EPA Proposes Updates to NPDES Regulations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has introduced a proposed rule to update regulations governing the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. This move aims to modernize the framework for wastewater discharge permits across the country.
On September 4, 2026, the EPA officially published a proposed rule aimed at updating the regulations for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This system is the cornerstone of the Clean Water Act, regulating point source discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters.
The proposed updates are intended to streamline permitting processes and ensure that regulatory standards keep pace with current environmental challenges. The agency is currently soliciting comments from stakeholders to refine these requirements before final implementation.
This regulatory shift is expected to impact how municipal and industrial wastewater facilities manage their discharge permits. Utilities are encouraged to review the proposal to understand potential changes to compliance monitoring and reporting obligations.
Hawaii Wastewater Branch Updates Intended Use Plan for 2027
The Hawaii Department of Health's Wastewater Branch has released its Intended Use Plan for the 2027 State Fiscal Year. The plan outlines the allocation of Clean Water State Revolving Fund resources for upcoming wastewater infrastructure projects.
Source: Hawaii Department of Health
EPA Rescinds 2022 Guidance on PFAS Wastewater Monitoring
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rescinded a 2022 guidance document that provided states with standard language for monitoring PFAS in wastewater. This action is part of a broader review of agency guidance as the EPA prepares to propose new Effluent Limitation Guidelines.
Source: Waste Dive
EPA Rescinds 2022 PFAS Guidance for Permitting
In August 2026, the U.S. EPA rescinded a 2022 nonbinding guidance document that had provided state permitting authorities with standard language for addressing PFAS in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. This action was described as part of a broader, systematic review of agency guidance documents.
Source: Waste Dive
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