Your project requires disturbing 0.8 acres of land for a commercial building. The site drains to a storm sewer system. What stormwater management requirement applies?
Correct Answer
D) No stormwater permit required
NPDES Construction General Permits are required for construction activities that disturb one acre or more. At 0.8 acres, this project falls below the federal threshold, though local requirements may still apply.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The correct answer is A because federal NPDES Construction General Permits are only required when construction activities disturb one acre or more of land. Since this project disturbs only 0.8 acres, it falls below the federal threshold and no federal stormwater permit is required. However, contractors should always check for local municipal requirements that may have lower thresholds.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: State stormwater permit only
NPDES permits are not triggered by commercial use but by the amount of land disturbance. The one-acre threshold applies regardless of whether the project is residential, commercial, or industrial.
Option B: NPDES permit required due to commercial use
State stormwater permits typically follow federal guidelines and also use the one-acre threshold. Since this project is under one acre, state permits would not be automatically required based on acreage alone.
Memory Technique
Think 'ONE and DONE' - One acre triggers federal permits, anything less and you're done with federal requirements (but always check local!)
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Chapter 15 - Referenced Standards, or EPA NPDES Construction General Permit documentation
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