Creating a proper Erosion and Sediment Control or ESC plan must comply with the Section 16(1) of the Calgary Drainage Bylaws. The plan must include what measures are to be employed to prevent the erosion of soil. Plus, how the storm drainage system will function to prevent additional erosion and sediment buildup. Such an ESC plan should follow the guidelines of the form, use drawings when applicable to demonstrate how control will be obtained. And identify the control plans though all stages of construction. From the condition of the land before construction began to final landscaping after all construction is complete, the ESC plan must include all the steps.
Drawings
The drawings are not required for an ESC plan unless there are non-standard practices and controls being utilized. The drawings will help visualize how erosion and sediment will be controlled on the construction site. Drawings that are included when non-standard practices will be present should include the following.
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The initial condition of the land before construction
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Stripping and grading when such practices are used
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The post stripping and grading processes
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Fills and major cuts in the land that will be created
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Prior development of the area, including any above and below ground structures
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Post underground, above ground, and development completion work
Any landscaping and additional work that is performed after the construction is complete. This may include extensions or modifications to the structure that is in the planning stages.
Size Matters
The requirements for an ESC plan will depend on the size of the soil distribution area being proposed. If the area is small enough, it may not require a proper ESC plan because the disturbance will not affect the surrounding environment. This generally means an area of 0.4 ha or less, not in proximity to critical areas, and low soil erosion potential.
However, if the area is at least 0.4 ha in size, then an ESC plan is automatically required. This includes the application, any necessary drawings, and supporting documents as required under the law. If the area of soil disturbance is greater than 65 ha, then in addition to an ESC plan there needs to be a phasing plan drawing.
The phasing plan drawing will demonstrate the details of the soil disturbance area during construction. Plus, it will include a Large Site Safety Plan as required. The safety assessment will cover the transportation of the sediments through the natural elements such as water, wind, and vehicular traffic. If the City ESC Inspector requires it, then an ESC Large Site Safety Plan will be required for the area in question.
In general, large sites have a greater chance of soil erosion and sediment buildup compared to smaller areas. And while sites greater than 65 ha represent only 2% of all ESC plan submissions in 2016, they take up 23% of the land area that has been approved for development. This trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Visit Calgary’s ESC website at www.calgary.ca/esc for more information about ESC requirements and the templates for the plans available.
Tag: Calgary, Control, erosion control, guidelines, esc plan, sediement, drawings
