CLEAN WATER TIPS

Stormwater Control Measures are designed to remove pollutants from urban runoff, improve water quality and control quantity before the water reaches our streams and drinking water supply reservoirs.

Importance of Controlling Construction Stormwater Discharges

When it rains, stormwater washes over the loose soil on a construction site, along with various materials and products stored outside. As stormwater flows over the site, it can pick up pollutants like sediment, debris, and chemicals from that loose soil and transport them to nearby storm sewer systems or directly into rivers, lakes, or coastal waters. EPA works with construction site operators to make sure they have the proper stormwater controls in place so that construction can proceed in a way that protects your community’s clean water and the surrounding environment.

Pollutants commonly associated with construction sites:

• Sediment

• Solid and sanitary wastes

• Phosphorus

• Nitrogen

• Pesticides

• Oil and grease

• Concrete truck washout

• Construction chemicals

• Construction debris

Background on Permitting Protections & What Construction Activities Are Regulated

A Clean Water Act permit is required for stormwater discharges from any construction activity disturbing:

• 1 acre or more of land, or

• Less than 1 acre of land, but that is part of a common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb 1 or more acres of land.

Construction activity includes earth-disturbing activities such as clearing, grading, and excavating land and other construction-related activities that could generate pollutants.

The Federal “C&D Rule” Permit Requirements

All NPDES permits for construction stormwater must address the minimum federal effluent limitation guidelines for the construction and development point source category (referred to as “the C&D rule”).

The C&D rule found in 40 CFR 450.21 establishes minimum NPDES effluent limitations, such as:

1. Design, install, and maintain effective erosion and sediment controls, and pollution prevention measures, to minimize the discharge of pollutants;

2. Stabilize disturbed areas immediately when construction has  ceased and will not resume for more than 14 days;

3. Prohibit the dewatering discharges unless managed by appropriate controls;

4. Prohibit the discharge of:

   • Wastewater from concrete washout (unless managed by appropriate control), or washout/cleanout of stucco, paint, form release oils, other wastewater materials;

   • Fuels, oils, or other pollutants used for vehicles; and

   • Soaps or solvents to wash vehicles and equipment.

Information link: https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-discharges-construction-activities

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WHAT IS LITTER?

Litter is defined by Tennessee law as perishable animal and vegetable waste, garbage, perishable and nonperishable solid waste and tobacco products.

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TENNESSEE LITTER LAWS

Section 39-14-503. (a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. 

• criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00)

Section 39-14-504. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 Ibs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume.

• littering is a Class B misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine

• In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this part to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.

Section 39-14-505. (a) Aggravated criminal littering is littering:

• In an amount exceeding ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume; or

• In any amount for any commercial purpose

•  Aggravated criminal littering is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the following circumstances, in which case it is a Class E felony, up to a $1,500 fine.

 

Tennessee Toll-Free Litter Hotline
1-877-8-LITTER PROVIDES MOTORISTS A WAY TO REPORT LITTER BUGS

Tennesseans who are tired of trash along state roadways now have a new tool to report litter bugs. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced today a new toll-free litter hotline, 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The litter hotline is part of the statewide anti-litter campaign. The hotline provides a way for Tennesseans to report people they witness littering along the state’s roadways, such as a person throwing a paper cup or cigarette butt out of a window, or an item falling from an unsecured load.

“The new toll-free litter hotline gives citizens the ability to Stop It,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now anyone who witnesses a person littering can report it and trigger action to improve the quality of the environment and the cleanliness of our roadways. Tennessee has some of the best roads in the nation. With everyone’s help, we can have some of the cleanest, too.”

Citizens who witness a litter bug in action can call 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). Callers will reach a recording that asks them to provide information about the vehicle. The information that will be requested includes:

• license plate number (Tennessee plates only)

• type and make of the vehicle

• day and time the incident occurred

• location where the incident occurred

• the type of item tossed or blown from the vehicle

TDOT will mail a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle along with a car trash bag or portable ashtray and other anti-litter information. The letter is a gentle reprimand reminding the recipient that littering is against the law and punishable by a fine of up to $1500.

 

Click here for more information.

https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/the-top-roadside-litter-laws-you-should-know-in-tennessee/