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Stormwater Video-conference

Department of Environmental ProtectionStormwater Videoconference

October 3, 2002

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Comprehensive Stormwater Management Policy

Ken Reisinger

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Purpose

Protect and maintain existing uses, water quality, water quantity, recharge aquifers, support base flow. Prevent stream bank and stream bed scour and destabilization.Integrate federal stormwater management requirements.Establish a consistent approach to stormwater management across DEP programs.

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Draft Policy Public Notice in PA Bulletin on October 27, 2001. Public Comment Period ended January 28, 2002. 233 Commentators, Approx. 600 Comments. Key Comment Topics:

Act 167 Antidegradation Conservation Districts Infiltration Regulatory Authority NPDES Permits Oppose/Support Policy Post Construction Permit Post Construction BMP Standards/Manual

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Final Policy – September 28, 2002

Provides a recommended approach for meeting the underlying antidegradation regulations found at 25 Pa Code Section 93.4a.

Enables efficient implementation of federal regulatory requirements (NPDES Stormwater from Construction Activity Permits, MS4 Permits).

Identifies Act 167 Stormwater Management Planning Program as the centerpiece for municipal compliance with federal requirements.

Addresses Post Construction Stormwater.

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25 Pa Code Section 93.4a

Special Protection Waters – Water quality of special protection water shall be maintained and protected.

Waters other than Special Protection – Water uses and the level of water quality necessary to protect those uses shall be maintained and protected.

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Performance goal to Replicate Natural Infiltration and Runoff Conditions:

Comparative Pre and Post Construction Stormwater AnalysisMinimize Runoff; Encourage InfiltrationWater Quality Treatment BMPsVolume and Rate Discharge Control BMPsProtect Existing and Uses/Water Quality

Post-Construction Stormwater Management:Build on Existing Permit Programs Using Existing Authority Integrate Act 167 and Permit Programs

Develop a Stormwater BMP Guidance Manual.

Major Objectives of the Policy:

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Policy will be Implemented Through:

The NPDES permit for construction activity program Phase I (earth disturbances 5 acres and greater) and Phase II (earth disturbances 1-5 acres with a point source discharge) late 2002.

The NPDES MS4 permit program effective March 2003.

The 167 Stormwater Planning process.

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Appendix A of the policy provides information and web links to stormwater management manuals that can be used to satisfy the goals and objectives of the policy:

Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New YorkCenter for Watershed Protection

Interim Technical Guidance

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Development of Pennsylvania BMP Manual and Technical Guidance

Pennsylvania Stormwater BMP Manual:

Oversight Committee will be established. Develop Manual 10/02-10/03. Public comment on draft manual late 2003. Initial Training to Public/DEP/CDs: 01/04-06/04.

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Programs Key to Meeting Goals

NPDES Construction Activities

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s)

Act 167 Watershed Planning

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NPDES Construction Program

Ken Murin

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NPDES Construction Program

In existence since 1992:

EPA federal requirements: Phase I-1992; Phase II-2002Program foundation Chapter 102 requirements-30 years

Utilizes BMP/performance-based approach.

Utilizes individual and general permits.

Implemented by both DEP and by delegation to County Conservation Districts.

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Activities Which Require Individual Permit Coverage

Discharges to Special Protection Waters-Chapter 93.Potential for Toxic Discharge.Significant History of Non-compliance.Adverse Affect on a PA or Federal Endangered Species or Habitat.Discharges that are otherwise prohibited by 25 Pa Code Chapter 92.

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Phase I-NPDES Construction Permit

Existing Permit.Earth disturbance activities 5 acres or greater.Individual and general permit coverage.

5-year termTerminates at end of term; orTerminates after construction completed, site stabilized

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Phase II NPDES Construction Permit

NPDES permit coverage for small construction activities (Required by December 8, 2002):

1-5 acres.Point source discharging to surface waters.

Individual or general permit coverage.Waivers-not applicable in PA. Proposed a draft Phase II general permit. Refining Phase II permit based on public comments.

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NPDES Construction Permits and Stormwater Policy

Both Phase I and Phase II permits:

E&S Plan to minimize pollutants from earth disturbance.

Post Construction Stormwater: Existing permit emphasizes identification of BMPs.Permits will now emphasize requirement for PCSM Plans.Interim technical references – Appendix A.

Protect existing uses and maintain water quality.

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NPDES Construction Permit Timelines

Phase I Permit Extension of Availability: 10/05/02. Phase I and II Construction Permit: 12/08/02. Phase II general or individual permit coverage required within 90 days (March 10, 2003) of permit availability.Outreach-October 2002-March 2003:

Education and compliance materials.Conservation districts, municipalities, regulated community.