Ohio EPA releases draft Storm Water General Permit for pipeline projects

Ohio EPA has released a draft Construction Storm Water General Permit for Oil and Gas Linear Transmission Line and Gathering Line Installation for public comment. According to Ohio EPA, the draft permit is a “non-NPDES” permit issued under state law and would apply outside of the federal storm water construction exemption for these types of projects. The draft permit requires the development and implementation of a storm water pollution prevention plan (SWP3) and a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) contingency plan. The permit will be necessary for construction activities disturbing five or more acres.

A public informational session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, 2018, from 2:30-4:00 p.m. A public hearing on the draft permit has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. Both events will be held at Ohio EPA’s Central Office in Columbus, Ohio. Public comments should be submitted to Ohio EPA by June 6, 2018.