EPA not sure how to limit sediment runoff

Facilities get chance to push for more flexible standard
Some good news for those with stormwater runoff issues: EPA doesn't seem to be in any rush to reissue its controversial turbidity standard that measures sediment contamination in stormwater runoff. 

Agency admits using bad math
The agency just announced that instead of revamping the limit, it is inviting more public comment on how it should revise the turbidity standard for runoff from construction and development activities.  EPA had proposed a numeric effluent limit of 280 nepholometric units a day for turbidity in 2009.  But the agency withdrew this when it realized it was based on shaky data and calculations that relied on passive sediment filtering technology.  Now rather than just correct the mistakes itself by Feb. 15, the agency says it will repropose the turbidity standard.  EPA wants public comment on how it should treat runoff data gathered from construction sites.

Reprinted with permission from:

Environmental Compliance Alert 12/12/11