By Matthew Trygg, Lead Compliance Manager - Illinois // 2021-01-21
Who does this apply to?
In general, construction activities that disturb one or more acres, and discharges from smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan of development must comply with their states and EPAs Construction General Permit. When closing out the permit you must meet one of the definitions given by that permit to do so.
Why?
To stay in compliance with your construction general permit, disturbed soil must reach permanent stabilized prior to filing for the Notice of Termination (NOT).
Where?
If work has ceased in an area for greater than 14 days, regardless if you are planning on disturbing that same area later in the development process, temporary stabilization measures must be initiated.
“Stabilization of disturbed areas must, at a minimum, be initiated immediately whenever any clearing, grading, excavating or other earth disturbing activities have permanently ceased on any portion of the site, or temporarily ceased on any portion of the site and will not resume for a period exceeding 14 calendar days.” – Illinois CGP
What do I have to do?
Within the day you are planning on ceasing work for greater than 14 days, it is your responsibility to “initiate” the stabilization process. There are several different types of temporary stabilization that can be utilized. Some state construction general permits or local municipalities specifically identify options to be considered when identifying what type of temporary stabilization to use.
“Stabilization of disturbed areas must be initiated within 1 working day of permanent or temporary cessation of earth disturbing activities” – Illinois CGP
When does the stabilization process need to be completed?
Once, you have initiated the stabilization process the stabilization measures must be completed no longer than 14 days from the time stabilization was initiated. This means when calling the erosion control contractor and planning ground-disturbing activities, schedule enough time to successfully stabilize the area.
“shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than 14 days from the initiation of stabilization work in an area.”-Illinois CGP
“shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than 14 days from the initiation of stabilization work in an area.”-Illinois CGP
How can the area be stabilized?
This can be accomplished by many ways. Erosion control blanket, hydromulch, sod, preserving the existing vegetation, and mulching are just a few examples. The objective of stabilizing is to prevent soil particles from becoming dislodged and causing erosion. In previous articles, the difference between sediment and erosion control was discussed. Be sure you are using the proper BMP when stabilizing.