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001G47 most part, these programs consist of a notice of intent that includes general operator and site information, development of a storm water pollution prevention plan specifying BMPs to be employed, and a notice of termination when the site has finally been stabilized. Waivers are available under Phase II for small construction sites (less than 5 acres) in areas with negligible or low predicted rainfall, low predicted soil loss (less than 2 tons/acre/year), or Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or comprehensive watershed plans that already address pollutants of concern. A Flexible, Seamless Approach Current EPA guidance on the Phase II program stresses the incorporation of urban storm water control measures into broader watershed planning and management activities. While the final rule notes the importance of citizen participation and public education in addressing urban runoff, it also outlines the importance of enforceable permits under the NPDES system. The relatively long lead times available for developing the permit application, establishing management practices and control approaches, and implementing the final program allows government jurisdictions more time to develop stronger programs. They will be able to work with local businesses, landowners, developers, and other stakeholders to forge a program that addresses chemical, physical, and biological stressors to the receiving waters. Final Storm Water Phase" Rules Approved (continued) EPA acknowledges that establishing pollution control programs for Phase II MS4s and construction sites will require extensive financial commitments. The average annual program cost nationally for the Phase II program is estimated at $55 million, with construction sector costs projected at $51.2 million and MS4 controls pegged at $3.8 million. Development of erosion and sediment control programs for construction sites constitutes the largest expense overall at $47.4 million. EPA estimates that local government expenses to manage these programs will be less than $500,000 annually. The new regulations will result in increase the cost of a new home by about $500. Erosion and sediment controls for a building lot now account for around 2 percent of the cost of developing the lot, with another 2 percent devoted to impact analyses, wetland mitigation, and other environmental protection measures, according to the National Association of Home Builders. When home construction costs are added to lot development costs, these measures account for just slightly more than 1 percent of the total price of a new home. EPA projects that water quality and other benefits from successful implementation of Phase II will fall between $106 million and $574 million, with a possible upward benefit range of more than $3 billion. A considerable portion of the estimate is derived from benefits related to decreased reservoir sedimentation rates and drainage ditch maintenance. EPA estimates that an average of 820,000 acre-feet of reservoir storage capacity is currently lost to sedimentation and pollution each year. EPA will provide guidance and other tools to assist MS4s and the construction industry in implementing the Phase II program. "We've been working with the states on the rollout for Phase II," said John Kosco, EPA's Phase II program coordinator. He continued, "There are a number of different activities planned, from I-and 2-day workshops to web-based training and video teleconferences. We're also developing a 'model' permit so local governments can get a good idea of how to proceed with their applications, and a menu of urban BMPs to consider in local implementation programs." MARCH 2000, ISSUE #60 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 5