Requirements For Erosion and Sediment Control

Soil erosion and sedimentation pose a serious threat to water quality.

  • Erosion is the wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind or water.
  • Sedimentation is the accumulation of soil and other matter transported from the land by wind or water.

The State Water Resources Control Board mandates the regulation of runoff and the treatment of stormwater into drainage systems and waterways under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, including construction stormwater from project sites.

The prevention of stormwater pollution is a responsibility shared by everyone involved in the development/construction process, including Project engineers, developers, contractors, property owners, municipal planners, and municipal building inspectors.

The San Mateo County Planning and Building Department requires the submittal of an erosion and sediment control plan for review and approval prior to the issuance of any demolition, grading, or building permit that involves site disturbance.

Projects that involve 1 acre or more of land disturbance are also required to demonstrate coverage under the State’s Industrial General Permit (Order 2014-0057-DWQ), prior to issuance of a grading permit.

For extensive information on Construction Best Management Practices, please visit the City/County Association of Governments Of San Mateo County (C/CAG)’s Flows to Bay website.

Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Requirements County Planning and Building Department and Department of Public Works’ Enforcement Response Plan (ERP)