Environmental Compliance Procedures
Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Project Managers, Superintendents
Purpose
Establish procedures for environmental compliance on construction projects.
Key Environmental Areas
- Stormwater management (SWPPP)
- Dust control
- Hazardous materials
- Waste management
- Spill prevention
- Noise control
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
When Required:
- Sites disturbing 1+ acre
- Or part of larger development
- State/local requirements may vary
SWPPP Requirements:
Plan Must Include:
- Site description
- BMPs (Best Management Practices)
- Inspection schedule
- Monitoring procedures
- Training requirements
Common BMPs:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Erosion | Hydroseeding, blankets, mulch |
| Sediment | Silt fence, fiber rolls, inlet protection |
| Tracking | Stabilized entrance, wheel wash |
| Materials | Covered storage, secondary containment |
| Waste | Proper disposal, designated areas |
SWPPP Inspections:
Frequency:
- Weekly
- Before predicted rain
- Within 24 hours after rain (≥ 0.5")
Document:
- BMPs in place and functioning
- Repairs needed
- Corrective actions taken
SWPPP Inspection Checklist:
================================================================
SWPPP INSPECTION CHECKLIST
================================================================
Date: ______________ Inspector: ____________________________
Project: ___________________________________________________
Weather: ___________________________________________________
Rain in last 24 hrs: ☐ Yes ____" ☐ No
================================================================
PERIMETER CONTROLS:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Silt fence intact
☐ Pass ☐ Fail No sediment leaving site
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Inlet protection in place
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Fiber rolls secured
EROSION CONTROLS:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Slopes stabilized
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Exposed soil minimized
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Stockpiles covered
TRACKING CONTROLS:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Stabilized entrance effective
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Streets clean
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Track-out minimized
MATERIAL STORAGE:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Materials covered
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Hazmat properly stored
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Secondary containment
WASTE MANAGEMENT:
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Dumpsters covered
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Concrete washout contained
☐ Pass ☐ Fail Proper disposal
================================================================
DEFICIENCIES:
___________________________________________________________
CORRECTIVE ACTIONS:
___________________________________________________________
Repaired By: _____________________ Date: __________________
================================================================
Dust Control
Requirements:
- Minimize visible dust
- Water exposed soil
- Cover loads
- Limit vehicle speed
- Stabilize inactive areas
Dust Control Measures:
- Water trucks
- Soil stabilizers
- Covered loads
- Paved/graveled roads
- Wind fencing
Hazardous Materials
Common Hazmat in Construction:
- Fuels and oils
- Paints and solvents
- Adhesives
- Concrete additives
- Pesticides
Handling Requirements:
- Proper storage (covered, contained)
- Secondary containment
- Labeled containers
- SDS available
- Proper PPE
- Spill response ready
Hazardous Waste:
- Identify waste streams
- Proper classification
- Licensed disposal
- Manifests retained
- Record keeping
Spill Prevention and Response
Prevention:
- Secondary containment
- Drip pans under equipment
- Proper storage
- Refueling procedures
- Regular inspections
If Spill Occurs:
Immediate Actions:
- Stop the source
- Contain the spread
- Notify supervisor
- Protect drains/waterways
- Clean up properly
- Document
Reporting:
- Internal: Immediately
- External: Per regulations (varies by material/quantity)
Never:
- Wash into drains
- Bury contaminated soil
- Leave unreported
Waste Management
Construction Waste Types:
| Type | Disposal |
|---|---|
| General debris | Landfill |
| Recyclables | Recycling facility |
| Hazardous | Licensed hazmat |
| Concrete/asphalt | Recycling |
| Wood | Recycling/landfill |
| Metal | Recycling |
| Soil (clean) | Reuse/disposal |
| Soil (contaminated) | Licensed facility |
Waste Reduction:
- Source reduction
- Reuse materials
- Recycle
- Proper sizing of orders
Lead and Asbestos
Pre-Demolition Survey:
- Required before disturbing materials
- Identifies hazardous materials
- Determines handling requirements
If Present:
- Licensed contractor for abatement
- Proper permits
- Air monitoring
- Worker protection
- Proper disposal
- Clearance testing
Noise Control
Requirements:
- Local ordinances
- Time restrictions
- Decibel limits
Control Measures:
- Work during allowed hours
- Equipment maintenance
- Noise barriers
- Notify neighbors
- Monitor complaints
Environmental Documentation
Maintain:
- SWPPP and amendments
- Inspection reports
- Training records
- Permits
- Manifests
- Spill reports
- Waste disposal records
Retention:
- Per permit requirements
- Typically 3-7 years
- Longer for hazmat
Related Documents
- SWPPP Template
- Spill Response Plan
- Hazmat Handling
- Safety Program
Regulatory Agencies
| Area | Federal | California |
|---|---|---|
| Stormwater | EPA | SWRCB |
| Air | EPA | AQMD |
| Hazmat | EPA | DTSC |
| Occupational | OSHA | Cal/OSHA |
Template provided by support.construction. Verify local requirements.