By David Vaughn, Engineering Program Specialist
Ensuring that construction sites are safe for people and our waterways is essential as College Station grows. Construction activities can introduce pollutants into nearby streams through our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, or MS4.
The MS4 comprises city streets, gutters, ditches, and storm drains and is not connected to the sanitary sewer system that routes wastewater to treatment facilities. If untreated pollutants aren’t properly contained, they can be discharged into our waterways.
Examples of stormwater pollutants commonly found on construction sites are trash, sediment, concrete washout, paint, building materials, and other construction debris. The contaminants can degrade water quality, cause drainage problems such as localized flooding, and make roadways dangerous.
Operators of regulated construction sites are legally required to prevent stormwater pollution by implementing management practices such as silt fencing, storm inlet protection devices, designated concrete washout areas, and stabilized site entrances.
Contractors should also practice good housekeeping by following these guidelines:
- Sweep-up sediment tracked into the street from the site. It’s illegal to wash the sediment into storm drains.
- Ensure silt fencing is appropriately installed and functioning throughout the project.
- Remove sediment and debris from storm inlet protection devices as needed.
- Collect and properly dispose of trash and debris.
- Clean paint brushes in a designated area or discard them properly. It’s illegal to clean brushes and dispose of excess paint in the MS4.
- Prevent construction materials, such as masonry, from leaving the site.
- Verify that concrete washout areas are not leaking and empty or replace the washout areas when they have reached 75% capacity.
Stormwater Pollution Reporting
Common signs of stormwater pollution include:
- Trash, construction material, or debris entering a street, ditch, or storm drain.
- Sediment-laden stormwater runoff.
- Discolored water or water with an oily sheen.
If you see signs of stormwater pollution, contact Planning and Development Services at 979-764-3570 or cspds@cstx.gov. You can also report it online through SeeClickFix.
For more information, visit our stormwater management webpage.
About the Blogger
David Vaughn is in his fourth year as Planning and Development Services’ engineering program specialist. He worked as an environmental coordinator for FedEx Express from 2015-20. A native of Silsbee, David earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from Sam Houston State in 2016.
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