Construction activities impact Idaho's air quality and are therefore regulated by DEQ. All construction sites/projects must comply with DEQ's fugitive dust, visible emissions, and open burning regulations (pdf on Departement of Administration Web site). In addition, your facility may need to obtain an air quality permit to construct.

Specific regulations apply to rock crushers and hot mix asphalt plants. Any demolition of asbestos must meet the requirements of 40 CFR Part 61, Subpart M.

The construction industry can generate hazardous waste through the activities conducted and therefore must comply with a law called the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which is administered by DEQ. Under RCRA, facilities that generate hazardous waste are required to follow specific practices and procedures associated with the safe management of hazardous waste. The type and number of requirements that must be complied with is based on the quantity and type of waste generated. Click here to learn more about hazardous waste requirements on this Web site.

Construction operations can have an impact on Idaho's surface and ground waters and may be subject to federal water quality standards and the National Pollutant Elimination Discharge System (NPDES) program. Under this program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the discharge of pollutants into any water body of the U.S., including storm water sewer systems. Depending on the activities and services provided, construction operations may need an NPDES general permit for direct or indirect discharge. If the construction operation is located within a city that has an NPDES permit, it may be subject to the city's pretreatment and storm water requirements.

Click here to learn more about NPDES permits (U.S. EPA Web Site).