Discharge Permit
NPDES permit
A legal authorization issued by the EPA or a state agency that allows a facility to release a specific pollutant up to a defined limit, usually with monitoring and reporting requirements. Federally known as an NPDES permit for water.
Related terms
Wastewater Discharge The release of used water—from homes, factories, or treatment plants—into rivers, lakes, oceans, or soil. Industrial wastewater can contain chemicals, heavy metals, or biological waste. Discharge Monitoring Report A required record submitted by facilities holding water discharge permits, documenting the volume and content of pollutants they release into surface waters. Environmental Protection Agency The U.S. federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing pollution standards for air, water, and soil, and for regulating hazardous chemicals.