EPA — Stormwater Discharges from Industrial Activities
Federal starting point for industrial stormwater programs and permitting context.
Open official source →Compliance desk // educational
Start with the water path, then verify the rule.
Vehicle-wash requirements can depend on the site, discharge route, pollutants, property rules, sewer authority, municipality, state program, and service method. This library helps teams ask the right questions; it is not legal or regulatory advice.
Pre-mobilization questions7 water-path checks
Decision sequence
Seven questions before mobilization
- 1. Who owns the property and has authorized washing?
- 2. Where can wash water travel under normal flow, wind, slope, or equipment failure?
- 3. Are storm drains, waterways, soil, landscaping, or neighboring property exposed?
- 4. Will water be contained, recovered, reused, hauled, or discharged under written approval?
- 5. Which state agency, municipality, sewer authority, or property rule applies?
- 6. What records must the operator retain for disposal, inspection, incidents, or training?
- 7. What changes during freezing conditions, rain, high wind, spills, or equipment malfunction?
Official source libraryEPA and state starting points
Official sources
Federal and state starting points
EPA — NPDES Permit Basics
Explains the federal permitting framework and authorized state programs.
Open official source →EPA — State Program Authority
Locate the authorized state, territory, or EPA regional permitting authority.
Open official source →EPA — National Pretreatment Program
Starting point when considering discharge to a sanitary sewer and local utility approval.
Open official source →State guide method: use EPA's State Program Authority directory to identify the responsible state or regional program, then verify the specific site with that agency, the municipality, sewer authority, property owner, and qualified adviser as appropriate. Sources reviewed August 25, 2026.