EPA Region 10 inspectors observed evidence of violations at all of the sites inspected, ranging from minor paperwork issues to failure to properly design, install and maintain storm water controls.

This past spring, EPA Region 10 conducted a series of stormwater inspections at construction sites around Pocatello, Idaho. Agency inspectors observed evidence of violations at all of the sites inspected, ranging from minor paperwork issues to failure to properly design, install and maintain storm water controls. Of particular concern were the large developments around Pocatello that lacked established vegetation to stabilize disturbed slopes. Erosion channels were evident on many slopes.

This was the fourth year in a multi-year enforcement initiative in the State of Idaho.

The inspections were conducted to assess compliance with the agency’s nationwide stormwater Construction General Permit. The permit requires operators of construction sites to design install and maintain stormwater controls in order to protect surface waters from common construction site pollutants such as sediment, oil and grease, and concrete washout.

The violations were settled using the agency’s expedited settlement offer policy, which allows the EPA to employ a streamlined enforcement process, with lower fines, for operators who are first-time violators and where no environmental harm was yet observed.

The inspections resulted in settlements with penalties ranging from $4,050 to $14,550. For more information about the permit program, visit: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/index.cfm.