WASHINGTON, DC, Apr. 15, 2011 -- EPA is releasing a draft permit regulating the discharge of stormwater from construction sites.
The proposed Construction General Permit (CGP) includes, among other requirements, enhanced protections for impaired and sensitive waters. Other significant modifications include new requirements for:
• Eligibility for emergency-related construction
• Required use of the electronic notice of intent process
• Sediment and erosion controls
• Natural buffers or alternative controls
• Soil stabilization
• Pollution prevention
• Site inspections
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans
• Permit termination
Many of the proposed requirements implement new effluent limitations guidelines and new source performance standards for the construction and development industry that became effective on February 1, 2010. These requirements include a suite of erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention measures that apply to all permitted construction sites.
The permit will be effective in areas where EPA is the permitting authority, including four states (Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico); Washington, D.C.; most territories; and most Indian country lands.
The public will have 60 days to comment on the draft permit.
EPA expects to issue the final construction general permit by January 31, 2012.
The current permit is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2011; however, EPA is proposing to extend the current permit until January 31, 2012 to provide sufficient time to finalize the new permit.
More information on the proposed construction general permit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/cgp.cfm
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