The BMP Handbook is provided below as a complete download and as individual sections. This handbook evaluates numerous Best Management Practices (BMPs) by detailing BMP usage, installation, inspection, maintenance, and design specifications. The handbook also provides design aids that give guidance on how to determine trapping efficiencies of various Sediment Control BMPs.
The proper use of BMPs is essential to effectively handle stormwater runoff from construction activities. These practices should be implemented in site-specific SWPPPs to identify and promote stormwater pollution prevention.
Update: The Department will be revising sections of the BMP Handbook on a section-by-section basis, and due to these revisions the full version of the manual has been taken down. All sections of the handbook are still available through the links provided below.
LIDs
Low Impact Development is a concept that addresses stormwater management at its source.
The NPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges From Large and Small Construction Activities requires that areas disturbed by construction reach " final stabilization " before permit coverage can be terminated.
The process towards final stabilization is typically initiated by applying topsoil or compost, planting a mix of grass and forbs seeds, and fertilizing areas of bare soil that resulted from construction activities disturbing these areas. These disturbed areas must establish a "permanent" cover of desirable vegetation that's at least 70% as dense as the pre-disturbed vegetative cover in order to be considered as reaching final stabilization.
Stabilization measures, in general, should be initiated as soon as practicable in portions of the site where constructions activities have temporarily or permanently ceased. All disturbed areas should be stabilized within 14 days of when any construction activities have ceased.
SCDES BMP Handbook
- BMP Field Manual(18.94 MB)
- List of Acronyms
- Basic Design Procedures
- Engineering Aids
- Alternative BMPs
- Innovative Technologies
- IDEAL Model
- Water Quality Control
- BMP Construction Details (CAD) (Revised March 2014)
- Appendix A - BMP Guidelines
- Appendix B - BMP Selection Flowchart
- Appendix C - Seeding Rate Tables
- Appendix D - Wetland Vegetation
- Appendix E - Soils
- Appendix F - SC Rainfall Data
- Appendix G - Erosion Control Standard Details
- Appendix H - Sediment Control Standard Details (Revised March 2014)
- Appendix I - Runoff Control Standard Details (Revised March 2014)
- Appendix J - Water Quality Standard Details
- Appendix K - Figures
Erosion Prevention BMPs
- Erosion Prevention
- Surface Roughening
- Temporary Seeding
- Mulching
- Erosion Control Blankets
- Turf Reinforcement Mats
- Flexible Growth Media
- Bonded Fiber Matrix
- Permanent Seeding
- Sodding
- Riprap
- Outlet Protection
- Dust Control
- Polyacrylamide (PAM)
Sediment Control BMPs
- Sediment Control
- Sediment Basin (Revised March 2014)
- Sediment Trap
- Silt Fence
- Rock Checks
- Sediment Tubes
- Construction Entrance
- Inlet Protection (IP)
- Filter Fabric IP
- Sediment Tube IP
- Wire Mesh and Stone IP
- Block and Gravel IP
- Rigid IP
- Surface Course Curb IP
- Inlet Tubes
- Rock Sediment Dikes
Runoff Control and Conveyance BMPs
- Runoff Control And Conveyance Measures
- Pipe Slope Drains
- Temporary Stream Crossing
- Diversion Measures
- Level Spreader
- Subsurface Drains
- Construction Dewatering
Low Impact Development (LID) BMPs
- Vegetated Conveyance Swales
- Stream Buffers
- Disconnected Roof Tops
- Cluster Development
- Natural Infiltration