Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

SURFACE WATER DISCHARGE PERMITS

Louisiana's Water Quality Regulations (LAC 33:Chapter IX) require permits for the discharge of pollutants from any point source into waters of the state of Louisiana.  This surface water discharge permitting system is administered under the Louisiana Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (LPDES) program.  LDEQ became a state delegated to administer the NPDES Program in August of 1996.  (Official LPDES Program Assumption Documents are available on the EPA Region 6 website.)

The Water Permits Division, within the Office of Environmental Services, consists of two LPDES Water Permitting Sections: Industrial Water Permits and Municipal & General Water Permits. Permitting responsibilities are distributed between the two sections based on facility type.    

LPDES PERMITTING INFO

• How do I know if I need an LPDES Permit? 
• Can I get a listing of LPDES permits issued by quarter?
• How much will my permit cost?
• LPDES Permitting FAQs 
• Can I get a listing of applications and NOIs received by the department?
• Can I get a listing of permits public noticed by the department?

LPDES GENERAL PERMITS

The LPDES General Permits page contains copies of all general permits authorized under LAC 33:IX.2515.  General Permits are written to cover one or more categories or subcategories of discharges within a geographic area, which can range from a specific watershed to a broad area such as the entire state.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST INTERNSHIP          

The Water Permits Division has created an Environmental Scientist Intership program to allow graduate students the opportunity to develop an understanding of the LPDES water discharge permitting system while fostering a deeper understanding of state regulations.  See the BROCHURE for more information.

LPDES FORMS

·         The LPDES Permit Application Forms page contains all LPDES permit applications, general permit notice's of intent along with the no exposure certification from LPDES stormwater permitting.

·          LPDES Permit Termination Forms contains those forms to be utilized when an LPDES Permit is no longer necessary or required.

·          Request for Preliminary Determination of LPDES Permit issuance, available in WORD orACROBAT. 

·         The Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Form (MWPP) is a yearly requirement for public entities operating a domestic wastewater treatment system.  The MWPP provides an assessment of the operating conditions of the treatment system, and allows the governing body a yearly opportunity to review the status and needs of the treatment system.

·         Standard Conditions for all LPDES Permits (Part III) authorized under LAC 33:IX.2701 applies to all LPDES permits, individual and general. 

OTHER LPDES DOCUMENTS

• Current Endangered Species Listing 
• 2008 Fish and Wildlife Service MOU establishes those sensitive areas, types of permits, pollutants of concern and listed species for which LDEQ provides the US Fish and Wildlife Service an opportunity to review LPDES permits. 
• The Guidance Document for Implementation of Louisiana's Water Quality Standards, Version 7 as part of the Louisiana Water Quality Management Plan establishes procedures to effectively implement Louisiana's water quality standards into LPDES surface water discharge permits.
• Region 6 Development of Minimum Quantification Levels October 30, 2007

LINKS

·          EPA Region 6 Website

·          National Environmental Services Center information for disaster preparedness, wastewater resources.

·          LDEQ's Ambient Water Quality Data Network

·          LDEQ's TMDL Page

·          EPA Region 6 TMDL Page

·          LDEQ 305(b)/303(d) Reports

·          Water Quality Educational Resources

·          LDEQ Water Enforcement Section - Includes Blank and Pre-filled DMR's

·          LDHH Office of Public Health - Center for Environmental Health