ARTICLE 4.2.
SEWER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT

[Construction Site Runoff]
Sec. 146.	Construction Site Runoff Control.
Sec. 146.1.	Definitions.
Sec. 146.2.	Emergency Action.
Sec. 146.3.	Land-disturbing Activities.
Sec. 146.4.	Erosion and Sediment Control Performance Standards.
Sec. 146.5.	Construction Site Runoff Control Permit.
Sec. 146.6.	Permit Process.
Sec. 146.7.	Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
Sec. 146.8.	Maintenance and Inspection Requirements.
Sec. 146.10.	Enforcement.
Sec. 146.11.	Severability.
[Stormwater]
Sec. 147.	Stormwater Management.
Sec. 147.1.	Definitions.
Sec. 147.2.	Stormwater Control Plan.
Sec. 147.3.	Limitations and Prohibited Discharges.
Sec. 147.4.	Compliance with Maintenance and Inspection Requirements.
Sec. 147.5.	Enforcement and Cost Reimbursement.
Sec. 147.6.	Severability.

 

Editor's Notes:
   The bracketed division headers in this Article have been provided by the editor for the convenience of the user and are not official parts of this Code.
   Ordinance 83-10 repealed former Secs. 140-149.4 and enacted new material currently codified as Secs. 147-147.6.

[Construction Site Runoff]

SEC. 146. CONSTRUCTION SITE RUNOFF CONTROL.

   (a)   The purpose of Sections 146 through 146.11 of Article 4.2 and the City's construction site runoff control program is to protect water quality by controlling the discharge of sediment or other pollutants from construction sites and preventing erosion and sedimentation due to construction activities.

   (b)   Construction sites can be significant sources of pollution. Materials from construction sites such as concrete, mortars, disturbed soil, sawdust, paint chips, and other debris can be easily transported off construction sites by runoff and wind, and eventually may be washed into storm drains during street cleaning and rainy weather. These sediments can damage infrastructure as well as cause many water quality concerns.

   (c)   Construction sediment and debris can create local flood hazards by clogging the storm drains and sewer system and reduce the flow capacity, allowing wastewater to spill onto the streets. These sediments are abrasive, and can degrade the pump stations in the sewer system, causing increased maintenance costs, as well as carry toxic pollutants to the bay, local lakes, and the ocean. Also, construction runoff and debris can reduce the capacity and treatment efficiency of the City's collection and wastewater treatment facilities operating during wet weather.

   (d)   Sections 146-146.11 of Article 4.2 set forth uniform requirements and prohibitions for dischargers and places of discharge to the City's Sewerage System necessary to provide for the protection of water quality and the City's Sewerage System. By implementing these controls, the City is protecting and promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare of its residents, businesses, and visitors.

(Added by Ord. 260-13 , File No. 130814, App. 11/14/2013, Eff. 12/14/2013)

SEC. 146.1. DEFINITIONS.

   The definitions provided in Section 119 of Article 4.1 of this Code apply to Sections 146-146.11 of Article 4.2, in addition to the following defined terms:

   Applicant. The Owner and any of the Owner's authorized representatives who submit an application to the General Manager for a Construction Site Runoff Control Permit pursuant to this Article.

   Construction Project. Any construction or demolition activity disturbing 5,000 square feet or more of the ground surface, measured cumulatively, undertaken after January 1, 2014, including any Land-disturbing Activities.

   Construction Site Best Management Practice or "BMP." Any program, technology, technique, process, operating method, measure or device which controls prevents, removes or reduces pollution, erosion and sediment transport in runoff from construction sites.

   Construction Site Runoff Control Permit. Authorization issued by the General Manager for the commencement of a Construction Project in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.

   Construction Site Runoff Control Regulations. A compilation of technical standards and design specifications adopted by the General Manager for controlling construction related surface runoff, erosion and sedimentation.

   Erosion. The washing or wearing away of ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water, or Land-disturbing Activities.

   Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. A plan or set of plans indicating the specific BMPs or equivalent measures and sequencing to be used to control Erosion and sediment on a Construction Project.

   Erosion Control. A BMP that prevents Erosion.

   General Manager. The General Manager of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, or his or her designee.

   Land-disturbing Activities. Any movement of earth or a change in the existing soil cover or existing topography that may result in soil erosion from wind, or water, and the movement of sediments into or upon waters, lands, or public rights-of-way within the City and County of San Francisco, including, but not limited to building demolition, clearing, grading, grubbing, filling, stockpiling, excavating and transporting of land.

   Owner. Any Person with legal or equitable interest in the land for which a Construction Site Runoff Control Permit has been issued.

   Permittee. The Applicant in whose name a valid permit is issued pursuant to Section 146.5, and his or her agents, employees, and others acting under his or her direction.

   Runoff. Any water flowing over the ground surface that leaves the Site.

   Sediment Control. A BMP that prevents eroded sediment from leaving the Site.

   Site. The entire area of land covered by the Construction Site Runoff Control Permit on which the land-disturbing activities are conducted.

   Start of Construction. The first Land-disturbing Activities associated with a Construction Project.

(Added by Ord. 260-13 , File No. 130814, App. 11/14/2013, Eff. 12/14/2013)

SEC. 146.2. EMERGENCY ACTION.

   Any emergency action immediately necessary tor the protection of life, health, or property is exempt from obtaining a Construction Site Runoff Control Permit. An emergency that warrants emergency action is a sudden, unforeseeable and unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of or damage to, life, health, or property. Any Land-disturbing Activities performed after the clear and imminent danger has been alleviated shall not constitute an emergency, and must be performed in compliance with Sections 146-146.11 of this Article.

(Added by Ord. 260-13 , File No. 130814, App. 11/14/2013, Eff. 12/14/2013)

SEC. 146.3. LAND-DISTURBING ACTIVITIES.

   (a)   Any person performing Land-disturbing Activities shall implement and maintain BMPs to minimize surface Runoff Erosion, and sedimentation.

   (b)   Whenever the General Manager determines that any Land-disturbing Activity has become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers the property of another, or adversely affects the safety, use, slope, or soil stability of a public right-of way, publicly controlled wetland, or Sewerage System, the Owner of the property upon which the Land-disturbing Activity is located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice from the General Manager, shall within the period specified therein repair or eliminate such conditions.

(Added by Ord. 260-13 , File No. 130814, App. 11/14/2013, Eff. 12/14/2013)

SEC. 146.4. EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

   (a)   A Land-disturbing Activity shall be considered in violation of Sections 146-146.11 of Article 4.2 if eroded sediment has been deposited onto adjacent properties, a public right-of-way, a publicly controlled wetland, or the Sewerage System.

   (b)   The design, testing, installation, and maintenance of erosion and sediment control operations and facilities shall adhere to the standards and specifications contained in the Construction Site Runoff Regulations.

(Added by Ord. 260-13 , File No. 130814, App. 11/14/2013, Eff. 12/14/2013)