Author's note: As an engineer looking back on three decades of experience, all our hard work to comply with environmental regulations is paying off through resurging natural habitats in many areas of the country. — Lenard Long
Government regulation of water and air pollutants is nothing new, but federal and state regulations have become progressively more restrictive over the years. Fueled by public outcry and lawsuits brought by environmental groups, the trend is unlikely to abate.
Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act goals are beginning to converge in tougher stormwater and dust-control requirements for jobsites nationwide
Some states mandate that Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) be written and implemented by certified inspectors. In California, they're called Qualified SWPPP Developers (QSDs) and Qualified SWPPP Practitioners (QSPs). These individuals are often civil engineers, registered geologists, or erosion-control specialists with training in state-administered testing.
- Delaware requires construction sites to have an “erosion and sediment control responsible person” in addition to the usual supervisors.
- Many states have adopted stormwater permit requirements specific to construction activities.
- A growing number of states are also adopting stormwater-type requirements for wind erosion at landfills and highways.
| SIX COMMON AIR POLLUTANTS Particulate matter and ground-level ozone are the most dangerous of six air pollutants found throughout the United States. Fugitive particulate matter is a concern because it also can include mobilization of fungi or bacteria linked to allergies and asthma reactions. Source: U.S. EPA
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