• Remove existing vegetation only as needed.
• Schedule excavation, grading, and paving operations for dry weather periods, if possible.
• Designate a specific area of the construction site, well away from storm drain inlets or watercourses, for material storage and equipment maintenance.
• Develop and implement an effective combination of erosion and sediment controls for the construction site.
• Practice source reduction by ordering only the amount of materials that are needed to finish the project.
• Educate your employees and subcontractors about stormwater management requirements and their pollution prevention responsibilities.
• Control the amount of surface runoff at the construction site by impeding internally generated flows and using berms or drainage ditches to direct incoming off site flows to go around the site. NOTE: Consult local drainage policies for more information.

The following Best Management Practices (BMPs) can significantly reduce pollutant discharges from your construction site. Compliance with stormwater regulations can be as simple as minimizing stormwater contact with potential pollutants by providing covers and secondary containment for construction materials, designating areas away from storm drain systems for storing equipment and materials and implementing good housekeeping practices at the construction site.

• Protect all storm drain inlets and streams located near the construction site to prevent sediment-laden water from entering the storm drain system.
• Limit access to and from the site. Stabilize construction entrances/exits to minimize the track out of dirt and mud onto adjacent streets. Conduct frequent street sweeping.
• Protect stockpiles and construction materials from winds and rain by storing them under a roof, secured impermeable tarp or plastic sheeting.
• Avoid storing or stockpiling materials near storm drain inlets, gullies or streams.
• Construct detention/retention structures or ponds at key outfall areas to capture rainwater and allow it to percolate into the ground rather than drain from the site.
• Phase grading operations to limit disturbed areas and duration of exposure.
• Perform major maintenance and repairs of vehicles and equipment off site.
• Wash out concrete mixers only in designated washout areas at the construction site.
• Setup and operate small concrete mixers on tarps or heavy plastic drop cloths.
• Keep construction sites clean by removing trash, debris, wastes, etc. on a regular basis.
• Clean up spills immediately using dry clean up methods (e.g., absorbent materials such as cat litter, sand or rags for liquid spills; sweeping for dry spills such as cement, mortar or fertilizer) and by removing the contaminated soil from spills on dirt areas.
• Prevent erosion by implementing any or a combination of soil stabilization practices such as mulching, surface roughening, and temporary silt fencing.
• Maintain all vehicles and equipment in good working condition. Inspect frequently for leaks, and repair promptly.
• Practice proper waste disposal. Many construction materials and wastes, including solvents, water-based paint, vehicle fluids, broken asphalt and concrete, wood, and cleared vegetation can be recycled. Materials that cannot be recycled must be taken to an appropriate landfill or disposed of as hazardous waste.
• Cover open dumpsters with secured tarps or plastic sheeting. Never clean out a dumpster by washing it down on the construction site.
• Arrange for an adequate debris disposal schedule to insure that dumpsters do not overflow.
• Examples of Construction BMP Implementation

Stormwater Pollution - What You Should Know For...General Construction & Site Supervision - This brochure is published by the Stormwater Quality Management Committee as a new guide for the construction industry. The brochure outlines Best Management Practices (BMPs) for developers, general contractors, home builders, construction inspectors, and anyone in the construction business. Following the practices outlined in this guide can significantly reduce pollutant discharges at construction sites. [Print format: 11x17 inches]

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) adopted the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity (NVR100000), superseding the now expired General Permit GNV0022241. This permit is administered and enforced by the NDEP, with cooperation from local municipalities that have their own ordinances controlling discharges to the drainage system. The General Permit for Construction Activity establishes a number of stormwater management requirements for construction site owners and operators.

Disturbing Land? - You May Need a Stormwater Permit! - This brochure is published by the Stormwater Quality Management Committee as a guide for the construction industry on how to develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and obtain a stormwater permit through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). NDEP requires all construction activity that disturbs one or more acres of land to have a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) readily available for site inspectors and in use prior to land disturbance. [Print format: 8.5 x11 inches]

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does my construction site require coverage under the General Permit for Construction Activity?

Yes, if construction activity results in the disturbance of one (1) or more acres of total land area or is part of a common plan of development that results in the disturbance of one (1) or more acres.

How do I obtain coverage under the General Permit for Construction Activity?

Obtain the permit package and submit the completed Notice of Intent (NOI) form to the NDEP prior to grading or disturbing soil at the construction site. For ongoing construction activity involving a change of ownership, the new owner must submit a new NOI within 30 days of the date of change of ownership. The completed NOI along with the required fee should be mailed to the NDEP.

Visit the following NDEP websites to obtain more detailed information about the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activity:

• Permit Application Requirements : State of Nevada's required forms and procedures for obtaining a construction stormwater permit.
• Construction Stormwater Permitting Guidance : Overview of EPA construction stormwater permitting.
• Developing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans : EPA manuals detailing guidance on developing construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP).

What must I do to comply with the requirements of the General Permit for Construction Activity?

• Implement BMPs for non-stormwater discharges year-round.
• Prepare and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prior to commencing construction activities.
• Keep a copy of the SWPPP at the construction site for the entire duration of the project.
• Calculate the anticipated stormwater run-off.
• Implement an effective combination of erosion and sediment control on all soil disturbed areas.
• Conduct site inspections prior to anticipated storm events, every 24 hours during extended storm events, and after actual storm events.
• Perform repair and maintenance of BMPs as soon as possible after storm events depending upon worker safety.
• Update the SWPPP, as needed, to manage pollutants or reflect changes in site conditions.
• Include description of post-construction BMPs at the construction site, including parties responsible for long-term maintenance.
  

Visit the following NDEP website here to obtain more detailed information about developing construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP)

How long is this General Permit for Construction Activity in effect?

The Permit coverage stays in effect until you submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) to the NDEP. For the purpose of submitting a NOT, all soil disturbing activities have to be completed and one the three following criteria has to be met.

• Change of ownership;
• A uniform vegetative cover with 70 percent coverage has been established; or,
• Equivalent stabilization measures such as the use of reinforced channel liners, soil cement, fiber matrices, geotextiles, etc., have been employee