Construction Site Personnel

Storm Water Affects Water Quality

Storm water runoff can impact the water quality of local streams, creeks, and bayous. As rain water flows over construction sites, the water can carry sediment and other pollutants into the streets and gutters. The storm sewer system collects rain water and conveys it directly into local flood control ditches and waterways without filtering or cleaning any of the runoff water. Sediment, pesticides, animal wastes, fertilizers, and other harmful pollutants from construction sites can have major downstream impacts on local waterways and beaches. Rain water runoff moves most of these pollutants from a site, through the storm sewer system, and into the receiving water. However, landscape watering can also transport these pollutants.

Polluted storm water runoff from urbanized areas is a major contributor to poor water quality. The State of Texas General Land Office issued beach advisories 335 times for a total of 473 days in 2006. Almost every waterway in the Houston area is considered impaired by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Minimize the Impact

Erosion and Sediment Controls > erosion and sediment controls are required for any construction site that will ultimately disturb more than one acre > sediment laden runoff can cloud receiving waters with suspended particles > > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Initiate appropriate best management practices before commencing construction activities. Follow state and federal permitting requirements for discharging storm water runoff. Use existing vegetation where possible and stabilize disturbed areas within fourteen days.

Pressure washing > many facilities pressure wash building exteriors, parking lots, and driveway areas > soaps and chemical cleansers are applied to remove grit and grime > these pollutants are flushed into the storm sewer system untreated > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Whenever possible, avoid soap and chemical cleansers when pressure washing. Many of the cleaners can be more harmful to receiving waters than the grit and grime being washed away. Minimize pressure washing activities when practical.

Dumpster maintenance > dumpster lids are often removed or forced open for ease of use > uncontained trash blows into the storm sewer system and leaky dumpsters can spill into nearby grate inlets > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Trash should be handled by a licensed waste hauling service. Dumpsters should have lids to contain trash. Dumpsters should be positioned away from any storm sewer inlets.

Detention ponds serve construction sites by controlling flood waters > detention ponds are not regularly maintained > without regular mowing and trash clean out, detention ponds can retain water > shallow water can diminish the pond’s flood capacity, attract undesirable insects and wildlife, and allow bacteria and algae to “bloom” > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Detention ponds should be maintained to prevent water retainage and uncontrolled grass growth. Trash should be removed as often as necessary to prevent discharges to receiving waters.

Material storage > many facilities store materials outdoors > these products may have coatings or residues that wash off when exposed to rain water > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

All materials should be stored in an orderly fashion. Where practical, the materials should be stored off of the ground and protected from storm water runoff. Keep work areas neat and orderly. Keep unused containers closed tightly. Use drip pans temporarily.

Hazardous Waste Disposal > many facilities must dispose of hazardous byproducts like used cooking oil, left over chemicals, and scrap materials > these products may have coatings or residues that wash off when exposed to rain water > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Store hazardous wastes in proper containers until they can be transported by a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Where possible, store these items off of the ground and protected from storm water runoff. Never use storm drains for waste disposal. Do not drain secondary containments without approval.

Overwatering > many facilities rely on sprinkler systems to water nearby landscaping > poorly maintained sprinkler systems can overwater landscaping > bacteria, fertilizer, grass clippings, and other pollutants can be washed into receiving waters > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Have the sprinkler system regularly inspected and maintained. Set automatic sprinklers to only water as much as needed. Avoid overspray from sprinkler heads onto impervious surfaces like concrete. Set timers for early hours of the morning or late in the evening to maximize water absorption.

Spill Response > many facilities are required to follow Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans > improper response to spills can expose storm water runoff to hazardous chemicals > these pollutants accumulate in slow-moving creeks and bayous > fish, plants, and other aquatic life suffer > humans cannot fish or swim in these waters

Always follow the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan as designed. Never hose down a spill. Promptly clean up spills with absorbent materials. Protect storm drains and dispose of clean up wastes properly. Notify regulatory agencies as necessary.