What is an NPDES permit required for?

An NPDES permit, which stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, is specifically required for the discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States. This is particularly relevant for certain Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). These operations, which engage in the intensive farming of animals, often generate significant amounts of waste that can potentially impact water quality if not managed appropriately. The NPDES permit helps regulate the discharge of pollutants from these facilities, necessitating that they implement measures to control the quantity and quality of the wastewater they release to ensure it complies with environmental standards.

Regarding the other options, while agricultural production can encompass various activities, it does not specify the need for an NPDES permit across the board. Soil testing procedures are generally not subject to NPDES requirements, as they deal primarily with analytical assessments rather than discharges. Animal breeding facilities typically do not fall under the same regulatory umbrella as CAFOs concerning water discharge. Thus, the requirement for an NPDES permit is distinctly tied to regulated discharges from specific agricultural operations, like designated CAFOs, rather than general agricultural practices or other types of facilities.