The construction industry has some of the highest levels of responsibility regarding stormwater pollution prevention. By following guidelines established by the EPA, you can have a large impact on protecting our watershed.
How does the Construction industry impact water quality?
Polluted stormwater runoff from construction sites often flows to storm drainage systems and ultimately is discharged into local rivers and streams. The runoff can contain:
- Sediment in quantities much higher than what is deposited naturally.
- Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous that can cause significant water quality impairment.
- Solid and sanitary wastes, pesticides, oil and grease, concrete truck washout, construction chemicals, construction debris, metals, and other by-products of construction processes.
Effective construction site pollution prevention can dramatically reduce pollution into stream ecosystems. There are rules established by the EPA which the construction industry is required to follow. The Keep it Clean Partners have also adopted ordinances that control all construction/development activity. Visit the Construction Regulations and Resources for Construction pages for more information.
Keep It Clean!
Check out these resources about stormwater protection! Stormwater. It’s a big deal. Know the facts.
For Construction
- Red Rock Community College Erosion Control Training (CETC 150 and CETC 151)
- Altitude Training Erosion Control Training Schedule
- Colorado State University at Fort Collins Stormwater Center
- Erosion Control Certification Manual
- Erosion Control Field Guide
- Small Construction Projects Brochure
- Construction Disturbing Over an Acre Brochure
- Construction Disturbing Less Than One Acre Brochure
- Construction Management When Working in Waterways Training Manual
- The International Stormwater Best Management Practices Database
- EPA Stormwater Calculator
- Final EPA Rule: Effluent Guidelines for Discharges from the Construction and Development Industry
- LID Barrier Analysis Presentation
- LID Barrier Analysis White Paper
- LID Barrier Strategy Table
- International Stormwater BMP Database
- The American Public Works Association Trainings
- EPA Watershed Academy Archived Webcast Seminars