Stormwater Construction Permit Information
Construction Sites and Storm Water Pollution
When it rains and snows, storm water flows over surfaces around construction sites. Runoff then enters storm drains, which convey untreated storm water directly to our creeks, rivers and lakes. When it storms, tracked mud and dirt at site access points can get carried into storm drains. Site materials left outdoors uncovered, or disposed of improperly, may also come into contact with storm water. Polluted storm water flushed to our waters can have many detrimental effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.
Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation, stockpiling, and re-construction of existing facilities involving removal and replacement. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance to retain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility.
Many practices on construction sites can lead to pollution, which can be harmful to us and our environment. Use care on construction sites to keep pollution at the source contained. Proper use, storage, and disposal of material will go a long way in preventing storm water pollution. You can install devices like Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help minimize erosion and keep wastes on-site away from storm drains leading to our waters.
What are Construction BMPs?
A BMP is an action, program or device that helps to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage. Construction BMPs typically include:
- Planning and Scheduling - Pay attention to daily/weekly forecasts prior to and during ground disturbing activities
- Storm Water Pollution Awareness Training - For employees, contractors/designers, property owners and the general public
- Good Housekeeping - For facilities and ground disturbing projects, maintain clean and protected facilities and sites
- Temporary Erosion and Sediment Controls - e.g., Mulch applications, fiber rolls (wattles), silt fence, stockpile protection, storm drain inlet protection, etc.
- Post Construction Measures - e.g., Detention/Infiltration basins, vegetated swales, porous surfaces, rain barrels or cisterns, etc.
- Inspection and Maintenance - Monitor site BMPs prior to, during, and following precipitation
Storm Water Regulation
Removing vegetation or disturbing the ground surface between October 15th and May 1st is prohibited in the Tahoe Basin, and for the rest of El Dorado County, additional requirements may apply. For more information on local construction site minimum requirements, please visit the Building Services Grading webpage.
Specific state regulations extend to construction projects disturbing one acre or greater of ground surface or to sites less than an acre if they are a part of a larger common development.
For additional storm water resources visit the El Dorado County Stormwater homepage.
Additional Resources
To learn more about local and state permit requirements or BMP/erosion and sediment control requirements, visit the following links.
Local Requirements
State and Jurisdictional Requirements
BMP Resources
Contact
For questions or comments about the Storm Water Management Program or Construction Storm Water requirements please contact:
El Dorado County Long Range Planning Division
2850 Fairlane Court
Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 573-7906
stormwater@edcgov.us
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/EDCStormwater