Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be implemented on construction sites to control stormwater runoff and sediment from entering a watercourse. 

Corrine Wells with Division of Water provides information on BMPs, nonpoint source pollution (NPS) and NPS grants.  Contact Corrine Wells through e-mail, Corrine.Wells@ky.gov, or phone (502) 564-2225, extension 348.  The Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program has created an electronic mailing list in order to keep contractors and other interested parties informed and up to date on nonpoint source issues.

Projects that are funded through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) must utilize BMPs during the construction phase.  Because DWSRF is linked to federal money through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, BMPs are required to minimize environmental impacts for meeting requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Additionally, there are state regulations and requirements that govern stormwater permits.  BMPs must be incorporated into the final design plans of the construction project so the contractor will know that these design considerations must be implemented during construction phases.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are techniques used during construction to control stormwater runoff, sediment control, soil stabilization, as well as management decisions to prevent or reduce non-point source pollution.  The selection of an appropriate BMP will depend greatly on local site conditions, such as land use, topography, slope, water table elevation, and geology.  Usually, a combination of BMPs are used to prevent as much soil erosion and sedimentation as possible during storm events.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are required in construction projects to minimize environmental impacts for meeting requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  Additionally, some counties and urban areas may have local ordinances that require BMPs during construction.  Construction site owners and developers are responsible to keep storm drains and other discharge points clear throughout the entire construction site, including perimeter areas where surface runoff exits the site.

State water quality regulations require a stormwater permit (KPDES permit).  Currently, a stormwater permit is required on construction sites that disturb over 1-acre. Contractors and developers could be in violation of state water quality regulations when sediment is not contained on-site during construction phases.  Before construction begins, the developer should contact the Kentucky Division of Water, KPDES Branch, for a stormwater permit (502) 564-3410).

BMPs must be incorporated into the final design plan of the construction project so the contractor will know these must be implemented during construction phases.  BMPs must be inspected and repaired, if needed, after a storm event.  The contractor should maintain a log book to record the inspection and repair of the BMPs.

For additional information on BMPs, contact the Non-Point Source Section in the Division of Water (502-564-3410).  They have a manual available titled "Kentucky Best Management Practices for Construction Activities" written by Division of Conservation and Division of Water, August 1994. Additional information on BMPs is available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov.