It is important to note that NPDES permits are only required of so-called “point sources.” Point sources tend to be larger industrial and commercial facilities and public treatment facilities. Some large agricultural operations are considered point sources, but, by and large, runoff from farms, roads, lawns, and most small pollution sources are not directly regulated. These “nonpoint sources” are the subject of increased scrutiny, since most of the nation’s remaining water quality problems are due to nonpoint pollution. 3 In addition to the technology-based standards described above, regulation can impose additional controls on point sources if the.
