According to the EPA, construction sites contribute 10 to 20 times more sediment than agricultural lands and 1,000 to 2,000 times more than forestlands. During a short period of time, construction sites can contribute sediment at a rate that causes physical and biological harm to water sources and wildlife. Given the high pH level of this washout residue, the impact can be dramatic.

The EPA published a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program as a means to develop a phased approach to regulating storm water discharges. A final NPDES general permit for storm water discharges from construction activities was published that established Notice of Intent (NOI) requirements, special conditions, requirements to develop and implement storm water pollution prevention plans, and requirements to conduct site inspection.