The city of Calgary has created guidelines for construction sites for the control of soil erosion. This includes the control of dust, water flow, and any activity on the construction site that promotes the erosion of soil. Whether the construction is of a large, multi-story building down to a small utility repair job that requires the moving of soil, there are practices that need to be implemented that ensures soil erosion is kept to a minimum.
Objectives
The legal guidelines as provided by the city of Calgary must be followed for all construction and repair sites that disturb the soil in some fashion. The purpose is to identify the environmental resources, infrastructure, and properties both on and adjacent to the construction site. The objectives of the guidelines are as follows.
Parameters: The first step is a full understanding of the Erosion and Soil Control (ESC) guidelines that have been adopted by the city of Calgary. These are legal guidelines that must be followed and will be enforced. Understanding the parameters of the guidelines will help you in determining what can and cannot be accomplished in ESC methods.
Customization: All implementation of soil control efforts to limit erosion and the buildup of sediment must be tailored to the property itself. This means that there is no “one size fits all” plan. But rather a general guideline that is specifically customized to address the needs of the specific construction site.
Obligations
The ESC guidelines provide the framework for proper control of erosion and sediment creation. Implementing the proper plan requires an understanding of the obligations required under the law.
Meetings: Meetings held before the construction process begins are mandatory if the site is larger than 0.4 ha. But even for smaller sites, it is important that everyone involved understands the guidelines and follows them during the construction process.
Specifications: Pre-tendered documents along with contracts are part of creating ESC plans for the construction site. This means that you must follow the established guidelines in filing the proper paperwork to ensure that all legal obligations are met. This will require using clear language which can be easily understood.
Soil Loss for Exposed Slopes: The limit for all soil loss on slopes that are exposed is 2 tonnes per hectare over a 12-month period. There may be other specific requirements that you will need to follow in controlling soil loss on the construction site.
Recognize that the ESC plans you draw up are not set in stone. Consider the plans to be a living document that is subject to changes over time. This occurs because evaluations may differ from the results of the construction process.
By following the established guidelines, you can ensure proper erosion and sediment control for your construction site that observes the ESC guidelines provided by the city of Calgary.
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