Regulatory Revisions

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had withdrawn the proposed rule that would have revised effluent limits for construction site runoff. With this also came news that the agency will roll out a new rule proposal this fall.

The debate over numeric limits has waged on for at least a couple of years now. There are those in favor of their establishment—people who believe in the need for a clear-cut and enforceable nationwide rule to protect water quality. Then there are those against them—home builders and general contractors, for example, who question a one-size-fits-all approach and fear the costs to comply would be too great. Many others, perhaps most, take a middle ground.

What are your thoughts on numeric effluent limits and the EPA’s new rule proposal? Please share your thoughts with Storm Water Solutions via e-mail at [email protected].