Construction activity is defined as disturbing how many acres or more of total land area?

Construction activity is defined as disturbing 5 acres or more of total land area due to its significant impact on stormwater runoff and erosion potential. When a project involves disturbing this amount of land, it can lead to increased sedimentation and pollutants entering nearby water bodies. This threshold is important for regulatory purposes, as it typically triggers the requirement for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities. This ensures that operators implement effective erosion and sediment control practices to protect water quality and minimize environmental degradation. Understanding this definition is essential for proper compliance with environmental regulations and for the development of effective management strategies during construction projects.