What does NPDES stand for?

The correct answer is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This program, established under the Clean Water Act, aims to regulate discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States. It requires facilities that discharge wastewater into navigable waters to obtain permits that outline specific limits on the types of pollutants they can release. The purpose of the NPDES is to protect water quality and ensure that discharges do not harm human health or the environment.

Understanding the role of NPDES is crucial for anyone involved in wastewater management and compliance, as it helps ensure that operational practices meet federally mandated standards. The terminology used in the correct option emphasizes the focus on pollutants and the goal of eliminating their discharge into the environment.