National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitting News
The following recent developments are relevant to those engaged in efforts to protect sources of drinking water:
EPA Issues Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Sites
EPA issued a new permit, in accordance with the Clean Water Act, that will provide streamlined permitting to thousands of construction operators, while protecting waterways from discharges of polluted stormwater from construction sites. The 2012 construction general permit is required under the Clean Water Act and replaces the existing 2008 CGP, which expired on February 15, 2012.
The 2012 permit updates include steps intended to limit erosion, minimize pollution sources, provide natural buffers or their equivalent around surface waters, and further restrict discharges to areas impaired by previous pollution discharge. Many of the permit requirements implement new effluent limitations guidelines and new source performance standards for the construction and development industry that became effective on February 1, 2010, which include pollution control techniques to decrease erosion and sediment pollution. The permit will be effective in areas where EPA is the permitting authority: Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., and most U.S. territories and in Indian country lands.
More information on the construction general permit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/cgp.cfm
EPA Releases Permit Writer’s Manual for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
EPA has released a technical manual for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to provide states, producers, and the general public with general information on Clean Water Act and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program requirements for CAFOs, information to explain CAFO permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act, and technical information to help states and producers understand options for nutrient management planning.
EPA intends for this to be a living document that will be updated periodically to incorporate new and emerging approaches to CAFO management, including those focused on manure reuse and recycling and use for energy generation. Interested parties are encouraged to bring to EPA’s attention questions and suggestions concerning the content of this manual at any time. EPA will consider this input and update this document periodically to ensure that this manual is as helpful as possible. For more information and to view a copy of the manual, visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/info.cfm#guide_docs .
