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Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Stormwater runoff from construction activities can have a significant impact on water quality. As stormwater flows over a construction site, it picks up pollutants such as sediments, debris, and chemicals. Polluted stormwater runoff can harm or kill fish and other wildlife. Sedimentation can destroy aquatic habitat, and high volumes of runoff can cause stream-bank erosion.
If you need information on preventing stormwater in the business or office setting, or if you would like information educating your coworkers on pollution prevention, you can visit the Business Stormwater Pollution Prevention page. Alternatively, if you need information on creating and maintaining ponds, visit the Pond Pollution page.
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Construction Stormwater Permits
To limit the negative impacts of construction projects on Ohio's waters, Ohio EPA administers a permit program that documents construction activity in the state and requires practices that keep pollutants out of the streams. The permit program is mandated in the Clean Water Act and is part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program.
The NPDES stormwater program requires operators of construction sites of one acre or larger (including smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development) to obtain authorization to discharge stormwater under an NPDES construction stormwater permit.
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Who needs a permit?
As of March 10, 2003, if your project disturbs one or more acres of ground, you must get a permit to discharge stormwater from your site. If your project disturbs less than one acre but is part of a larger plan of development or sale, you also need a permit to discharge stormwater from the site.
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How do I get a permit?
Most sites may get permit coverage under the NPDES General Permit for discharge of stormwater associated with construction activity. This will take you away from the Lawrence County Stormwater site.
To attain a permit for construction stormwater management, you need to:
- Click the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3) to develop a plan for your construction site. This will take you away from the Lawrence County Stormwater site.
- Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) requesting coverage for your discharges under the general permit. This will take you away from the Lawrence County Stormwater site.
- Wait until you receive the Ohio EPA approval letter stating that you are covered under the general permit.
- Ensure that contractors, subcontractors, and staff understand their roles in carrying out the SWP3.
- Implement the SWP3.
- Proceed with construction, including regular maintenance and Inspection (PDF 32K)* of sediment and erosion controls and stormwater management facilities.
*PDF files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to open. If you do not have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, you can download it by visiting the Acrobat Download Page.
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Resources
These links will take you to pages outside of the Lawrence County Stormwater Management website.
EPA National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System
Ohio EPA Construction Storm Water Program
Ohio EPA National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System: Final General Permit
