Finding the perfect location to store that extra soil from the recent excavation can be a challenge in and of itself, and adding the variable of managing for water and wind erosion on the stockpile can really make it difficult. Stockpiles on a construction project are a common sight and they come in all different shapes, sizes, and various materials. Materials that are commonly stockpiled on a project site might include but are not limited to soils, aggregate, asphalt, concrete rubble, treated wood, landscaping materials, etc. The length of time that the stockpile will be present on the project will also influence how you manage the stockpile and what kind of control measures will suit your situation.

Stockpiles are usually categorized into either being long-term and short-term; long-term being generally more than 30 days and short-term being less than 30 days. Depending on the jurisdiction that your project is operating in, you will have different requirements to properly manage your stockpiles and which control measures that will need to be implemented. Control measures that are commonly utilized in managing stockpiles include berms, ditches, silt fence, wattle, stabilization techniques, impervious covers, etc.  It is also necessary to be aware of the proximity to concentrated flows of stormwater, drainage courses, and inlets to minimize potential discharges.  Always refer to the local jurisdiction for specific stockpile management requirements.