Polluted stormwater from construction sites often flows to municipal storm structures and ultimately is discharged into local rivers and streams. Sediment is usually the main pollutant of concern originating from construction sites. Sediment runoff rates from construction sites are typically 10 to 20 times greater than those of agricultural lands, and 1,000 to 2,000 times greater than those of forest lands. During a short period of time, construction sites can contribute more sediment to streams than can be deposited naturally during several decades. The resulting siltation, and the contribution of other pollutants from construction sites, can cause physical, chemical, and biological harm to rivers and lakes and the aquatic habitats that they support.

The Town of East Lyme supports the use of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) at construction sites in order to control stormwater runoff and the discharge of pollutants into local water bodies. The Stormwater and the Construction Industry poster that is featured below was created & made available by the Environmental Protection Agency.

AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE CONNECTICUT GUIDELINES FOR SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (DEP BULLETIN 34) IS AVAILABLE ON THE CT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION WEBSITE.

Other Educational storm-water web sites and Organizations

These links connect citizens to educational storm-water web sites and other organizations, and will provide information to reduce pollution and contamination of storm-water.

An educational video referenced on the EPA web site provides additional information about pollution related to stormwater runoff.

Outdoor Stormwater Classroom

 

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