Public hearing for topsoil preservation for construction requirements scheduled for May 29

The stakeholder group reviewing topsoil preservation requirements for construction activities, also known as the Executive Order (EO) 80 Stakeholder Group, will hold a public hearing May 29 at 10 a.m. at the Wallace State Office Building auditorium on second floor.
The hearing is in regard to alternatives to the four inches of topsoil requirement in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit No. 2 for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activities.
The rule is effective until October 1, 2017, but concerns have been expressed by impacted individuals that the cost and impacts of the topsoil preservation requirements are greater than anticipated when implemented in 2012. The costs are borne by developers and home buyers.
To join the meeting via conference call, dial (866) 685-1580.  When the call is answered, follow the prompts by entering the conference code of 4510673319 followed by the pound sign (#).
The EO80 Stakeholders Group members are: Pat Sauer of the Iowa Storm Water Education Program, Creighton Cox of the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, Joe Pietruszynski of Hubbell Realty, Chip Classon of Jerry’s Homes, Lucy Hershberger of Forever Green, Inc., Mark Watkins of the McAninch Corporation, and Commissioner Chad Ingels of the Environmental Protection Commission.