Construction

Stormwater Management

Construction Stormwater Runoff Carries Pollutants

…into our storm drain system and watershed, discharging directly to the Truckee River. By implementing erosion control Best Management Practices, contractors can help protect our waterways.
Green trees along the flowing Truckee River bridge in downtown Reno, Nevada by Wingfield Park

BMP Resources

In addition to the provided resources, Construction BMP classes are offered each spring and fall. Please keep an eye out regarding upcoming classes or email stormwater@reno.gov to be placed on the interest list.

To learn more about BMPs, reference past technical trainings hosted by SWPCC, for detailed information:
A concrete storm drain surrounded by green bush leaves

Permits

Construction stormwater permits are required when the area of disturbance is greater than 1 acre or the site is within 1/4 mile of a major waterway. Your permit will allow you to discharge stormwater to the MS4 as long as the BMPs are utilized at your site. Talk to your building permit official about your site, or visit the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection.

Dirty, brown pollutant water flowing heavily into an area of clean water

Pollutants
from
Construction

Construction Site Pollutants can include: Sediment and potentially hazardous materials such as paint, stucco, cement washouts, and other improperly disposed materials.
A flooded roadway filled with mud and standing water

Why Be Serious About Sediment?

Construction Site Pollutants can include: Sediment and potentially hazardous materials such as paint, stucco, cement washouts, and other improperly disposed materials.
Examples of poor erosion control and good erosion control; poor erosion control shows dirt and debris washing onto a roadway, while good erosion control shows sandbags and netting along a dirt hill that keeps the hillside from sliding

Erosion

Disturbed soil is more susceptible to erosion, the process by which soil is moved from one place to another. Erosion control BMPs focus on keeping soil in place and preventing the migration in the first place.
Examples of poor sediment control and good sediment control; poor sediment control shows dirt and debris washing onto a roadway, while good sediment control shows sandbags blocking a storm drain from receiving dirt runoff

Sediment Control

BMPs that focus on capturing soil or preventing it from leaving the site are considered sediment controls. Silt fence, sedimentation basins, and track out pads are examples of sediment control.
A residential roadway lined with concrete barriers and a rocky ditch that uses low impact development to control storm water

Low Impact Development (LID)

LID practices can reduce runoff and pollutants entering the storm drain system. The Truckee Meadows Structural Controls Design and Low Impact Development Manual covers relevant LID requirements and design guidance for the Truckee Meadows.

In general, Low Impact Development (LID):

  • Is a growing practice in stormwater management with principles modeled after nature
  • Strives to mimic the pre-development hydrology
  • Manages urban runoff at the source
  • Uses local and smaller scale controls as opposed to a more centralized stormwater treatment
  • Uses practices and techniques to capture, filter, store, evaporate, detain and infiltrate runoff close to the source

To learn more about LID, reference past technical trainings hosted by SWPCC, for detailed information:

View the LID Virtual Tech Training – Day 1
Video Replay Available in 5-Part Series:

 

View the LID Virtual Tech Training – Day 2
Video Replay Available in 2-Part Series:

Contact Us

Have a question or comment for the program? Send us an email or attend a meeting.

A splash of water