EPA to Publish New Rule on Storm Water Runoffs

June 3, 2002
Businesses and construction firms will soon be spared major expenses under a soon-to-published Environmental Protection Agency rule on storm water runoffs.

Businesses and construction firms will soon be spared major expenses under a soon-to-published Environmental Protection Agency rule on storm water runoffs. The administrator of EPA signed off on the agency's proposal for an effluent limitation guideline for the construction and development industry. The proposed rule could have dramatically changed the way contractors and owners manage storm water runoff during and after construction.

"The proposed rule balances our concerns for the environment and at the same time will help contractors effectively manage and protect water quality while holding down the cost of business on public and private construction projects," said Stephen Sandherr, CEO of Associated General Contractors of America.

AGC has been working closely with EPA to ensure the agency take a balanced approach that does not overly burden the construction industry.

ELGs tell contractors what they must do to control erosion and sediment on job sites of one acre or more. At one time, EPA considered setting numeric limits that would have required a contractor to design, install and maintain a storm water treatment system.

The proposed rule indicates that the agency is considering only three options, and none of these options include any numeric limits, discharge monitoring or post-construction requirements. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register within the next several weeks.