Georgia Statewide Rule
Georgia Stormwater Permitting Through EPD NPDES Program
Key Facts
- Regulator
- Georgia EPD
- Permit triggers
- MS4s, 1+ acre disturbance
- Manual
- Georgia Stormwater Mgmt. Manual
- Civil penalty
- Up to $50,000/day
Summary
Georgia delegates Clean Water Act stormwater authority to the Environmental Protection Division, which issues NPDES permits and minimum standards that all municipal separate storm sewer systems must follow.
Any person who owns or operates a facility of any type or who desires to erect, modify, alter, or commence operation of a facility of any type which results or will result in the discharge of pollutants from a point source into the waters of the state shall obtain from the director a permit to make such discharge.
Full Breakdown
Under O.C.G.A. Title 12, Chapter 5, Article 2 (the Georgia Water Quality Control Act), the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources administers National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for stormwater. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas must obtain Phase I or Phase II permits, adopt the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual standards, perform inspections, and report annually. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more must obtain General Permit GAR100000 series coverage. Local governments may add stricter rules but cannot fall below state minimum standards.
Violations & Penalties
Discharging stormwater pollutants without a permit, or violating NPDES conditions, can lead to civil penalties up to $50,000 per day per violation under state law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small homebuilders in Georgia need a stormwater permit?
Can my city require stricter stormwater controls than the state?
Sources
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