Home – The John M. Asplund Water Pollution Control Facility NPDES Permit Renewal

Review and comment today on Asplund’s NPDES Permit by visiting EPAs website here.
The 45-day comment period closes at [time] on [date].

AWWU submitted an application requesting the EPA to renew the John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility’s federal wastewater discharge permit, including the provision that allows the facility to continue using its existing primary treatment process. The renewal is supported by decades of water quality monitoring plus several years of additional scientific study. The science shows that AWWU continues to meet applicable water quality requirements and protects the water and wildlife of Cook Inlet.

The EPA will independently review the application, and the public will have an opportunity to review and comment before EPA makes a final decision.

The John M. Asplund Water Pollution Control Facility

Operated by the Anchorage Water & Wastewater Utility (AWWU), The John M. Asplund Water Pollution Control Facility (Asplund) is Alaska’s largest wastewater treatment facility. Located at Point Woronzof, Asplund collects and treats approximately 30 million gallons of wastewater every day from Anchorage and the communities of the Mat-Su and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs. Before the treated water is released into Cook Inlet, wastewater goes through a multi-step treatment process that includes screening, settling, and disinfection.

Aerial view of the John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility, showing multiple circular treatment basins and operational buildings surrounded by forested land along a large body of water, with distant mountains and clouds on the horizon.

What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federal permit program under the Clean Water Act administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that protects water quality. NPDES permits set requirements for facilities that discharge treated wastewater into rivers, lakes, oceans and other surface waters, helping ensure those discharges meet federal and state water quality standards.

Asplund’s NPDES Permit Renewal – What is Happening Now?

AWWU submitted its NPDES permit renewal application to EPA at the end of 2025. The existing permit was administratively continued by the EPA, which means it remains legally in effect while EPA completes the renewal process. During the renewal process, AWWU must continue meeting all existing permit requirements, including water quality monitoring and reporting, until EPA issues a new permit. The Permit Renewal page walks through the process in greater detail.

Permit Renewal Timeline

Tribal Consultation

Tribal Consultation is an important part of the permit renewal process. It is a government-to-government process in which EPA works directly with Tribal Nations to understand and address potential effects of the permit on treaty rights, cultural resources, water quality, fish and wildlife, and other tribal interests before a permit is finalized.

In addition to this, AWWU has provided regular updates and scientific findings with interested Tribal groups. These meetings have involved discussion on how permit conditions could affect water quality, aquatic habitat, and species important to the tribes. They also provide the tribes opportunities to comment, share concerns, and provide recommendations.

Public Participation

Before the EPA makes a final decision, the public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed permit. Visit the How to Engage page for details.

Review and comment today on Asplund’s draft NPDES Permit by visiting EPAs website here. The 45-day comment period closes at [time] on [date].