Galt requires erosion and sediment control best management practices on all construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more under the state Construction General Permit. Smaller sites must still prevent sediment from leaving the property during rainy-season grading.
California administers the statewide Construction General Permit (Order 2022-0057-DWQ or successor), which requires operators of construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more of soil to file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board, prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), and retain a Qualified SWPPP Developer. Within Galt, the Public Works and Building Divisions enforce additional local grading standards requiring erosion and sediment controls such as fiber rolls, silt fences, inlet protection, stabilized construction entrances, and hydroseeding or straw mulch on exposed slopes. The wet season for SWPPP purposes is October 1 through April 30, when more rigorous controls apply. Active grading during rain events is restricted unless adequate BMPs are in place. Galt sits in the Cosumnes River watershed, making sediment control especially important to protect downstream salmon and steelhead habitat. Smaller residential projects below 1 acre must still prevent tracking mud onto streets and sediment entering storm drains.
Site violations may result in SWRCB enforcement with penalties up to 10,000 dollars per day plus 10 dollars per gallon of unauthorized discharge. Local stop-work orders may also issue.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle erosion control.
See how Galt's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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