CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AND WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION DIRECTIVE
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| TO: |
ALL DIVISIONS/OFFICES |
| FROM: |
SAM SPECK, DIRECTOR |
| SUBJECT: |
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AND WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION |
| Effective |
December 5, 1999 |
| Purpose |
ODNR is involved with many diverse construction and land-disturbing activities and projects that may damage water resources. For these activities and projects, the ODNR will minimize damages caused by erosion, and increased sediment loads, stormwater runoff, riparian corridor modification and other like causes. Furthermore, adverse impacts to water resources shall be mitigated, and, to the maximum extent practical, the natural qualities of our water resources shall be protected using appropriate construction measures and controls. On projects where previously degraded water quality conditions are encountered, proper restoration techniques shall be utilized as appropriate to enhance the quality of our water resources. |
| Authority |
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act administered by OEPA through its "Authorization for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (also known as the General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity) |
| Reference |
Earthwork and Construction Activities Urban Sediment Pollution Abatement Rules and Standards, OAC 1501:15-1; "Water Management and Sediment Control for Urbanizing Areas," Soil Conservation Service; and the ODNR "Ohio Stream Management Guide Oil and Gas Operations "Oil and Gas Well Site Restoration Handbook" and ORC 1509.072; Silviculture Operations "BMPs for Erosion Control on Logging Jobs"; Active Mining Operations ORC 1513 and 1514; Riparian Forest Preservation (Scenic Rivers) ODNR Scenic River Directive and ORC 1501.17; Dam Construction and Maintenance OAC 1501:21-15-01 (A) (4) |
| Resource |
Administration - Deputy Directors |
Appropriate control measures will be implemented to achieve water resource protection to the extent defined in ODNRs "Performance Standards for Construction Activity and Water Resource Protection." ODNR construction activities shall be performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including the provisions of the federal Water Pollution Control Act as administered by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) through its "Authorization for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System," also known as the General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity.
This Directive shall apply to projects contracted by ODNR, projects receiving financial assistance from ODNR, and projects and activities that affect the natural resources which ODNR is directly responsible for preserving and protecting. This Directive, the "Performance Standards for Construction Activity and Water Resource Protection" and the OEPA General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity shall be referenced and incorporated as appropriate in all construction contracts and grants administered by ODNR.
- All ODNR construction activities shall incorporate appropriate construction management and control practices that minimize damages to water resources caused by erosion, increased sediment loads, stormwater runoff, riparian corridor modifications and other like causes as follows:
- For ODNR construction activities subject to provisions of the federal Water Pollution Control Act, all requirements of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agencys (OEPA) "Authorization for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System," also known as the OEPA General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity, shall be met. Currently, all construction sites of five or more acres are subject to these requirements.
- For ODNR construction activities not subject to the OEPA General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity, the design, maintenance and inspection of such activities shall conform with Part III, Paragraph C, Items 5b, 5c, and 5d of the OEPA General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity, with the exception that the inspections shall be performed to the extent practical. Submittals of the Notice of Intent, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and Notice of Termination are not required.
- For all ODNR construction activities, the following additional performance standards shall apply:
- Riparian Corridor Protection
Stream channels and natural water courses shall be preserved and restored to the maximum extent practical. This shall include preserving overbank flow and natural meanders. Woody, vegetated buffer strips shall be preserved or established on each side of the channel. Buffer strips shall extend from the top of each bank a minimum distance of two and one half times the channel width or fifty (50) feet, whichever is less. On State designated scenic rivers, this distance shall be one hundred and twenty (120) feet.
- Erosion and Sediment Control Measures Using Recycled Products
Erosion and sediment control measures using recycled products shall be evaluated and used where practical. As examples, hydroseeding mulch could be made with recycled newsprint, shredded wood pallets and other wood waste; sediment fence filter fabric could be made with recycled plastic.
- For emergency construction activities, erosion and sediment controls shall be implemented as may be appropriate.
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