The EPA requires National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for certain industrial facilities. In Colorado these permits are issued through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and regulate stormwater discharges from industrial facilities.
You may need a permit if your facility has a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code with the following short titles:
SIC Code Short Titles
- 10 Metal Mining
- 12 Coal Mining
- 13 Oil and Gas Extraction
- 14 Nonmetallic Minerals, Except Fuels
- 20 Food and Kindred Products
- 21 Tobacco Products
- 22 Textile Mill Products
- 23 Apparel and Other Textile Products
- 24 Lumber and Wood Products
- 25 Furniture and Fixtures
- 26 Paper and Allied Products
- 27 Printing and Publishing
- 28 Chemicals and Allied Products including Compost
- 29 Petroleum and Coal Products
- 30 Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastics Products
- 31 Leather and Leather Products
- 32 Stone, Clay, and Glass Products
- 33 Primary Metal Industries
- 34 Fabricated Metal Products
- 35 Industrial Machinery and Equipment
- 37 Transportation Equipment
- 38 Instruments and Related Products
- 39 Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries
- 40 Railroad Transportation
- 41 Local and Interurban Passenger Transit
- 42 Trucking and Warehousing
- 43 U.S. Postal Service
- 45 Transportation by Air
- 5015 Motor Vehicle Parts, Used
- 5093 Scrap and Waste Materials
- 5171 Petroleum Bulk Stations and Terminals
If the industrial activities are not exposed to rainfall and stormwater runoff, you may be exempt from needing a permit. Although, you will still need a “No Exposure Certification” through CDPHE. Visit the CDPHE website for more information.
Refer to the Design, Permitting and References section of this website for construction requirements.
Facilities that are covered under CDPHE’s industrial permits that begin operations on or after the start pf permit term 4 will be required to submit an Industrial Stormwater Management Plan (ISWMP). The ISWMP components will be comprised of the “BMPs for Potential Pollutant Sources” and SWPPP guidelines as identified in each sector Fact Sheet distributed by the EPA. For more information, please reference the Industrial Facility Program Plan.
Common Stormwater Pollutants at Industrial Facilities
Responsible Development: Common Stormwater Pollutants at Industrial Facilities brochure (pdf)
Industrial Facilities FAQs
If my facility falls under one of the identified SIC codes what do I do next?
Visit CDPHE website and begin the application process.
What will happen if I don’t contact the CDPHE?
The City of Colorado Springs is obligated under our MS4 permit with the CDPHE to identify industrial facilities that are operating without a stormwater permit. If your facility falls under specific SIC codes and you choose to operate without a stormwater permit it is likely your facility will be identified by the City and reported to CDPHE.
Why does the City Stormwater Division care about my facility?
Industrial facilities often have an increased potential to discharge pollutants to our stormwater system. Pollutants and chemicals tend to be stored outside on impervious surfaces that lead directly to our waterways. In some cases industrial facilities need proper education and outreach to identify problem areas and to implement the appropriate BMPs.
What is a SWMP?
A Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), known as a SWPPP in other regions, is a site specific plan to prevent stormwater pollution. It is intended to identify potential sources of pollution from leaving your site during a storm event and also identifies Best Management Practices (BMPs). A proper SWMP will also contain a spill management plan and guidelines to comply with your permit. Both industrial facilities and construction sites that are covered under a stormwater permit require a SWMP.
What is a BMP?
Best Management Practices (BMPs) is a broad term that refers to managerial pollution prevention, temporary applications that prevent or reduce pollution from leaving the site, and permanent water quality structures. All BMPs are site specific.
Where can I get more information?
- Review the NPDES Storm Water Program Q&A sheet
- Contact CDPHE Water Quality Control Division at 303-692-3500 or visit their Website.
- Contact the City of Colorado Springs Water Resources Engineering Division to schedule a site inspection. 719-385-5980
Reporting Spills
View the Illicit Discharge page for information on reporting spills.