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Background
Construction sites impact Ohio's waters
by:
adding pollutants, especially sediment, to
rainwater running off of construction sites during construction;
and
making long-term land use changes that alter
the hydrology and pollutant loading of local streams.
To limit the negative impacts of construction projects on Ohio's
waters, Ohio EPA administers a permitting program designed to document
construction activity in the state and require practices that keep
pollutants out of the streams. The permitting program is mandated in the
Clean Water Act and is part of the NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System) program.
Who needs a permit?
As of March 10, 2003, if your project disturbs 1 or more acres of
ground, you must get a permit to discharge storm water from your site. If
your project disturbs less than 1 acre but is part of a larger plan of
development or sale, you also need a permit to discharge storm water from the
site.
Submit a Notice of Intent
(NOI) requesting coverage for your discharges under the general
permit;
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 storm water management
facilities.
Potential Waivers for 1 to 5 Acre Site
Disturbances
