Construction

Construction Requirements

Dirt Can Hurt! - Sediment and other materials from construction sites are harmful to local creeks and waterways. If implemented correctly, Best Management Practices (BMPs) are measures that help reduce the amount of runoff and pollutants leaving construction sites.

• Butte County Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) Applicant Guidance (PDF)

If your project requires a grading or building permit from the County, then a site-specific Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) is required.

Larger projects that disturb one or more acres of land need to obtain coverage under the State Water Resource Control Board’s General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity (Construction General Permit Order 2009-0009-DWQ, or CGP). Obtaining coverage under the CGP requires the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). For more information, please visit the California Construction Stormwater Program Website.

For information about construction site BMPs and how to prevent stormwater pollution from your construction site, see the following resources:

• Caltrans: Storm Water and Water Pollution Control
• California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA): BMP Handbooks - Construction Public Documents
• CASQA: Construction BMP Online Handbook (available to Construction Handbook subscribers) 
• Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (MCSTOPPP) Minimum Control Measures for Small Construction Projects (PDF)
• MCSTOPPP - Pollution Prevention: It's Part of the Plan (PDF)
• Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership: Brochures for Businesses
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater-Construction