Calif. Water Board Now Requires "General Permit" for Ground Disturbance

The California State Water Resources Control Board now requires a general permit (99-08-DWQ) for "clearing, grading, disturbances to the ground (such as stockpiling, or excavation) that results in soil disturbances of at least five acres of total land area. Construction activity that results in soil disturbances of less than five acres is subject to the general permit if the construction activity is part of a larger common plan of development that encompasses five or more acres of soil disturbance or if there is significant water quality impairment resulting from the activity. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance to maintain original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility, nor does it include emergency construction activities required to protect public health and safety." Dischargers should confirm with the regional water quality control board whether or not a particular routine maintenance activity is subject to the general permit.

For more information, visit /www.swrcb.ca.gov.