When were the first regulations regarding stormwater implemented?

The first regulations regarding stormwater were implemented on November 16, 1990, marking a significant development in environmental protection efforts in the United States. This date is associated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) adoption of the Phase I stormwater regulations under the Clean Water Act. These regulations were designed to control the runoff from large urban areas and industrial sites, aiming to reduce pollution from non-point sources.

The significance of this date lies in the recognition that stormwater runoff can carry pollutants into water bodies, degrading water quality and harming aquatic ecosystems. With the implementation of these regulations, municipalities were required to establish programs to manage stormwater discharges, leading to the eventual development of more comprehensive stormwater management strategies across the country. This initiative laid the groundwork for subsequent regulations, including the Phase II regulations that expanded the requirements to smaller municipalities and construction activities, further addressing stormwater impacts.