Spring is here! Stormwater & Debris Reminders

Category: Build-Remodel-Topics
04/01/2026

Spring has finally arrived and the busy construction season is underway! Now is the right time to make sure your jobsite is stormwater‑ready and tidy.

Tame your construction debris, please

With high winds being common in the F-M Area, it can be challenging to keep construction-site debris and trash from  blowing around. 

• Use trash bins with lids or debris boxes with netting or tarps.
• Place smaller trash cans at work zones so crews are less likely to toss waste loosely.
• Empty bins frequently. A half-full bin is far less likely to turn into a wind-blown mess than an overflowing one.
• Require a 10 to 15 minute end-of-day cleanup as part of every trade’s scope of work.
• Focus on loose plastics, paper, foam, and cutoffs first since those travel the farthest.
• Encourage crews to do quick walk-throughs after especially windy days, not just at closing time.
   

Stormwater reminders

We’ve compiled a list of information from local cities on reminders they want to share with you. They continue to increase enforcement each year, and most violations are preventable with early planning and following best practices.

Before you begin work, make sure of the following:

• Erosion and sediment controls are installed before grading
• Inlet protection is in place
• Construction entrances/exits are stabilized
• Public streets are cleaned daily if tracking occurs
• BMPs are installed, inspected and maintained

STATEWIDE

North Dakota

Review homebuilder guidelines for erosion and sediment control.

FARGO

Peggy Amsbaugh, Engineering Tech | 701-241-1589

As the spring weather returns and the ground begins to thaw, the City of Fargo is reminding homebuilders and commercial construction contractors that they will need to have best management practices for stormwater runoff in place to meet the requirements of the city’s MS4 Discharge Permit.

Best management practices (BMPs) may include installing bio rolls or straw matting along back of curb at disturbed areas, temporary construction entrances, and inlet protection. Operators must have a designated concrete washout if they are not washing out at the plant.

The most popular infraction annually is vehicle track out so please provide a temporary construction entrance to reduce the amount of sediment entering the street. Track out should be addressed as needed throughout the day and at the end of each working day.

Erosion & Sediment Control Permits for residential homebuilders are issued automatically when applying for a building permit. All commercial contractors’ permits will be approved and permitted by storm sewer utility staff.

Inspections for residential construction will be conducted weekly throughout the construction season by storm sewer utility staff. Violations will be issued for non-compliance by email so be sure to provide the correct contact information associated with your Erosion & Sediment Control Permit.  All commercial sites will require at least one on-site inspection during the construction season.

Attention Fargo Contractors/Developers/Property Owners Notice – All sites should be using the appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater runoff as the ground thaws to meet compliance. Be advised you must have temporary controls in place in all areas of disturbance between your site and the receiving conveyance.

 Requirements may include:

• Perimeter control
• Temporary construction entrances
• Stockpile stabilization
• Concrete washout
• Effectively addressing vehicle track out

All BMPs and Approved inlet protection can now be reinstalled where required.

 Effective April 3, 2026, Notice of Violation will be issued for non-compliance.

WEST FARGO

Chad Zander | City Forester | 701-515-5400

The city of West Fargo would like to remind contractors that, as the ground thaws, all stormwater BMPs and erosion controls must be in place. Please check to ensure all existing controls are still in place, functioning properly and remember to clean out any BMPs that contain sediment. All trash on the site should be picked up and properly disposed of. All curb lines should be cleaned and any construction materials removed from the right-of-way.

Also, please remember to follow all parking regulations and spring road restrictions.

HORACE

 Caleb Nolte, Building Inspector | 701-492-2972

The Storm Water Management Plan can now be found in Chapter 9-03 of the City Ordinances. We will continue to increase enforcement of this policy each year. 

To comply with the ordinance, here are some best practices:

• Obtain all necessary permits before starting any grading or excavation.
• Follow the approved stormwater plan and update it if changes occur.
• Inspect erosion control measures regularly and document findings.
• Keep public streets clean of sediment and debris from your site.
• Ensure all BMPs are installed and maintained.

 

STATEWIDE

Minnesota

Review homebuilder guidelines for erosion and sediment control.

DILWORTH

L. Peyton Mastera | City Administrator | 218-287-2313

The City of Dilworth would like to remind you to include bio-rolls or silt fences to help minimize sediment from reaching the storm sewer system. Additionally, please ensure that crews are reminded to properly address any debris that enters the roadway after each workday. Failure to do so could result in a nuisance violation and/or criminal penalties.

Finally, we would like to remind you that there are many ways you can reduce polluted runoff:

• Keep trash, leaves, and grass clippings off streets and out of storm drains.
• Keep vehicles tuned up and repair leaks.
• Properly dispose of hazardous waste.
• Do not pour oil, pesticides, paint, or other materials down the storm drain.
• Minimize the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and de-icing materials.

MOORHEAD

Andrea J. Crabtree Nayes, CFM  | Utilities Engineer | 218-299-5387

Be proactive, don’t wait to get a notice of violation.  Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be in place before construction starts. 

• Perimeter control
• Inlet protection
• Construction entrance/exit
• Remove tracking from the streets

Be part of the solution not the pollution! If you have any questions, contact the Stormwater department . 

compiled by Elizabeth Kosel, BIA-RRV Education & Public Affairs Specialist