Which law regulates stormwater discharges from construction sites in the U.S.?

The Clean Water Act is the primary law regulating stormwater discharges from construction sites in the United States. This legislation aims to restore and maintain the integrity of the nation’s waters by preventing point and non-point source pollution, which includes stormwater runoff generated from construction activities. Under the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program requires construction sites that disturb a certain number of acres to obtain a permit and implement best management practices to control erosion and sedimentation and manage stormwater effectively. This regulation is crucial to protect water quality and aquatic habitats from the adverse effects of sediment and pollutants that can be transported by stormwater runoff. Other options, such as the Endangered Species Act or the Safe Drinking Water Act, address different environmental concerns and do not specifically target stormwater management in the context of construction activities. The National Environmental Policy Act, while important for environmental assessments and impact statements, also does not deal directly with stormwater discharge regulations.