Reno operates under the Truckee Meadows MS4 NPDES stormwater permit. Construction over 1 acre needs a state SWPPP. Illicit discharges to storm drains reaching the Truckee River are prohibited.
Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County jointly administer stormwater under the Truckee Meadows Stormwater Permit Coordinating Committee, operating under a Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) NPDES permit. Stormwater flows untreated directly to the Truckee River, which is a listed water body with TMDL limits. Reno Municipal Code prohibits non-stormwater discharges into storm drains, including wash water, paint, oil, pet waste, and landscape chemicals. Construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more must obtain the NDEP Construction General Permit, develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), install BMPs (silt fences, wattles, stabilized entrances), and maintain them through project completion. Post-construction stormwater controls (bioswales, retention basins, permeable pavement) are required for new developments to meet water quality and volume criteria. Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) is actively enforced by Reno stormwater staff with fines for violators.
Illicit discharge: NOV, fines up to $10,000/day state level. Construction site BMP failure: stop-work, NDEP enforcement. Post-construction noncompliance: permit revocation.
Reno, NV
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