Public Meeting Scheduled January 23
January 10, 2023 – Ohio EPA will hold a public information session and hearing on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, to accept public comments about renewing the general permit for stormwater discharges from construction sites in Ohio.
The meeting is being held in person and virtually. The information session begins at 10:30 a.m. in Conference Room A at Ohio EPA’s Central Office, 50 West Town Street, Suite 700, Columbus. Ohio EPA representatives will present information about the draft general permit renewal and answer questions. A hearing will immediately follow, during which the public can submit comments for the record about the draft permit renewal.
All visitors should bring photo identification to register at the security desk. To attend virtually, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8243182037447097431. To request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, visit: epa.ohio.gov/ada.
The draft construction stormwater general permit would cover construction sites in Ohio that disturb one or more acres. The permit would identify how to obtain coverage and require permittees to implement a stormwater pollution prevention plan to minimize or eliminate the potential for contamination of stormwater discharging to Ohio’s streams and lakes.
Among the proposed changes, Ohio EPA is responding to stakeholder feedback by revising post-construction requirements for redevelopment projects to more clearly state instructions. Additionally, the proposed language would ensure that the redevelopment of properties that were developed under previous versions of the permit cannot backslide to a reduced level of stormwater treatment. Also responding to stakeholder suggestions, Ohio EPA is proposing changes describing the requirements for electronic recordkeeping.
In addition to the statewide permit requirements, separate permitting is in place for projects in Central Ohio’s Big Darby Creek and Olentangy River watersheds. Proposed changes in these sections of the permit (as a result of House Bill 175) include clarification that only jurisdictional ephemeral streams are subject to riparian setback requirements.
During the hearing, the public can submit verbal or written comments on the proposed general permit. Ohio EPA also will accept written comments through Jan. 30, 2023. Anyone may submit comments by writing to: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Attention: Division of Surface Water Permits Processing Unit, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216-1049; or emailing epa.dswcomments@epa.ohio.gov. Include the permit number (OHC000006) on the envelope or email subject line.
The draft permit renewal and a fact sheet are available for review online.