Skip to content
Menu

CSGP: Site Monitoring

Certified Erosion Sediment Control Lead (CESCL)

CESCL certification is required for the person or persons responsible for site monitoring. Since rain storms don’t necessarily adhere to a 9-5 workweek, sites over 1 acre are required to have a CESCL on site or on call 24/7 in case of emergency. To become CESCL certified, you may complete the two-day training from one of these approved courses. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed with an 8-hour refresher course within 6 months after expiration.

Site Inspections

You must conduct site inspections at least once per week as well as within 24 hours of a storm event or snowmelt resulting in discharge from the site. Inspectors must examine BMPs on the project site and in areas of construction support activity to determine how well they are working to control site stormwater and runoff.  Ecology has created a site inspection template that you may modify for your site. This template can act as your inspection log and is required to remain onsite and be made available to a regulator upon request.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself During Site Inspection

1. Will the existing BMPs prevent erosion and dirty water from running off the site during the next storm event?

2. Are there signs of discharge from the property that may create risk downstream?

3. Are there sources of pollution that could end up in the discharge from the site?

4. Are there signs that the BMPs we have are being overwhelmed?

5. Do any BMPs need to be maintained, repaired, or replaced?

6. Do additional BMPs need to be implemented?

Sampling

Weekly water quality sampling is also required when sites have stormwater discharge. Sampling is a critical component in ensuring compliance with the permit. The goal of sampling is to demonstrate that your BMPs are effective and that downstream water quality is protected. All sites are required to sample for turbidity, which is the measurement of the “cloudiness” or “muddiness” of the water. Sites with significant concrete work occurring, or have pH-altering materials being utilized or stored on site are also required to sample the pH. For more information on sampling, including sampling procedures, sample timing, and additional sampling requirements, please see our sampling page.