Erosion and Sediment Control
Surrey City Council is committed to improving the water quality of our creeks and the local aquatic environments through the promotion and adoption of sustainable development practices within Surrey. Studies of urban watersheds around the world have identified construction sites as being the number one source of stormwater pollution in our neighbourhoods, with the principle contaminant being soil; commonly referred to as “sediment” once it erodes and becomes suspended in the water column.
While the inherent nature of development and construction exposes large quantities and areas of soil to the elements; these sites when managed appropriately can significantly reduce the pollutant loading in the stormwater leaving sites during rain events.
The core to the City’s strategy to managing this pollutant source is the Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) By-law that was enacted by Council in March 2007. The ESC By-law sets forth mandatory standards for site ESC planning and the adoption of Best Management Practises during construction; aimed at ensuring that sites discharge is no greater than permissible maximum discharge level for Total Suspended Solids, 75mg/L TSS.
Follow the links to obtain more information about the ESC by-law and site requirements:
Erosion & Sediment Control By-law
Information for Small Construction Sites
Information for Large Construction Sites
Other Resources & FAQs