Utilities Urge EPA To Exempt 'Linear' Projects From Stormwater Permitting

摘要

Electric and gas utilities are renewing efforts to persuade EPA to exempt so-called "linear" construction jobs from a number of proposed requirements in its draft revised construction general permit (CGP) for stormwater discharges, arguing that projects like transmission lines, which often cover expansive and varying terrain, cannot feasibly implement many of the permitting conditions. EPA and environmentalists are pushing strict measures to limit stormwater runoff because it is believed to be a major contributing factor in water quality impairment, but industry has argued that many of the proposed steps the agency is taking are too burdensome, inflexible and will harm the economy.