Erosion Control / NPDES

Erosion & Sedimentation Control

Every project that includes earth disturbance needs a plan that provides a way to manage sediment runoff. This can be as easy as designing silt fence, to designing a sediment basin or trap to a multi-stage approach. The design of small projects (a single dwelling) is relatively simple when you know the regulations; however the Conservation Districts have certain ways that they like to see things laid out on a plan and require specific notes. Additionally every county has a different way of doing things even if they have the same set of rules. This is topped off with long review periods that make any delay costly.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

This permit effects all projects that disturb more than an acre of land. The design regulations for this permit generally exceed those of the local municipality and require planning from day 1. Infiltration testing must preformed on the property. In some counties this testing must canvas the property and not just focus on where you want to put a storm water facility. This permit requires the designer to take into account thermal pollution, nitrates & phosphate release as well as storm water rate and volume.

It is important for a designer to be familiar with the latest storm water BMPs (Best Management Practices) not only to comply with the permit; but to prepare a design that is cost effective. This permit takes the longest to get approved and is always the one that you are waiting for at the end of a project. Make sure you use an engineer that knows the permit well!

Erosion and Sedimentation Control / NPDES