Did you know that Stormwater is considered one of the top contributors to water pollution?
When it rains, stormwater runs across impermeable surfaces created by developed areas. Stormwater can pick up garbage, debris, chemicals, toxic fluids, and sediment easily when these are exposed to flowing stormwater across impervious surfaces. We have all heard the saying, “Only Rain Down the Drain”, and it is critical we do our best to ensure this is always the case!
A Storm drain, or storm sewer system, is a critical infrastructure component that must be incorporated into developed areas providing the ability to drain excess stormwater from impervious surfaces like streets, parking lots, and building rooftops.
Storm drains are designed to effectively capture stormwater and perform the function to flow stormwater effectively off impermeable surfaces. Many storm drain systems are considered gravity inlets allowing the water to drain to untreated areas like our rivers and streams. Additionally, storm drains play a critical role in keeping our local communities free from flooding during torrential rainstorms.
Construction sites should work hard to help keep storm drains clean by knowing that only unpolluted water should flow down the storm drain. There are Best Management Practices (BMPs) to implement during the construction process that will assist in only rain down the drain.
A BMP is an activity, process, or method to help prevent stormwater runoff from picking up contaminants, such as sediment, that could be discharged into local waterbodies. During a construction project, stormwater pollutants can depart a construction site in many ways. Construction sites must implement many BMPs beyond storm drain protection to control stormwater pollution.
Here are the top 5 most common best management practices seen on construction sites today to reduce and potentially eliminate stormwater pollution.
- Silt Fence perimeter controls.
- Inlet Protection such as filter sock pipe.
- Vegetative stabilization helping reduce the erosion and sedimentation of soil.
- Concrete and paint washout stations.
- A fortified and stabilized construction entrance.
KCI can provide you expert advice and recommendation on how to cost-effectively implement the right stormwater management BMPs for your construction site. Let us get to work for you today – (888) 346-7779.
