Georgia Stormwater Permitting Through EPD NPDES Program

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.

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.