PHILADELPHIA (October 5, 2011) The U.S.…
“This permit includes a number of green
performance measures for preventing stormwater, along with the
pollutants and trash it carries, from washing into local
waterways,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin,
“Moreover, this builds on efforts the District has already
undertaken and is a major step forward in reaching our goals for
restoring the Anacostia River and Chesapeake
Bay.”
Under the Clean Water Act, urbanized areas like
the District are required by federal law to have permits covering
their discharges. The permit announced today requires the District
to take sustainable steps promoting green infrastructure
including:
The new permit conditions are necessary because impervious surfaces in the District, such as roads, rooftops and parking lots, channel stormwater directly into local streams and rivers. Improperly managed stormwater runoff from the District damages streams, causes significant erosion, and carries excessive pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, toxic metals, and solvents downstream and into the Chesapeake Bay. This permit aids the District in meeting its Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction targets and its Watershed Implementation Plan.
In finalizing the D.C. MS4 permit, EPA prepared responses to 21 individual comment letters received during the 45-day public comment period which closed on June 4, 2010, as well as approximately 50 separate form letters from area residents.
To view the permit, fact sheet and response to comments online visit: http://www.epa.gov/reg3wapd/npdes/dcpermits.htm
For more information about Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/munic.cfm.