Which NPDES Permit Do You Need? General, Individual, and No-Exposure Explained!

First Things First: What Even Is an NPDES Permit?

NPDES stands for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, and it's the framework EPA and your state use to control what leaves your property and ends up in a storm drain, ditch, or nearby stream.

If water runs off your site and can carry pollutants like oil, metals, sediment, or chemicals, then NPDES coverage probably applies to you. And that coverage typically falls into one of three categories: General Permits, Individual Permits, and No-Exposure Certifications.

Let’s talk through what each one actually means in plain English.

General NPDES (Stormwater) Permits: The “Standard Issue” Option

For most industrial facilities, a General Permit is the right fit. Think of it as a standardized, one-size-fits-most permit that covers typical stormwater discharges from industrial activity. It lays out what you need to monitor, how to manage runoff, and how often to report - all under a shared set of rules.

At the federal level, this is called the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP). Most states have their own versions, and some even break them down by industry (for example, separate permits for concrete plants, scrap yards, or marinas). The names change, but the idea stays the same.

If your site only discharges stormwater (not process water) and you handle materials or equipment outdoors, a general permit is likely your starting point. Manufacturers, recyclers, concrete plants, landfills, warehouses with outdoor storage, this is your crowd.

Getting coverage usually involves filing an application and preparing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). That plan outlines your potential pollutants, drainage areas, inspection schedule, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) - basically, how you’ll prevent contamination before it happens. You’ll also usually need to conduct routine inspections, take regular stormwater samples, and submit reports (often electronically) to stay in good standing.

General permits are faster, cheaper, and more predictable than the next option. But if your operation is unique, or your discharges are more complex, it might not be enough. In that case, you’re probably looking at an Individual Permit.

Individual NPDES Permits: When “Standard Issue” Doesn’t Cut It

An Individual NPDES Permit is a site-specific permit written just for your facility. You’ll usually need one if you discharge process wastewater (like rinse water, cooling water, or contact water), you don't qualify for the general permit(s) your state offers, you have unusual discharge points or conditions, or if regulators decide your site poses a higher-than-average risk.

The process takes longer (typically six months to a year) and involves a detailed application, potentially lab testing, and public review. You’ll end up with permit limits that are customized for your operations, your site layout, and your receiving waters. It’s more work upfront, but it gives you a tailored, defensible framework that fits your site instead of trying to squeeze into a generic box.

We’ve helped hundreds of facilities negotiate reasonable, practical limits that make sense in the real world. If that’s where you’re heading, we can help you get there without the red tape nightmare.

No-Exposure Certifications: The Simplest Route (If You Qualify)

If your entire industrial operation is enclosed and protected from the elements, you might not need a full permit at all. That’s where a No-Exposure Certification (NEC) comes in. It’s a simplified form of compliance that says, “Rain and snow never touch anything industrial here.”

To qualify, you can’t have any exposed materials or operations - no raw materials, waste, fueling areas, or outdoor storage. Everything has to be under a roof or inside. If that’s you, congratulations: you may be able to file a certification instead of managing stormwater sampling and reports every quarter.

It’s the easiest option by far... but it only works if you truly have no exposure. One uncovered dumpster, leaky compactor, or rusty piece of outdoor equipment can disqualify you fast!

How the Costs of Each NPDES Permit Type Compare

Let’s be honest, one of the first questions everyone asks about NPDES permitting is, “What’s this going to cost me?” It’s a fair question, and the truth is: it depends on your site, your state, your permit type, and how much you try to handle yourself.

Speaking in general terms: No-Exposure Certifications are the cheapest, General NPDES permits fall in the middle, and Individual NPDES permits are the most expensive. We know, you want numbers.

The short answer is that the government fees for submitting your application typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It totally depends on your state and the permit you need. If you need help preparing and submitting your application, you're looking at another $2,500 to $20,000 for a consultant's assistance (like us!).

Curious what it would cost for your site?

Now, before you have a heart attack, don't worry - we built the calculator below so you can figure out where you fall in that massive range. You can use our NPDES Permit Cost Calculator right here to see how we'd price your NPDES project based on the types of permits we've covered in this article.

It takes about two minutes, asks zero personal questions, and gives you an instant estimate - no email required, no automated follow-ups, and no sales calls. We’ll only save your data if you choose to submit it at the end. Try it below!