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Order <br />2009-0009-DWQ amended by 2010-0014-DWQ & 2012-0006-DWQ <br /> 3 <br /> <br />10. This General Permit does not authorize discharges of fill or dredged <br />material regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under CWA § <br />404 and does not constitute a waiver of water quality certification under <br />CWA § 401. <br /> <br />11. The primary storm water pollutant at construction sites is excess <br />sediment. Excess sediment can cloud the water, which reduces the <br />amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, clog fish gills, smother <br />aquatic habitat and spawning areas, and impede navigation in our <br />waterways. Sediment also transports other pollutants such as <br />nutrients, metals, and oils and greases. <br /> <br />12. Construction activities can impact a construction site’s runoff sediment <br />supply and transport characteristics. These modifications, which can <br />occur both during and after the construction phase, are a significant <br />cause of degradation of the beneficial uses established for water <br />bodies in California. Dischargers can avoid these effects through <br />better construction site design and activity practices. <br /> <br />13. This General Permit recognizes four distinct phases of construction <br />activities. The phases are Grading and Land Development Phase, <br />Streets and Utilities Phase, Vertical Construction Phase, and Final <br />Landscaping and Site Stabilization Phase. Each phase has activities <br />that can result in different water quality effects from different water <br />quality pollutants. This General Permit also recognizes inactive <br />construction as a category of construction site type. <br /> <br />14. Compliance with any specific limits or requirements contained in this <br />General Permit does not constitute compliance with any other <br />applicable requirements. <br /> <br />15. Following public notice in accordance with State and Federal laws and <br />regulations, the State Water Board heard and considered all comments <br />and testimony in a public hearing on 06/03/2009. The State Water <br />Board has prepared written responses to all significant comments. <br /> <br />16. Construction activities obtaining coverage under the General Permit <br />may have multiple discharges subject to requirements that are specific <br />to general, linear, and/or active treatment system discharge types. <br /> <br />17. The State Water Board may reopen the permit if the U.S. EPA adopts <br />a final effluent limitation guideline for construction activities. <br /> <br /> <br />