The Environmental Protection Agency continues to move forward with its effort to collect data for the development of new effluent limitation guidelines (ELG) for construction and development.

On Nov. 16, the agency submitted to the White House Office of Management & Budget (OMB), the notice it expects to use to solicit data from the public on turbidity levels in stormwater — or the amount of sediment — attained through passive treatment systems.

Once the notice is approved by OMB, which may be by the end of the year, it will be published in the Federal Register.

A numeric effluent limit of 280 nephelometric turbidity units established in the EPA’s 2009 ELG was withdrawn after NAHB and the Small Business Administration showed that it was based on faulty data.

The EPA decided to gather new data and revise the guidelines.

For more information, email Ty Asfaw at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8124.

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 stormwater 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.