CONSTRUCTION SITE EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL
HOME BUILDERS
Downloadable copies of State Permit Documents
Homebuilders have many challenges to face. Client expectations, timelines, costs and many others are always on mind. Storm Water quality control is not. However, homebuilders have a responsibility in keeping our local waterways clean from pollutants.
Additionally, homebuilders have to determine if their lot is considered part of a small construction site, large construction site or and unregulated site and comply with permit requirements associated with each development classification. Below are some of the common problems associated with homebuilders and Storm Water quality with some easy solutions.
A well-prepared and properly implemented Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will reduce or eliminate many of these common problems. The City has prepared a SWPPP template that can be used as an example for homebuilders. **The City makes no claim that this SWPPP template will meet all State permit requirements, or that completing the example template will prevent State enforcement if an inspection should occur.**
The TCEQ has prepared SWPPP worksheets as well.
A Few Common Problems:
- Wind blown litter and debris leave the construction site clogging storm drains and channels causing localized flooding and presenting aesthetic problems.
- Dirt tracked from the site onto local roadways entering storm drain systems and presenting hazards to residents.
- Sediments leave the site covering healthy vegetation and causing water quality problems.
- Lot grading changed after builders begin activities resulting in changes from the approved grading plan and local flooding problems.
- Leaking portable restrooms on road surfaces or near storm drains allow human waste into storm drain system.
Some Solutions to Common Problems:
Identify a location on the site where debris and excess building materials can be stored and protected from the wind, preferably covered.
Proper construction entrance/exit design and placement should allow for vehicles entering and exiting the site without tracking.
Proper installation and maintenance of sediment controls keep sediments on site, while erosion controls prevent bare earth from becoming sediment.
It is important that grading activities cease when the developers leave the site. Changes to a lot's slope result in changes to the flow of water and may lead to local flooding.
Portable restrooms should be positioned on open ground, or preferably grassed surfaces. This allows for some filtering before entering the storm drain system, should a leak occur.
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