Preventing Stormwater Pollution
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Construction: Preventing Erosion & Pollution
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On construction sites, sediment control is essential to protecting our waterways.
Construction sites are common sources of runoff pollution. Sediment, materials and waste can easily be washed into the storm drain system and carried directly into our streams, bay and ocean. It pollutes the water we swim in and harms aquatic life.
Erosion and Sediment Control
As a contractor, site supervisor, owner or operator of a site, you may be responsible for the environmental damage caused by your subcontractors or employees. The Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law requires that most construction sites follow a specific list of minimum control measures to reduce erosion and sediment-laden runoff from leaving their site. Problems associated with construction activities, like soil erosion, water pollution, flooding, stream channel damage, decreased ground water storage, slope failures, and damage to adjacent or downstream properties can be successfully minimized by implementing erosion and sediment control measures on construction sites.
What To Know
- Learn more about your responsibilities for preventing erosion and sediment pollution at your construction site by visiting the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Program page.
- Make sure to work with your local ESC program to develop an erosion and sediment control plan. The city or county will periodically inspect your site for compliance.
- When violations of the ESC plan or damages are found, the locality will notify the owner and/or developer about required corrections, and a deadline for completion.
- If corrections are not made, the locality may take enforcement actions against the owner or developer.
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