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Seminar Helps Builders Comply With Stormwater Rules
Thousands of NAHB members were on the telephone on May 24 to listen to a teleconference on stormwater permitting sponsored by the NAHB Environmental Issues Committee and the University of Housing.
The “60 Minutes to Better Storm Water Permit Compliance Audio Seminar” featured speakers from a noted stormwater consultant, two federal Environmental Protection Agency representatives and two NAHB staff members.
A whopping 481 member companies signed up to participate in the interactive, hour-long, free program. Participants could download a slide show of the presentation to follow along with the speakers.
The tremendous interest is an indication of how confusing and complicated the issue is, said NAHB Director of Water and Wetlands Marolyn Parson.
Under rules established after Congress passed the Clean Water Act, home builders must ensure that any stormwater that runs off a development site is free of pollutants, including sediment.
“The rules have been in place for 15 years, but there has been inconsistent compliance. The time has come for companies to make permit compliance a priority, and demonstrate that home builders are environmental stewards,” said NAHB attorney Tom Ward.
There are also significant penalties for developers who don’t comply. Federal regulators can charge up to $32,500 per violation per day, and state EPAs also assess penalties: two Tennessee developers were recently slapped with $1 million fines. “That certainly shows how seriously the states take stormwater compliance,” Parson noted.
“Everything about stormwater compliance is about reducing your risk,” said speaker Johnny Combs of Paradigm Engineering in Lewisville, Texas. Builders need to use good site practices — making sure that there is little exposed soil, keep up with permit paperwork and protecting material stockpiles on site; have strong perimeter controls, making sure the public face of the site is maintained; and build relationships. Inspectors, Combs said, are “looking for reasonable people making reasonable efforts to comply.”
Builders should know what to expect at an inspection, said the two EPA officials participating in the teleconference. "Don't be intimidated. Feel free to accompany the inspector," said EPA Region 6 inspector Diana McDonald.
"Fixing problems during an inspection demonstrates good will," added her Region 6 colleague, Everett Spencer.
The audio seminar set-up allowed participants to ask questions by telephone or e-mail during the presentation, and also allowed event organizers to conduct mini-polls.
Of those listening in to the call, 56% said erosion control measures were the most difficult part of the stormwater permitting system, while 33% cited the maintenance of their SWPPP updates. Nine percent said the inspection process was the most difficult, 2% pointed to permit fees.
Combs also answered questions regarding how soon builders should inspect their job sites and make necessary repairs after rain events (within 24 hours) and he reminded builders to keep trash in containers (a common source of fines).
Combs also emphasized the importance of keeping entrances and exits clear so blocked sewers don’t create a water hazard on the roadway. “If someone is driving by that site, not only is it a safety hazard, but it’s a guaranteed call to local regulators,” he said.
The audio seminar was a pilot program from the University of Housing, which is seeking funding to offer similar seminars on pertinent topics.
“We wanted to see if there was a demand” for this kind of training, said the University of Housing’s Rebecca Turner. “From what we’re seeing, folks were very pleased with it.”
For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
 'Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers' Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Storm Water Permitting: A Guide for Builders and Developers,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides a starting point for builders and developers to use in locating and understanding storm water permitting requirements.
The publication has been prepared to help builders comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's storm water requirements and includes a CD with storm water permits, forms and guidance for 44 states and Washington, D.C.
To view or purchase this guide online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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