Stormwater runoff (discharge) from Arizona construction sites is regulated under section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).  Section 402 outlines the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program.  The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) governs stormwater and non stormwater related discharges from construction sites under the Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permitting program. The AZPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated With Construction Activity requires owners or operators of construction sites to apply for AZPDES General Permit coverage if his/her project site will incorporate: (1) land disturbing activities equal to, or greater than one (1) acre; and (2) construction activities involving less than one (1) acre of land disturbing activity but is part of a common plan of development or sale equal to or greater than one (1) acre.

The rules and regulations associated with AZPDES General Permit for Construction Activities is intended to protect the natural water resources of the State of Arizona.  These regulations are vital to Arizona’s effort to protect and improve water quality within the state. 

To learn more about stormwater management, check out the Stormwater Management section on this website and enroll in one of our online certificate programs before it rains again.