Comments Invited on Permit Regulating Construction Stormwater

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites comments through March 20 on a permit that regulates construction stormwater throughout the state.

Under the federal Clean Water Act and Minnesota law, the MPCA issues a NPDES/SDS permit that requires management of stormwater runoff from construction activities. These activities include clearing, excavating, and grading that disturb greater than one acre of soil.

The purpose of the state program is to protect water resources from pollutants, particularly sediment, and also nutrients, oil, chemicals, and litter carried with runoff. In addition, the program strives to prevent this runoff from flooding streams and lakes as well as damaging habitat for fish and wildlife.

The MPCA issues a general permit that requires controls for construction stormwater runoff. Construction site owners and operators apply for coverage under the general permit, meaning they agree to comply with the conditions set in the general permit.

The current permit expires on Aug. 1, 2013. Because federal rules have changed since the last permit was issued in 2008, the MPCA must update the general permit to comply with these federal rules. Based on research and experience, the federal government continues to make changes to ensure that adequate best management practices are in place.

While many of the changes are in response to the new federal rules (40 CFR 450), the changes also include reorganization of the permit language. The draft permit includes clarifications and minor language changes to make the permit more concise, to delete duplicate or unneeded language, and to improve the permit’s readability and understanding.

In addition, the agency will require that permit applications be submitted electronically to achieve greater efficiency.

Information meeting
The MPCA will hold an information meeting on March 8 to allow stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions about the draft permit. The meeting is at 9 a.m. in the MPCA Citizens Board Room in the lower level of the agency’s St. Paul office at 520 Lafayette Rd. N.

Comments, which must be writing, are due by 4:30 p.m. March 20. Send comments to Lawrence Zdon, MPCA permit writer, at lawrence.zdon@state.mn.us or 520 Lafayette Road N. St. Paul, MN 55155-4194.

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