Arizona regulates stormwater discharges through the AZPDES program under ARS Title 49, requiring permits for construction, industrial, and municipal stormwater statewide.
ARS 49-255 et seq. authorizes the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to administer the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES). Construction sites disturbing one or more acres must obtain coverage under the AZPDES Construction General Permit, prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and install best management practices. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in larger cities operate under individual or general permits. Local stormwater ordinances may add controls but cannot replace state permit obligations.
AZPDES violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000 per day per violation under ARS 49-262, plus potential criminal liability for knowing discharges and required corrective action.
See how Lake Havasu City's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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