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BMP INFORMATION

Descriptions of typical BMPs prescribed for residential and commercial properties, as well a discussion of their applications and effects may be found below:

Paving Dirt Driveways and Roads

A paved driveway is one of the most effective BMPs a homeowner can implement. A paved driveway prevents sediment from leaving a property in two ways:  first it prevents sediment from an unpaved driveway from flowing off the property with stormwater, and second it prevents vehicle tires, snow removal equipment, and other disturbances from carry dirt from unpaved driveways into the street and eventually into the storm drain system. Soil erosion and storm water runoff can be controlled with a properly designed paved driveway. Driveways should be designed to preserve natural vegetation and to blend with the natural landform. Slotted drains or other flow interceptors may be needed to convey surface runoff to infiltration structures or stabilized drainage areas, usually at the driveway edge. Properly designed paved driveways will collect and, ideally, infiltrate sheet flow runoff and will prevent any surface runoff from flowing into the streets and drainages. Paved driveways should be designed and installed by qualified professionals.

Infiltrating Stormwater Runoff From Impervious Surfaces

Whenever possible, naturally vegetated areas should be protected and used for infiltration. The natural plant-soil complex can treat runoff better than any artificial infiltration system. Artificial systems must be used along impervious surfaces and driplines when natural vegetation isn’t present or is inadequate to infiltrate all the flow. Infiltration systems allow water to percolate through the soil, a process that filters and cleanses surface runoff of sediment and nutrients before it is discharged into rivers, streams and lakes as groundwater. An infiltration trench is a shallow rock- or gravel-filled trench located at drip lines or adjacent to other impervious surfaces where runoff collects or concentrates. Dry wells, stone- or gravel-filled pits, or French Drains are used when additional storage capacity for runoff is needed or as alternatives to infiltration trenches on steeper slopes.

A retaining structure is a wall or other structure placed at the bottom of a steep slope to prevent erosion. Retaining structures, including terraces, steps and other landscaping techniques, can be made of wood, rock, brick, or concrete block. The use of native vegetation along the top of and around retaining structures can increase the structure’s effectiveness. Vegetation alone and rock rip-rap (a layer of loose rock placed on an erodible surface) are also effective slope stabilization techniques.  Additional permitting may be required for implementation of these BMPs.  Basile Management Practice staff will help you determine if permits are required, and assist you in obtaining any required permits.

Vegetation stabilizes soil, reduces raindrop impact, reduces velocity of surface runoff, prevents wind and water erosion, and enhances natural beauty. A relatively simple plan to plant native grasses, shrubs and other plants can be a highly effective BMP. The use of native and adapted plants is a Best Management Practice because those species require less fertilizer and irrigation than other species. Fertilizer application must be carefully managed to prevent excess plant nutrients from reaching surface and groundwater. Irrigation must be monitored to prevent overwatering and added surface runoff. Wood chip and bark mulches may be used for temporary stabilization or as permanent ground cover around trees and shrubs.

1.  What are BMPs and how can they help save Lake Tahoe?

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are proven methods to help developed properties function more like natural, undisturbed forest and meadowland. Water that is conveyed to a lake by an undisturbed watershed is usually quite pure, because the watershed's soils and plants act as a natural water purification system. BMPs help developed properties mimic natural conditions, preventing sediment and nutrients from entering our surface waters and filtering runoff water through the soil. By implementing BMPs, property owners can help slow the loss of lake clarity. According to the recently published Lake Tahoe Watershed Assessment, scientists have determined that implementing BMPs on existing development is one of the most critical steps toward not only maintaining, but also improving water quality.

 2.  When am I required to install BMPs on my property?

All properties in the Tahoe Basin are required to have their BMPs installed at this time.   TRPA considers all properties without a BMP Certificate of Completion to be “out of compliance”.  TRPA will not close out any permit on a property without proof of compliance with the BMP Retrofit Program. 

3.  What is the TRPA BMP Retrofit Program?

4.  How do I obtain a BMP Certificate of Completion?

Once BMPs are installed, properties must pass a Final Inspection before a Certificate of Completion is issued. If you are unsure whether a property has a Certificate of Completion or not, look up the BMP Status in the TRPA BMP Database. (http://www.tiims.org/bmptoolkit/searchBMP.asp)

5.  What will BMP installation involve?

6.  How much will it cost to install my BMPs?

Due to the diversity of properties in Tahoe Basin, the cost of installation of BMPs varies greatly by property.  Please contact us for a free site evaluation and estimate for design and installation of your BMPs. 

7.  Where To Get Started?

Step 1:  BMP Site Evaluation

8.  Additional Questions?

Please feel free to contact us with any additional questions you may have about BMPs.

Basile Management Practice
P.O. Box 1182
Tahoe City, CA 96145
tel: 530.308.2920 | fax: 806. 498.2206
rob@bmptahoe.com