Construction Stormwater 1200-C NPDES Permit Commenting Guide

Increased development pressure along the Oregon coast has resulted in a surge in residential and commercial construction. Coastal waters are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of contaminated storm water commonly associated with construction activity.

Under the Clean Water Act, construction sites where one or more acres of land are disturbed are considered point sources of pollution and require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permit. Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) developed NPDES Stormwater Discharge General Permit #1200-C to cover construction activities that disturb one or more acres of land or one acre or more over a period of time. Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) 340-045-0015 and 0033(5) require all owners or operators responsible for these sources to register under this permit or obtain an individual permit.

This guide will highlight some general water quality issues associated with stormwater pollution from construction sites and will provide ideas on how to raise your concerns with the DEQ over particular 1200-C permit applications.