Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program – Construction Activities

Proper selection, installation, and maintenance of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) are critical to protecting water quality during construction activities. BMPs help control erosion, sediment, and pollutants that can otherwise wash into local waterways and storm drains during rain events. Selecting the right BMPs for the specific site conditions and ensuring they are correctly installed and maintained throughout the construction phase significantly reduces the potential for stormwater pollution. Effective BMPs not only help comply with local and state regulations, such as the City of Sonoma’s stormwater ordinances, but also protect our creeks and ecosystems from harmful sediment, debris, and chemicals.

Failing to implement and maintain BMPs properly can lead to increased pollution, fines, project delays, and long-term environmental damage. Regular inspections and adjustments to BMPs ensure they remain effective during all phases of construction, especially during and after storms. By prioritizing proper stormwater management, developers and contractors contribute to the overall health of our watersheds and help the city meet its stormwater quality goals.

The EPA Construction Inspection Training Course ,although created for a Stormwater Inspector, is a free training course that covers common erosion and sediment controls, and their proper installation and maintenance (module 3). In addition, the training covers controls for preventing common construction site pollutants from being discharged in stormwater (module 4). The training is also available in Spanish.