Home Page American Government Reference Desk Shopping Special Collections About Us Contribute



Escort, Inc.






GM Icons
By accessing/using The Crittenden Automotive Library/CarsAndRacingStuff.com, you signify your agreement with the Terms of Use on our Legal Information page. Our Privacy Policy is also available there.

Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects


American Government

Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects

Rodney E. Slater
Federal Highway Administration
26 July 1994


[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 26, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-18124]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: July 26, 1994]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

23 CFR Part 650

[FHWA Docket No. 93-6]
RIN 2125-AD08

 

Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction Projects

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Section 1057 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation 
Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) requires the Secretary of Transportation 
to develop erosion control guidelines for States to follow when 
carrying out Federal-aid construction projects. Pursuant to this 
authority, the existing erosion and sediment control regulation, issued 
in 1974, is being updated and modified by the FHWA to reflect current 
state-of-the-art practices and management techniques. To fulfill the 
requirements of section 1057, the FHWA is adopting, as guidelines, the 
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials 
(AASHTO) publication Highway Drainage Guidelines, Volume III, ``Erosion 
and Sediment Control in Highway Construction,'' 1992. The updated 
regulation includes a statement recommending that each State highway 
agency (SHA) apply these guidelines, or their own more stringent 
guidelines, to develop specific standards and practices for the control 
of erosion.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 26, 1994.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robin L. Schroeder, Office of 
Engineering, HNG-23, 202-366-1577; or Mr. Robert J. Black, Office of 
the Chief Counsel, HCC-31, 202-366-1359; Federal Highway 
Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington D.C. 20590. Office 
hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except 
legal Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Section 1057 of the ISTEA (Pub. L. 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 2002) 
requires the Secretary to develop erosion control guidelines for the 
States to follow in carrying out federally funded construction 
projects. It requires that these guidelines not preempt any requirement 
under State law if such requirement is more stringent than the 
guidelines. It also requires that these guidelines be consistent with 
nonpoint source management programs under section 319 of the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1339) and coastal nonpoint 
pollution control guidance1 under section 6217(g) of the Coastal 
Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 codified at 16 U.S.C. 
Sec. 1455b (Pub. L. 101-508, 104 Stat. 1388-299, as amended) (Coastal 
Zone Act).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\The final guidance document ``Guidance Specifying Management 
Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Coastal 
Waters,'' 84-B-92-002, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, January 
1993, is available in FHWA docket 93-6 for inspection and copying in 
Room 4232, HCC-10, Office of the Chief Counsel, Federal Highway 
Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington D.C. 20590.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    To satisfy this requirement the FHWA is adopting, as guidance, the 
AASHTO publication Highway Drainage Guidelines, Volume III, ``Erosion 
and Sediment Control in Highway Construction,'' 1992. Other minor 
editorial changes to 23 CFR 650 were also made to correct typographical 
errors and to change the wording to reflect current practice. A notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to revise 23 CFR 650, subpart B 
to reference this AASHTO publication was published in the Federal 
Register on March 1, 1993, at 58 FR 11814.

Comments To Docket

    Nine comments were submitted to the docket. Eight comments were 
received from SHA's and one comment from a Federal Government agency. 
The following is a summary of the comments and the FHWA responses:

Supportive of Change

    The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) supported 
FHWA's proposal to adopt the AASHTO guidelines.
    The Connecticut Department of Transportation submitted a letter 
stating that they had no comment concerning the guidelines.

Existing Guidelines More Stringent

    The California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) did not 
object to the changes to 23 CFR 650 subpart B. CALTRANS stated that it 
has adopted requirements and guidelines for erosion control on 
construction projects that are equal to or more stringent than the 
guidelines set forth in the AASHTO publication.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Requirements

    The Hawaii Department of Transportation stated that the FHWA should 
adopt the AASHTO publication. It suggested, though, that the final rule 
reference the NPDES permit requirements in 23 CFR 650. The NPDES 
permits are issued under the authority of the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) in compliance with the provisions of the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., as amended by 
Pub. L. 92-500).
    The FHWA does not believe that it is necessary to specifically 
reference NPDES permit requirements in 23 CFR 650. There is a statement 
in 23 CFR 650.207(b) that the FHWA shall take all reasonable steps to 
insure that all project designs for control of erosion and 
sedimentation comply with applicable standards and regulations of other 
agencies. This would include the NPDES permit requirements as well as 
any other State or local regulations concerning the control of erosion 
and sedimentation.

Guidelines

    Four of the SHA respondents had comments concerning specific 
sections of the AASHTO publication Highway Drainage Guidelines, Volume 
III, ``Erosion and Sediment Control in Highway Construction,'' 1992.
    The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) questioned the use of a 
hydraulic engineer in the design and review of diversion dikes and 
ditches, and temporary slope drains. The NDOR believed that normal 
roadway design engineers would be adequate for most hydraulic designs. 
Hydraulic engineers, the NDOR argued, could be used for the design and 
review of complex sediment and erosion control systems.
    While the FHWA agrees that a roadway design engineer may be capable 
of conducting an adequate hydraulic design, it is important that 
erosion and sediment control structures are designed properly. These 
structures should be sized and located based on flows resulting from 
the design year storm. Proper design of the project requires a working 
knowledge of hydraulic engineering. While it is not required that a 
hydraulic engineer conduct the design and review of the erosion and 
sediment control structures, the design must be conducted by someone 
competent in hydraulic design procedures. While the FHWA does not agree 
with the NDOR suggestion that the reference to a hydraulic engineer be 
removed from the guidance, it does agree that a person who is competent 
in hydraulic design could adequately fulfill the intent of the 
guidelines.
    The Arkansas State Highway Department had no reservations about 
adopting the AASHTO guidelines, but suggested that a summary be added 
indicating that the level of effort dedicated to the planning of a 
project and the development of the erosion control plan be commensurate 
with size and complexity of project. While the FHWA agrees that more 
complex projects or projects that may affect sensitive ecosystems such 
as wetlands, streams, rivers, or other water bodies will include 
detailed erosion and sediment control plans, every project should be 
planned, located, designed, and constructed with the intent of limiting 
the project's effects on the environment. Though projects may differ in 
the type and extent of the mitigation measures and practices that are 
implemented, the level of effort put forth to limit the environmental 
effects for smaller, less complex projects should be equal to that put 
forth on larger, more complex ones.
    The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) found the AASHTO 
document acceptable but had the following minor comments. The GDOT 
argued that detailed erosion and sediment control plans should not be 
required as part of the contract document in order to allow the 
contractor the necessary flexibility to develop a site and operational-
specific plan. Instead the GDOT argued that the contract plans should 
include any extremely sensitive areas such as lakes, wetlands, and 
streams and sufficient quantities of erosion control devices should be 
provided as a bid item to mitigate possible erosion and sedimentation 
effects. According to the GDOT this would allow the contractor and the 
project engineer the flexibility to customize the erosion control 
measures employed to the contractor's approach to the work.
    While the FHWA agrees erosion and sediment control plans should be 
flexible, both contractors and contracting agencies should be fully 
aware of the possible environmental effects of their projects. 
Therefore, all potential environmental impacts associated with erosion 
and sedimentation, not just those affecting sensitive areas, and the 
measures and practices required to mitigate these impacts, should be 
included in the plans, specifications, and special provisions. As 
previously mentioned, the effectiveness of many erosion and sediment 
control measures is dependent upon proper design and installation.
    The FHWA believes it is inappropriate to delegate responsibility 
for the planning and design of erosion and sediment control measures to 
the contractor or the project engineer, who may or may not have 
sufficient design expertise in this area. However, erosion and sediment 
control plans should be flexible enough to properly fulfill their 
intended purpose. Accordingly, each erosion and sediment control plan 
should be periodically evaluated to insure that all necessary controls 
are being implemented correctly and that unnecessary or improperly 
installed controls are eliminated or revised. Additions, deletions, or 
revisions to the erosion and sediment control plan should be reviewed 
by a person competent in erosion and sediment control design.
    The GDOT and the Michigan Department of Transportation had minor 
technical comments on specific design details contained in the AASHTO 
publication. While the FHWA may agree with some of these design-related 
comments, the agency emphasizes that the AASHTO publication is intended 
to provide guidance on the development and implementation of erosion 
and sediment control measures and practices. The design details that 
are included are provided as a basis for the development of more 
detailed project-specific designs. Each State should apply the AASHTO 
guidelines or its own guidelines, if those guidelines are more 
stringent, to develop standards and practices for the control of 
erosion and sedimentation on Federal-aid construction projects. 
Although the AASHTO guidelines can be used for the development of a 
statewide implementation program for controlling erosion and 
sedimentation, each project must be analyzed separately to assure that 
the most appropriate and effective erosion and sediment control 
measures and practices are designed, implemented, and maintained.

Revisions to Part 650

    A comment concerning the revisions to Part 650 was made by the 
EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. Although the EPA 
supported the regulatory changes proposed in the NPRM, it had two 
specific comments. Both concerned the requirement of the ISTEA that 
FHWA erosion control guidelines be consistent with nonpoint source 
management programs under section 319 of the FWPCA and coastal nonpoint 
pollution control guidance issued by the EPA in January 1993, under 
section 6217(g) of the Coastal Zone Act of 1990.

Request to Add a New Paragraph

    The EPA proposed that the FHWA add a specific paragraph to 23 CFR 
Part 650 that would quote a management measure contained in the section 
6217(g) management measure guidance document (see footnote #1). The 
management measure at issue is in Chapter 4.II.A., ``New Development 
Management Measure,'' and concerns reducing the amount of total 
suspended solids (TSS) leaving the site after construction has been 
completed and the site is permanently stabilized. It allows for two 
options to accomplish this goal. Under the first option, after 
construction, the average amount of TSS (including sediment) leaving 
the project site would be reduced by 80 percent. The second option 
would limit the post-development discharge of suspended solids to an 
amount equal to or less than pre-development conditions.
    Guidance under section 6217(g) specifies management measures for a 
wide range of pollutant sources. These include agricultural, forestry, 
urban area, and marina and recreational boating sources. The management 
measure cited by the EPA is found under Chapter 4: ``Management 
Measures for Urban Areas,'' and specifically under Section II, ``Urban 
Runoff.'' It is intended to be applied by States in areas within the 
designated coastal zone, under the authority of the Coastal Zone 
Management Act of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-583, 86 Stat. 1280, as amended), to 
control urban runoff and treat associated pollutants from new 
development, redevelopment, and new and relocated roads, highways, and 
bridges.
    This management measure deals with the post construction control of 
erosion and sedimentation. It applies to the reduction of TSS after the 
project has been fully stabilized. However, during several meetings 
between the EPA and the FHWA, the EPA emphasized that this reduction 
can be accomplished through design or by performance. In other words, 
projects should be designed, using the best available technology, with 
the intent of reducing or limiting TSS by the specified amount. The 
intent was not to require the actual measurement of the TSS leaving the 
project site either before or after construction but to establish 
guidance relative to project design standards.
    The section 6217(g) guidance does not apply to storm water 
discharges covered by the NPDES storm water permit program. This 
includes all highway construction projects disturbing five or more 
acres of land. In addition, the section 6217(g) guidance does not apply 
to States without coastal zone management programs approved by the 
United States Department of Commerce.
    The ability to limit or reduce the amount of TSS leaving a specific 
site will depend on the type of best management practice (BMP) 
selected. Each BMP has its own strengths and weaknesses, and no one BMP 
will be applicable to every situation. The effectiveness of the 
selected BMP can also be highly variable. For example, wet ponds, which 
are one of the most reliable and attractive BMPs that exist, have a 
reported sediment removal rate of between 50 to 90 percent.2 
Extended detention ponds, or dry ponds, on the other hand, have a 
sediment removal efficiency of only 30 to 70 percent. Both of these 
BMPs may need to be supplemented by other controls to conform with the 
6217(g) guidance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\``A Current Assessment of Urban Best Management Practices, 
Techniques for Reducing Non-Point Source Pollution in the Coastal 
Zone,'' Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, 1993.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Key design factors in determining the effectiveness of particular 
BMPs include size, configuration, retention time and long term 
maintenance. The effectiveness of a particular BMP is influenced by a 
variety of locational factors as well. For example, problems will be 
encountered if wet ponds are located in areas experiencing long periods 
of dry weather and/or high evaporation rates, or long periods of cold 
weather when the pond is frozen. In any case, many aspects related to 
BMP performance are not well understood and all BMP options will 
require careful site assessment prior to design.
    The provisions of 23 CFR part 650, subpart B, deal with erosion and 
sediment control for all federally funded construction projects 
nationwide. Their objectives are to control erosion and sedimentation 
during the construction of highway projects and to assure that highway 
projects are located, designed, and operated to minimize erosion and 
sediment damage. The AASHTO guidelines that are being proposed for 
adoption as guidance include three objectives for erosion and sediment 
control. These objectives are:
    1. Limit off-site effects to acceptable levels,
    2. Facilitate project construction and minimize overall cost, and
    3. Comply with Federal, State, and local regulations.
    As stated in the first objective, an intent of these guidelines is 
not to establish specific design standards but to limit off-site 
effects to acceptable levels. The determination of what constitutes an 
undesirable effect is not specified. The intent is to assess possible 
adverse off-site effects and to implement BMPs as appropriate to 
minimize these effects.
    The FHWA agrees with the EPA that a goal of any highway 
construction project would be to limit the amount of erosion and 
resulting sedimentation attributable to that project. The FHWA also 
recognizes that within the coastal zone there may be water bodies that 
are extremely sensitive to the deposition of sedimentation. However, 
the FHWA believes that it is inappropriate to set specific design 
standards for all projects nationwide. The FHWA is amending 23 CFR part 
650 to add Sec. 650.211 which provides that projects located within 
coastal zone management areas, as specified by States with coastal zone 
management programs approved by the United States Department of 
Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, utilize 
``Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of Nonpoint 
Source Pollution in Coastal Waters.''

Request to Incorporate Additional Guidance

    The EPA also requested that the FHWA add a new paragraph to Part 
650 that incorporates, by reference, certain portions of the section 
6217(g) guidance. These other management measures, found under Chapter 
4.VIII, ``Roads, Highways, and Bridges,'' would include management 
measures in the areas of planning, siting, and developing roads and 
highways; bridges; construction projects; construction site chemical 
control; operation and maintenance; and road, highway and bridge runoff 
systems.
    Section 1057 of the ISTEA requires that the guidelines that are 
developed be consistent with the section 6217(g) guidance. The AASHTO 
guidelines that the FHWA is now adopting deal primarily with erosion 
and sediment control during construction. However, the guidelines also 
state that, ``While much of the effort for control of erosion and 
sedimentation is expended during the construction phase of highway 
development, a successful program must address erosion and sediment 
control during the planning, location, design, and future maintenance 
phases as well.'' The AASHTO guidelines provide comprehensive guidance 
concerning the establishment of criteria and controls for erosion and 
sedimentation. These guidelines provide detailed information that 
addresses and is consistent with the pertinent sections of the section 
6217(g) guidance.
    However, as previously stated, the FHWA is amending 23 CFR Part 650 
to add Sec. 650.211 which provides that highway construction projects 
covered under the provisions of the section 6217(g) guidance should 
utilize ``Guidance Specifying Management Measures for Sources of 
Nonpoint Source Pollution in Coastal Waters.''

Additional Revisions

    The language of Sec. 650.209(c), dealing with monitoring erosion 
and sediment control measures and practices, has been revised from that 
proposed in the NPRM. As set forth in the NPRM, this section implied 
that if a problem in the effectiveness of the erosion and sediment 
control measure is indicated, revision of that measure would be 
required. The intent of this section is to ensure that erosion and 
sediment control measures are periodically reviewed to assure their 
effectiveness. This would include maintenance of the existing measures 
as well as revising those measures that are found to be less than fully 
effective. The language of Sec. 650.209(c) has been revised to clarify 
this issue.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Administrative Procedure Act

    This final rule is made effective upon publication. The FHWA 
believes that this final rule is exempt from the 30-day delayed 
effective date requirement of 5 U.S.C. Sec. 553(d) for the following 
reason. The FHWA finds that good cause exists to dispense with the 30-
day delay because an earlier version of the AASHTO erosion and sediment 
control publication adopted by this action has already been adopted, as 
guidance ``to provide valuable information in attaining good design'' 
in highway construction projects. See 23 CFR 625.5. This final rule 
simply amends title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, to reference the 
updated AASHTO guidelines on this subject and it includes this 
reference under 23 CFR part 650, which specifically addresses erosion 
and sediment control on highway construction projects. Therefore, this 
final rule imposes no new requirements or mandates on State highway 
agencies. Instead, it simply cites the revised AASHTO guidelines with 
the aim of assisting States in assuring that highway projects are 
located, designed, and operated to minimize erosion and sediment 
damage.

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures

    The FHWA has determined that this action is not a significant 
regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 or 
significant within the meaning of Department of Transportation 
regulatory policies and procedures. The FHWA (at 23 CFR 650, Subpart B) 
and other Federal agencies currently have regulations regarding erosion 
and sediment control. Adopting the AASHTO guidelines would merely 
update and reinforce existing policy. Therefore, it is anticipated that 
the economic impact of this rulemaking will be minimal and a full 
regulatory evaluation is not required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-
612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this rule on small 
entities. The FHWA concluded that it and other Federal agencies 
currently have regulations dealing with erosion and sediment control, 
and adopting the 1992 AASHTO guidelines would merely reinforce existing 
policy. Therefore, the FHWA hereby certifies that this rulemaking will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)

    This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and 
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined 
that this action would not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a federalism assessment.

Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)

    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, 
Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing 
Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on 
Federal programs and activities apply to this program.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This action does not contain a collection of information 
requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3520.

National Environmental Policy Act

    This rulemaking will provide guidance to State Highway Agencies 
when implementing or developing erosion and sediment control 
guidelines. This will aid in the control and prevention of nonpoint 
source pollutants. It does not constitute a major action having a 
significant effect on the environment, and therefore does not require 
the preparation of an environmental impact statement pursuant to the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

Regulation Identification Number

    A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each 
regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. 
The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda 
in April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of 
this document can be used to cross reference this action with the 
Unified Agenda.

List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 650

    Grant programs--transportation, Highways and roads, Soil 
conservation.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA is amending title 23, 
Code of Federal Regulations, part 650, subpart B as set forth below.

    Issued on: July 18, 1994.
Rodney E. Slater,
Federal Highway Administrator.

PART 650--BRIDGES, STRUCTURES, AND HYDRAULICS [AMENDED]

    1. The authority for part 650 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 23 U.S.C. 109 (a) and (h), 144, 151, 315, and 319; 23 
CFR 1.32; 49 CFR 1.48(b), E.O. 11988 (3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 117); 
Department of Transportation Order 5650.2 dated April 23, 1979 (44 
FR 24678); Sec. 161 of Public Law 97-424, 96 Stat. 2097, 3135; 
Sec. 4(b) of Public Law 97-134, 95 Stat. 1699; 33 U.S.C. 401, 491 et 
seq., 511 et seq.; and Sec. 1057 of Public Law 102-240, 105 Stat. 
2002.

Subpart B--Erosion and Sediment Control on Highway Construction 
Projects

    2. Part 650 is amended by revising Secs. 650.201, 650.203, 650.205 
and 650.209 and by adding Sec. 650.211 to read as follows:


Sec. 650.201  Purpose.

    The purpose of this subpart is to prescribe policies and procedures 
for the control of erosion, abatement of water pollution, and 
prevention of damage by sediment deposition from all construction 
projects funded under title 23, United States Code.


Sec. 650.203  Policy.

    It is the policy of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that 
all highways funded in whole or in part under title 23, United States 
Code, shall be located, designed, constructed and operated according to 
standards that will minimize erosion and sediment damage to the highway 
and adjacent properties and abate pollution of surface and ground water 
resources. Guidance for the development of standards used to minimize 
erosion and sediment damage is referenced in Sec. 650.211 of this part.


Sec. 650.205  Definitions.

    Erosion control measures and practices are actions that are taken 
to inhibit the dislodging and transporting of soil particles by water 
or wind, including actions that limit the area of exposed soil and 
minimize the time the soil is exposed.
    Permanent erosion and sediment control measures and practices are 
installations and design features of a construction project which 
remain in place and in service after completion of the project.
    Pollutants are substances, including sediment, which cause 
deterioration of water quality when added to surface or ground waters 
in sufficient quantity.
    Sediment control measures and practices are actions taken to 
control the deposition of sediments resulting from surface runoff.
    Temporary erosion and sediment control measures and practices are 
actions taken on an interim basis during construction to minimize the 
disturbance, transportation, and unwanted deposition of sediment.
* * * * *


Sec. 650.209  Construction.

    (a) Permanent erosion and sediment control measures and practices 
shall be established and implemented at the earliest practicable time 
consistent with good construction and management practices.
    (b) Implementation of temporary erosion and sediment control 
measures and practices shall be coordinated with permanent measures to 
assure economical, effective, and continuous control throughout 
construction.
    (c) Erosion and sediment control measures and practices shall be 
monitored and maintained or revised to insure that they are fulfilling 
their intended function during the construction of the project.
    (d) Federal-aid funds shall not be used in erosion and sediment 
control actions made necessary because of contractor oversight, 
carelessness, or failure to implement sufficient control measures.
    (e) Pollutants used during highway construction or operation and 
material from sediment traps shall not be stockpiled or disposed of in 
a manner which makes them susceptible to being washed into any 
watercourse by runoff or high water. No pollutants shall be deposited 
or disposed of in watercourses.


Sec. 650.211  Guidelines.

    (a) The FHWA adopts the AASHTO Highway Drainage Guidelines, Volume 
III, ``Erosion and Sediment Control in Highway Construction,'' 1992,\1\ 
as guidelines to be followed on all construction projects funded under 
title 23, United States Code. These guidelines are not intended to 
preempt any requirements made by or under State law if such 
requirements are more stringent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\This document is available for inspection from the FHWA 
headquarters and field offices as prescribed by 49 CFR part 7, 
appendix D. It may be purchased from the American Association of 
State Highway and Transportation Officials offices at Suite 225, 444 
North Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Each State highway agency should apply the guidelines 
referenced in paragraph (a) of this section or apply its own 
guidelines, if these guidelines are more stringent, to develop 
standards and practices for the control of erosion and sediment on 
Federal-aid construction projects. These specific standards and 
practices may reference available resources, such as the procedures 
presented in the AASHTO ``Model Drainage Manual,'' 1991.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\This document is available for inspection from the FHWA 
headquarters and field offices as prescribed by 49 CFR part 7, 
appendix D. It may be purchased from the American Association of 
State Highway and Transportation Officials offices at Suite 225, 444 
North Capitol Street, NW., Washington, DC 20001.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) Consistent with the requirements of section 6217(g) of the 
Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 (Pub. L. 101-508, 
104 Stat. 1388-299), highway construction projects funded under title 
23, United States Code, and located in the coastal zone management 
areas of States with coastal zone management programs approved by the 
United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration, should utilize ``Guidance Specifying Management 
Measures for Sources of Nonpoint Source Pollution in Coastal Waters,'' 
84-B-92-002, U.S. EPA, January 1993.\3\ State highway agencies should 
refer to this Environmental Protection Agency guidance document for the 
design of projects within coastal zone management areas.

    \3\This document is available for inspection and copying as 
prescribed by 49 CFR part 7, appendix D.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 94-18124 Filed 7-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P




The Crittenden Automotive Library