In early January, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) settled a long-standing lawsuit with the Association of Home Builders, Utility Water Act Group, and Wisconsin Builders Association by agreeing to withdraw the numeric turbidity limit for stormwater runoff from construction sites. According to the petitioners, a numeric limit would have cost stakeholders $10 billion per year to comply with a “one-size-fits-nowhere” approach, so called due to the difficulty of finding a limit that works across geographic areas and soil types.

EPA will also clarify non-numeric best management practice requirements for the 2009 final effluent guideline rule for the construction and development point source category. The agency has agreed to take these actions by April 15 and will accept public comment. Final action will occur by Feb. 28, 2014. Read more.