Confusion reigns over industrial stormwater regulations

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Hazmat World; (United States)

OSTI ID:5647428

Bishop, J

More than five years after Congress mandated controls for industrial and municipal stormwater discharges, many in the regulated community remain unclear about how the rules apply to them. The regulations' progress since the 1987 CWA amendments opened the door for their development often has been shaky and marked by setbacks. According to a federal appeals court decision issued last summer, that struggle is likely to continue. Although the original stormwater rules issued by EPA in November 1990 appeared to focus on heavy manufacturing facilities, as well as municipalities, the appellate court cleared a path that could draw light industrial plants and small construction sites within the regulations' domain. The rules in dispute bring under their umbrella any stormwater discharges associated with industrial activity to surface waters or municipal storm sewer systems. However, the regulations distinguish between facilities engaged in heavy industry and light, or enclosed industrial facilities, based on the probability that stormwater discharges will be contaminated and require regulation.

• OSTI ID: 5647428
• Journal Information: Hazmat World; (United States), Journal Name: Hazmat World; (United States) Vol. 6:1; ISSN HMWOED; ISSN 0898-5685
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
DISASTERS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
LIQUID WASTES
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
POLLUTION REGULATIONS
REGULATIONS
RUNOFF
STORMS
SURFACE WATERS
WASTE WATER
WASTES
WATER
WATER POLLUTION