If you run a construction company that works in the greater Calgary area, you may be wondering if putting in erosion control and sediment control efforts to protect the environment are worth the costs? Aside from the obvious benefits of protecting the local environment, the costs are minimal compared to the fines associated with not implementing environmental controls. All major construction work modifies the landscape in some fashion, which means that being pro-active in placing erosion and sediment controls will have a positive effect on the environment and the budgets.
The Effect of Erosion Control and Sediment Control Efforts
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) has determined that without proper environmental management of a construction site, the production of additional sediment may be up to 400 times greater compared to undisturbed land. This is because construction activity leads to more sediment being created which floods into storm sewers during rain storms and causing further issues down the line.
It is the operational activities on the construction site that contribute to the increase in sediment and erosion of the area. The contributing factors include the following:
- Disturbance of Soil
- Dust
- Dry Sub Soils
- Wind and Water-Borne Sediments
Even small construction sites, such as those designed to repair utilities, institute measures to minimize the spread of dust, dirt, and mud onto the streets. This helps reduce damage to the soils which contain important nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons which contribute to the growth of grass, plants, and trees. Construction companies that do not institute the proper environmental control policies within the city limits of Calgary may face fines and perhaps legal action to follow.
Differences Between Erosion Control and Sediment Control
While seemingly similar on the surface, there are differences between these two control efforts to protect the environment.
Erosion Control: This is the control of erosive elements such as wind, the flow of storm water, and so forth to protect the soil that is affected by the construction. This type of control is an effort to minimize the detachment and transport of sediment from its original source. Proper erosion control requires planning and execution of temporary and permanent solutions which reduce the need for sediment control.
Sediment Control: Since even the best of erosion control measures will not stop sediment from leaving its original location, efforts must be put in to control where the sediment will go. Construction site dewatering and utility repair that is underground are two major projects which require proper sediment control. The trapping and treating of water which is filled with sediment helps to reduce its spread.
Effective control of sediments tends to be reduced during events which create more erosion, such as a massive rain storm which washes out the sediments from a construction site. This is where effective erosion control methods work hand-in-hand with sediment control to minimize the damage.
Alberta Erosion and Sediment Control provides you with effective environmental control measures which keeps the city of Calgary from instituting fines and legal action against your company. So, before you start your next construction project, give Alberta Erosion and Sediment Control a call and let our professionals help you protect the environment and your pocketbook.
Tag: Sediment, Erosion, Calgary, Control, alberta, construction, fines, legal
