The City of Knoxville has been selected by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a pilot project that aims to streamline stormwater regulation.

Along with four other jurisdictions across the state, the City has been selected as a Qualifying Local Program. This means that instead of applying for separate construction stormwater permits from the City and state, developers and contractors will now be able to deal only with the City.

"This will streamline stormwater permitting and regulation, while ensuring a consistent standard for environmental protection," said Christi Branscom, the City's Senior Director of Public Works. "We're very happy to have been selected by TDEC for the pilot program. It is a great reflection of the expertise and professionalism of our engineering staff."

The single permit system is scheduled to be in place by March 1, 2013. The other four jurisdictions designated as QLPs are Knox County, Bristol, Cookeville and Washington County.

All five programs will be recognized at a public event at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, on Volunteer Landing in Knoxville. TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau will attend.

For more information on the QLP program, see: http://tn.gov/environment/wpc/stormh2o/qlp.shtml.