The Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES)/Storm water is the state’s program in compliance with the federal two-phased National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits program which was issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) beginning in 1990. Phase I Regulations addressed municipalities with a population of 100,000 or more, 11 different industrial activities and construction sites that disturbing 5 acres or more of land.

On March 10, 2003, the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona as well as the City and County of Yuma became regulated as Phase II municipalities, and began operating under General Permit No. AZG2002-002, which regulates storm water discharges from their respective storm sewer systems, which could potentialy reach, the Colorado and Gila rivers.

The intent of the AZPDES/Storm water permit program is: To reduce the quantity, and improve the quality of storm water runoff. To abide by the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act. To restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of the surface waters in the State.

The AZPDES/Storm water program has three categories:

  a) The municipal General Permit No. AZG2002-002

  b) The Construction General Permit No. AZG2003-001; and

  c) The Multi-Sector General Permit (for industrial purposes).

The AZPDES/ Storm water Permits are administered by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and extend five years period from their respective dates of issuance.