Phase II Storm Water Rule

On October 29, EPA Administrator Carol Browner signed the Final Storm Water Phase II Rule to further regulate runoff of polluted water from construction sites and urban areas. In announcing the new rule on November 1, she said, “The Clinton-Gore Administration is committed to reducing one of the largest remaining sources of water pollution: stormwater runoff. Today we are taking a major step to protect public health and the environment for America’s families—increasing the safety of the water they drink and the rivers, lakes, and beaches they enjoy.”

Some background: Phase I of the National Storm Water Program was promulgated in November 1990. This regulation required National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits under the Clean Water Act for municipal storm sewer systems serving populations over 100,000, for construction sites over 5 acres in size, and for certain industrial activities.