The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a range of options to address stormwater discharges from construction sites.
As one option, EPA is proposing technology-based effluent limitation guidelines and standards (ELGs) for stormwater discharges from construction sites required to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits. As another option, EPA is proposing not to establish ELGs for stormwater discharges from those sites but to allow technology-based permit requirements to continue to be established based upon the best professional judgment of the permit authority A third option would establish inspection and certification requirements that would be incorporated into the stormwater permits issued by EPA and States, with other permit requirements based on the best professional judgment of the permit authority.
This proposal, if implemented, is expected to significantly reduce the amount of sediment discharged from construction sites. The deposition of sediment from construction site runoff has contributed to the loss of capacity in small streams, lakes and reservoirs, leading to the necessity for mitigation efforts such as dredging or replacement. This document also requests comment and information on several variations on these options and several other significant aspects of the proposal such as technologies, costs and economics.
EPA must receive comments on the proposal by October 22, 2002. EPA will conduct public meetings for this proposed rule on July 9, 2002; July 23, 2002; July 30, 2002 and additional dates to be announced later.
Submit written comments to: Comment Clerk, Water Docket (4101), US EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Please refer to Docket No. W-02-06. EPA requests an original and three copies of your comments and enclosures (including references). Commenters who want EPA to acknowledge receipt of their comments should enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. No facsimiles (faxes) will be accepted. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to [email protected]. For additional information on how to submit electronic comments see "SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, How to Submit Comments" at www.epa.gov.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
