NPD-002 Protection of Storm Water Quality on Construction Sites
Information on owners and contractors of their responsibility to protect stormwater quality during construction and to present recommendations on how to protect stormwater quality. Responsible and proper construction management at the job site is essential for the protection of stormwater quality.
Property owners and contractors have an obligation to protect stormwater quality, pursuant to the County Code and the County’s Stormwater Management Plan.
Stormwater
Stormwater runoff is the water that collects on your property and runs off during rain storms. This stormwater runoff might enter a storm drain in an urban area but eventually the water will enter a creek or stream. As rain strikes the earth it can become polluted and can transport this pollution to storm drains and creeks. The goal is for the clean rain water that enters your job site to remain clean as it leaves your site. The most effective method is to control stormwater at the source before it becomes polluted. However, treating polluted runoff before it leaves the property is also an option.
Common Pollutants
Construction includes projects such as home construction, commercial construction, new garage and shed construction, general home repair, roof replacements, and the installation and replacement of plumbing, electrical and mechanical work. Common types of pollution at building job sites are sediment from disturbed soil, litter or debris, concrete, paint, oil or fuel, and pathogens.Stormwater and Quality Protection
Protect stormwater quality by using best management practices (BMPs) on the job site. A BMP is defined as a program, technology, process, siting criteria, operational method or measure, or engineering system, which when implemented prevents, controls, removes, or reduces pollution.
The following are some BMPs that will protect stormwater quality during construction.
Pollutant | Origin | BMP |
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Sediment | Exposed soil, debris piles, excavations, or other earth disturbances. |
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Litter of Debris | Trash at messy job site |
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Concrete | Pouring new or breaking up pavement or foundations. |
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Paint | Application and cleanup during new construction and remodeling |
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Oil or fuel | Refueling spills.Fuel and/or oil leaks |
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Pathogens | Human or animal waste. |
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More Information on Protecting Storm Water
Please call Permit Sonoma at (707) -565-1900 and ask for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Section for additional information about protecting stormwater. There is much that can be done to help reduce the amount of pollutants entering Sonoma County’s waterways. By incorporating stormwater BMPs on your site you can have a project that preserves and protects stormwater water quality in our neighborhoods and in Sonoma County.
Hazardous Waste Drop Off
Hazardous waste can be dropped off at the County’s Household Toxic Facility located at the Central Disposal Site, 500 Meecham Road, Petaluma.
The facility is open every week for free drop-off of toxics from Sonoma County residents, no appointment necessary. Contact the Eco-Desk Hotline at (707) 565-3375 or www.ZeroWasteSonoma.gov for more details.
Services are also available for certain businesses every week by appointment (call toll free 877-747-1870).