Erosion / Sediment Control

Did you know that . . .

Federal and State Water Polices require proper stormwater management and erosion and sediment control to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from all construction sites? Uncontrolled sediments can clog storm drains, damage sensitive wildlife habitats and pollute canals, rivers, and coastal waters? During a rainfall, construction site sediments that contain harmful pollutants such as oil and grease are carried into our canals, rivers, and coastal waters.

You can avoid polluting the environment by following these tips and suggestions:

• Apply Best Management Practices (BMPs) to retain sediment on-site during construction projects.
• Avoid disturbing the soil if rain is in the forecast.
• Seed or mulch bare areas to help with erosion prevention.
• Provide storm drain inlet protection.
• Use a sediment basin or trap when doing any pumping of water that could eventually reach a storm drain.

Erosion and sediment control should be addressed during the design phase of a construction project. In most cases, effective and practical measures are available and should be implemented at the construction site to minimize erosion potential and to prevent sediment from reaching local waterways.

Preventive measures taken prior to and during the construction process are more effective, economical, and environmentally sound than corrective measures needed to restore entire bodies of water.

By making small changes in the way we do things, Fort Lauderdale residents can help address many of the City's stormwater management issues, help keep our waterways clean, and preserve Fort Lauderdale's environment for future generations.

For additional information on the Stormwater Management Program, please call the Public Works Ddepartment at 954-828-8000.