Construction
The City has incorporated the model construction program described in the Drainage Area Management Plan (DAMP) and low-impact development (LID). This construction program presents requirements and guidelines for pollution prevention methods that must be used by construction site owners, developers, contractors, and other responsible parties to:
- Prevent illicit discharges into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)
- Implement and maintain structural and non-structural BMPs to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction sites to the MS4
- Reduce construction site discharges of stormwater pollutants from the MS4 to the maximum extent practicable (MEP)
- Prevent construction site discharges from the MS4 from causing or contributing to a violation of water quality standards
Requirements
General Construction Permit
Dischargers whose projects disturb one or more acres of soil or whose projects disturb less than one acre but are part of a larger common plan of development that in total disturbs one or more acres are required to obtain coverage under the Construction General Permit Order 2009-0009-DWQ (PDF). Construction activity subject to this permit includes clearing, grading, and disturbances to the ground, such as stockpiling or excavation, but does not include regular maintenance activities performed to restore the original line, grade, or capacity of the facility
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
The General Construction Permit requires the development of a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (DOC) by a certified Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD). Many California Board of Professional Engineers and Geologists (CBPELSG) have self-certified. In addition, the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) has a lookup tool to find licensed QSDs: CASQA QSD/QSP Lookup Tool
General Guidelines
The Orange County Storm Water Program Construction Runoff Guidance Manual (PDF) is intended to enable applicants for building or grading permits to understand and comply with the regulatory requirements during the construction. The manual is a guide to help understand which permits and ordinances apply to construction projects. Contractors may use this Manual as a guide to the Best Management Practices typically needed to be implemented at a construction site to ensure compliance
with the Construction General Permit (CGP) and local ordinances.
Construction Temporary BMP
Erosion Control (EC)
Sediment Control (SC)
Tracking Control (TC)
Non-Storm Water Management (NS)
- NS-1 Water Conservation Practices (PDF)
- NS-2 Dewatering Operations(PDF)
- NS-3 Paving and Grinding Operations (PDF)
- NS-4 Temporary Stream Crossing (PDF)
- NS-5 Clear Water Diversion (PDF)
- NS-6 Illicit Connection/Discharge (PDF)
- NS-7 Potable Water/Irrigation (PDF)
- NS-8 Vehicle and Equipment Cleaning (PDF)