Prevent pollution on your construction site using the following best practices. Keep sediment, paint, construction materials, and leaky equipment from contaminating neighborhood streams. Avoid neighbor complaints and notices of violation, fines or stop work orders.
In each section, best practices from the Arlington County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Template(DOCX, 837KB) are included.
Another resource you may find useful is the Erosion & Sediment Control (ESC) and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plann (SWPPP) Compliance slide deck(PDF, 11MB).
(PDF, 11MB)
Pre Storm Prep: Controlling and Stabilizing Sediment
The first step to preventing pollution is proper installation of erosion and sediment controls.
When sediment enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and smothers stream habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of sediment or muddy water to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain sediment.
If sediment is improperly contained, it goes to our streams. Sediment can clog fish gills and smother habitat.
Clearing, Grading, Excavating - Sediment Control / Stabilization Best Practices:
- Install and maintain erosion and sediment controls to protect resources and prevent sediment from leaving the site or limits of disturbance (LOD) and entering the storm drain system or surface waters.
- Sweep up any sediment that tracks onto paved areas outside the LOD / construction entrances.
- Use plastic sheeting, tarps, 2” deep straw cover, mulch and/or erosion matting to temporarily stabilize exposed soil / slopes.
- Follow and implement the Pre-Storm Site Preparation Checklist.
When pavement or concrete is cut, a slurry is created. Controls need to be in place to prevent the sawcut slurry from entering a storm drain.
If sawcut slurry enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of sawcut slurry to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain and clean up sawcut slurry.
If sawcut slurry goes down a storm drain, it goes to a stream.
Saw Cutting & Paving Operations Best Practices:
- Keep slurry or other debris out of storm drains or surface waters.
- Use sand bags, booms around the immediate work area, and other spill containment techniques to contain and capture any non-stormwater discharges.
- Contain, collect (vacuum), and dispose of slurry from saw cutting operations.
Prevent a Sawcut Slurry Discharge:
- Minimize the amount of water used to reduce the amount of slurry generated.
- Block/cover storm drains to prevent slurry from entering.
- Contain slurry and sediment with temporary berms, sand bags or other diversion structures.
- Remove and dispose of contained slurry and debris. Clean up slurry as you work with a wet vac or shovel. For large projects, use a vacuum truck. When the site has dried, sweep the area and remove any remaining slurry/debris.
- Slurry and debris cannot be left on site or allowed to enter a storm drain.
After working with concrete, a concrete wash - a mix of concrete and water - is often left over. Properly containing and disposing of concrete wash is an important part of pollution prevention on construction sites.
If concrete wash enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. Not only does it contain toxic metals, its pH of 12 is similar to that of ammonia. Concrete wash also changes soil chemistry, can inhibit future plant growth, and has the potential to contaminate groundwater.
The discharge of concrete wash to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain and clean up concrete wash.
If concrete wash enters a storm drain, it goes to our streams.
Concrete Operations - Washout and Waste Management Best Practices: Concrete wash out will be conducted in a leak-proof container or leak-proof settling basin that is designed so that no overflows can occur due to inadequate sizing or precipitation. Hardened concrete wastes shall be removed and disposed of in a manner consistent with the handling of other construction wastes.
- Keep concrete wash water out of storm drains or surface waters.
- Size your washout facilities appropriately for the needs of the project.
- Do not locate washout facilities near storm drains.
- Wash out mixers and truck chutes in designated contained washout areas.
- Prevent tracking from washout areas.
- Place plastic sheeting, boards, or tarps under concrete truck chutes during pouring.
- Do not use concrete washout areas for dewatering.
Prevent a Concrete Wash Discharge
- Conduct concrete wash activities in designated areas with appropriate containment.
- Contain the wash in an appropriate structure that is sized for the site needs.
- All wash practices must be lined to properly contain wash water and prevent leaks.
- Dumpsters, roll-offs and other containers (even kiddie pools) may be used if properly lined and sized for the job.
- Remove and dispose of solids. Allow the water to evaporate and recycle the remaining solids or dispose of them in a landfill.
In the process of construction or home renovations, soapy wash water may be produced. After removing solids, wash water should always be poured out in an indoor drain. Indoor drains send water to Arlington's wastewater treatment plant to be cleaned. Outdoor yard drains and storm drains lead to neighborhood streams and parks.
When wash water enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of detergents or wash water to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain and properly dispose of wash water.
If wash water enters a storm drain or yard drain, it goes directly to a stream.
Washing Activities Best Practices: Wash water discharges to the storm drain system or surface waters are prohibited. The following pollution prevention practices and controls will be implemented where applicable.
- Never dump wash water or liquid wastes in a storm drain or surface waters.
- Provide a drum, prefabricated system, lined container, portable wash pad or other suitable containment system for cleaning equipment.
- Size the wash / containment area appropriately for the needs of the project.
- Locate the wash / containment area(s) far away from storm drains.
- Monitor containers for leaks or damage. Replace containers as needed.
Learn more about proper disposal of car wash or power wash water.
When rain falls on an excavated area construction site, accumulated water needs to be properly removed and contained to resume activities. Proper dewatering will contain sediment from muddy water on site.
When sediment from dewatering enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and smothers stream habitat for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of sediment or muddy water to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain sediment.
If sediment from dewatering operations is discharged into the street gutter, it goes to our streams. Sediment can clog fish gills and smother habitat.
Dewatering Operations Best Practices:
- Always use sediment controls when dewatering your construction site.
- Filter, settle, or similarly treat muddy, turbid or sediment-laden water prior to discharge.
- Use the dewatering detail on the approved Erosion & Sediment Control plan.
- Monitor dewatering operations to ensure the controls being used are effective (clear water being discharged) and the controls are not clogging or overflowing.
- Clean out or replace controls when they are no longer effective at removing sediment.
- Conduct pumping so that the rate of discharge does not overwhelm the dewatering system. Always allow for adequate settling and/or filtration.
Dewatering controls that can be used:
- Filter bag on stone bed with haybales
- Portable sediment tank
- Manufactured / customized system
Sand, soil and other materials may be stockpiled on a construction site, and paint, cleaning solvents, or other chemicals may be stored. Properly covering stockpiles and storing chemicals will help prevent pollution on your construction site.
When improperly stockpiled materials or chemicals enter a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of improperly stored chemicals or stockpiled materials to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain them.
If chemicals or stockpiled materials wash into the street gutter, they go to the streams.
Materials / Chemical Use and Storage Best Practices: Areas will be designated for material delivery and storage. These areas will be near construction entrances and not situated near storm drains. Lay downs areas will be shown on plans. Storage and containment areas will be adequately enclosed or covered. Additional pollution prevention practices and controls include:
- Cover stockpiled soil and other loose materials with a tarp, plastic sheeting, or other stabilization matting when not being actively accessed. Secure and anchor down the covers so they do not blow off and expose materials to rain. Place hay bales or booms along the perimeter of stockpile (downhill side).
- Keep the curb line (gutter) clear. Do not block the gutter with stockpiled materials. Leave adequate space between the curb and stockpile to allow stormwater to flow along the curb line. Pipes or boards laid over curbs may be used to create the flow-through space.
- Use secondary containment to store fuels, oil, grease, paint, solvents, sealers, cleaners, and other chemicals. Keep materials secure and covered when not in use.
Avoid leaks or spills of oil, fuel, vehicle fluids and other chemicals by using caution when fueling equipment and vehicles or conducting maintenance.
When oil or other chemicals enter a storm drain, they goes directly to local streams and create a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of oil or other chemicals to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to prevent leaks or spills.
If oil or other chemicals spill or leak into the street gutter and are not promptly contained and cleaned up, they go to our streams.
Equipment and Vehicle Fueling and Maintenance Best Practices: Designated areas for refueling vehicles or equipment or perform maintenance will be located away from storm drains and surface waters. Additional pollution prevention practices and controls include:
- Inspect vehicles and equipment daily for leaks. Address any leaks or spills immediately upon discovery.
- Place fuel mats, spill pads, boards, plastic sheeting, or other containment measures on the ground when fueling to contain drips, leaks, spills.
- Provide secondary containment for fuel tanks.
- Inspect fuel tanks and containers daily for signs of damage.
- Instruct employees not to “top off” or overfill vehicles or equipment to prevent spills.
- Provide secondary containment and secure storage fuel, oil, solvent and/or lubricants.
- Place drip pans, sheeting, and/or absorbent pads under heavy equipment when not in use (i.e. overnight) to capture any potential leaks.
Be a good neighbor and protect streams by keeping trash and debris out of the street gutter and storm drains.
When trash, waste, or construction debris enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of trash or debris to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain trash or construction debris.
If trash or debris washes into the street gutter, it goes to our streams.
Waste Management Best Practices: Trash, waste, and construction debris will be managed and disposed of properly. Designated areas for trash and debris collection will be situated as far away from storm drains as possible. Additional pollution prevention practices and controls include:
- Keep a sufficient number of waste containers on site to handle the quantity of waste produced.
- Collect or pick up construction waste as necessary to prevent overfilling.
- Cover open containers with lids or covers at the end of the work day and prior to rain events. Keep roll off containers covered when not being accessed. Keep lids and doors on dumpsters and/or / trash cans closed.
- Check waste containers frequently for damage / leaks. Always use DRY cleanup methods. Never power wash or hose out waste containers unless the wash water is collected and disposed of into the sanitary sewer system.
- Replace damaged containers / receptacles (leaking, cracked, corroded, or otherwise deteriorating).
Portable lavatories are often kept on construction sites. Keeping them properly maintained and located helps prevent leaks or spills.
If a leak or spill from a portable restroom enters a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of portable bathroom spills to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain liquid from portable restrooms.
If a portable restroom spills into the street gutter and the spill is not quickly contained and cleaned up, it goes to our streams.
Portable Lavatories Best Practices: Portable lavatory units will be properly situated and maintained to prevent pollution releases. Additional pollution prevention practices and controls include:
- Locate portable lavatories away from storm drains and surface waters.
- Keep portable lavatories level. Provide secondary containment (i.e. trays) if situated on paved surfaces.
- Inspect units frequently for leaks or damage.
- Clean and maintain units on schedule. Replace units if damaged or leaking.
While using best practices will prevent most spills, occasionally accidents happen. Having a well-stocked spill kit and proper spill clean-up response will help keep spills out of storm drains and streams.
When spills enter a storm drain, it goes directly to local streams and creates a toxic environment for fish and other aquatic life. The discharge of spills to the storm drain system is prohibited (Arlington County Code 26.7C). Enforcement action, including the issuance of civil penalties, may be taken against those who fail to contain and clean up spills.
If a spill washes into a storm drain, it goes to our streams.
Spill Kits and Spill Response Best Practices:
Clean up spills and leaks upon discovery using dry cleaning methods (placing absorbent materials, sweeping, shoveling, bagging, proper disposal). Never hose down a spill unless the wash water is contained, collected and disposed of properly.
Keep spill kits on site. Label, stock and keep the spill kit readily accessible. Inform all employees of the location of the spill kit(s) and how to respond to and report spills.
Spill kits should contain absorbent materials, pads, socks, plastic bags, and personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection). Shovels/brooms should be accessible.
Spill Response and Reporting:
- Check for hazards (flammable material, noxious fumes, cause of spill) – if flammable liquid, turn off engines and nearby electrical equipment. If serious hazards are present leave the area and call 911.
- Ensure the spill area is safe to enter and does not pose an immediate threat to health and safety
- Stop the spill source.
- Notify personnel in area of spill and potential dangers.
- Ask for assistance to block off area and help with cleanup efforts.
- Take measures to prevent a spill from spreading and/or entering storm drains (socks, booms, soil)
- Clean up spill using dry methods and dispose of materials in accordance with Safety Data Sheet specification and local, state, and federal regulations.
- Never flush or “hose down” a spill down into a storm drain.
- If spilled material has entered a storm drain or surface water; call the Fire Department (911)
Emergency Contacts:
- Arlington County Fire & Police 911 / 703-558-2222
- DES Water, Sewer, Streets 24-Hour Emergency 703-228-6555
- Washington Gas Emergency Line 703-750-1400
- VA Dept. of Emergency Management (24 hour) 804-674-2400
Water or sewer breaks or overflows must be reported to Arlington County Department of Environmental Services, Water, Sewer, Streets 24-Hour Emergency # 703-228-6555
Leaking underground storage tanks must be reported to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Northern Regional Office, 703-583-3800 and the Arlington County Fire Prevention Office, 703-228-4644
