EPA is committed to streamlining and strengthening the stormwater program and one of the keys is to make much greater use of the qualifying local program provisions in our existing regulations. Federal stormwater regulations allow for streamlining and coordination among state and local programs, particularly relating to the regulation of construction site runoff.
Under CFR 122.44(s), TN Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) can formally recognize a MS4 as a Qualified Local Program (QLP) that has been shown to meet or exceed the provisions of the construction general permit. TDEC is committed to the development of a QLP program that provides clear criteria, incentives and formal recognition under the Tennessee Construction Storm Water Excellence Initiative.
Goal- to encourage MS4s to utilize the qualifying provision through the development of criteria, incentives and a formal “excellence” recognition and awards program
QLP Benefits- more efficient process for managing construction storm water by eliminating duplication of the effort between the MS4s and TDEC; ease the burden on construction site operators by providing them with one set of requirements to follow, not two; stronger MS4 erosion prevention and sediment control programs
August 21, 2009