On July 19, 2013, the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) released the 2013 Rule on Stormwater Management and Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (see Field Notes Vol. 21, No. 2 for summary of comment period). This final rule amends Chapter 5 (Water Quality) of Title 21 (Water and Sanitation) of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations. DDOE also released the 2013 Stormwater Management Guidebook (2013 SWMG), which provides technical guidance on how to comply with the rule.

As part of the District's long term sustainability enhancement plan, the new program allows regulated sites the option of achieving a portion of their requirements from offsite areas within the District, without having to prove that on-site treatment is infeasible. These off-site options can utilize Stormwater Retention Credits (SRCs), which can be obtained from private development. Reaction to the new rule by the Chesapeake Stormwater Network, distributed via e-mail, was very positive.

All supporting documents and guidance, including the 2013 SWMG and a summary of the transition plan for certain land disturbing activities can be found on the District's website . Projects regulated under Transition Period 1 of the plan should consult the 2003 SWMG.

For additional information on the DDOE Stormwater Management Rule and Guidebook, please contact Bill Springer or Mike Rolband.