This general permit provides a simpler, faster way to obtain permit coverage for certain types of non-stormwater discharges to protected surface waters, as an alternative to individual Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permitting. “De Minimis discharge” is defined as a discharge to U.S. waters that: meets the applicable surface water quality standards; is a low-flow and/or low-frequency event, or is otherwise determined by ADEQ to have no significant impacts on water quality or the environment; is conducted with appropriate best management practices; and does not last continuously for more than 30 days unless ADEQ approves a longer discharge period.

What discharges need De Minimis General Permit (DMGP) coverage?

This permit is available to cover discharges from potable water systems; hydrostatic testing of pipes, tanks and vessels; subterranean dewatering (groundwater from foundation, footer drain, basement, underground structure or construction dewatering); well purging; well development, maintenance, and aquifer testing; reclaimed water systems; uncontaminated air conditioning condensate or overflow from residential evaporative coolers; charitable noncommercial car washes; freshwater swimming pool drainage that has been dechlorinated; or other discharges determined by ADEQ to be eligible for specific approval. Permit coverage can be temporary or long-term. With some exceptions, coverage is requested by submitting a Notice of Intent (NOI) online through myDEQ. 

2021 AZPDES DMGP - Modified

The June 1, 2021, DMGP was modified to include non-WOTUS protected surface waters. This modification was necessary in order to incorporate Arizona’s new Surface Water Protection Program (SWPP)¹ | Visit SWPP Page >

The DMGP permit modification became effective Sept. 29, 2021. No action is currently required to maintain coverage if you have an active NOI.

2021 Permit — Modified | View >
2021 Fact Sheet — Modified | View > 
Response to Comments | View >

Fees²

Application fees are based on whether there will be a single source discharge or an areawide discharge. Annual fees will be invoiced each year that the permit is active, in the anniversary month that the NOI was issued.

More information about fees | View >

Paperless NOIs and NOTs with myDEQ

To submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) for DMGP coverage or a Notice of Termination (NOT), you will need to use myDEQ | Learn More >