Confusion reigns supreme as the construction industry grapples with new Georgia EPD regulations governing storm water discharges from construction sites. EPD has a general permit for 5- to 250-acre sites, which owners and developers can take advantage of, as long as the requirements of the permit are met. First and foremost, a Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted along with the Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Plan. Daily and weekly inspections must be made by a "qualified person." Testing of streams or outfalls for turbidity must be made after the occurrence of at least 0.5 inches of rainfall in 24 hours. Samples should be collected no more than 45 minutes after the rainfall event. Design and construction professionals are still in the process of sorting out various roles to meet EPD's requirements. In the meantime Geo-Hydro can assist you in complying with NPDES requirements and is prepared to provide the required sampling of storm water.
