Stormwater Background

The federal Clean Water Act of 1972 focused initially on discharges from sources such as industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants. Water quality studies have shown that more diffuse sources of pollution are also a problem. In 1987, Congress added requirements for non-agricultural sources of runoff, beginning with the largest cities and certain industries.

Morganton is covered under the second phase of the program, which is called the National Permit Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.