Stormwater Controls

Stormwater Controls

Stormwater controls, called Best Management Practices or BMPs by regulators, are required by both California's Industrial General Permit and Construction General Permit. The type of controls affecting compliance activities at Berkeley Lab are included in site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans. The Environmental Services Group of EHS manages several of these plans, found on this webpage.

Remember, inspect the integrity of any stormwater control in place and verify that outdoor facilities are weatherized prior to any anticipated rain event. Preparedness examples include:

• good housekeeping practices, such as sweeping and collection of debris, and
• making sure lids are closed on all outdoor trash bins, metal hoppers and roll-offs.

The Six Major Categories of controls affecting stormwater compliance at LBNL include:

1. Erosion Control

• includes covering soil and material stockpiles in anticipation of forecasted precipitation or if a stockpile is deemed inactive (not utilized within 14 days)
• includes geotextiles, plastic covers, erosion control blankets and mats

2. Sediment Control

• provides perimeter berm protection around material stockpiles and drain inlets
• includes silt fence, straw wattle, and DI inserts and protection

3. Wind Erosion Control

• provides dust suppression and prevention of airborne transportation of soil particles and gross pollutants
• includes water application, covering small stockpiles or areas, dust palliatives, and stabilized construction roadways

4. Track-Out Control

• prevents the off-site tracking of soil from construction vehicles and equipment
• includes stabilized construction entrances/exits, stabilized construction roadways, entrance/exit tire wash, and street sweeping and vacuuming

5. Waste Management and Materials Pollution Control

• provides for good housekeeping, current inventory of materials on site, sanitary and septic management, and materials delivery and storage
• includes trash bins and receptacles, portable toilets, and designated disposal and storage areas for solid, liquid, and hazardous waste management

6. Non-Stormwater Management

• provides prevention measures associated with site activities not related to precipitation
• includes dewatering operations, illegal dumping, vehicle and equipment cleaning, fueling and maintenance, and fire suppression runoff