EPA Extends Comment Period on Proposed 2026 Industrial Stormwater Permit

Public input is now open through May 19 on a proposed 2026 permit regulating industrial stormwater discharges across select U.S. regions.

• By Stasia DeMarco
• Apr 21, 2025

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is extending the public comment period for its proposed 2026 Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP)—a key regulatory tool governing stormwater discharges from industrial activity under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Originally slated to close earlier this spring, the comment window has now been extended to May 19, 2025, allowing more time for public input. The proposed permit, once finalized, will replace the current 2021 MSGP and apply to facilities in jurisdictions where the EPA remains the permitting authority.

Broad Industrial Scope

Stormwater runoff from industrial operations—including manufacturing, mining, power generation, and transportation facilities—can carry pollutants like oils, chemicals, and debris into local waterways. The MSGP sets out pollution control requirements, monitoring protocols, and best management practices for regulated sites across 11 categories of industrial activity. These include heavy and light manufacturing, hazardous waste management, scrap yards, sewage treatment plants, and more.

"Industrial operations that expose materials and activities to rainfall can unintentionally contribute to water pollution," the EPA noted. "This permit helps reduce that risk through comprehensive prevention and monitoring."

The MSGP requires operators to develop Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and follow strict discharge limits. Construction sites disturbing more than five acres are generally covered under a separate permit due to their unique runoff challenges.

Areas Covered by the Permit

While most U.S. states have been authorized to administer their own NPDES stormwater permitting programs, the EPA retains direct permitting authority in several regions, including Indian Country, U.S. territories, and a few states. Facilities in those areas must apply under the federal MSGP for permit coverage.

To determine whether a facility falls under EPA’s permitting authority, operators can consult the agency’s Authorization Status Tool available on its website.

How to Comment

Stakeholders can review the proposed 2026 MSGP, its fact sheet, and associated documents via the EPA’s official stormwater discharges page or on the federal docket at regulations.gov by referencing Docket ID: EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0481.

A Federal Register Notice (PDF) and a January 2025 webinar presentation are also available for those seeking further context on the proposed changes.

The EPA encourages feedback from facility operators, industry groups, environmental advocates, and the general public.