The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning five more “listening sessions” this month and next and a webinar to discuss new requirements for builders and developers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

These sessions are in addition to the previously announced public meetings to discuss the new Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load requirements.

The sessions will also include a presentation from the EPA and a delegation of environmental advocates in an “environmental justice" discussion of the drawbacks and benefits that may arise as a consequence of the rulemaking.

The new regulations are expected to be a component of the EPA’s national post-construction rulemaking, which will be proposed in 2011. Last month, the agency mailed a survey to more than 3,000 builders and developers in preparation for the rulemaking.

The requirements would apply to all new development and redevelopment in the watershed and are expected to include new regulations for municipal storm water sewer systems, including expanding the borders of existing systems — known as MS4s — to include development in rural areas now served by septic systems.

The sessions are scheduled for:

• Oct. 26, 2:00-5:00 p.m. for the listening session and 6:30-8:30 p.m. for the environmental justice discussion; Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore, 20 West Baltimore St., Baltimore.
  
  
• Oct. 28, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for the listening session and 2:00-4:00 p.m. for the environmental justice discussion; Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, 100 Heron Blvd., Cambridge, Md.
  
  
• Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for the environmental justice discussion and 1:00-4:00 p.m. for the listening session; 1201 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
  
  
• Nov. 9, 2:00-5:00 p.m. for the listening session and 6:30-8:30 p.m. for the environmental justice discussion; Omni Richmond Hotel, 100 South 12th St., Richmond, Va.
  
  
• Nov. 17, 2:00-5:00 p.m. for the listening session and 6:30-8:30 p.m. for the environmental justice discussion; Forum Building, 5th and Walnut, Harrisburg, Pa.

For builders unable to attend a meeting in person, the EPA has also scheduled a webinar session on Nov. 16 at 1:00-4:00 pm EST. Go to www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking to register.

In addition to the EPA meetings on the TMDLs and on the proposed post-construction rule, states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed may also be holding public meetings on how they plan to follow the federal rules and regulate the industry through their Watershed Implementation Plans.

A Nov. 2 NAHB webinar will discuss how all these new storm water requirements may affect smart growth concepts. 

For additional information, e-mail Glynn Rountree at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8662.