Construction Site Control

Uncontrolled urban runoff from construction sites can significantly impact the water quality of local streams and creeks. These water quality impacts, which are usually seen as excessive erosion and sedimentation, must be controlled in accordance with the Program’s NPDES permit.

Construction site control measures apply to both private development projects and municipal public works construction projects. Member agencies can ensure that required control measures are implemented at development sites as part of a construction inspection and enforcement program. In 1997, the Program developed Construction Inspection Performance Standards (CIPS)  to define the level of implementation that Co-permittees should attain to demonstrate that their construction inspection programs control stormwater quality impacts to the maximum extent practicable.  The CIPS were incorporated into the Program’s Urban Runoff Management Plan. The CIPS were updated in 2001 (completed January 2002) to include more details on inspection frequency, enforcement procedures, and inspector training, based on discussions with Water Board staff.

Co-permittees continue to implement the CIPS by conducting reviews of erosion control plans, requiring General Permit coverage, conducting routine (including pre-wet season) and as-needed construction site inspections, documenting and reporting violations and enforcement response, and training inspectors.  The Program annually co-sponsors and/or conducts a Construction Site Management Workshop to assist Co-permittees with inspector training needs, provides guidance on annual reporting requirements, and assists Co-permittees with construction-related questions and issues as needed. 

Site Controls for Constructed-Related Activities

To assist dischargers in managing potential pollutants from construction-related activities, various regulatory agencies and organizations ((including SCVURPPP) have developed informational manuals, brochures and guidance documents to comply with NPDES stormwater requirements. Information provided on this website includes available resources which detail best management practices (BMPs) for construction sites and information on how to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.