On Feb. 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the 2012 construction general permit (CGP), which replaces the 2008 version. According to EPA, “the 2012 CGP updates include steps intended to limit erosion, minimize pollution sources, provide natural buffers or their equivalent around surface waters, and further restrict discharges to areas impaired by previous pollution discharge.” The permit also contains new flexibilities for operators, especially where requirements are not economically feasible. In addition, it allows emergency projects to begin immediately without EPA authorization. However, EPA still must approve the project after it has commenced. Read more