Suffolk County Stormwater Management Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation requires that all new construction and redevelopment projects that disturb greater than or equal to one (1) acre of soil obtain a NYS pollution discharge elimination system (SPDES) stormwater permit for construction activites.

This permit requires that construction site operators prepare a stormwater pollution prevention plan prior to commencement of construction, and that best management practices set forth in two design manuals be implemented, among other requirements. View the full SPDES permit for stormwater discharges from construction activity (PDF) (entering NYSDEC's website).

New York State approved best management practices for construction are available in the New York State Standards and Specifications for Sediment and Erosion Control (entering NYSDEC's website).

New York State approved best management practices for post-construction are available in the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (entering NYSDEC's website).

Suffolk County will primarily choose from these state approved best management practices when designing projects that disturb greater than or equal to one acre of land in order to comply with New York State's regulations. The list below includes all NYS approved BMPs and links to a description from the above manuals. Complete descriptions and directions for design and implementation should be retrieved from New York State's approved manuals.

There are many other Best Management Practices for Construction that are being used throughout the country. The DEC does allow other non-conventional Best Management Practices to be used, but requires a longer review time for these alternative methods at this time. EPA has a Menu of BMPs (entering EPA's website) with more options listed. Also stay tuned to this website as descriptions of new, innovative BMPs are added.