Erosion and Sediment Control

Erosion is a natural process, but construction activities such as removing vegetation, disturbing soil, and redirecting drainage can increase the natural rates of erosion. Sediment is the single most common pollutant in rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. Sediments can also damage stormwater facilities such as catch basins, drywells, and swales - increasing the risk of flooding and resulting in costly maintenance for taxpayers.

The purpose of Spokane County’s Erosion and Sediment Control ordinance (9.14.185) is to control soil erosion and sedimentation through the use of temporary and permanent erosion and sediment control practices.
The ordinance (9.14.185) lists five performance standards to keep in mind during land-disturbing activities:

  1. Minimize Tracking Onto Public, Private, and Future Public Roads 
  2. Protection of public roads and stormwater facilities
  3. Proper washout of concrete trucks and equipment
  4. Protection of private properties
  5. Protection of water bodies and wetlands
  1. Permits

Who Needs Construction Stormwater Permit Coverage?
Please answer the following questions:

  1. Is there any possibility that stormwater could run off your site during construction and into surface waters or conveyance systems leading to surface waters of the state? In almost every case, the answer to this question is yes.
  2. Does your construction project disturb one or more acres of land through clearing, grading, excavating, or stockpiling of fill material? Remember to count the cumulative acreage of the entire project whether in a single or in a multiphase project. This applies even if you are responsible for only a small portion [less than one acre] of the larger project planned over time.

If you answered "yes" to either of these questions, contact the Department of Ecology to determine if you will need a permit. Construction site operators must apply for a permit 60 days prior to discharging stormwater.
If a Construction General Permit is required by The Department of Ecology, you will need a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) to monitor stormwater controls on your construction site. 

For additional information on Construction Stormwater Permits and Training visit the following webpages: 

  1. Training and Best Management Practices