EPA is proposing to extend until June 12, 2006, the deadline that requires stormwater permits for oil and gas construction activities that disturb between one and five acres of land.
The agency says it needs additional time to consider comments raised by stakeholders and to consider the economic, legal and procedural implications related to controlling stormwater discharges from these sites. The proposed extension outlines EPA’s plan to develop and propose a regulation that addresses stormwater discharges from oil and gas construction sites.
This proposal, to be made by September 12, 2005, will be made available to the public for review and comment.
During the next 15 months, EPA will complete an economic impact analysis, evaluate regulatory options for addressing these stormwater discharges, and evaluate practices and methods used to control stormwater discharges from these sites. EPA plans to hold at least one public meeting with stakeholders to exchange information on current industry practices and their effectiveness in protecting water quality.
The public may provide comments on the proposed extension for 30 days upon publication in the Federal Register. A copy of the proposed extension and information about EPA’s stormwater program is available at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater.
Source: EPA
