|
The Clean Water Act Amendments of 1987 established the NPDES storm
water program. The act called for implementation in two phases;
Phase I addressed the most significant sources of pollution in storm
water runoff. Phase II addresses other sources to protect water
quality. The Phase II regulations were published in the December
8, 1999, Federal Register.
Summary of December 8, 1999, Storm Water Phase II Rule:
- Municipalities located in urban areas as defined by the Census
Bureau are required to obtain NPDES permit coverage for discharges
from their municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). Municipalities
located outside of urbanized areas may need to comply within 180
days notice or as determined by the NPDES Permitting Authority.
- Beginning on March 10, 2003, construction sites that disturb
one acre or more are required to have coverage under the NPDES
general permit for storm water discharges from construction site
activities.
- Municipalities under 100,000 population will no longer be exempt
from the construction site storm water requirements and the industrial
storm water requirements effective March 10, 2003. (WWTPs 1.0
mgd or more will need a General Storm Water Permit for Industrial
Activities)
- Definition of industrial storm water has been revised to expand
the "no-exposure" exemption to all industrial categories
except construction.
|