What do Effluent Limitation Guidelines require operators to do starting in February 2010?

Effluent Limitation Guidelines require operators to sample stormwater discharges as part of their responsibilities to monitor and assess the quality of the discharge from their sites. This requirement emphasizes the importance of understanding the pollutant levels present in stormwater and ensuring that operators can manage and minimize the impact on surrounding water bodies.

Sampling stormwater discharges allows operators to gather critical data about their site's runoff, which aids in identifying potential sources of pollutants and necessitates compliance with standards that maintain environmental integrity. This practice is essential for informed decision-making regarding stormwater management and regulatory compliance.

The other options pertain to various aspects of stormwater management but do not directly reflect the sampling requirement established by the Effluent Limitation Guidelines. For example, compliance with numeric standards for sediment or implementing best management practices are important but are not the specific action mandated as a starting requirement in February 2010. Similarly, while site stabilization is essential for preventing erosion, the focus of this guideline is on the monitoring process through sampling.