(A) The objective of the erosion and sediment control standards is to minimize erosion of disturbed areas during the construction of a project. Erosion and subsequent sediment transport can have a significant impact on the water quality of receiving surface waters. Sediment loads to surface waters increase turbidity, increase water temperatures, degrade fish habitat and spawning areas, and depress dissolved oxygen concentrations. Moreover, toxic substances, trace metals and nutrients which are absorbed to soil particles can be transported into surface waters as well. The addition of these substances to surface waters degrades the existing water quality.
(B) No run-off containing sediment shall be permitted to flow off of any construction site. Sediment shall not be discharged into storm drainage systems, waterways or wetlands. The contractor shall provide and maintain the required sediment control barriers. The control barriers shall not be removed until all roadways have been paved and a permanent and stable vegetation cover has been established.
(C) BMPs for erosion and sediment control are selected to meet the BMP objectives based on specific site conditions, construction activities and cost effectiveness. Since construction site conditions are constantly changing, different BMPs may be needed at different times during construction.
(D) In most cases, permanent BMPs can be implemented most effectively when they can be integrated into other aspects of the project design. This requires that stormwater control be considered early in the design process. Some BMPs can be incorporated into stormwater detention facilities with modest design refinements and limited increases in land area and cost.
(Prior Code, § 11.05.060.010) (Ord. 2019-9, passed 9-3-2019; Ord. 2021-15, passed 12-20-2021)