Construction practices are known to rapidly increase the erodibility of soils. This increased erosion of soils can have a detrimental affect on surface waters. Soil leaving a construction site can enter a storm sewer system which ultimately leads to area lakes, wetlands, streams and rivers. The sediment that flows to these waterways, from construction sites , is sometimes contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, or other substances like oils or grease that are associated with construction activities.
It is important that we work to maintain all soils on site to ensure the health of our local surface waters. On this page you will find important links to the City of Manitowoc's ordinances that relate to Stormwater Management and Construction Site Erosion control. Also included, are links to the permit forms and information all sheets that will help you to ensure a good site when doing work in the City of Manitowoc. Lastly, is a list of helpful web pages that five information on Best Management Practices that can be used at construction sites.
Many construction activities can have detrimental effects on waterways. One such practice is the washing out of concrete trucks into inlets and near rivers, streams, lakes or wetlands. One study showed that concentrations of portland cement concrete (PCC) in water could kill rainbow trout in less than 30 minutes. Concrete wastes have a high pH and are highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life.
The City of Manitowoc DOES NOT allow dumping of any of these materials in or near inlets, the lake, rivers, streams or wetlands. This is a violation of local, state and federal laws. If you have been dumping in these areas stop immediately. Alternatives include: designating specific concrete washout areas, isolate the work area with berms to prevent the cement from entering waterways or inlets, allow the material to dry and properly dispose of the hardened material.
For more information see:
The Clean Water Act's: Impact on operations (Concrete)
Cement and Concrete: Environmental Considerations
The Stormwater Management Ordinance for the City of Manitowoc is intended to control the quality and the quantity of stormwater that is leaving newly developed and redeveloped sites. As the City continues to develop it is important for us to plan for future quantities of stormwater. With this ordinance the City can plan for future increases in stormwater runoff. With increases in stormwater, the City also needs to be prepared for possible increases in contaminants that are associated with urban stormwater runoff. The stormwater management ordinance is one way to help ensure clean water for the future as well as promoting environmentally sensitive decisions.
