Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Roadwork & Paving

Safe Environment Practices and Procedures for: Driveway/Sidewalk/Parking Lot/Road Construction Crews Seal Coat Contractors Construction Inspectors General Contractors Operators of grading equipment, paving machines, dump trucks and cement mixers

Roadwork & Paving Problems

Road paving, surfacing and pavement removal activities contribute to stormwater/urban runoff pollution. This is because they take place right in the street, where urban runoff contamination can result from asphalt, saw-cut slurry or excavated material being washed into storm drains. Rain or runoff then carries these toxic substances to the ocean through the storm drain system, posing a hazard to human and sea life. Extra planning is required to store and dispose of materials properly and guard against stormwater and ocean pollution.

• Keep materials out of the rain. Store them under cover, with temporary roofs or plastic sheets, protected from rainfall, runoff and the wind.


• Schedule excavation and grading work for dry weather.


• Develop and implement erosion and sediment control plans for embankments.


• Recycle used oil, concrete, broken asphalt, etc.

Equipment Maintenance Keep all vehicles and heavy equipment in good working order and inspect frequently for leaks. Conduct all vehicle/equipment maintenance and refueling at one location--away from storm drains. Perform major equipment/vehicle repairs and washing off site. Do not use diesel oil to lubricate equipment or parts.

• After breaking up paving, be sure to remove all chunks and pieces. Recycle them at a crushing company.


• Dispose of small amounts of dry concrete in the trash.


• Make sure broken pavement does not come in contact with rainfall or runoff.


• Shovel or vacuum saw-cut slurry and remove from the site. For disposal information contact the Los Angeles County Sanitation District or call (562) 966-7411.


• Cover or barricade storm drain openings during saw-cutting.

Asphalt & Concrete Disposal Options Use a crushing company like those listed below to recycle cement, asphalt and porcelain rather than taking them to a landfill. Dan Copp Crushing, Inc. Anaheim (714) 777-6400 Hansen Aggregates South Gate (800) 300-6120 RJ Noble Santa Ana (714) 637-1550 Alexander's Carson (310) 835-0247

• Cover catch basins and maintenance holes when applying seal coat, slurry seal, fog seal, etc.


• Use check dams, ditches or berms to divert runoff around excavations.


• Never wash materials from exposed aggregate concrete, asphalt or similar treatments into a street, gutter or storm drain. Collect and recycle, or legally dispose of all such material.


• Collect and recycle excess abrasive gravel or sand. Call the Integrated Solid Waste Management Office to order a Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Guide at (562) 492-9687.


• Avoid over-application by water trucks for dust control.

Spills Never hose down "dirty" pavement or surfaces. Clean up all spills and leaks using "dry" methods (with absorbent materials and/or rags), or dig up and remove contaminated soil. For disposal information, call the Los Angeles County Sanitation District at (562) 966-7411. Catch drips from paver with drip pans or absorbent material (cloth, rags, etc.) placed under the machine when not in use.