Copper Sources and Management Strategies Clearinghouse

 

 

 

Copper Sources - P2/BMPs

Stormwater Runoff

Vehicle Brake Pads
Architectural Copper
Pool/Spa/Fountain Algaecides
Copper Pesticides
Industrial Copper Use
Soil Erosion
Mobile Cleaning
Vehicle Washing
Vehicle Services

Discharges to POTWs

Copper Piping Corrosion
Industrial Copper Use
Cooling Towers
Printing
Vehicle Services

Shoreline Activities

Marine Anti-fouling Coatings
Copper Algaecides
Site Source Control, Design, and Waste Management

 

 

 

Soil Erosion

Soils found in San Francisco Bay and other parts of the nation naturally contain trace levels of copper. When soil washes off within urban areas, it carries copper to San Francisco Bay. While a certain amount of soil erosion is normal, human activities in Bay area watersheds have accelerated soil erosion. For example, soil is disturbed at hundreds of construction sites every year within the San Francisco Bay area.

Stormwater Control Measures

To prevent releases of soil and other pollutants into stormwater runoff, the State Water Resources Control Board requires all construction sites larger than one acre to obtain coverage under the statewide Construction General Permit and develop and implement Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans. Municipal grading ordinances also require erosion and sediment control plans at sites where large quantities of soil are disturbed. Municipal agencies are implementing construction site inspection programs and outreach to require contractors to adhere to these plans. In addition, in accordance with municipal stormwater permit provisions, municipalities are requiring new and redevelopment projects that create one acre or more of impervious surface to provide stormwater treatment controls on-site to reduce stormwater pollution (including sediment loads) to the maximum extent practicable.

Construction of new impervious surfaces also changes the quantity and timing of runoff flows in urban creeks. These changes can accelerate erosion of stream beds and banks which can contribute to sediment loads discharged to the Bay by streams. Municipalities are beginning to develop and implement hydromodification management plans and associated management measures to protect streams from increased potential for erosion and other impacts to beneficial uses.

Since regulations exist to limit soil erosion and sedimentation, and municipalities have implemented control measures to address soil erosion from construction activities and hydromodification, it does not appear that additional control measures (relative to copper) are warranted.

Wastewater Control Measures

It is unlikely that soil erosion represents a significant or a controllable source of copper loading to Publicly Owned Treatment Works.

Best Management Practices

Best management practices information sources include:

California

Other States

  • The Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook -The Commonwealth of Virginia published this handbook to provide guidance for all state erosion and sediment control programs. It covers basic concepts, measure design, installation, maintenance, plan review procedures and administrative guidelines to support compliance with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law and Regulations.
  • Maine Erosion and Sedimentation Control BMPs - The State of Maine developed this handbook to help land development consultants and contractors incorporate urban Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion and sedimentation control into project design, planning, and construction. This compilation of BMPs provides a menu from which project designers and contractors may choose the practices appropriate to specific projects and sites.