The Construction Industry Compliance Assistance (CICA) Center Web site provides information on environmental regulations that apply to all phases of construction. The Web site (www.cicacenter.org), supported by funding from the EPA, includes information on both federal and state rules.

CICA Features
Below are highlights of some of the site’s popular features. In addition, the CICA Center has recently launched an Environmental Professionals Directory, described below.

Compliance Summary. If you are visiting the CICA Center site for the first time, the “Compliance Summary” feature (located at the top of the menu) is a great place to start. This feature provides an overview of environmental responsibilities associated with construction activities. To use this tool, identify the state where the construction project is located, check off applicable characteristics of the project (i.e., type of construction, potential impacts such as wetlands or animal habitat), and then click on the “Proceed” button, and you receive a checklist of applicable environmental regulations for your particular project. Under each topic there is a summary of the rules and links to more detailed information, including regulations, permit application forms, and local or state points of contact.

Stormwater. Both the federal EPA and state environmental agencies are cracking down on contractors that have not obtained the proper permits or otherwise are not abiding by the rules, and the resultant penalties are very significant. The CICA Center provides a good overview of the Phase I and II regulations as well as state-specific rules. The stormwater state regulations tool provides access to the following:

• Detailed explanation of how your state implements stormwater regulations
• Links to permit applications (notice of intent) and instructions
• Local/state points of contact at agencies, where you can find personal assistance
• Links to guidance documents

Wetlands. At one time, wetlands were thought of as wastelands. However, today there is a much greater understanding of the roles wetlands play in our ecosystems, including maintaining our water quality and offering a breeding ground and/or habitat for fish, wildlife, and plants. Along with this awareness has come environmental regulations, and wetlands are now strictly protected against impacts from construction. The CICA Center provides a plain-language discussion of wetlands regulations and detailed information on how the regulations are applied in each state. There are also links to regulations and points of contact that can help you with the permitting process.

Endangered Species. All 50 states have fish and game/wildlife agencies that work in cooperation with US Fish and Wildlife Service district offices with regard to the incidental permitting process. Many states also have additional laws and regulations that protect endangered species. The CICA Center has developed an endangered species tool to explain the process and to provide points of contact at your US Fish and Wildlife Service district office and state fish and game/wildlife agency.

Air. Many activities at construction sites can impact air quality, including operation of diesel engines, open burning, land clearing, and demolition. Air pollution rules applicable to construction sites are contained in federal, state, and local regulations and ordinances. The CICA Center has various tools for identifying air pollution requirements:

• Links to state and regional agencies responsible for permitting and enforcement of air pollution regulations
• Asbestos state regulations locator
• Special features covering open burning/smoke, dust, and diesel engines

Environmental Professionals Directory
The CICA Center has recently launched the Environmental Professionals Directory. Companies and consultants in the land development industry can use the directory to locate professionals in their area who can provide services such as the following:

• Erosion control and stormwater plans
• Best management practice design for stormwater
• Construction-site inspection
• Stormwater training
• Wetlands delineation consulting services

Go to www.cicacenter.org and click on “Consultants Directory.”

Listing in the CICA Center online directory is free. There is no advertising cost or solicitation for funds associated with this directory. The CICA Center will maintain this directory as a service to the construction industry and other users. To add your company to the directory, go to the directory page and click on “Click here for Consultant Directory Sign Up.” It only takes a couple of minutes to be included in this fast-growing resource.

Your Feedback
One of the CICA Center’s greatest assets is its user community made up of consultants, builders, landowners, architects, state and federal agency personnel, and the general public. Through their feedback the CICA Center is able to maintain current, relevant, and accurate information. Please help us continue this practice by visiting the CICA Center and providing feedback using the comment form accessible from our homepage.

Seth Heminway is with the EPA. George Cushnie is on the staff of the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center.

SW October 2007