EPA issues draft rule for stormwater runoff from construction sites

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule Nov. 19 to regulate stormwater runoff from construction and development sites by establishing effluent limitations guidelines (ELG). The proposal would require contractors to meet EPA’s technology-based “floor” on most sites by installing and maintaining a range of erosion and sediment controls that “are generally recognized and accepted as effective” Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Construction sites disturbing 10 or more acres of land at a time would also need to install sediment basins to treat their stormwater discharges. In addition, a strict numeric limit on the allowable level of turbidity would apply to sites of 30 acres or more that are located in rainy areas where the soil has high clay content.