{"id":897352,"date":"2020-04-16T12:24:52","date_gmt":"2020-04-16T18:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myconstructionexpert.com\/blog\/?p=897352"},"modified":"2020-04-16T12:24:57","modified_gmt":"2020-04-16T18:24:57","slug":"washington-state-construction-stormwater-general-permit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myconstructionexpert.com\/blog\/washington-state-construction-stormwater-general-permit\/","title":{"rendered":"Washington State Construction Stormwater General Permit Compliance in the Midst of a Global Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Michael A. Nesteroff | Lane Powell<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With construction at a virtual standstill as a result of Gov. Jay Inslee\u2019s stay-home orders, many projects are faced with the dilemma of how to comply with the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSGP) during shut-down. Although the Washington Department of Ecology has recognized that activities may be disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Governor\u2019s orders, that does not necessarily mean a free pass for permit noncompliance. Ecology\u2019s\u00a0website\u00a0couches its approach as \u201cregulatory flexibility,\u201d and states that all applicable state requirements remain in effect. Ecology says it will exercise discretion within its authority when deciding whether to pursue potential violations that may be linked to the current pandemic. There are, however, some steps a permittee can take to protect itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CSGP Permit Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During normal times, the CSGP requires monthly discharge monitoring reports within 15 days following the end of each month documenting the weekly turbidity or transparency sampling results and pH, if applicable where concrete or engineered soil is being placed. Where benchmarks are exceeded, the CSGP requires review and revision of the project\u2019s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, immediate implementation of source control or treatment practices within 10 days of the discharge, and documentation in the site logbook. If the discharge is outside specified turbidity standards, sampling must continue until the turbidity or transparency falls back within standards or is eliminated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Options During Shutdown<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, these are not normal times. Ecology still recommends continued compliance, while expressing awareness that some businesses may be running into issues due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The current CSGP provides some, limited, guidance for ways to navigate the current situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n