Goals
Target Audience
Polluted stormwater runoff from construction sites often flows to storm sewer systems and ultimately is discharged into local rivers and streams. Sediment is usually the main pollutant of concern. Studies have shown sediment runoff rates from construction sites are typically 10 to 20 times greater than those of agricultural lands, and from 1,000 to 2,000 times greater than those of forest lands. During a short period of time, construction sites can contribute more sediment to streams than can be deposited naturally during several decades. The resulting situation, and the contribution of other pollutants from construction sites, can cause physical, chemical, and biological harm to our nation’s waters.
Additional pollutants are also often present in stormwater runoff from construction sites and may result in degradation of receiving water. Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous) are of specific concern and can cause significant impairment of stormwater quality. In addition, solid and sanitary wastes, pesticides, oil and grease, concrete truck washout, construction chemicals, construction debris and metals may be carried by stormwater and cause a negative impact on receiving waters.
- Developers
- Contractors
- Residents
How to Know if you Need an ESC Permit from the City
- Any project that disturbs 1.0 acre or more of land
- Installation of utility lines in excess of 1,000 linear feet
- Any clearing, grubbing, grading, or filling operations located within 100 feet of a drainage way
- Fill or excavation of 50 or more cubic yards of material, not related to building of a detached single family residential unit
- Any project that the Stormwater Coordinator determines to have a potential impact to the health, safety, and welfare of people and/or the environment regardless of the size of the project