The City of Watertown would like to remind all contractors, developers, and individuals disturbing the ground to use “Best Management Practices (BMPs)” to minimize sediment and other construction related debris leaving construction sites. Sediment that is eroded and washed away from construction sites can result in damage to adjacent property and the city’s storm sewer system. It is also a major contributor to pollution in streams and lakes. The City of Watertown is required to maintain and enforce erosion and sediment control standards as part of the City’s stormwater permit from the State Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). All construction activity within the city is expected to be conducted following accepted BMP practices including: limiting access to the site, preserving or establishing vegetated buffers, installing silt fences downstream of exposed soil, properly containing concrete washout and waste materials, sweeping escaped sediment daily, dust control, protecting stockpiles and construction materials from wind and rain, cleaning up spills immediately, and re-stabilizing construction sites as soon as possible when the work is complete. The City asks for cooperation in implementing and maintaining the required erosion and sediment controls. Please refer to the City’s Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices Manual or contact the Engineering Department at 882-6202 for more information.