BMP's (Best Management Practices)

1. BMPs a description.
1. Best Management Practices. This is the definition used by the EPA to define erosion control measures that are effectively used to prevent pollution from project site from entering into the storm drain system. A BMP can be anything from a physical element used to control runoff to a concept of managing a project site so that runoff and pollution do not enter the storm drain system.
2. Why they are needed.
1. BMPs are an integral part of a SWPP and therefore a part of a UPDES permit. Controlling runoff and pollution from entering into the storm drain system and hence local waters is federally mandated by the "Clean Water Act". A BMP is considered one of the first stepping stones in this process.
3. You can decide which ones to use for your project.
1. BMPs allow for flexibility in designing and erosion control measure that will work best for a particular site and its own challenges. It is best to be clear in explaining any BMP measure used for a project, as it will need to be used and interpreted by many different types of people in the future. This includes but is not limited to inspectors, engineers, developers, and contractors.

For more information on BMPs for storm water pollution prevention please visit www.epa.gov/npdes/menuofbmps