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 COR900000 industrial permit with CDPHE if your facility has a SIC code that falls under Sectors A-F, I, K-Z or AA-CC. Please reference Appendix A of the Industrial Facilities Program to identify your assigned industrial Sector based on your SIC code.
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.
SWENT Industrial and Commercial Facility Program
Read our Industrial and Commercial Facilities Program Plan for more information and details on SWENT’s Industrial and Commercial Facility Inventory and site inspection requirements.
Education and Outreach
SWENT must provide E&O materials at least once every 12 months to all facilities that have been identified in the Industrial and Commercial Facility Inventory. SWENT will utilize the EPA’s Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet Series as the education and outreach documents for the permitted facilities that fall under the Sectors identified in Appendix A. The EPA developed these fact sheets to be industry specific and highlights pollutants that are common within the industry and the best practices to install control measures to prevent pollutants from contaminating stormwater. Follow this link for the EPA’s Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet Series: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/industrial-stormwater-fact-sheet-series
Proper Management and Disposal of Used Oil, Toxic Materials, and Pollutants
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 obtain a permit with the CDPHE?
The City of Colorado Springs is obligated under our MS4 permit with the CDPHE to report 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 control measure?
"Control measure" 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 control measures 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