Minneapolis Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) Reference Guide

Listed below are website links for additional information about ESC design, ESC products, certifications, educational opportunities, and other government agency requirements. They include additional materials about compliance to Minneapolis Chapter 52: Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance. The information contained in these websites can serve as a resource guide, but the City of Minneapolis does not guarantee the content.

The City's Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Chapter 52: Erosion and Sediment Control for Land Disturbance Activities has been in effect since 1996. In addition to an Erosion & Sediment Control Permit from the City, other agencies may require additional erosion control-related permits depending on the project size, project jurisdiction, or project location. Examples include the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a specific watershed organization such as the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, or projects done within right-of-way or property that is jurisdiction of MnDOT, Hennepin County or Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES). The contractor/owner is responsible to have all required permits clearly posted at the construction site.

Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES)
Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Management BMP Manual

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)

• Rules and Regulations
• Stormwater Program Rule Making Activity
• Stormwater Program for Construction Activity
• Stormwater Program Fact Sheets and Guidance Tools
• Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas manual

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Office of Environmental Services

• Erosion Control
• Standard Specifications
• Approved Products and Sources
• Seed Mixes
• Technical Memorandums

American Public Works Association (APWA)
Several stormwater available publications, ESC, etc.

City of Minneapolis
Minneapolis Laws & Ordinances

Minnesota Erosion Control Association (MECA)
MECA is a non-profit organization that promotes erosion and sediment control. This site also includes listings of ESC workshops, courses & ESC vendor resources

Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD)

• Permit Application Process
• MCWD Rules
• Best Management Practices (BMPs)

University of Minnesota

• Erosion and Sediment Control Certification Program
• Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)

• Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution)
• NPDES Stormwater Publications
• Stormwater Fact Sheets and Outreach Materials

Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

United States Army Corps of Engineers (St Paul District)

Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)
A national certification training program for ESC design and inspection

International BMP Database

Database of Best Management Practices

International Erosion Control Association (IECA)
Global views and training sessions for Erosion & Sediment Control

Construction Industry Compliance Assistance
EPA regulations, water, air, hazardous materials, links to state permits and requirements

Contact Dennis Daly if you are in the planning stages of a project that requires an Erosion & Sediment Control Permit:

Dennis Daly
Minneapolis Public Works – Surface Water & Sewers Division
(612) 673-2738 office
(612) 673-2048 fax

Once you have obtained your Erosion & Sediment Control Permit, you must call 612-673-2738 to set up a pre-construction meeting 48 hours or more prior to any land disturbances. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of the Permit and a Stop Work Order may be issued.