E.P.A. Requests Comments on Survey for Stormwater Rule

WASHINGTON - The E.P.A. 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.

Generally, as sites are developed, less ground area is accessible for rain to soak into, which increases stormwater volume. This stormwater flows across roads, rooftops and other surfaces, picking up pollutants that then flow into waterways. The outline survey would require detailed information about stormwater management and control practices, local regulations, and baseline financial information.

E.P.A. projects to propose a rule to control stormwater from newly developed and redeveloped sites and to take final action no later than November 2012. In support of this rulemaking, E.P.A. is proposing to require 3 different groups to complete questionnaires about current stormwater management practices: 1) the owners, operators, developers, and contractors of newly and redeveloped sites; 2) the owners and operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems; and 3) states and territories.

The suggested survey will be open for public review for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking

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