U.S. EPA Region 7 Monitors Construction Sites in Iowa
Stormwater management is an important aspect of improving the quality of surface water in Iowa and the nation. On a national level, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and statewide, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), are responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Phase II stormwater requirements, including those that involve soil-disturbing activities at construction sites greater than or equal to one acre in size.
The EPA operates independently of the IDNR on enforcement issues. Staff members from EPA Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations, conduct visits to construction sites throughout the region.
The week of April 12, EPA staff members visited several larger construction sites in the Des Moines metro area. During these site visits, EPA staff members were looking for compliance with IDNR-issued stormwater general permits for construction site activities. Specifically, the EPA was looking for the actual stormwater permit issued by IDNR and the stormwater pollution prevention plan that should be maintained on-site. It is not yet known if the EPA observed any violations of stormwater permits that may result in enforcement actions with any of the owners of these sites.
If you have any questions regarding enforcement, please contact your nearest IDNR field office. Contact Ruth Rosdail of IDNR at 515/281-6782 if you have any questions regarding stormwater permits for construction site activities. Contact Pat Sauer at IAMU, 800/810-4268, if you have any requests for training related to erosion and sediment control at construction sites.