The Clean Water Act of 1972 prohibited the discharge of any pollution to navigable waters of the United States from a point source unless the discharge was authorized.
In order to discharge any pollutant, you are required to obtain a National Pollutant Disclosure Elimination System (NPDES) permit. As time went on it became apparent that a major source of that pollution was from soil erosion coming directly from industrial, commercial, and residential construction sites.
In 1990, Phase I of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) storm water program established rules regulating, among other discharges, pollutant and storm water runoff from large construction sites that disturbed 5 acres or more of land. It was later determined that smaller sites created an equally high pollution impact. Phase II became enforceable by state and local agencies with consent from the EPA on March 10, 2003, and it extends coverage to construction activities disturbing between 1 and 5 acres of land, or that are within 500 feet of a lake or stream. These rules require operators of construction sites to obtain NPDES permits and implement "Best Management Practices (BMPs)" to minimize pollutant runoff.
Today, enforcement of the permitting requirements and the instituting of severe fines for non-compliance are commonplace. Even if your site is less than 1 acre, a permit could be required if it is part of a larger site. Complying with the permit process and utilizing storm water BMPs actually can save you money - not cost you money!
CSI Geoturf can provide you the BMPs and technical assistance necessary to keep you in compliance. Call the location nearest you for answers to your Phase II questions or for a list of our training seminars and dates. |
