Stricter federal stormwater regulations went into effect on March 10, 2003. The regulations aim to prevent erosion and require permits for construction activities with the potential to disturb one acre or more. Excessive amounts of sediment and debris from construction sites are often washed into local waterbodies during a storm. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater as well.

 

Under a new regulation, the Department of Environmental Conservation requires that before starting construction, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be developed. The SWPPP is a plan for erosion and sediment control, and possibly other management practices.

 

Before construction activity begins, a Notice of Intent must be filed with DEC affirming that a SWPPP has been prepared and is being implemented.

 

If you begin construction before filing as NOI and obtaining coverage, you may be subject to a penalty of up to $25,000 per violation per day.

 

It could take up to sixty (60) business days to get a permit, but often only takes five (5) business days. The length of the time depends on the type of construction site involved. It also depends on the existing levels of pollution in the waterbodies to which stormwater form the site will discharge.

 

For more information, please visit the DEC website:                                    www. dec.state.ny.us/website/dow/mainpage.htm. If you don’t have web access, you can obtain written material by calling 518-402-8265. or call the DEC regional office.

 

Tools available from DEC: Permit- SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges for Construction Activity (GP-02-01), Guidance- Overview of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities, Instruction Manual for Stormwater Construction Permit, Technical Information- New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, NYS Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (blue book), New York Contractor’s Erosion and Sediment Control Field Notebook.