The US Environmental Protection Agency has proposed modifications to storm-water regulations under the Clean Water Act that would exempt oil and gas exploration and production.
The proposed action is required under Section 323 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act, the federal agency said.
It would modify National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System regulations to clarify that uncontaminated storm-water discharges do not require federal Clean Water Act permits, EPA said in a Dec. 31, 2005, Federal Register notice.
EPA said the exemption would cover most storm-water discharges from exploration, production, processing, or treatment operations or from transmission facilities, including associated construction activities.
Permits still would be required for construction activities that release a reportable quantity or that contribute pollutants, other than uncontaminated sediments, that violate water quality standards.
The modification would encourage voluntary application of oil and gas construction activity best management practices to minimize erosion and control sediment. EPA said this action during and after construction activities aims to help protect surface water during storms. ✦
