Starting today, those seeking building permits on Oahu might need to pay additional fees and do additional work as new water quality rules take effect, according to a release issued by the Department of Planning and Permitting this week.

The rules, mandated by the state Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are intended to protect the city’s streams and coral reefs from the effects of development. They affects developers, contractors, designers, businesses and homeowners planning to file building or grading permits.

The new rules say projects that require building permits and involve “ground disturbance” must include an erosion and sediment control plan detailing measures to prevent sediment and other pollutants from entering the city’s storm drain system. Among the things considered disturbances are digging, moving or storing soil on-site, and breaking up concrete or asphalt.

The city is charging $250 for each erosion and sediment control plan submitted to the department for approval. The cost doubles to $500 for any land-disturbing activity that begins without an approved erosion and sediment plan. Revisions to erosion and sediment control plans that are approved cost $150.

Submitted plans must include project drawings showing where best management practices will be installed to prevent runoff into storm drains. Plans must be done by an erosion and sediment control plan coordinator certified by the city. The new rules also require inspections during construction.

The new water quality rules were mandated by the Health Department and EPA in order to comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit, which requires the establishment of rules to protect water from pollutants related to land disturbance during construction.