GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

4/Regulation Development

PROBLEM

A trade association had heard that the state was about to change its approach to general storm water construction permits. Builders across the state rely on these permits to comply with Clean Water Act requirements. They were concerned that the reported changes would create a huge burden on the already stressed building trades. They needed to understand what was being considered and how they might be able to participate in the process.

SMG'S APPROACH

SMG kept the association informed of the regulations as they moved through the process. SMG met repeatedly with the Division of Water to review the potential changes as they were developed. In addition, SMG met with EPA Region IV Water Managers to determine the directives EPA might be seeking to accomplish with the changes to Kentucky's program. We were at the table in every stakeholder meeting and in numerous conversations about the direction of the new regulations.

RESULTS

SMG was able to have the concerns of the building trades and construction industry heard in the regulatory development process. We continue to keep the association fully informed so they can educate their membership on the coming changes. SMG's efforts helped keep the terms of the general storm water construction permits within the ability of the construction industry to comply while supporting the ongoing efforts to keep our surface waters clean.