APDES Permit
Our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharges stormwater into more than 30 waterways and wetlands within the Municipality of Anchorage (Municipality) and in State of Alaska rights-of-way owned or operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program originated under section 402 of the Clean Water Act (CWA, 33 USC §1251), which requires that pollutant discharges to surface water be authorized by permit. Together, the Municipality and the DOT&PF are authorized to do so through an Authorization to Discharge under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This authorization, Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) Permit No. AKS 05255-8, is effective from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2025. The new permit will require an update to the Term IV Quality Assurance Plan (QAP).
The APDES Permit also allows discharge of certain non-stormwater flows, as well as stormwater discharge associated with industrial activity and construction. It outlines compliance responsibilities, limitations, and the requirement of a Stormwater Management Program. The permit incorporates a schedule for compliance, and outlines strict monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements. Civil, administrative, and even criminal penalties can apply if the conditions of the permit are not met.
2026 Annual Meeting
The 2026 APDES Annual Meeting will be held on March 10, 2026 at the BP Energy Center. A preliminary agenda and a save the date email will be sent to the 2025 year's attendees. If you would like more information on the 2025 Annual Meeting or future Annual Meetings, please contact us at 907-343-8135.
2024 Annual Report Available February 2025
Read our 2024 APDES Annual Report for more detailed information about the permit and actions taken to meet permit requirements. The 2024 Annual Report was submitted to the Alaska Department of Conservation on February 15, 2025. The report can be found
HERE.