Typical recommendations for BMP removal for common construction stormwater BMPs.
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BMP category/type Standard procedure Applicability and special considerations
Erosion prevention practices (stabilization practices)
Temporary seeding Left in place Mulch or other natural temporary cover to protect seeded areas also left in place.
Mulches Left in place Mulch, hydraulic mulch, and any anchoring materials (e.g., nets) must be degradable.
Tackifiers/soil stabilizers Left in place If using synthetic materials such as Polyacrylamide (PAM), ensure they are nontoxic to aquatic life (i.e., not cationic).
Erosion control blankets (ECBs) Left in place Materials must be degradable.

May be removed and reused when applied on short-duration projects.
Degradation rate depends on type and materials; see Erosion control blankets and anchoring devices.

Turf reinforcement mats (TRMs) Left in place In contrast to ECBs, all TRMs are non-degradable and synthetic. Left in place to provide permanent armoring and vegetation support.
Erosion prevention practices (other)
Riprap Left in place Typically serves a permanent function for armoring, stabilizing, and protecting soil against erosion.
Sediment control practices
Vehicle tracking BMPs Removed Removed after final site stabilization or after no longer needed (e.g., vehicles no longer entering or existing site).
Perimeter controls Varies; most are removed May be left in place if constructed from degradable materials (e.g., fiber rolls/logs). Silt fencing must be removed after upslope areas are stabilized.

BMPs with degradable fill (e.g., sediment control logs filled with compost) may have outer shell removed and contents left in place.

Check dams Varies May be left in place if constructed from degradable materials (e.g., fiber rolls/logs).

Rock check dams can be spread along ditch bottom after channel is vegetated.
Manufactured products must be removed after stabilization.

Diversion barrier controls Varies; most are removed In general, all are removed after stabilization. In special cases, such as where removal may damage structures or foundation soils, cofferdams may be left in place.
Inlet protection Removed Must be removed after stabilization.
Outlet energy dissipation Varies Devices designed for temporary, short-term (e.g., less than one year) use must be removed after stabilization.

Whether they are left in place as permanent BMPs depends on function and desired aesthetics

Sediment traps/basins Varies Temporary sediment traps are removed after stabilization.

Temporary sediment basins may be converted to permanent stormwater management basins after stabilization.

Stabilized earth/soil berm Varies Typically removed after stabilization. In some cases, may be left in place if permanently stabilized with vegetation.
Surface water protection practices
Buffer zones Left in place Always preserved on site
Construction stormwater treatment practices
Dewatering (including chemical treatment and sediment filtration) Removed Dewatering practices are operated during construction activity and may be removed after construction ceases and site is stabilized.
Practices to minimize sediment discharge
Diversion and working in the dry Removed Removed after construction is complete and stream channel and site are stabilized.
Temporary stream crossing Removed Removed after construction is complete and stream channel and site are stabilized.
Stabilized construction exit Removed Removed after construction is complete and construction equipment/materials have been removed. Grade and stabilize area after removal.