Construction Site Runoff Control

This component of the SWMP establishes requirements to be implemented on all construction activities to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff resulting from land disturbing and construction activity. The MS4 NPDES General Permit, as issued by SCDHEC, requires that York County enact, through the adoption of Chapter 152 – Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Ordinance, a program that controls runoff from construction sites with a land disturbance of greater than or equal to one (1.0) acre, including projects less than one (1.0) acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

As authorized by Chapter 152 – Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Ordinance, York County requires that construction site operators select and implement appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to reduce or eliminate the impacts to receiving waters. York County has established review procedures for construction site plans to determine potential water quality impacts and ensure the proposed control measures are adequate. These procedures include the creation of the York County Stormwater Management Design Manual to aid (1) owners, developers, and design professionals in the preparation of site construction plans and drawings, and (2) County Staff in the review of these site plans to ensure consistency with the County’s sediment and erosion control requirements.  

Once plans are approved by the County and appropriate permits issued, York County has established requirements for construction inspection and enforcement of erosion and sediment control measures once construction begins. These inspections are intended to ensure that construction activities are in compliance with Chapter 152 – Stormwater Management and Sediment Control Ordinance and the Stormwater Management Design Manual. The EPA and also SCDHEC recommends that training on stormwater controls for construction site operators be mandated in MS4 permits as well where training should address site requirements for control measures, local stormwater requirements, enforcement activities, and penalties for non-compliance.