A contractor is working on a project that will disturb 2.5 acres of land. The project involves grading and excavation that will expose soil. What NPDES permit requirement applies?
Correct Answer
B) General permit for stormwater discharge required
NPDES requires a general permit for stormwater discharge from construction activities that disturb one acre or more. The contractor must obtain coverage under the general permit and implement stormwater pollution prevention measures.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires a general permit for stormwater discharge from construction activities that disturb one acre or more of land. Since this project disturbs 2.5 acres, it exceeds the one-acre threshold and requires NPDES general permit coverage. The contractor must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) and develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) before beginning construction activities.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: No permit required for projects under 3 acres
This is incorrect because NPDES permit requirements are triggered at one acre, not three acres. Any construction activity disturbing one acre or more requires NPDES general permit coverage.
Option C: Only local erosion control permit needed
This is incorrect because individual NPDES permits are typically required for much larger projects or those with special circumstances, not simply projects over 2 acres. Most construction projects use the general permit regardless of size above the one-acre threshold.
Option D: Individual permit required for projects over 2 acres
This is incorrect because federal NPDES requirements supersede local permits alone. While local erosion control permits may also be required, they do not satisfy the federal NPDES stormwater discharge permit requirement for projects disturbing one acre or more.
Memory Technique
Remember 'ONE and DONE' - ONE acre triggers the requirement, and most projects are DONE with just the general permit (not individual permits)
Reference Hint
Look up NPDES stormwater regulations in the Environmental Regulations chapter or Water Quality/Stormwater Management section of your reference materials
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