SWPPP Best Management Practices (BMPs)

BMPs are the physical controls, maintenance procedures, and management practices used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants in stormwater. They fall into three main categories.

Erosion Control BMPs

These prevent soil from becoming dislodged in the first place — the most effective approach to stormwater management. Examples include:

• Temporary and permanent seeding
• Mulching and erosion control blankets
• Geotextiles and turf reinforcement mats
• Slope roughening and terracing
• Preserving existing vegetation

Sediment Control BMPs

Capture sediment that has already been mobilized:

• Silt fences and filter barriers
• Sediment basins and traps
• Check dams in drainage channels
• Inlet protection for storm drains
• Construction entrance stabilization

Good Housekeeping BMPs

Prevent non-sediment pollutants from entering stormwater:

• Proper materials storage and handling
• Concrete washout containment
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance areas
• Spill prevention and response procedures
• Waste management and disposal