The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments on its proposed guidelines to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. The proposal would require all construction sites to implement erosion and sediment control best management practices to reduce pollutants in storm water discharges.
"This proposal builds a foundation for cleaner streams and greener neighborhoods through improved treatment technologies and prevention practices," said Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA’s assistant administrator for water.
In addition, for certain large sites located in areas of the country with high rainfall intensity and soils with a high clay content, storm water discharges from the construction site would be required to meet a numeric limit on the allowable level of turbidity. In order to meet the proposed numeric turbidity limit, many sites would need to treat and filter their storm water discharges. Sediment is one of the leading causes of water quality impairment nationwide, including reducing water depth in small streams, lakes and reservoirs.
For more information on the proposal, visit www.epa.gov/ost/guide/construction.
