Environmental Regulators Focus on Stormwater Management

Many states, as well as the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are increasing efforts to enforce provisions of the Clean Water Act that deal with stormwater management.

“Both businesses and local governments have been targets of this increased enforcement activity,” says Sid J. Trant, a partner in the Environmental and Toxic Tort practice group at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP (Birmingham, Ala.).  “Municipalities are being investigated for sewer overflow issues, and business including property developers, industrial plant site developers and construction companies are also receiving regulatory attention for stormwater issues.”

Trant says companies with multiple sites have had inspections at many of their locations.  He says it is even more important than ever for companies and local governments to be proactive regarding stormwater management.

“It is crucial for companies to comply with their permits and apply best management practices to stormwater systems,” says Trant.  “Internal systems and protocols should also be reviewed and updated if needed.”

Trant is available to discuss the increased regulatory focus on stormwater management, and to write on the issue. [07/27/2010]