When you consider that the natural vegetation that covers the site where construction is to commence is 98% more effective compared to stripping away the vegetation, you can see why keeping the current vegetation in place is the preferred course of action. Existing vegetation is arguably the most secure type of soil protection around, so its preservation should be of the highest order.
Implementation
All vegetative areas that surround the construction site should be delineated and plans put in place to protect them from any soil disturbing activities. This means following the prescribed methods for soil preservation which will augment erosion and sediment control efforts.
Alert Everyone: Through the use of signs or by talking directly to employees, subcontractors, and surveyors that areas marked off to preserve vegetation should be avoided at all times. Only with special permission should anyone enter these areas.
Temporary Fence: The easiest way to protect such areas is to mark them off with temporary fencing, so that vehicle and foot traffic through the area does not occur. This includes fencing off areas next to storage facilities, temporary roadways, and parking areas, so the vegetation is protected.
Buffer Strips: By using buffer strips around the perimeters of construction sites and bodies of water, it will help to filter the sediment caused by run-off from the surface. In most cases, buffer strips are necessary and even required by local law. This is especially true of bodies of water, so the ecosystem is not affected by the addition of sediments.
Additional Practices
Once you have implemented all the necessary means of protecting the existing vegetation, you should consider the impact that any change in grade might do to the property. This means that if any water flow after a rainfall is redirected, it might affect the health of the vegetation that is present. That also applies to tree root which may be underground.
You should aerate any soil that has been compacted over a zone with tree roots to ensure that it survives. This may require the use of a mechanical aerator, so that the soil is no longer compacted. Any broadleaf trees in the area should be fertilized to help counter any potential damage that might have taken place. Once the construction is completed, a final cleanup and inspection should be performed to see if the soil has properly stabilized. You may find that additional measures are needed to ensure that the vegetation remains strong and healthy.
Inspecting & Maintaining Area
You should establish regular times for inspections to take place and inspect after major events, such as a heavy rainfall or when the snow is melting. By catching potential problems early, it makes it easier and less expensive to correct. If damage should occur during the construction, repairing it quickly and putting in the proper follow-up measures will help immensely in the preservation of the vegetation.
By going over the site regularly, you can preserve the existing vegetation which is the best and least expensive way to protect the site from erosion.
Tag: erosion control, Sediment Control, BMP’s, construction scheduling
