Erosion & Sediment Control for Construction Projects

Uncontrolled stormwater runoff from construction sites can significantly impact South Portland’s water resources and Casco Bay. Sediment in waterbodies from construction sites can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, clog fish gills, smother aquatic habitat and spawning areas, impede navigation, and add nutrients.

The State’s Stormwater (MS4) Permit requires South Portland to develop a program that prevents erosion and sediment from construction activities and protects local water resources. The City’s ordinance has numerous provisions that require developers/owners and contractors to use “Best Management Practices” (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control.

The City strongly encourages property owners and/or developers to use excavation contractors that have been certified by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) in the proper use of erosion and sediment control (ESC) practices. State law requires excavation contractors working in the shoreland zone to have MEDEP's ESC certification.

This brochure provides additional information about local and state erosion and sediment control requirements. For more information please contact the City’s Stormwater Program Coordinator at 207-347-4138.

The City’s Construction Project Oversight Procedures specify the various roles and responsibilities for City staff, the developers/owners and the contractors in preventing erosion and sediment from entering local water resources. These procedures also refer directly to State ESC requirements for construction projects. The City also has an Erosion & Sediment Control Inspection Process that includes enforcement provisions for poorly managed construction projects.

Planning Board Regulation #2 is the form developers/owners and contractors must sign to certify that they have read and will comply with all applicable regulations to prevent erosion and sediment from entering local water resources. This form also refers directly to state ESC requirements for construction projects.

The City's Erosion & Sediment Control Inspection Forms are used by contractors to document construction project site conditions on a regular basis and to identify any deficiencies and corresponding corrective actions.

The City requires that all new development or redevelopment projects disturbing more than 15,000 square feet of land area must be inspected by City-approved third parties on at least a monthly basis for the duration of the project. Please contact the Planning & Development Department for more information.

MAINE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DOCUMENTS

COMPLY WITH MAINE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL LAW

MAINE EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER HIRING A CONTRACTOR CERTIFIED IN EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

DEP REQUIRES EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL CERTIFICATION FOR CONTRACTORS WORKING IN SHORELAND ZONE