How Does Construction and Development Affect Stormwater?

• Construction activities displace soil and create bare spaces lacking vegetation that can easily erode, resulting in sedimentation of local waterways, which can destroy aquatic habitat.
• Numerous hazardous materials, such as cement wash, asphalt, oil and hazardous debris can run off of construction sites and into waterways, causing contamination.

Philadelphia Stormwater Management Regulations

• All new development and redevelopment in Philadelphia that generates an earth disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more must meet Philadelphia Water Department’s Stormwater Regulations.
• For information on the stormwater regulations, please see City of Philadelphia Stormwater Management Guidance Manual.

Below are additional tips on how to reduce stormwater runoff pollution during construction:

Reduce Erosion and Sediment Runoff

• Keep construction materials and debris away from the street, gutter and storm drains
• Cover stockpiles of soil, sand or gravel and excavated material with plastic sheeting, protected from rain, wind and runoff.
• Avoid excavation or grading during wet weather.
• Plant temporary vegetation or add hydro mulch on slopes where construction will not begin immediately, and permanent vegetation once excavation and grading are complete.
• Construct diversion dikes to channel runoff to a detention basin and around the construction site.
• Install gravel driveways where truck traffic is frequent to reduce soil compaction and limit the tracking of sediment into the streets.

Minimize Spills and Stormwater Pollution

• Use a drip pan and funnel when draining or pouring fluid materials.
• Sweep up dry spills, instead of hosing.
• Have spill containment and cleanup kits on hand that include safety equipment and dry cleanup materials such as kitty litter or saw dust. Report serious spills to 911.
• Maintain and refuel vehicles and equipment at a single location on-site, away from the street, gutter and storm drains.
• Perform major equipment repairs and washings off-site.
• Inspect vehicles and equipment frequently for leaks, and prevent leaks from stored vehicles by draining gas, hydraulic oil, transmission and brake and radiator fluids.

Waste Disposal and Recycling

• Reduce waste by ordering only the amounts of materials needed for the job.
• Use recycled or recyclable materials whenever possible.
• Recycle broken asphalt, concrete, wood and cleared vegetation.
• Dispose of hazardous materials through a hazardous waste hauler or other means in accordance with the construction permit.
• Non-recyclable materials should be taken to a landfill or disposed of as hazardous waste.
• Never dispose of cement washout into driveways, streets, gutters or drainage ditches.
• Wash concrete mixers and equipment only in specified washout areas, where the water flows into lined containment ponds.
• Cement wash water can be recycled by pumping it back into cement mixers for use.

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