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El Dorado County's Storm Water Pollution Prevention page

 

SOLID WASTE & HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Storm Water Construction Permit Information

Construction Sites and Storm Water Pollution
When it rains and snows, storm water flows over surfaces around construction sites. Runoff then enters storm drains, which convey UNTREATED storm water directly to our creeks, rivers and lakes. When it storms, tracked mud and dirt at site access points can get carried into storm drains. Site materials left outdoors uncovered, or disposed of improperly, may also come into contact with storm water. Polluted storm water flushed to our waters can have many detrimental effects on plants, fish, animals, and people.

Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation, stockpiling, and re-construction of existing facilities involving removal and replacement. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance to retain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility.

Many practices on construction sites can lead to pollution, which can be harmful to us and our environment. Use care on construction sites to keep pollution at the source contained. Proper use, storage, and disposal of material will go a l9ong way in preventing storm water pollution. You can install devices like Best Management Practices (BMPs) to help minimize erosion and keep wastes on-site -- away from storm drains leading to our waters.

Storm Water Regulation
The Federal Clean Water Act requires the protection of our waters. Federal law additionally protects Lake Tahoe, designated by Congress as an Outstanding National Resource Water. The Clean Water Act requires El Dorado County to implement programs to address both storm water and non-storm water runoff.

Regulations extend to construction sites disturbing one acre or more of ground surface -- or to sites less than an acre if part of a larger common development, and to residences in hilly settings. Removing vegetation or disturbing the ground surface between October 15the and May 1st is prohibited in the Tahoe Basin, and for the rest of El Dorado County, additional requirements may apply. For more information on local construction site minimum requirements, please see Stormwater Minimum Construction Site BMPs [.pdf].

To Learn More about local, state, and federal permits, BMPs, and erosion control, visit the following links: