Number: 97-290
Title: Stormwater Permits: Status of EPA's Regulatory Program
Authors: Claudia Copeland, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and states are implementing a federally mandated program for controlling stormwater discharges from industrial plants and municipalities. Large cities and most industry sources are subject to rules issued in 1990, and EPA issued permit rules to cover smaller cities and other industrial sources and construction sites in 1999. Because of the large number of affected sources and deadline changes that led to confusion, numerous questions have arisen about this program. Impacts and costs of the program's requirements, especially on cities, are a continuing concern. The 109th Congress enacted energy legislation (P.L. 109-58) that included a provision giving the oil and gas industry regulatory relief from some stormwater requirements. In May 2008, a federal court vacated an EPA rule implementing this provision; EPA has not indicated how it will respond to the ruling.
Pages: 6
Date: November 20, 2008