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Department of Ecology Press Release - November 16, 2005
05-279
OLYMPIA -The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has issued an updated permit aimed at protecting water quality from polluted runoff created at construction sites.
The construction stormwater general permit is required for construction activities that disturb one acre or more total land area and discharge storm runoff to streams, lakes or marine waters. Currently, 961 construction sites are covered under the construction stormwater general permit.
Ecology first issued the permit in 2000 and must reissue it every five years. The new permit will be effective Dec. 16.
"Polluted runoff is the largest source of water pollution in Washington," said Dave Peeler, the lead water-quality manager for Ecology. "Dirt dislodged at construction sites can clog water bodies and harm fish, as well as carry harmful pollutants into sensitive waters."
The primary change in the permit is that construction sites that disturb one or more acres of soil must now obtain permits; the previous threshold was 5 acres and larger. The change is required by the federal Environmental Protection Agency's phase II stormwater rule, which went into effect on March 10, 2003.
Other key changes include the requirement that construction operators sample their stormwater discharges and keep muddy water from running off construction sites during storm events. Permitees will need a stormwater pollution prevention plan to implement best management practices to prevent erosion and water quality impacts. The permit also will make sure that construction site runoff does not affect polluted water bodies or water bodies with pollution cleanup plans in place.
For a copy of the permit, contact the Water Quality Program, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA, 98504-7600; (360)407-6401 or mewi461@ecy.wa.gov .
The permit and related documents are also available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/construction .
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Contact: Glenn Kuper, public information manager, 360-407-6848
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
