Which permit program regulates point source discharges into waters of the Commonwealth?

Which permit program regulates point source discharges into waters of the Commonwealth?

• A. Virginia Stormwater Management Act
• B. Virginia Runoff Reduction Method
• C. Center for Watershed Protection
• D. Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Answer: (D)

In Virginia, regulating the discharge of pollutants from a discrete source into surface waters is handled by the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which implements the federal NPDES program at the state level. This permit program covers point sources such as outfalls, pipes, and industrial discharges, setting effluent limits, monitoring, and reporting requirements to protect water quality. The other items aren’t permit programs for discharges into waters: the Stormwater Management Act guides planning and local programs rather than issuing pollutant discharge permits; the Runoff Reduction Method is a BMP framework; and the Center for Watershed Protection is a non-profit organization, not a regulatory permit program.

In Virginia, regulating the discharge of pollutants from a discrete source into surface waters is handled by the Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, which implements the federal NPDES program at the state level. This permit program covers point sources such as outfalls, pipes, and industrial discharges, setting effluent limits, monitoring, and reporting requirements to protect water quality.

The other items aren’t permit programs for discharges into waters: the Stormwater Management Act guides planning and local programs rather than issuing pollutant discharge permits; the Runoff Reduction Method is a BMP framework; and the Center for Watershed Protection is a non-profit organization, not a regulatory permit program.