Weeks Bay Watershed Project Management Plan - Mobile Bay ...

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IV. CURRENT MANAGEMENT METHODS
The methods currently in use or available for use in the Weeks Bay Watershed
include both regulatory and non-regulatory approaches. Regulatory methods utilize
legal means and administrative rules established by Federal, State and local laws and
codes. For certain activities or development in the Watershed, permits issued by the
appropriate regulatory agency like ADEM or COE are required for initiation and
completion of the projects. In some instances, a period of public comment on the
project plan is included as part of the permitting process. Also, some permits require
effluent discharged as part of a project’s operation or stormwater site runoff be
monitored for water quality. The results of the monitoring is a matter of public
record and available for examination.
The non-regulatory methods involve public and private management tactics.
Incentive programs offered by government agencies provide money on a grant or
cost-share basis to assist management programs. Also, tax incentives are available
that reduce the tax burden on property within the Watershed that is managed in an
environmentally sound manner. Two other important management tools include
private stewardship and citizen involvement. No regulation takes the place of
property holders on their own employing BMPs on land within the Watershed.
Likewise, concerned citizens joining together for a common cause are able to
influence other citizens and government activities.
A. Regulatory
1. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Permits
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was
established by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (1972) to
control point source discharges to streams. In Alabama, this
program is administered by the ADEM. This permitting system sets
effluent limitations for discharges of treated municipal, industrial, and
mining wastes. Also, construction sites over five acres in size are
included under the mining provisions of this program. Effluent
limitations specify the level of wastewater treatment required prior to
its discharge into a stream. Permittees are required to submit
discharge monitoring reports (DMR) to ADEM. The DMR contains
data for all parameters and monitoring frequency specified by the
NPDES permit. In addition, the Mobile Area Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System NPDES Permit will require construction sites
over one acre.
2. Nonpoint Source Discharge Regulations
The U.S. Congress enacted Section 319 of the Clean Water Act in
1987 to provide for assessment of the degree and nature of water
quality impacts due to NPS water pollution and to provide for
Weeks Bay Watershed Management Plan