Book excerpt: The NPDES Storm Water Sampling Guidance Document provides a comprehensive description of basic sampling requirements for NPDES storm water discharge permit applications and offers procedural guidance on how to conduct sampling. Many of the procedures in this manual are also applicable to the sampling requirements contained in NPDES storm water permits. Topics covered include background information and a summary of permit application requirements, the fundamentals of sampling (including obtaining flow data, handling samples, and sending them to the lab), analytical considerations, regulatory flexibility regarding storm water sampling, and health and safety considerations. This book will be a cornerstone of NPDES compliance for wastewater treatment plant managers and supervisors, consultants, laboratories, lab managers and chemists, regulators, current NPDES permit holders, and anyone applying for an NPDES permit.