NPDES Applications and Forms-EPA Applications

If you would like to submit an individual permit application for an EPA-issued permit, see the section below on Applications for EPA-Issued NPDES Permits.

States that are authorized to administer the NPDES program might require use of EPA’s 2023 updated application forms, the EPA 2019 application forms or might have developed their own state-specific application forms. If you are located in a jurisdiction in which a state administers the NPDES program, you should contact the state to determine the appropriate application form(s) to submit. See NPDES State Program Information for a list of states that have authorized NPDES permit programs and those that do not.

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EPA Application Forms for NPDES Permits

EPA regulations at 40 CFR 122.21 establish permit application requirements for applicants seeking coverage under individual permits. In accordance with these regulations, EPA has developed eight individual permit application forms that correspond to different categories of dischargers subject to permitting.

In 2019, EPA finalized the NPDES Applications and Program Updates Rule which revised the application requirements at 40 CFR 122.21 and updated each of the eight NPDES application forms to conform to the final rule.  

As the NPDES program has been implemented, EPA has made additional revisions to the format and instructions of the forms to improve clarity and ease of use for permittees. These revisions to the forms did not require modifying the application requirements at 40 CFR 122.21 and did not require any new or additional information to be submitted.

On July 31, 2023, the Office of Management and Budget approved modifications to the format and instructions of the EPA NPDES application forms including the following:

• Form 1 Section 1 was revised to ensure that permittees submit the correct forms for their proposed activity.
• Many of the forms contained directions based upon responses to “go to section X” that may have been confusing to the applicant and these directions have been clarified.
• Many of the forms contained a “yes/no” question for information required by the application regulations and the “no” option was removed to ensure a complete application is received.
• Instructions for the forms were updated to ensure that clarifying directions were more prominently placed in each section.

Applicants for EPA-issued NPDES permits are to use the new application forms as revised in 2023 posted below.

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Applications for EPA-Issued NPDES Permits

To  submit a new or renewal application for an NPDES permit that will be issued by an EPA regional office, please read the following information.  EPA only issues permits for discharges in unauthorized states, territories, tribal lands and on Federal facilities in Colorado, Delaware, Vermont, and Washington. If you are not sure whether EPA will issue your permit, you can find a list of authorized states at NPDES State Program Information.  

Beginning on July 31, 2023, if you are located in a jurisdiction in which an EPA regional office administers the NPDES permit program, use the application forms listed below. Before completing the forms, review TIPS for Completing Fillable PDF NPDES Permit Application Forms (pdf) (85.36 KB)

EPA developed the NPDES permit application forms in fillable Portable Document Format (PDF) to facilitate easier and more efficient completion of forms. The fillable PDF forms allow applicants to enter responses directly within the form and save the forms with the populated information. You should enter your facility information on the form, print it, sign it, and mail the form to the address stated in the instructions. Note: For the best results, use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to open these files (see EPA’s About PDF page to learn more).

You must print and then sign the form as EPA does not accept electronic signatures on individual NPDES permit applications. The NPDES regulations require a valid signature on all applications for individual NPDES permits for them to be deemed complete (see instructions for each form).  

If you have questions while filling out the application forms, see Regional NPDES contacts.

Applicants for EPA-issued individual NPDES permits should use the application forms provided in the links below.

• NPDES Application Form 1: General Information (pdf) (3.47 MB)
  All applicants for individual NPDES permits, with the exception of publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and other treatment works treating domestic sewage (TWTDS), must complete Form 1. Additionally, all applicants must complete one or more of the following forms: 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, or 2F. To determine the specific forms you must complete, consult the “General Instructions” for this form.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2A: New and Existing Publicly Owned Treatment Works (pdf) (5.3 MB)
  Complete this form if your facility is a new or existing POTW.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2B: Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Concentrated Aquatic Animal Production Facilities (pdf) (3.75 MB)
  Complete this form and Form 1 if your facility is a new or existing concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) or concentrated aquatic animal production (CAAP) facility.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2C: Existing Manufacturing, Commercial, Mining, and Silvicultural Operations (pdf) (5.08 MB)
  Complete this form and Form 1 if your facility is an existing manufacturing, commercial, mining, or silvicultural facility that currently discharges process wastewater.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2D: New Manufacturing, Commercial, Mining, and Silvicultural Operations That Have Not Yet Commenced Discharge of Process Wastewater (pdf) (5.7 MB)
  Complete this form and Form 1 if your facility is a new manufacturing, commercial, mining, or silvicultural facility that has yet to commence discharge of process wastewater.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2E: Manufacturing, Commercial, Mining, and Silvicultural Facilities Which Discharge Only Nonprocess Wastewater (pdf) (3.85 MB)
  Complete this form and Form 1 if your facility is a new or existing manufacturing, commercial, mining, or silvicultural facility that discharges only nonprocess wastewater.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2F: Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity (pdf) (4.14 MB)
  Complete this form and Form 1 if you are a new or existing facility whose discharge is composed entirely of stormwater associated with industrial activity, excluding discharges from construction activity under 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)(x) or (b)(15). If your discharge is composed of stormwater and non-stormwater, you must complete Forms 1 and 2F, and you must complete Form 2C, 2D, or 2E, as appropriate. See the “Instructions” inside for further details.
   
• NPDES Application Form 2S: New and Existing Treatment Works Treating Domestic Sewage (pdf) (4.52 MB)
  Complete Form 2S if you are a new or existing TWTDS.