Construction Site Runoff Control

The construction site runoff control program's primary goal is to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction activities. Construction projects that either disturb one or more acres of land surface or those activities that disturb less than one acre, but are part of a larger common plan of development, are required to obtain a permit in accordance with the Sediment Pollution Control Act of 1973 and Chapter 4 of Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code. Please review the Erosion Control page for details.

Additional objectives of the construction site runoff control program include providing avenues for public input, sanctions to ensure compliance, requirements for construction site operators to implement appropriate erosion and sediment control practices, review of site plans that incorporate consideration of potential water quality impacts, and procedures for site inspection and enforcement of control measures.

Why Control of Construction Site Runoff Is Necessary

Polluted stormwater runoff from construction sites often flows into the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and is discharged untreated into local rivers and streams. Sediment is the main pollutant of concern relating to construction. Sediment runoff rates from construction sites are typically 10 to 20 times greater than those of agricultural lands, and 1,000 to 2,000 times greater than those of forest lands. Over a short period, construction sites can contribute more sediment to streams than can be deposited naturally over several decades. The resulting siltation or deposition of sediment in a water body and the contribution of other pollutants from construction sites can cause physical, chemical, and biological harm to our waters. Excess sediment can quickly fill rivers and lakes, cause the destruction of aquatic habitats, block sunlight necessary for plants and plankton, increase the temperature of the water, and decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen available to aquatic species.

For more information, including links to the City's Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Standard Specifications and Detail Manual, Erosion and Sediment Control forms, checklists and fees, visit the Erosion Control page.

Report an Issue

To report erosion or sedimentation issues at construction sites or mud in City streets, please contact the Erosion Control Inspector at 704-282-4583.