NPDES Program

• What is NPDES?

  The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program was developed by the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) to minimize or eliminate the possibility of polluting water bodies by stormwater runoff, illegal dumping, and illicit discharges (discharges of anything other than unpolluted stormwater). All cities and the unincorporated areas of Polk County are regulated by this permit system.

• What are the City's responsibilities under this program?

  As a permit condition, the City is required to submit an annual report outlining the permit elements. All permit elements must be met and the formal annual report submitted with FDEP to ensure that pollutants do not exceed the EPA's Water Quality Standards (FAC 62-302).

• What is an MS4?

  MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System which is the City's storm sewer drainage system. The City is issued an MS4 permit by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) every five years. 

• What does the NPDES stormwater program regulate?

  This program regulates some stormwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities. Operators of these sources might be required to obtain an NPDES permit before they can discharge stormwater. This permitting mechanism is designed to prevent stormwater runoff from washing harmful pollutants into local surface waters.

• Why is this program important in protecting the lakes in Lakeland?

  The increase in population and development of urban areas are major contributors to the amount of pollutants in stormwater runoff. The addition of more impervious surfaces also equates to an increase in the volume and flow of stormwater runoff. This program is a means to effectively manage stormwater runoff to prevent pollution in the storm drains which protects the lakes.  

• Do the City's storm sewers drain to the wastewater plant for treatment?

  No, the storm sewer is separate from the wastewater sewer. All the City's storm sewers drain directly to a lake, pond, creek, wetland, canal, etc with no treatment. Any pollution that enters the storm drain will end up polluting one of the above listed wetland areas. So remember, only rain should be going down the storm drain.