Dust Control and Water Usage

Water must be sprayed during demolitions to help control windblown fine materials such as soil, concrete dust and paint chips. The amount of water must be controlled so that runoff from the site does not occur, yet dust control is achieved. Oils may never be used for dust control. See chapter 5.1.3 of the City’s Construction Stormwater Control Technical Requirements Manual (pdf).

To protect soil and stormwater from being polluted by demolition debris:

• Use water from a water truck or your existing water service. If you do not have water service, you must obtain a water connection.
  • If no water source or connection is available, you may apply for a hydrant permit to use water temporarily from a hydrant. Use of fire hydrants under non-firefighting conditions is regulated by SPU. For more information, visit Hydrant Permit Requirements.
• Protect the stormwater drainage system from sediment-laden runoff and loose particles. To the extent possible, dikes, berms or other methods must be used to protect overland discharge paths from runoff.
• Street gutters, sidewalks, driveways and other paved surfaces in the immediate area of the demolition must be swept daily to collect and property dispose of loose debris and garbage.
• Schedule demolition to take place during a dry time of the year.