Tempe requires erosion and sediment control during construction activities under its stormwater management program and building code. Projects disturbing one acre or more must obtain an Arizona AZPDES Construction General Permit from ADEQ. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required. Best Management Practices (BMPs) must prevent sediment from leaving the construction site.
Tempe's erosion control requirements are enforced through the city's stormwater management program and building regulations (Chapter 8). All construction projects must implement erosion and sediment control measures to prevent soil from leaving the site. Projects disturbing one acre or more require an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Construction General Permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be prepared and maintained on-site during construction. Required Best Management Practices include silt fences, sediment basins, stabilized construction entrances, inlet protection, and dust control. In Tempe's desert environment, wind erosion and dust generation are significant concerns alongside water erosion. Maricopa County air quality rules require dust control permits for earth-moving activities on sites larger than 0.1 acre. The city inspects construction sites for erosion control compliance. Post-construction stormwater management is also required for permanent development.
Failure to implement erosion controls may result in stop-work orders, fines from the city and ADEQ, and potential EPA enforcement for Clean Water Act violations.
Tempe, AZ
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Tempe, AZ
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Tempe, AZ
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Maricopa County.
See how other cities in Maricopa County handle erosion control.
See how Tempe's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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