Barrier tape marks the limits of the construction site.
Vermont Business Magazine With this year’s construction season ahead, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wants to remind Vermonters about requirements to help protect the state’s waterways.
“We know that it is a year-round challenge to protect water quality at construction sites,” said DEC Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. “To safeguard Vermont’s waterways and their many benefits, it is key to use measures that reduce erosion and keep soil on construction sites.”
Construction activities require a Construction Stormwater Permit under the Vermont Construction General Permit 3-9020 when total land disturbance is:
- Equal to or greater than 1 acre, or
- Less than 1 acre but is part of a larger common plan of development, if the larger development will ultimately result in the disturbance of 1 or more acres.
Permittees must have an Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) plan. Measures in the EPSC plan must follow the Vermont Standards and Specifications. Examples of measures include marking construction limits, installing stone check dams, and promptly stabilizing areas of earth disturbance.
“Our department provides Vermonters with resources to better understand the full suite of measures, follow permit requirements, and protect our state’s remarkable surface waters,” said Sinsigalli. “Permittees help us reduce erosion in these special ecosystems while cutting costs to maintain important infrastructure like storm sewers and road ditches.”
To learn more, interested parties may view the permit application instructions or the Low Risk Site Handbook. The DEC Stormwater Management Program oversees regulations and offers technical assistance for stormwater management.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Website.
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