Why It Matters

The construction industry has one of the highest potentials to negatively impact stormwater quality. Construction site pollutants are picked up by stormwater and carried into the storm sewer and into our local streams, rivers, and lakes. One of the worst culprits is sediment. It would be easy to think that because sediment is part of the makeup of streams and rivers that it would not be harmful. But the sediment from construction sites occurs in quantities much greater than found naturally. Those sediments often have other pollutants attached to them that are harmful when carried into our waterways. Additionally, these sediment cloud the water blocking light that aquatic organisms need, changing the temperature of the water, and clogging these waterways.

Common Construction Site Pollutants:

  • Concrete truck washout and concrete waste

  • Sediment in quantities much larger than found in water

  • Pesticides

  • Construction chemicals

  • Trash, metals, and other construction debris

  • Sanitary waste

What You Can Do

Properly managing stormwater and construction site pollutants protects water quality. These management techniques are called Best Management Practices (BMPs). A Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is required on all construction sites greater than 1 acre or part of a larger common plan of development. The state and some local jurisdictions require a Stormwater Permit. BMPs and a SWMP are required as part of this permit. Some common BMPs are listed below, as well as some additional resources regarding stormwater requirements during construction. To see what specific SPLASH members require check out our Contact Us page.

Stormwater Permit Requirements and Best Managment Practices.

 

Develop and Update A SWMP

A SWMP is required as part of the permit application and should be completed and available prior to the beginning of construction. SWMPs are living documents that should be updated to reflect site conditions.

Install and Maintain BMPs in Accordance with the SWMP

The BMPs installed on-site should reflect what is shown in the SWMP and should be installed and maintained per the SWMP specifications.

Perform Routine Inspections

Both the state and your local agency require routine and after-event inspections. Check the requirements specific to your local agency.

 

Stabilize Exposed Soil As Soon As Possible

Vegetate, mulch, or otherwise stabilize all exposed soils as soon as the land alterations are completed.

Limit and Stabilize Construction Entrances

Limit the number of construction entrances and make sure they are stabilized. This will prevent tracking.

Identify and Control all Pollutants on Site

Examples include pesticides, petroleum products, concrete washout and waste, fertilizers and other nutrients, solid waste from building materials, etc. These materials should be properly contained (ie covered, stored properly, disposed of per manufacturer directions, put in secondary containment, etc).

Resources

Local, State, and Federal Requirements and Guidance

Training


Other Resources