LAX CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES IMPACT WATER QUALITY

Construction projects remove vegetation and cause land disturbance that alters the natural topography that shields surface soils from erosion by wind and stormwater. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that without sound erosion controls in place, an average construction site can discharge into waterbodies more than 1,000 tons of sediment per acre per year, while forested lands contribute only 1 ton of sediment (0.1% of the amount from construction site runoff). To limit the amount of pollutant-carrying stormwater that discharges from construction sites, builders must obtain stormwater permits, prepare Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans, and implement best management practices on-site. Unfortunately, not all developers follow these permits and plans.

HELP US CATCH CONSTRUCTION SITE POLLUTERS

1. Select a construction site to monitor: See Riverkeeper's list of priority sites for 2008, which will be updated throughout the summer as construction begins. Or, call us, and we will help you identify a construction project that needs to be monitored near you.

2. Conduct Site Visits: To the best of your ability, visit a site on a regular basis (we recommend 2 visits per month) and ASAP after a heavy rain event. Remember, do NOT trespass.

3. Emergencies! Report Potential Water Quality Violations: If you observe a potential violation, document it and contact Riverkeeper immediately.

• Take photographs to document any potential water quality violations you find.
  
• Provide a brief description of the situation you observe.
  
• We will follow up by going to the site for further observation, or if there is sufficient photo documentation, present that evidence to the appropriate enforcement authorities. Riverkeeper has an established relationship with enforcement officials and can use legal and scientific resources to present the potential violation and conduct the necessary follow-up.

4. Riverkeeper Will Keep You Informed: Riverkeeper will keep you informed regarding any enforcement measures that are taken in response to our reports of potential violations.

For more information and to report a polluter, contact:
Heartie Look, Volunteer Coordinator
(914) 478-4501
hlook@riverkeeper.org