An erosion and sediment control plan is a plan set that describes the temporary control measure to be implemented during construction to prevent pollution of local waterbodies (and nearby properties) from being contaminated by construction runoff and waste. The preparation of an erosion and sediment control plan is dictated by local, state, and federal regulations. Chapter 14.36 of the Residential Code describes the regulations and requirements related to preparing erosion and sediment control plans for residential projects in the State of California.
In California, an erosion and sediment control plan, although separate, is often prepared along with a grading plan. This is because an erosion and sediment control plan is submitted to obtain a grading permit.
Guidance and Standards for Erosion and Sediment Control Plans
It is also typical for California erosion and sediment control plans to reference the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) Construction BMP Manual. The Construction BMP Manual contains fact sheets for commonly used erosion and sediment control measures. However, some jurisdictions have their own set of details and standard plans for erosion and sediment control.
What is the difference between an erosion and sediment control plan and a stormwater plan?
An erosion and sediment control plan and a stormwater management plan are meant to protect surface water. The difference is that a stormwater management plan will outline the permanent post-construction best management practices (BMPs) required to meet local stormwater requirements. Depending on your location, these BMPs may include retention basins, underground storage tanks, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, or vegetated swales. In contrast, an erosion and sediment control plan depicts measures that will be implemented during construction and will generally be removed once construction is complete. Examples of erosion control BMPs include silt fences, sandbag barriers, temporary stabilized construction entrances, and slope protection.
What is a SWPPP?
In some instances, an erosion and sediment control plan is prepared in conjunction with a larger document called a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A SWPPP is required when construction activities disturb at least one acre of land. In California, a SWPPP must be generated by a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD). It is worth noting that writing a SWPPP itself is only the first step. There are also requirements mandated by the State of California Construction General Permit (CGP) for regular inspections, uploading information to SMARTS (a state database), and even performing water quality testing following storm events.
What is a Water Pollution Control Plan (WPCP)?
In some cases, jurisdictions may require that a developer prepare a Water Pollution Control Plan (WPCP) to complement an erosion and sediment control plan. Like a SWPPP, a WPCP is a document containing narrative text that describes how stormwater will be effectively managed during the construction. However, a WPCP is typically less comprehensive than a SWPPP and can generally be prepared by the same person developing the grading and drainage plan. Like SWPPPs, there is an education and training as well as an inspection element involved with preparing a WPCP. However, this information does not need to be uploaded to SMARTS unless otherwise directed by the Regional Water Control Board.