ARTBA offers guidance to EPA on stormwater regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) advised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that stormwater runoff regulations issued by EPA should take into account many of the features that make transportation projects unique and not take a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

While testifying at an EPA stormwater session in Washington, D.C., ARTBA’s Assistant General Counsel and Director of Regulatory Affairs Nick Goldstein said, “Any future measures affecting transportation projects should allow the flexibility necessary to ensure stormwater issues can be addressed in a manner suited to the individual nature of the project.” Goldstein further added that “issues of cost and liability need to be taken into account to ensure any new regulatory regimens do not result in additional years of delay and unnecessary costs to projects.”

Goldstein outlined four ARTBA recommendations:

* defining large projects;
* giving flexibility based on project needs;
* addressing liability; and
* cost management.

Goldstein urged that any new regulations be designed with a goal of accelerating transportation project delivery. He drew attention to a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that identified more than 200 major decision points that are already required for large transportation projects.