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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2003
Contacts:
Don Ostler, Division of Water Quality Director, (801) 538-6146
Fred Pehrson, Division of Water Quality Permitting Manager, (801) 538-6076
(Salt Lake City, Utah) -- Utah has become one of the first states in the nation to launch an online application process for the storm water construction permit. The new process is another step in Gov. Mike Leavitt's vision of conducting State business electronically.
The online system allows the operator of a small or large construction activity to apply and pay for permit coverage online. The application takes about 20 minutes to complete. Permit coverage is then issued on the spot.
"The online application offers a quick and convenient way to get a permit," said Division of Water Quality Director Don Ostler. "A lengthy plan review process is not required prior to permit issuance." Because the electronic process is more efficient, it also saves State resources.
A landowner or primary contractor who plans a construction activity that will disturb one or more acres of land is required to obtain a permit. The application requirement may be waived for a small site if construction is occurring within a Phase I or Phase II municipal area. The permit may also be waived for a small sites if construction will be started and finished - meaning paving, re-vegetating, or placing similar erosion controls in place - between January 1 and April 30 of the same calendar year.
Whether an actual permit is needed or conditions warrant one of the two waivers, "good housekeeping" practices are still required during construction, according to Ostler. State rules require everyone to plan and then control storm water sediment and erosion to the maximum extent practical.
Utah's requirements are based on EPA regulations designed to control municipal and industrial storm water and to reduce the amount of pollutants entering rivers, lakes and streams. Phase I requirements targeted construction activities on five acres of land or more and went into effect in 1992. Phase II requirements followed in 2001, targeting smaller projects involving one to five acres of land.
The permit application is can be found online at http://www.waterquality.utah.gov/updes/stormwater.htm The site includes a question-and-answer fact sheet and contacts for those who would like more information or who may need assistance.
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