Phase II of the Clean Water Act regulates runoff on construction sites of what minimum size?

Phase II of the Clean Water Act specifically targets the management of stormwater runoff from small construction sites, and it establishes regulations for sites that disturb one acre or more. The minimum size of one acre is a critical threshold, particularly for sites that are either construction-related or involve land disturbances that can impact water quality.

In this context, while option D suggests the minimum size is 1-5 acres, the key aspect to note is that the regulations apply to construction sites that disturb one acre or more. It is important to recognize that the regulations are designed to extend over various sizes of sites, responding to the potential for adverse environmental effects from runoff. Therefore, the range presented in option D goes beyond the minimum and emphasizes that any site disturbing one acre qualifies under these regulations.

The choices that present smaller acreages, such as 1-2 acres, 1-3 acres, or 1-4 acres, do not accurately capture the regulatory framework established under Phase II, which is intended to apply starting from one acre, thereby making the broader option a more accurate characterization of the Clean Water Act’s Phase II requirements.