Update on Construction Stormwater Permit Regulations | EPD: Key Changes & Compliance
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Update on Construction Stormwater Permit Regulations | EPD: Key Changes & Compliance

Georgia Environmental Protection Division Reissues Construction Stormwater Permits

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) recently reissued its three construction stormwater general permits, known as Permit Nos. GAR100001, GAR100002, and GAR100003. These permits, referred to as the 2023 Permits, were issued on June 20, 2023, with an effective date of August 1, 2023. However, a petition was filed with the EPD in July challenging the issuance of these permits. As per state law at O.C.G.A. § 12-2-2(c)(2)(B), the 2023 Permits are currently stayed until the case is resolved. This means that as of now, the 2023 Permits are not in effect.

The previous versions of the construction stormwater permits, specifically GAR100001, GAR100002, and GAR100003 from 2018, state that they remain valid until a new general permit is issued and in effect. In accordance with state law at O.C.G.A. § 50-13-18(b) and Ga. Comp. R. and Regs. Rule 391-3-6-.16(13), the 2018 permits will continue to be in force until the case regarding the 2023 Permits is resolved.

During this period of uncertainty, certain guidelines are in place for permittees:

– Permittees who have submitted a Notice of Intent (NOI) under the 2018 Construction Stormwater General Permits do not need to file a renewal after August 1, 2023.
– New permittees who wish to file an NOI after August 1, 2023 can do so under the 2018 permits, which will remain active in GEOS.
– Once the case regarding the 2023 Permits is resolved, the EPD will provide further updates for all entities with active NOIs.

For more information on these permits, affected parties can visit the Georgia EPD website at https://epd.georgia.gov/forms-permits/watershed-protection-branch-forms-permits/storm-water-forms/npdes-construction.

Should there be any questions, permittees can reach out to the appropriate District Office email address. For general inquiries, please contact [email protected]

Contact Information:
General Questions
Title: General Questions

In conclusion, the reissuance of the construction stormwater permits by the Georgia EPD has been met with legal challenges, leading to a stay on the 2023 Permits. Permittees are advised to follow the guidelines set forth for the 2018 permits until the case is resolved. It is essential to stay updated on any developments and comply with the existing regulations to ensure environmental protection and compliance with state laws.