The world's largest home improvement retailer agreed to a $1.3 million penalty for stormwater violations at 30 new construction sites in 28 states.
In the Pacific Northwest new store construction violations were found in Oregon and Alaska. Violations included:
- Discharge of polluted stormwater runoff to storm sewers or waterways without obtaining a permit;
- Failure to develop an adequate Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for minimizing the amount of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff from the site;
- Failure to install or implement stormwater controls or Best Management Practices (BMPs) required by the SWPPP (for example, silt fences were not installed, storm drain inlets were not covered or protected); and
- Failure to adequately or routinely inspect BMPs to ensure proper maintenance.
Improving compliance at construction sites is one of EPA's national enforcement priorities. Construction projects have a high potential for environmental harm because they cover large areas of land and have had a history of noncompliance with environmental regulations. Without on-site controls, runoff from construction sites can flow directly to the nearest waterway and can cause beach closings, swimming and fishing restrictions, and habitat degradation.
INFO: Contact David W. Bryan at 913-551-7433.
