The Environmental Protection Agency’s has proposed new National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit requirements regulating stormwater discharges from construction activities.
The proposal applies to construction sites of one or more acres, or less than one acre, but part of a larger development. The proposal would:
- Prohibit hazardous substances, such as paint or caulk containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from authorized non-stormwater discharges of external building washdown waters.
- Require permittees to include the EPA’s contact information in public notices that are already required to be posted in a prominent location near construction sites.
- Require permittees to cover or use another method of temporary stabilization for inactive soil stockpiles and land clearing debris piles where the piles will be unused for 14 or more days.
- Require permittees to keep waste container lids closed (or provide some other secure cover where containers do not have lids).
- For demolition of structures with at least 10,000 sf of floor space built or renovated before 1980, require permittees to implement controls to minimize the exposure of PCB-containing building materials to precipitation and stormwater.
- Require permittees to state on their Notice of Intent (NOI) form the type of construction activities that will be involved.
These potential permit changes could significantly increase the time, effort, and resources required to comply with stormwater management obligations, according to an article by the law firm Dykema, Gossett PLLC.
Related Stories
| May 10, 2012
University of Michigan research project pushes envelope on green design
A research project underway at the University of Michigan will test the potential of intelligent building envelopes that are capable of monitoring weather, daylight, and occupant use to manage heating, cooling, and lighting.
| May 10, 2012
Fire suppression agents go greener
Environmental sensitivity is helping to drive adoption of new fire suppression agents.
| May 10, 2012
Industry groups urge Congress to leave contracting decisions to agencies
An organization of several industry groups urged Congress to leave many contracting decisions to the discretion of individual agencies by avoiding blanket mandates.
| May 10, 2012
OSHA proposes new rule to have employers find and fix hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed a new regulation, Injury and Illness Prevention Program, or I2P2, which would compel employers to find and fix safety hazards.
| May 3, 2012
Stay current on green codes at AGC Environmental Conference
Keep abreast of market trends such as 2012 changes to green standards and codes at the AGC Contractors Environmental Conference, June 7-8, 2012 in Arlington, Va.
| May 3, 2012
OSHA reduces fines in Cincinnati casino collapse
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has reduced the number of violations from four to two against four firms it cited earlier this month in the collapse of a casino under construction in Cincinnati.
| May 3, 2012
New York City implements controversial crane licensing requirements
New York City officials announced strict new licensing and testing requirements for all crane operators in New York City to raise safety standards.
| May 3, 2012
Green-roof requirement now includes industrial facilities in Toronto
A mandate that requires installation of green roofs on new commercial and residential buildings in Toronto has been expanded to include industrial facilities.
| May 3, 2012
Innovative wastewater treatment helps achieve LEED rating
LEED for New Construction, Neighborhood Development and the LEED Volume Program offer some ways to achieve LEED points when dealing with wastewater treatment.
