilities, and MS4 permits for designated municipalities. Permittees must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, install best management practices, and submit Notices of Intent before disturbance begins. ADEC enforcement applies statewide and is independent of municipal grading or drainage permits, which may add layers but cannot waive APDES requirements.
Discharging without an APDES permit can carry civil penalties up to $100,000 per day per violation under AS 46.03.760, plus criminal penalties for knowing violations.
See how Fairbanks's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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