According to the Clean Water Act, a phase 1 project must involve how many acres?

Under the Clean Water Act, a Phase I project typically pertains to the review and evaluation of potential impacts on water resources from various development activities. Specifically, the requirement for a Phase I project to involve five or more acres is designed to ensure that significant land disturbances are regulated, thus helping to manage stormwater runoff and protect water quality.

This threshold serves as a critical benchmark, as it triggers specific regulatory provisions that aim to minimize adverse effects on water bodies. By focusing on projects with a larger footprint, the law directs resources and scrutiny toward developments likely to have meaningful environmental impacts, ensuring that appropriate mitigation measures can be put in place.

In the context of the Clean Water Act’s goals, the selection of five acres balances regulatory oversight with practical development needs, facilitating effective environmental management while allowing for growth and development in a responsible manner.