First and foremost, don’t forget that this is the only construction-related prerequisite, meaning you have to achieve this or the project cannot earn certification, regardless of how many points get tallied. So don’t mess this one up!

Another important note: This is required regardless of the size of your project. Under an acre? Still need it. Zero lot line? Same. Project teams have a choice: to use the EPA CGP or local standard. Now, I’m not a state by state erosion control expert, so you’ll have to defer to your civil engineer or other team member to determine which standard is more stringent, and then make sure to use that version.

The whole intent of this prerequisite is to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust. That means keep the dirt from your site on site, don’t let stuff trickle into waterways or sewers, and keep dust from flying off site in the breeze.