PHILADELPHIA (Oct.12, 2011) The U.S. Environmental…
Dominion will pay a $51,000 penalty for
allegedly allowing storm water runoff from Equestrian Estates North
in Chesapeake Va., to run off into a tributary of the Southern
Branch of the Elizabeth River.
After an inspection by EPA on June 14, 2010, and
another inspection by the Virginia Department of Conservation and
Recreation on December 14, 2010, EPA cited Dominion for failing
to:
·
Stabilize a large stockpile of sand on the site
as required in the permit;
· Properly install and/or maintain sediment controls, such as silt fencing and rock dams;
· Conduct inspections after rain events; and
· Maintain an updated stormwater pollution prevention plan as required by law.
Uncontrolled storm water runoff from
construction sites often contains chemicals, nitrogen, phosphorus,
sediment, trash and other pollutants. The Clean Water Act requires
owners of construction operations to obtain a permit before
discharging stormwater runoff into waterways. These permits include
elements such as stormwater pollution prevention plans, stormwater
control measures, and inspections to verify the conditions of those
measures. · Properly install and/or maintain sediment controls, such as silt fencing and rock dams;
· Conduct inspections after rain events; and
· Maintain an updated stormwater pollution prevention plan as required by law.
For more information about EPA’s storm water program, visit: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater