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Introduction to the National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Construction Site General Permit
Cory Horton, MS, CFM, CPESC, P.E.
Overview
This four hour online
course introduces the reader to the NPDES construction general permit (CGP).
This course is intended for practicing engineers, contractors, developers,
regulators, and all other personnel involved with construction sites.
Environmental Effects of Construction
Construction inevitably causes some degree of disturbance
and compaction of the soil, the loss of vegetation density, and the creation of
impervious surfaces. Water quality can be dramatically impacted by inadequate
construction site erosion and sediment control measures. For these reasons the
Environmental Protection Agency regulates even relatively small construction
sites under the Phase II NPDES regulations.
Who is regulated?
“Any construction activity
that will, or is part of a 'common plan' of development or sale that will,
disturb one or more acres and has the potential to have a discharge of storm
water to a water of the United States must either have a permit OR have
qualified for a waiver. If all of the storm water from the construction
activity is captured on-site and allowed to evaporate, soak into the ground
on-site, or is used for irrigation, you do not need coverage under this permit.
Under the Clean Water Act, it is illegal to have a point source discharge of
pollutants to a water of the United States that is not authorized by a permit.
If there is a potential for a discharge, you need to apply for coverage under
this permit. “ (EPA Factsheet, 2005)
The NPDES regulations apply
to nearly every construction site development. Understanding the regulations,
requirements, and coverage provided under the CGP is essential to staying in
compliance with the law. Following the requirements under the CGP will also
reduce the impacts of construction on the environment.
The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of
this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Attained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and
skills:
- Understand a general
history of the NPDES regulations
- Know when a permit is
required
- Determine if a project
is eligible for a CGP
- Learn what coverage is
provided by the permit
- Understand the
requirements under the permit
Course
Click on the following PDF attachment and review
the course prior to taking a quiz for PDH credit.
NPDES Construction Site General Permit (468 KB)
Having Trouble Downloading the PDF File?
Right click on the link. Select "Save Target As..."
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To obtain PDH credits for this course, you will need to take a quiz for
credit. Click on the link below.
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