Stormwater Regulation
Resolved that NAHB urge Congress to recognize and address the unique issues associated with stormwater by replacing Section 402(p) of the Clean Water Act with a flexible program that more appropriately reflects the challenges, uncertainties and geographic differences associated with stormwater discharges across the country;
Further resolved that when and if necessary, stormwater runoff from construction activities be managed at the state or local level utilizing Best Management Practices in lieu of more stringent effluent guidelines or numeric standards; and
Further resolved that NAHB urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state and local governments to:
- Adopt streamlined, cost-effective permit processes that reduce duplication and redundancy in permitting at the federal, state and local levels;
- Ensure that all water programs take into account site-specific conditions and are appropriately tailored to environmental risk;
- Ensure that any Total Maximum Daily Loads that include stormwater consider the relative contribution of stormwater discharges from construction sites among all contributing sources and ensure that any permit limitations are reasonable and cost-effective;
- Ensure that federal, state and local water quality programs are focused, flexible, and founded on sound science;
- Ensure that water quality trading programs for builders are fair, voluntary and appropriately conducted with proper guidance and assistance for successful implementation;
- Remove impediments and provide construction site operators with the flexibility to utilize voluntary, innovative and cost-effective, practical site design to meet state and local requirements in reducing stormwater discharges; and
- Provide educational and outreach materials to construction site operators to help increase compliance.
Resolution originally adopted: 2008.5, Resolutions No. 6
Committee with primary jurisdiction:
- Environmental Issues Committee
