Newletters, helpful advice and other pearls of wisdom from Earthworks' staff.
New Jersey is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. There are many different lakes, rivers, beaches and wooded areas for all to enjoy. If proper protections are not taken thee great resources will lose their luster. One common outdoor resource are the many wetlands that dot the state map. The state of New Jersey has identified the following benefits provided by wetlands: Wetlands protect drinking water by filtering out chemicals, pollutants, and sediments that would otherwise clog and co...
by Jason Raab - Lead Compliance Manager, Atlantic Region // 2021-09-08
Read MoreSediment pollution is the most impactful source of pollution effecting United States waters. Of all sediment pollution, approximately 30 percent is caused by natural erosion. The remaining 70 percent is caused by human activity, mainly from construction sites. Sediment pollution has negative impacts that effect aquatic plant and animal life. Because of this, many trout streams are severely impacted from sediment pollution each year. One way in which sediment pollution impacts trout stream...
by Brian Hartman - Lead Compliance Manager, Minnesota // 2021-09-08
Read MoreThe Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is in the process of modifying the existing Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) General Permits (GPs). ADEQ is trying to simplify the implementation of the new Arizona Surface Water Protection Program (SWPP) by extending coverage to the state-listed waters within their GPs. Included in their modification are the Construction General Permit (CGP), Multisector General Permit (MSGP), Mining Multi Sector General Permit...
by Martin CervantesDelgado - Lead Compliance Manager, Arizona East // 2021-09-08
Read MoreUnderstanding the soils composition found within your project boundary is an important feature when planning your erosion and sediment control needs. The Natural Resource Conservation Service classifies soils by the Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG) and it represents the soils runoff potential, texture, and physical nature for each of the four respective groups. The four groups represented in the HSG are A, B, C, and D. The HGS characterizes the rate that water infiltrates into and moves throu...
by Blake Curran - Lead Compliance Manager, Colorado // 2021-09-08
Read MoreThe Coronavirus Outbreak has affected many of the nation’s workplace environments and has limited employee in person interaction in most industries. Earthworks has noticed enforcement agencies across the county adapting to this in several ways. One agency that has made considerable adjustments to their practices in ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality). ADEQ has begun to conduct remote inspections to replace the onsite compliance visits. This consists of a notification to the per...
by Brooks Morse, Lead Compliance Manager—Arizona West // 2021-04-07
Read MoreIn the month of February 2021, the State of Texas experienced record-breaking low temperatures, including snow and ice. This winter storm left over 3.5 million Texans without power, victims of flooding and/or without water. The City of Dallas recorded its lowest temperature since 1930 at -2° Fahrenheit, which was the city’s 2nd lowest temperature on record. On February 12, 2021, Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, declared a state of emergency for all 254 counties. President Biden subsequently dec...
by Travis Jendel, Lead Compliance Manager—Texas // 2021-04-07
Read MoreErosion and sediment control BMPs can become very expensive with the need to install and continuously maintain or replace them. Vegetation is a BMP that is not only effective in its functionality but also cost. When building or developing, it is critical to phase land disturbance to minimize exposure when executing the building process. By not unnecessarily disturbing areas in advance, vegetation is able to stay in place and act as an erosion/sediment control measure. When construction is...
by Austin Stiles, Lead Compliance Manager—Iowa/Ohio/Kentucky // 2021-04-07
Read MoreDuring any construction project, the term “offsite discharge” will make even the most experienced superintendent cringe. Most cases of offsite discharges are completely legal and not considered illicit by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if a NPDES permit is in place. Per the EPA: The Clean Water Act prohibits anybody from discharging "pollutants" through a "point source" into a "water of the United States" unless they have an NPDES permit. What many do not realize is that ...
by Johnathan Clayton, Lead Compliance Manager—Florida // 2021-04-07
Read MoreSpill procedures are a part of all SWPPPs (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan). Spill protocol may differ from state to state yet the goal remains the same, to prevent and respond. Most states require an SPCP (Spill Prevention and Control Plan). Both SWPPP and SPCP are in place as soon as construction begins. These plans typically contain the procedures for labeling containers, preventative measures, containing/cleaning spills, notifying appropriate facility personnel, documentation of said...
by Brooks Morse, Lead Compliance Manager - Arizona West // 2021-01-21
Read MoreSigns of all shapes, sizes, colors, and purposes can be found throughout any construction site. Which one do you need? What information is required? Does it have to be a specific size or color? There are many things to take into consideration but always refer to any local regulations that you will be obtaining permits for. If you happen to be under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Construction General Permit (CGP), you must post a sign or other notice of your p...
by Martin CervantesDelgado, Lead Compliance Manager - Arizona East // 2021-01-21
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