Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question:
What are the most common construction site water quality BMP violations?


Answer:
According the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, the following are the most common construction site violations (in order of frequency):

- Concrete washout in the street and on the soil without using proper washout stations;
- Hosing down of streets containing sediments and other potential pollutants without preventing those pollutants from entering catch basins. (Use shovels, brooms, and effective sweepers--not water--to minimize the discharge of non-storm water);
- Discharge from the construction site due to construction operations, such as stucco and plastering;
- Washing paint brushes and rollers on the soil without using a designated washout station;
- Failure to clean up spills and stained soil immediately;
- Failure to empty concrete washout stations when full and allowing concrete to overflow onto the soil;
- Construction waste in the street and on the site without being disposed of properly. Not covering trash cans when it rains;
- Buckets of potential contaminants laying on soil or in the street;
- Stockpiles of dirt and other potential contaminants in the street without proper protection from potential stormwater contact;
- Construction vehicles tracking dirt onto the street without using stabilized entrances and exits;
- Damaged sandbags caused by vehicles' driving over them;
- Failure to properly store construction materials.


Links:
  CASQA Construction BMP Handbook

  General Construction Stormwater Permit