This manual provides guidance for evaluating compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. It details the procedures and criteria used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct inspections and assess adherence to environmental regulations. The manual serves as a foundational document for inspectors, outlining the scope of their authority and the technical aspects of environmental monitoring and enforcement.

This manual is a historical document from the early years of the EPA, reflecting the agency's initial approach to enforcing the Clean Water Act through the NPDES program. Its content is technical and procedural, aimed at guiding regulatory personnel. The publication date suggests it provides a snapshot of compliance evaluation methods as they were established in the mid-1970s. As a foundational manual, it would be of interest to environmental historians, regulatory compliance professionals, and legal scholars studying the evolution of environmental law.