Temporary Erosion Control

• All projects meeting the threshold for a stormwater review require an TESC Plan, which includes both a site plan and a narrative report.  The site plan shows the location and details of all TESC measures, and the report contains additional directions and supporting information (such as a detailed construction sequence, calculations, etc.).  The level of detail will vary based on the size and scope of the project.  Requirements of small site TESC Plans are located in Appendix D of the current version of the KCSWDM and in the City's Pre-Approved Plans Policy D-12(PDF, 73KB). 
• The applicant must designate a CSWPP supervisor. Refer to the CSWPP Performance and Compliance Provisions in the current version of the KCSWDM to determine if additional qualifications are required of a CSWPP supervisor.
• Projects disturbing 2,000 square feet or greater are required to prepare a Storm Water Pollution Prevention and Spill (SWPPS) Plan, which addresses construction related pollution-generating activities. Guidelines for the SWPPS Plan are located Appendix D of the current version of the KCSWDM and in the City's Pre-Approved Plans Policy D-12(PDF, 73KB).
• Erosion control standard details are located in the City's Pre-Approved Plans.
• The TESC Plan and SWPPS Plan (if applicable) must be kept on site during all phases of construction.
• The City may require the CSWPP Supervisor to have a turbidity meter onsite and use it to monitor surface and stormwater discharges into onsite wetlands, streams, or lakes whenever runoff occurs from onsite activities and during storm events.
• Construction sites must have a minimum of 3 TESC inspections by City staff:
• • TESC Inspection #1: Required prior to pouring concrete for foundation and footings.
  • TESC Inspection #2:  Required after foundation backfill, rough site grading, and prior to subfloor framing inspection.  The subfloor framing inspection will NOT be conducted until the TESC inspection has been successfully completed.
  • TESC inspection #3:  Required for final site stabilization.  A final building department inspection and sign-off will not occur until the final TESC inspection has been successfully completed.
  • To schedule an TESC inspection, please call the Public Works Inspection Line at (425) 587-3805.
  • If a City Staff Member or bystander reports a potential illicit discharge to the City, the City may conduct an additional inspection to enforce BMP updates in order to reduce sediment-laden runoff. This may occur for each incident reported to the City. 

During construction, it may be necessary to pump groundwater or excess stormwater away from the site. This water can be contaminated with pollutants (including sediment) and cannot be discharged directly into the street or down a storm drain unless certain criteria are met. The following dewatering options are available:

1) Pump the excess water to another area of the site, and allow it to infiltrate into the soil.

2) If infiltration is not possible, water can be temporarily pumped to a storage facility (like a pond or tank) to allow settling prior to discharge. This water can be discharged into the sanitary sewer only if authorized by King County.

Refer to Policy E-1 of the City of Kirkland Pre-Approved Plans for approved methods in construction dewatering.

For specific requirements to discharge into the sanitary sewer, refer to the KC Fact Sheet & Construction Dewatering Request Form

Check out this series of 8 training videos focused on BMP's for small construction projects, created by the Washington Stormwater Center.

The videos provide visual guides for properly implementing erosion control best management practices. Specific topics include how to keep dirt on your worksite, keep your site in compliance with local and state regulations, and prevent costly fines that may be issued if a violation occurs.  

Individual Videos

1. Project Planning
   
   
2. Operational Controls
   
   
3. Perimeter BMP's - Part 1
   
   
4. Perimeter BMP's - Part 2
   
   
5. Covering BMP's - Part 1
   
   
6. Covering BMP's - Part 2
   
   
7. Conveyance BMP's
   
   
8. Project Completion
   
   

These videos provide information for designing erosion and sediment control plans and stormwater pollution prevention plans. Other requirements specific to your project may be applicable and beyond the scope of these videos.