Special Environmental Concerns:  Construction Activities


 
Disturbances of soil and rock during construction can create significant potential for erosion and sedimentation of nearby canals, streams, rivers, and lakes.
  1. To protect surface water, consider requiring implementation of best management practices for projects that disturb soil or rock. The Idaho Erosion and Sediment Control Field Guide may be referenced to assist in developing these practices.
  2. Construction sites are required to obtain permit coverage to discharge storm water to a water body or to a municipal storm sewer from EPA. If a project involves de-watering of ground water during excavation, any discharges from this process will need treatment to prevent excessive sediment and turbidity from entering surface water. If the project disturbs more than one acre of land, a storm water permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may also be needed.
   

The Construction General Permit. If a construction project disturbs more than one acre of land (or is part of a larger common development that will disturb more than one acre), the operator is required to apply for permit coverage from EPA after developing a site-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.

   

Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. To obtain the Construction General Permit, operators must develop a site-specific Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. Operators must document the erosion, sediment, and pollution controls they intend to use, inspect the controls periodically, and maintain best management practices through the life of the project.

 
 Resources

Role of Local Governments in Implementing the NPDES Storm Water Program for Construction Sites