The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Program is an effort to preserve, protect and improve the nation’s water resources from polluted runoff. The program requires municipalities with storm sewer systems serving urban areas (population under 100,000) that discharge runoff directly into surface waters to obtain a federal stormwater permit. Therefore the City of Wilmington is required to hold a permit and maintain a stormwater management plan with the aim of protecting water quality and human health.

In summary, goals of NPDES Phase II stormwater regulations are to control polluted runoff and thereby protect and improve water quality, safeguard human health, protect aquatic habitats and encourage stewardship and pollution prevention within the community. The six required components of the NPDES Phase II Stormwater permit are:

1. Public Education
2. Public Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Runoff Controls (1-5 acres)
5. Post-Construction Site Runoff Controls
6. Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention of Municipal Facilities

NPDES Permit Annual Report, 07-08 (Year 1)

City of Wilmington NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit

For more information about the NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program, please visit:
NC Division of Water Quality
US Environmental Protection Agency
Phase II - Stormwater Management