Starting a construction project means completing a considerable amount of paperwork, getting the right equipment and supplies, and hiring the crew that will build the structure. In addition, to minimize the environmental impact of the construction, you will need to use the best management practices of erosion and sediment control.
It was not long ago that construction companies paid little to no attention to how their efforts were affecting the site itself along with surrounding properties. The results were often unexpected and resulted not only in the depletion of the environment on the site and nearby areas, but extensive costs that were incurred by the increased erosion and sediment buildup. By taking action before the project begins and employ the best management practices, you can not only protect the area around the site, but potentially save a considerably amount of expense along with following established laws that govern erosion control. This overview introduces the series on best management practices for construction sites in terms of erosion and sediment control. The articles in this series will cover the following topics:
- Construction Scheduling & Phasing
- Preserving Existing Vegetation
- Surface Grading, Roughening, and Slope Texturing
- Topsoil Salvage and Placement
- Stabilized Construction Sites Entrances & Exits
The better your planning and preparation before staring a new construction, the better able you will be in using effective erosion and sediment control measures. While not every eventuality can be anticipated, you will know what to do with stripping, grading, and site preparation that will put you ahead of the game.
As part of your construction project, keeping the existing vegetation in place where possible helps to preserve the site and prevent erosion forces from acting. Basically, this means protecting the areas around the construction site where nothing is being built, but vehicle and foot traffic along with items used for construction is happening.
The next part is the surface grading, roughening, and slope texturing which levels out the site for construction purposes and creates sediment which must be controlled. It is during this phase in which much of the sediment is created and therefore has to be dealt with in the most efficient manner possible.
The salvaging and placement of topsoil helps ensure the stability of the site outside the area where the construction is taking place. Proper placement is crucial as the addition of new structures will alter the flow of erosive elements such as wind and water that will affect the property. Finally, the stabilization of the entrance and exit areas where vehicles come and go must be properly stabilized to minimize the amount of sediment that escapes the site and winds up on the street and properties that surround the area. This is often an overlooked part of the erosion and sediment control process, which means that it will need greater attention to be properly addressed.
By employing the best management practices in erosion and sediment control starting well before construction begins and ensuring that all erosion is properly dealt with by the time the structure is completed will save you and your company time, effort, and money in this regard.
Tag: erosion control, Sediment Control, Best Management Practices, BMP’s
