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Regulatory Alerts
Wyoming DEQ Publishes New Large and Small Construction General Permits
Natural Resources Team Lead
Leewood Oakely
Leewood Oakley is the Natural Resources Team Lead (Wyoming/Montana) in SWCA’s Sheridan, Wyoming, office. She manages large multi-discipline energy development projects and has built her career around developing skills in natural resources and compliance disciplines. She has a broad range of expertise with SWCA, including team management, project permitting, and budget and proposal development. She regularly coordinates field efforts for a variety of survey types, including migratory birds, raptor and eagle nests, avian use surveys, big-game, threatened and endangered species, wetlands, and vegetation. She is well versed in technical report production for and provides subject matter expert (SME) review on natural resource and compliance products. She works closely with federal and state agencies, as well as private entities, to ensure project success. Leewood is the supervisor of the natural resources team at the Sheridan office and mentors many others to encourage career development.
Written By
Leewood Oakely
Natural Resources Team Lead
Posted
October 20, 2020
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On September 11, 2020, the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) published a new Large Construction General Permit (LCGP) and a new Small Construction General Permit (SCGP). These permits are now in effect and require updates to existing projects covered under the prior permits issued. Regulatory changes include updated definitions, new map requirements, changes in fees, and changes to permit duration. Operators should be aware of the following key deadlines:
- Renewal Form Submission (LCGP): All permittees operating under the LCGP must submit a renewal form by November 20, 2020, to maintain coverage.
- Temporary Automatic Coverage (LCGP): All stormwater discharges covered under the prior LCGP will maintain coverage through December 20, 2020.
- Plan Implementation (LCGP): Operators must update their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) and implement the plans in accordance with the new LCGP changes by March 20, 2021.
- Plan Implementation (SCGP): Operators must update their SWPPPs and implement the plans in accordance with the new SCGP changes by December 15, 2020.
The new permits will remain in effect through August 1, 2025, and continued coverage under the LCGP and SCGP will require updates to SWPPPs to remain in compliance. Additional details on changes can be found on the Wyoming DEQ website.
What Does This Mean For You?
Existing projects that disturb between 1 and 5 acres within the state of Wyoming will require updates to documentation for continued coverage under the new SCGP, and existing projects that disturb 5 or more acres within the state of Wyoming will require updates to documentation for continued coverage under the new LCGP. These permits do not cover areas within the Wind River Reservation, where the State of Wyoming lacks jurisdiction. New projects may receive coverage under the general permits, but proponents must consider critical changes to the documentation required. Given the rapidly approaching renewal submission deadline, it will be important for permit holders to renew permit conditions, ensure that they are in compliance with all permit components, including new SWPPP requirements, and submit renewal applications in advance of the deadline.
SWCA’s multidisciplinary team has substantial experience in preparing SWPPPs, annual reports, and other permit renewal documentation for submission to the WDEQ. Our environmental specialists understand the WDEQ’s new permit requirements and new applicable requirements of other agencies, including updated State of Wyoming executive orders regarding greater sage-grouse and the new inclusion of mule deer and antelope migration corridors. In addition, SWCA can help attain permit coverage for best management practices no longer covered under the LCGP, such as sediment ponds. We have the capacity to provide these services in a timely fashion so clients can meet rapidly approaching deadlines.
Contact Us
SWCA will work closely with clients and the WDEQ to submit new and renewal applications for coverage under the general permits. If you have any questions regarding the new LCGP and SCGP requirements in relation to your project, please reach out to your primary SWCA contact.
