Sediment and the associated nutrients come from a variety of non-point sources. In a quickly urbanizing area such as the East Canyon Creek watershed, sediment from construction areas is one source of non-point source pollution that is rarely addressed. Many of the soil types in the Park City area have been identified in TMDL documents as high in nutrients and a potential pollutant source if not kept from eroding in the future. Currently, Storm Water Prevention Plans {SWPP) are required by Summit County and inspections of construction sites are conducted by county staff. However, this model of permit, enforcement, and punishment is only one way to ensure that SWPPs are properly planned, installed, maintained. This model also relies on a limited enforcement staff to inspect numerous sites, each of which changes on a daily basis.
To address this issue, Utah State University has developed a curriculum regarding stormwater runoff for those who have a direct influence on disturbing soil, and subsequently managing that disturbance regarding the ecological and water quality consequences of their storm water management. This course provides information on how construction storm water pollution can affect our watersheds, introduces best management practices, reviews storm water related laws and regulations, and highlights how storm water impacts our communities. The course provides a foundational understanding of these concepts for anyone working on a construction site, responsible for managing construction storm water, or interested in improving the water quality of our local watersheds.
If this applies to you, be sure to check out the curriculum and the next stormwater workshop (date TBA)!