Green Bay, WI Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Sediment reduction target
- 80% total suspended solids
- Plan required
- written, site-specific, per Sec. 16-41
- Duration
- until final site stabilization
- Enforcement
- stop-work order authority
- Penalty
- $50–$500 forfeiture per day
Summary
Green Bay requires permitted construction sites to cut sediment-laden runoff by 80 percent under an approved erosion and sediment control plan before the site reaches final stabilization.
(1)BMPs shall be designed, installed, inspected and maintained to control total suspended solids carried in runoff from the construction site as follows:a.For permitted construction sites of land disturbing construction activity, reduce the total suspended solids load by 80 percent, on an average annual basis, as compared with no sediment or erosion controls until the construction site has undergone final stabilization. No person shall be required to exceed an 80 percent sediment reduction to meet the requirements of this subsection.
Full Breakdown
City Code § 16-39 sets the erosion and sediment control performance standard for construction sites that require a permit under Article II. The responsible party must implement a written, site-specific erosion and sediment control plan meeting Sec. 16-41, using BMPs designed to reduce the total suspended solids carried in runoff from the site by 80 percent on an average annual basis, compared to having no controls at all, until the site reaches final stabilization. No one is required to exceed the 80 percent reduction target, and BMPs may be combined to reach it; if the target isn't achievable, the plan must explain why in writing.
Violations & Fines
Violating any provision of this article draws a forfeiture of $50.00 to $500.00 plus costs of prosecution per offense, with each day of noncompliance a separate violation (Sec. 16-44(a)(6)); the City may also issue a stop-work order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every construction site in Green Bay need an erosion control plan?
What sediment reduction does Green Bay require during construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Green Bay
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Brown County handle erosion control.