Storm Water Pollution Prevention:  Construction Activities

Any Construction activity resulting in a land disturbance of one acre or more, or less than one acre but part of a larger common plan of development or sale must obtain the Construction Activities Storm Water General Permit (2009-0009-DWQ Permit). Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation, stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal and replacement. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance such as, maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility. Therefore a SWPPP Plan must be completed and submitted to the City prior to any construction activities and must address grading, drainage, erosion control, and Post Construction BMPs. Project must file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the State via the SMARTS System to obtain a Stormwater State Permit (WDID#).

The following is a list of construction materials that may be used, and activities that may be performed, that will have the potential to contribute pollutants, other than sediment, to stormwater runoff. Control practices for each activity can be identified in the narrative of each Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.

Construction Materials

• Vehicle fluids, including oil, grease, petroleum, and coolants
• Asphalted emulsions associated with asphalt / concrete paving operations
• Cement materials associated with PCC concrete paving operations drainage structures, median barriers, and bridge construction
• Joint and curing compounds
• Paints and paint cleaning areas
• Solvents and thinners
• Wood products
• Metal and plated product
• Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides

Construction Activities

Construction activities that have potential to contribute to storm water discharges include:

• Clear and grub operations
• Grading operations
• Soil import operations
• Utility excavation operations
• Landscaping operations

Best Management Practices

Some Best Management Practice (BMP) examples below. BMPs used on some sites will consist of:

• Fiber rolled wattles
• 20-feet straw sediment logs
• Gravel bags (3/4 inch rock and larger)
• Perimeter protection
• Slope protection
• Stabilized construction entrance
• Uncompleted drain inlet protection
• Completed drain inlet protection
• Pre-pave manhole protection
• Posted - storm water pollution prevention enforced on site