Skip to main content

Discharges to Lakes Rivers Streams and Wetlands

  • Anyone discharging, or proposing to discharge, waste or wastewater into the surface waters of the State is required by law to obtain a NPDES permit. The NPDES program is intended to control direct discharge into the surface waters of the State by imposing effluent limits and other conditions necessary to meet State and federal requirements.

    The NPDES program regulates pollutants discharged directly into waterways from wastewater sources. Indirect dischargers (those who discharge to a municipal treatment facility via a sanitary sewer) are not required to have an NPDES permit. Discharge to a storm sewer does not go to a municipal treatment facility and is considered a direct discharge. Discharge to a municipal treatment facility may require a permit from the municipality under the Industrial Pretreatment Program.

    Additional information can be found on EGLE's Frequently Asked Questions Document on wastewater discharges.