Take Action: Recent USEPA Compliance and Enforcement News Releases

USEPA Issues Rule to Reduce Water Pollution from Construction Sites

In February 2010, a final rule to help reduce water pollution from construction sites will go into effect. This is the first time that EPA has imposed national monitoring requirements and enforceable numeric limitations on construction site stormwater discharges. The agency believes this rule, which will be phased in over four years, will significantly improve the quality of water nationwide.

The final rule requires construction site owners and operators that disturb one or more acres to use best management practices to ensure that soil disturbed during construction activity does not pollute nearby water bodies. In addition, owners and operators of sites that impact 10 or more acres of land at one time will be required to monitor discharges and ensure they comply with specific limits on discharges to minimize the impact on nearby water bodies.

EPA Soliciting Applications for Environmental Justice Grant Funding

The USEPA is accepting grant applications for a total of $1 million in funding for projects aimed at addressing environmental and public health issues in communities, encouraging applications that address the disproportionate impacts of climate change in communities by emphasizing climate equity, energy efficiency, renewable energy, local green economy, and green jobs capacity building. USEPA expects to award approximately 40 grants of up to $25,000 each and will accept applications until January 8, 2010. Local governments and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

USEPA Requests Comments on Survey for Stormwater Rule

The USEPA is proposing a survey to help strengthen stormwater regulations and reduce stormwater discharges from newly developed and redeveloped sites. Stormwater discharges can harm water quality through increases in stormwater volume and pollutant loadings into nearby waterways.

The proposed survey will be open for public comment for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. E2 will advise when the survey is available.

For more information above these USEPA Compliance and Enforcement News Releases, email us at info@e2env.com.