WASHINGTON, D.C. — Permits for stormwater runoff from construction sites issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should take into account many of the features that make transportation projects unique and not follow a "one-size-fits-all" approach, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) told the agency in comments submitted July 11.

The association called on EPA to consider the long, linear nature of many transportation improvements. Such projects spread environmental impacts over a large area of land, as opposed to the concentrated manner associated with shopping malls or other projects.

Builders and planners need flexibility with future stormwater permitting measures, ARTBA said, since transportation projects are initiated in every part of the country, and those in areas with heavy rainfall should not be held to the same standards as those in arid regions.

ARTBA also addressed liability and cost issues, warning that any regulations should be crafted to ensure they do not create another avenue for opponents to use litigation to delay and/or disrupt needed transportation projects, thereby increasing the costs to taxpayers in the long run.

The full text of the association's comments can be found in the "regulatory affairs" section of www.artba.org.