NAHB members with active construction sites are being sought to assist in data collection efforts on the turbidity — or cloudiness — of storm water discharges from construction sites.

The field data will help NAHB assess whether a numeric turbidity limit expected to be proposed shortly by the Environmental Protection Agency and finalized in June can be consistently achieved by builders and developers using passive control systems.

Under effluent limitation guidelines previously proposed by the EPA, storm water running off construction sites disturbing 10 or more acres would have been limited to 280 NTUs (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). As a result of an ongoing lawsuit by NAHB and a petition from the Small Business Administration, the EPA was forced to revise the limit.

Any turbidity limit will require developers to significantly change how they plan, design and operate their construction sites and manage storm water discharges.

NAHB will provide storm water collection kits to those who volunteer. Instructions and the sampling protocol will be included.

Members who already have monitoring data for the turbidity of the water coming off their site can also participate by filling out data sheets provided by NAHB.

For more information and to participate, e-mail Ty Asfaw at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8124.