The federally-mandated "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Stormwater Program" is an effort to preserve, protect and improve the nation’s water resources from polluted runoff. The City of Wilmington is required to hold a federal stormwater permit and a stormwater management plan with the aim of protecting water quality, safeguarding human health, protecting aquatic habitat, and encouraging pollution prevention within the community.

The six required components of the NPDES Phase II Stormwater permit are:

1. Public Education
2. Public Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
4. Construction Site Runoff Controls (1-5 acres)
5. Post-Construction Site Runoff Controls
6. Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention of Municipal Facilities