Which organization issues permits for pollutant discharge into US waters?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a significant role in regulating pollutant discharges into U.S. waters through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. This program is part of the Clean Water Act, which establishes a comprehensive framework for managing water quality. Under this program, the EPA has the authority to issue permits for discharges of pollutants into navigable waters, ensuring that such activities follow specific environmental standards and do not harm the water quality or aquatic ecosystems.

In addition to the EPA, state agencies may also have the authority to issue these permits, provided they have an approved state program in place that meets the federal standards. This dual-level permitting process allows for localized management while still adhering to national regulations.

While organizations like OSHA focus on workplace safety, the Department of Health primarily addresses public health issues, and the Army Corps of Engineers has a different purview concerning the management of waterways and wetlands, none of them issues permits specifically focused on pollutant discharge into waters. Thus, the correct answer encompasses the main parties involved in the permitting process for pollutant discharge.