A contractor disturbs 2.5 acres of land during a commercial construction project. What is required under NPDES regulations?
Correct Answer
B) A Construction General Permit (CGP) for stormwater discharge
NPDES requires a Construction General Permit for any construction activity that disturbs one acre or more of land. The project at 2.5 acres exceeds this threshold and requires the CGP for stormwater discharge.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), any construction activity that disturbs one acre or more of land requires a Construction General Permit (CGP). Since this project disturbs 2.5 acres, it clearly exceeds the one-acre threshold and must obtain a CGP. The CGP specifically addresses stormwater discharge from construction sites to prevent pollution of waterways. This is a federal requirement that applies regardless of local permit requirements.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option C: Environmental impact assessment only
An environmental impact assessment is a different type of environmental review and does not fulfill the NPDES stormwater discharge permit requirements. The CGP specifically addresses stormwater pollution prevention during construction.
Option D: Only a local erosion control permit
This is incorrect because the threshold for NPDES permit requirements is one acre, not three acres. Any construction activity disturbing one acre or more requires a Construction General Permit.
Memory Technique
Think 'ONE and DONE' - one acre disturbed means you're done without a permit, so you need the Construction General Permit (CGP)
Reference Hint
Look up NPDES regulations in the Environmental Regulations chapter or EPA Construction General Permit requirements section
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