Erosion Control - How to Avoid a $32,500 Fine

Posted by Robert Ellenwood on Mar 18, 2015

Construction projects are required to follow procedures to protect the environment. The Clean Water Act also mandates States and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be jointly responsible for identifying and regulating both point and nonpoint sources of pollution. For those projects not in compliance, fines of as much as $32,500 per day, per violation, can be enforced.

With the rainy season just around the corner, local agencies are ramping up their efforts to make sure you and your construction project are using proper methods of storm water management. Most projects rely on temporary Best Management Practice (BMP) materials such as rice straw wattles, gravel bags, silt fences, erosion blankets and drain inlet protection.

Applications of reusable products are on the rise, and companies such as World Textile Bags have focused their product line to be used more than once, spreading the cost of materials over several projects. Don’t forget to plan for your containment of hazardous materials such as battery acids and fuels from entering the soil.

New thoughts on how to control erosion through natural means include the use of native plants, fallen trees and compost berms as opposed to man-made products. Larger projects are moving towards permanent compost berm application, which provides considerable cost savings when compared to installation and removal of temporary sediment controls. 

Everyone must make every effort to control contaminants from entering our bodies of water, including our temporary construction sites. Continue to educate yourself and your crews on how to best protect your jobsites from sediment pollution and avoid steep fines in the process.

More information:

http://www.casqa.org

http://www.swpppsmart.com/faq

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes

https://smarts.waterboards.ca.gov/smarts/faces/SwSmartsLogin.jsp

http://wtbinc.net

http://www.ieca.org/resources/resources.asp


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