Construction Site Runoff Controls
The management of stormwater runoff from construction sites during and after construction is vital to controlling the impacts of development on urban water quality. As our city expands, the amount of impervious surfaces increase, thus creating more stormwater runoff that has to be carried to our local rivers and streams. Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, roads, parking lots, and sidewalks create stormwater runoff that has to go somewhere. Runoff from impervious surfaces can contain a variety of pollutants that are harmful to water quality, including sediment, nutrients, road salts, oils, gasoline, etc.
Erosion control during development
During construction, measures must be taken to limit the amount of sedimentation and erosion that occurs. North Carolina has a Sedimentation Control Law that prohibits visual off-site sedimentation from construction sites. This law permits the owner and developer to determine the most economical, effective methods for erosion and sedimentation control. The law requires the developer to plan activities carefully, considering their erosion potential.
Types of erosion controls commonly seen in active construction sites:
Land Grading
- Surface Roughening
- Topsoiling
- Tree Preservation and Protection
- Temporary Gravel Construction Entrance and Exit
- Temporary Seeding
- Permanent Seeding
- Sodding
- Planting Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Ground Covers
- Mulching
- Riprap
Rolled Erosion Control Products
- Temporary Diversions
- Permanent Diversions
- Grass-lined Channels
- Riprap-lined and Paved Channels
- Temporary Slope Drains
- Paved Flumes
- Outlet Stabilization Structure
- Block and Gravel Inlet Protection
- Sod Drop Inlet Protection
Rock Doughnut Inlet Protection
- Rock Pipe Inlet Protection
- Temporary Sediment Trap
- Sediment Basin
- Sediment (Silt) Fence
- Rock Dam
- Baffles
- Temporary Stream Crossing
- Permanent Stream Crossing
- Buffer Zones
- Construction Road Stabilization
Throughout the construction process, Stormwater Inspectors will be visiting sites to determine if the erosion control measures used are adequate, and in working order. They will also be inspecting any Best Management Practices to ensure they are in working order, and that they can handle the post construction stormwater runoff. To learn more about BMPs, please click here. If there are any concerns about erosion control on a construction site, please call the Stormwater Hotline at 910-433-1613.