Prevent soil from washing away.
Exposed soil is highly vulnerable to erosion, especially during rain events. Without proper erosion controls, sediment can migrate off-site and pollute local waterways, harming aquatic life and degrading water quality.

Requirements:

• Apply erosion control BMPs (e.g., mulch, hydroseeding, blankets, tarps) immediately after grading.
• Maintain erosion control BMPs throughout the life of the project.
• Stabilize slopes and disturbed areas as soon as possible.
• Install erosion controls before forecasted rain, don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Disturbed soil areas that are inactive for 7+ days must be fully protected from erosion; standby materials alone are not sufficient.
• The City requires erosion controls to be installed within 24 hours of a 40% or greater chance of rain.

Did you know?

Erosion is the dislodgement of sediment by either wind or water which can then be mobilized as pollutants into storm drains and waterways.

Other pollutants such as oil and grease, metals, and nutrients can bind to sediment particulates and be carried downstream by runoff.

Keep dirt on-site, not in the street.
Sediment from soil erosion is the most common pollutant originating from construction sites. Sediment can clog storm drains, smother aquatic habitats, and carry other pollutants like nutrients and metals.

Requirements:

• Use BMPs such as silt fences, fiber rolls, gravel bags, and/or sediment basins to contain sediment on site.
• Protect storm drain inlets with filters or barriers.
• Clean up sediment tracked onto roads daily.

Did you know?

Sediment controls must be installed and maintained per City and CASQA standards.

Protect the edges of your site.
Perimeter controls help prevent runoff, sediment, and debris from leaving the construction site and entering the storm drain system.

Requirements:

• Install fiber rolls, berms, or silt fencing along the site boundaries.
• Maintain perimeter controls regularly, especially after rain.
• Upgrade or replace controls if they fail, deteriorate, or become ineffective.

Did you know?

Perimeter protection is required on site year-round, not just during the rainy season.

The City may require additional perimeter control BMPs based on site inspections.

Concrete washout water is highly polluting, manage it properly.
Concrete washout water is highly alkaline and can raise pH levels in waterways, harming fish and aquatic life. It also contains sediment, metals, and other pollutants.

Requirements:

• Use designated, lined washout areas for concrete trucks and tools.
• Never rinse concrete into the street, gutter, or soil.
• Dispose of hardened concrete debris and slurry at approved facilities.

Did you know?

Improper concrete waste containment and disposal can result in enforcement actions.

Why it matters:
Construction materials like paint, concrete, building materials, fuel, and chemicals can easily become pollutants if spilled or exposed to stormwater. Without proper storage and handling, these materials can be washed into the storm drain system, harming water quality and aquatic life.

Requirements:

• Store all materials in covered, contained areas away from storm drains.
• Keep spill kits on-site and train workers on how to properly use them.
• Label all containers clearly and keep them sealed when not in use.
• Never mix or wash materials where runoff can reach the street or gutter.
• Store building materials under cover and elevated off the ground to prevent contact with stormwater.

Did you know?

• The City requires all construction sites to implement BMPs for material delivery, storage, and use.