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Storm Water Associated with Construction Activity in the Big Darby Creek
Watershed
Issue Date:
September 12, 2006
Effective Date:
October 27, 2006
Expiration Date: October 26, 2011
The Big Darby Creek watershed is among the most
biologically diverse stream systems of its size in the Midwest.
Befitting this distinction, Ohio water
quality standards regulations assign the most stringent aquatic life
use designations (exceptional warmwater habitat and coldwater habitat)
and the outstanding state water antidegradation category to many of the
larger streams in the watershed. The watershed is home to several
endangered species and Big and Little Darby Creeks are designated
state and national scenic
rivers.
However, recent studies document
declines in water quality and stream habitat, some of which have been
found to be directly related to construction activity. Among the most
visible and widely publicized future threats to the Big Darby Creek
watershed is conversion of farm land to suburban and commercial land
uses, especially in Franklin County.
As a result, Ohio EPA has developed an alternative general permit for
storm water associated with construction activity specifically for the
Big Darby Creek watershed. This alternative permit implements many of the basic recommendations
regarding the programs, activities and Best Management Practices
developed through the Total Maximum Daily Load process and the State
Water Quality Management Plan and 208 Plan. Ohio EPA believes
implementation of these recommendations is necessary to protect the
unique water quality and biological integrity of the Big Darby Creek
system.
