Commercial Insurance Blog

Keeping water clean and abundant is important to us all which is why our federal, state and local governments have regulations that protect our water.  Here are some practices for before, during  and after construction, especially when excavating or grading, to keep water protected and to avoid violating storm water quality laws.

Before Construction:

Design with water in mind by using low impact development design principles to minimize the creation of  stormwater in the first place. By minimizing paved surfaces, concentrating development to retain as much of the natural landscape as possible, treating runoff using green infrastructure like rain gardens and grassed swales, and staying as far away from surface water and wetlands as possible you will reduce the risk of damaging protected natural resources. 

During Construction:

Construction site owners and operators who disturb greater than ONE acre (in some towns the trigger can be less) are required to prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that includes:

• implement erosion and sediment controls (inspect and maintain to ensure they are functioning properly before and after rain events)
• stabilize soils
• manage dewatering activities
• implement pollution prevention measures
• provide and maintain buffers around surface waters
• prohibit certain discharges, such as motor fuel and concrete washout
• utilize surface outlets for discharges from basins and impoundments

Linked here is a 2-page pdf that describes those practices from an off-site resource.

After Construction:

The key to stormwater management is prevention of problems. Here are tips to keep pollutants out of the water:

• Keep dumpster areas swept clean of litter, debris and sediments—and keep them covered. Schedule regular pick-ups. 
• Sweep parking lot, walkways and patios on a regular basis. Do not use a hose to wash down pavement.
• Keep stormdrains clear of debris and landscaping materials.
• Avoid excessive salting in the winter, and sweep up spills.
• Pour washwater down a sanitary sewer (sink or toilet), never down a storm drain.
• Use non-toxic cleaning products and organic lawn chemicals.
• Water lawns and gardens only. Don’t allow irrigation to spray onto pavement.

This blog guest written by our friend, North and South Rivers Watershed Association executive director, Samantha Woods, at http://www.nsrwa.org/

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