The removal of soil and addition of hardened surfaces such as those found at construction sites means that if left unchecked, there will be significant erosion and sediment issues. A proper ESC design and ECO plan will help identify areas that need addressing for erosion and sediment control that will minimize the damage.
However, it’s not just the creation of the plan, but rather its execution that will make the difference. If you are engaged in the construction of residences, buildings, or structures in the greater Calgary area, you will need to follow all applicable rules and regulations governing erosion and sediment control through one or more of the methods listed below.
Silt Fence Installations
A silt fence is used at the bottom of slopes to capture sediment that has run off the hill. It’s important that the fence be set up at the bottom and not along the slope as it may create more damage. The silt fence will need to be maintained and sediment removed when necessary, 225mm maximum storage height. Once the construction has been completed, the silt fence will need to be removed.
Storm Drain Inlet Protection: Installation and Maintenance
You will need to protect the inlets to storm drains so that sediment is not released into the storm infrastructure. Before construction begins, identify the right locations for storm drain inlet protection, do not install on interceptor catch basins in the middle of a slope or in front of driveways of homeowners. Plus, check them regularly to see that they are properly maintained.
Street & Sidewalk Sweeping
Keeping the street and sidewalk clean of sediments, is a form of sediment control. Assign a work crew to ensure that that the streets and sidewalks are property swept at regular intervals. Of course, some sediment will be taken away by the wind and water but sweeping is important to maintain proper environmental health.
Gravel Pads
This method of erosion control is used at exit points of the site. The gravel pads are only about 15 meters long, but they will help remove the mud and dirt from truck tires as they leave the site. This not only minimizes the dirt that is spread onto the streets but keeps the soil on the site itself. Gravel pads are highly effective and an inexpensive means of reducing erosion.
Sediment Log Installation & Rock Check Dams
The use of sediment logs allows for greater preservation of the soil when installed correctly, especially along slopes where the washout can take away considerable amounts of soil. Rock check dams are another important form of sediment control that must be put into place where appropriate.
All forms of erosion and sediment control must be appropriate to the individual construction site. This means that surveys and evaluations by the right personnel following legal guidelines must take place first before any measures are implemented. Once put into place, they must be maintained properly and any additional erosion or sediment control measures that are deemed necessary must be put into place as well.
By using one or more of these methods for your ESC design in executing your ECO plan, your construction will minimize the erosion and sediment that otherwise might greatly harm the environment. Be sure to follow all applicable rules and regulations as set forth in the greater Calgary area for proper erosion and sediment control.
Tag: Sediment, Erosion, Calgary, Control, ESC Design, ecoplan
