BMP Requirements for Construction Projects
BMPs FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
In order to keep our beaches clean, construction management practices, to prevent pollutant runoff, are necessary. The City has published minimum Best Management Practices (BMP) for all construction projects, as required per the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board.
The following brochures provide the requirements (a.k.a. Best Management Practices or (BMPs)) that must be implemented for common construction activities so that they are conducted in compliance with the regulations. Please note that illegal discharges are subject to enforcement actions, including fines.
The above brochures can be ordered free of charge from OC Watersheds. Routine construction BMP inspections will be conducted at all construction sites within the City. Inadequate, ineffective and unmaintained BMPs and/or prohibited discharges from any construction site will result in enforcement actions that may include a Notice of Noncompliance, Stop Work Order and/or Fines.
RUNOFF THREAT ASSESSMENT FORM
Specific minimum BMP Requirements are designated for all encroachment, grading (rough and precise) and improvement projects.
Upon application submittal, each project applicant completes the RUNOFF THREAT ASSESSMENT FORM(PDF, 145KB) in order to determine the priority of the project (High, Medium or Low). The priority, along with activities proposed for the project, will determine the designated minimum BMPs for the project.
Based on the priority and proposed activities, the applicant shall prepare a BMP REPORT based on the BMP Report Template(PDF, 119KB). The project applicant is required to retain a copy of the report at the site and effectively implement the BMPs, as required in the BMP REPORT. City inspectors will conduct routine inspections to ensure BMP compliance. Any deficiencies may result in a Notice of Noncompliance, Stop Work Order or Fines.
Construction BMP Fact Sheets are available at the OC Watersheds website.
STATE GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PERMIT
Every construction project that disturbs more than one (1) acre of land is required to obtain coverage under the State General Construction Permit. The project applicant is required to submit to the State a Notice of Intent (NOI) to receive a Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID). The project applicant is also required to prepare and implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
As part of the application process, the applicant provides documentation of the State NOI submittal and/or WDID to the City prior to receiving any Permits.
GUIDANCE MANUALS
CASQA BMP Fact Sheets
Caltrans Construction Site BMP Field Manual & Troubleshooting Guide(PDF, 2MB)
EPA Developing Your SWPPP(PDF, 3MB)
County of Orange Construction Guidance Manual(PDF, 8MB)