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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I CIMpt. 1-lntroduction The final term used frequently in this manual is 'operator.' The operator of a construction activity is the party or parties that either individually or taken together meet the following two criteria: (11 they have operational control over the site specifications (including the ability to make modifications in specifications); and (2) they have the day-to-day operational control of those activities at the site necessary to ensure compliance with plan requirements and permit conditions (e.g., are authorized to direct workers at the site to carry out activities identified in the plan). 1.4 GOALS OF EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT EPA's November 16, 1990, storm water final rule addresses certain types of storm water discharges, including storm water discharges from construction activities. This regulation is based on the results of a number of National studies which pointed to storm water discharges as a significant source of pollutants and cause of water use impairment in receiving streams. Storm water runoff becomes polluted by picking up soil particles and other pollutants (from construction materials) as it flows over surfaces where construction activities are occurring. By requiring certain construction sites to apply for NPDES storm water permits, this regulation provides a way for States and EPA Regions to monitor and manage these discharges, and reduce or ultimately eliminate the amount of pollutants present in them. The basic goal of storm water management, therefore, is simple: IMPROVE WATER QUAlITY BV REDUCING POLLUTANTS IN STORM WATER DISCHARGEll Construction activities produce many different kinds of pollutants which may cause storm water contamination problems. Grading activities remove grass, rocks, pavement and other protective ground covers resulting in the exposure of underlying soil to the elements. Because the soil surface is unprotected, soil and sand particles are easily picked up by wind and/or washed away by rain or snow melt. This process is called erosion. The water carrying these particles eventually reaches a stream, river or a lake where it slows down, allowing the particles to fall onto the bottom of the stream bed or lake. This process is called sedimentation. Gradually, layers of these clays and silt build up in the stream beds choking the river and stream channels and covering the areas where fish spawn and plants grow. These particles also cloud waters causing aquatic respiration problems and can kill fish and plants growing in the river stream. In addition, the construction of buildings and roads may require the use of toxic or hazardous materials such as petroleum products, pesticides, and herbicides, and building materials such as asphalt, sealants and concrete which may pollute storm water running off of the construction site. These types of pollutants often contain small amounts of metals and other toxic materials which may be harmful to humans, plants, and fish in streams. Considering the nature of construction activities and the resulting pollutants, and the variable nature of storm events, EPA determined that the best approach to storm water management for these sites is through the use of self-designed Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans. These plans are based on the use of BMPs. For construction sites, there are three main types of BMPs, those that prevent erosion, others which prevent pollutants from the construction materials from mixing with storm water, and those which trap pollutants before they can be discharged. Although these three types of BMPs have different functions, the basic principle is the same: these BMPs are designed to prevent, or at least control, the pollution of storm water before it has a chance to affect receiving streams. Using BMPs in this way is called storm water management or sediment and erosion control. September 1992 1-3