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EPA Trains Texas Builders to Follow Storm Water Rules
The Texas Association of Builders is working with the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to ensure that builders and developers are up to speed on storm water regulatory compliance.
A pilot training seminar on how to comply, “Storm Water – SWPPP It or Sweat It” was first presented on Sept. 6 at the Temple Area Builders Association in East Bell County and the final presentation will be made on Nov. 29 at the El Paso Association of Builders. To date, eight seminars were held with more than 400 builders participating.
With its new training, EPA is releasing information on how many citations are being issued and which are the most common. NAHB has been requesting this information because the data can show the association how it can help its members avoid fines.
Fines for non-compliance can be steep — as much as $32,000 per day in some cases.
Texas Association of Builders Executive Director Kristi Sutterfield credits her state’s positive relationship with EPA Region 6 administrator Richard Green, the former mayor of Arlington, Texas, for providing the impetus for the pilot launch after listening to builder testimony on problems with the administration of storm water regulations.
“Mayor Greene has been extremely receptive to our concerns and very proactive in solving a number of our issues,” Sutterfield said in a letter to Texas members.
“We have put together a training program that will give you excellent information for your teams in the field as well as help you meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act,” the letter said.
The pilot training program covers paperwork requirements, inspection protocol, Best Management Practices and a “Top 10” list of common citations.
NAHB representatives have met frequently with EPA officials on storm water compliance issues and have told them that educating home builders is much more productive when regulators divulge the most common causes for non-compliance so that builders can avoid them in the future, according to staff vice president for regulatory affairs Susan Asmus.
“This is certainly a positive step for EPA, for our members and for clean water,” Asmus said. “I hope the result is more common-sense regulation so we can continue to try to keep housing affordable.”
For more information, e-mail Calli Schmidt at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8132.
 Are You Ready for a Visit From the EPA?
“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 information on state permitting programs and more than 50 of the most commonly used Best Management Practices.
Also included are tips on compliance, including how to handle visits from inspectors.
To view or purchase this guide online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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