NC-SELDM Catalog The NC-SELDM Catalog is a tool for helping determine stormwater treatment goals for project sections. The tool was developed by USGS and NCDOT leveraging the capabilities of USGS’ Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) to evaluate the potential risk to water quality from a highway project. Results from the NC-SELDM Catalog should be recorded in the project’s preliminary Stormwater Management Plan (pSMP). A series of four (4) short training videos on the use of the NC-SELDM Catalog is available through the NC Learning Center via the Learning Management System (LMS).
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BMP Inspection and Maintenance Program Stormwater best management practices (BMPs) can be highly effective at removing pollutants from incoming runoff. However, all BMP structures require regular maintenance to continue functioning properly over time. NCDOT has implemented a BMP Inspection and Maintenance Program to assist with the ongoing maintenance needs of all BMPs. The objective of this program is to keep the BMPs in good operating condition to achieve maximum pollutant removal. NCDOT developed a BMP Inspection and Maintenance Manual that includes written procedures outlining the inspection and maintenance requirements for stormwater BMPs on NCDOT's right-of-way. Staff receive training based on this manual and track activities in the Stormwater Controls Management System (SCMS). | |
BMP Toolbox for Post Construction Stormwater Program
NCDOT’s Best Management Practices (BMP) Toolbox provides guidance on the design of BMPs in the linear environment (i.e., along roadways). Each chapter describes a specific type of BMP. The entire toolbox is continually under evaluation for revision to include updated planning and design information synthesized from NCDOT’s research and other related stormwater research work in North Carolina. Chapters are updated periodically, and new BMPs are added to the toolbox after their suitability has been evaluated. The BMP Toolbox is intended to serve as a resource for NCDOT employees, contractors and other entities concerned with stormwater management. | |
BMP Retrofit Programs (BMPR)
The NPDES Stormwater Permit requires NCDOT to have a Best Management Practice (BMP) Retrofit Program. A BMP is a structural (detention basin) or a nonstructural (pollution prevention plan) technique known to be the most effective and practical method of controlling stormwater pollution in a specific area. The Retrofit Program applies or installs BMPs into the existing highway facility. NCDOT has constructed and will continue to construct BMPs across the state to improve water quality. | |
Construction Programs
NCDOT is committed to reducing the stormwater impacts of transportation-related development on both linear and non-linear construction projects. The department implemented a sediment and erosion control program for construction activities in 1970, three years prior to the state regulation in 1973. In February 1991, the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission (SCC) and DLR delegated the authority to NCDOT to administer its own sediment and erosion control program within the jurisdiction of its activities. This progressive program requires preparing erosion control plans, implementing and maintaining standard specifications and project-special provisions and monitoring active work sites for compliance with the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (SPCA). The North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (SPCA) essentially prohibits visible off-site sediment from any land-disturbing activity. The potential for widespread impacts due to improperly managed construction activities has led NCDOT to adopt the highest level of Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) guidelines and standards. The ES&C manual provides guidance for NCDOT designers and contractors on how to evaluate, plan and conduct the State’s transportation-related construction needs while controlling soil erosion and sediment to the standards of the SPCA. This manual presents E&SC information for NCDOT construction activities beginning with regulatory drivers and planning requirements and finally ending with design and construction guidelines for E&SC Best Management Practices (BMPs). The manual chapters are available for download below. | |
Industrial Activities Program
The Industrial Activities (IA) Program is responsible for ensuring that NCDOT is in compliance with the NPDES Stormwater Permit requirements as they apply to NCDOT's industrial facilities. These industrial facilities include maintenance yards, rail yards, and ferry terminals in all 14 NCDOT Divisions in North Carolina. Each facility is required to have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP) in place because activities conducted at the site, such as equipment fueling and maintenance, pesticide and fertilizer storage, waste disposal and salt and de-icing chemical storage, could potentially contribute pollutants to the storm drainage system if they are not properly managed. The SPPP outlines best management practices (BMPs) that minimize stormwater pollution. NCDOT field personnel are trained to be aware of stormwater issues and to implement stormwater BMPs. | |
Research Program
NCDOT continues to explore new and innovative technologies that may be suitable for use with the linear nature of most NCDOT activities. NCDOT is actively conducting and funding research to investigate and evaluate suitable methods for treating pollutants associated with NCDOT activities. Active research programs involving detailed analytical monitoring have been established to investigate and document the impacts of stormwater runoff from highway surfaces as well as to investigate the effectiveness of BMPs in pollutant removal. Specific information about stormwater-related research can be found on the NCDOT Research and Analysis Program website. | |
Stormwater System Inventory and Prioritization Program (SSIPP)
NCDOT maintains a geospatial inventory of its roadway system and sensitive waters of the state. This inventory allows NCDOT to prioritize locations for potential best management practices based on roadway and water quality attributes. NCDOT also tracks the location of outfalls from the Department's industrial facilities. | |
Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
The TMDL Program provides technical support to NCDENR and USEPA in the development of TMDLs and other regulatory initiatives to ensure a fair, reasonable, and proportionate assessment of NCDOT's pollutant load contribution and reduction responsibility. The TMDL Program also manages compliance with the NCDOT's load reduction obligations through implementation of Part III Section C of the Department's NPDES permit. In addition to these requirements, the TMDL program is responsible for supporting compliance with other NC Division of Water Quality Planning Department initiatives that have potential to affect the HSP, such as Category 4b demonstration projects and nutrient management rules. | |
Vegetation Management Program
How we treat roadside vegetation can greatly improve the quality of stormwater runoff from our highways. The Highway Stormwater Program is particularly interested in pesticide and fertilizer use and in mowing techniques. For example, using a chemical that has a minimum residual effect on the environment, such as a biodegradable chemical, will benefit roadside plant species. NCDOT currently works with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and local universities to determine which pesticides and fertilizers to use and the appropriate amount to apply on roadside vegetation. NCDOT trains its vegetation managers to select vegetation management activities that minimize the amount of pollution carried off in stormwater. Proper management of roadside vegetation is a crucial aspect of highway safety. The greatest priorities are hazard-free safety clear zones, low vegetation in the operational zones and high visibility on the roadways. Vegetation managers have adopted an integrated pest management (IPM) program for roadside vegetation. The IPM program includes the following components: plant selection and management, vegetation and pest monitoring, pest biology and ecology, and pesticide selection and usage. | |
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program (IDDEP) The focus of NCDOT’s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program (IDDEP) is to detect and eliminate illicit discharges, spills, and illegal dumping into the NCDOT transportation separate storm sewer system, and to report such findings to DENR for appropriate enforcement. The success of this program depends on NCDOT employees, contractors, volunteers, and the general public. NCDOT’s IDDEP consists of investigating and reporting findings, a standard point of contact, an IDDEP tracking database, standardized IDDEP reporting procedures including an IDDEP Field Report Form, and ongoing training initiatives. NCDOT provides training to appropriate employees and other individuals that access NCDOT right-of-way on how to recognize and report illicit discharges and illegal dumping activities as they perform their routine work along NCDOT roadways.
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BMP Toolbox Manual
The Best Management Practices Toolbox provides guidance on the design of post-construction BMPs for NCDOT projects. Each chapter describes a specific type of BMP. The entire toolbox is continually under evaluation for revision to include updated planning and design information synthesized from NCDOT’s research and other related stormwater research work in North Carolina. Chapters are updated periodically, and new BMPs are added to the toolbox after their suitability has been evaluated. The BMP Toolbox is intended to serve as a resource for NCDOT employees, contractors and other entities concerned with stormwater management. | |
Educational Materials As the agency responsible for managing North Carolina's system of roads, NCDOT has developed strategies and policies to improve stormwater quality throughout the state. We want the citizens of North Carolina to know what we're doing about stormwater runoff from NCDOT's roadways and facilities. NCDOT has many employees across the state who, like you, enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating in our waters. Stormwater pollution affects our North Carolina way of life. That's why we're making every effort to improve the quality of our stormwater runoff. Through educational materials HSP strives to keep North Carolina citizens informed about the efforts DOT is making to reduce stormwater pollution in our community. HSP also strives to make resources available to show community members how they can make small changes that have a big impact on our water quality. Some of the current educational materials available to the public include the HSP website, stormwater facts flash cards, brochures, and educational signage kiosks at various BMPs around the state.
Browse the library below to find posters, brochures and other educational stormwater materials.To do this, we'd like to invite you, as informed citizens, to help NCDOT make improvements in our environment. By making simple changes in your everyday activities, you can have a positive impact on water quality. Better water quality means cleaner water for drinking and for recreation.
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Environmental Sensitivity Map (ESM) An early step in project planning includes evaluating potential environmental impacts from a proposed project. The ESM is an online mapping system that allows planners, designers, and engineers to view maps of proposed projects and nearby environmental features such as streams, wetlands, fish spawning areas and others sensitive sites. ESM can also display locations of stormwater controls, outfalls, and other infrastructure. ESM makes use of map services hosted by NCDOT and other agencies. Links to the ESM website and tutorial videos on NCDOT's YouTube channel are provided below.
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Field Guide For Post-Construction Stormwater BMPs
NCDOT's Field Guide For Post-Construction Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) provides construction guidance on key features and parts of BMPs. Each chapter describes a specific type of BMP. The entire field guide is continually under evaluation for revision based on experiences and observations of BMP construction in North Carolina. Chapters are updated periodically, and new BMPs are added to the field guide after their suitability has been evaluated. The Field Guide For Post-Construction Stormwater BMPs is intended to serve as a resource for NCDOT construction employees, contractors and other entities concerned with construction of stormwater BMPs. | |
Erosion and Sediment Control Manual NCDOT is committed to reducing the stormwater impacts of transportation-related development on both linear and non-linear construction projects. The North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act (SPCA) essentially prohibits visible off-site sediment from any land-disturbing activity. The potential for widespread impacts due to improperly managed construction activities has led NCDOT to adopt the highest level of Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) guidelines and standards. The ES&C manual provides guidance for NCDOT designers and contractors on how to evaluate, plan and conduct the State’s transportation-related construction needs while controlling soil erosion and sediment to the standards of the SPCA. This manual presents E&SC information for NCDOT construction activities beginning with regulatory drivers and planning requirements and finally ending with design and construction guidelines for E&SC Best Management Practices (BMPs). The manual chapters are available for download below. | |
Inspection and Maintenance Manual (I&M) NCDOT has installed stormwater controls across the state to reduce the amount of pollutants found in stormwater. The North Carolina Department of Transportation Stormwater Control Inspection and Maintenance Manual documents procedures for inspecting and maintaining stormwater controls (also known as BMPs or Best Management Practices). It serves as guidance to those individuals responsible for the inspection and maintenance of stormwater controls on NCDOT’s rights-of-way . | |
Post-Construction Stormwater Program Manual (PCSP) NCDOT manages stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment through context, design parameters, and stormwater control measures. Through the Post-Construction Stormwater Program, NCDOT implemented the BMP Toolbox and the BMP Inspection and Maintenance programs to protect water quality and minimize post-construction impacts. This program incorporates watershed strategies and permit requirements from other sections of NCDOT's permit to create a comprehensive and sustainable program.
The purpose of the PCSP is to regulate stormwater from new NCDOT development and re-development for new built upon areas (BUA) by requiring structural and non-structural practices to protect water quality, reduce pollutant loading, and minimize post-construction impacts to water quality. As part of the PCSP, NCDOT implements post-construction best management practices (BMPs) for discharges, controls runoff from new development and redevelopment, and implements the approved NCDOT Best Management Practices Toolbox as well as defines Toolbox implementation and training. | |
State Nutrient Strategy Rule Compliance - Nutrient Accounting Tool The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) has adopted Nutrient Rules for Jordan Lake and Falls Lake and NCDOT's GREEN Program guides the Department's compliance. These rules establish nutrient management strategies designed to reduce algal growth in the lakes. As part of these rules, contributors of nutrients to the lakes, including the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), are required to reduce their loading of total nitrogen and total phosphorous in order to restore water quality standards in the lakes. The nutrient management strategies require NCDOT to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Program describing the Department’s plan for controlling nutrient loads from road and non-road development. The Department’s approved Stormwater Management Programs, known as the GREEN Program, are available below along with supporting information.
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Stormwater Management Plan Version 3.01 (SMP) The Stormwater Management Plan summarizes general project information and stormwater pollution source control and treatment measures proposed for the project. The purpose of the SMP is to record the designer's approach to meeting stormwater management requirements for a particular project to the maximum extent practicable. Per the Post-Construction Stormwater Program requirements for projects.
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