Newletters, helpful advice and other pearls of wisdom from Earthworks' staff.
Erosion 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
Read MoreDuring most construction activities, there is some form of concrete that will be utilized, whether it is mixed by hand in wheelbarrows or poured from cement mixing trucks. No matter how the concrete is applied or transported to the site, there will inevitably be remaining concrete waste that is not used and needs to be washed out of the equipment. This remaining waste should be contained in a watertight concrete washout area to ensure that none of the liquid and/or solid materials are able to...
by Johnathan Clayton, Lead Compliance Manager - Florida // 2021-01-21
Read MoreA SWPPP is a dynamic, “living” document. As the construction process progresses, the plans for how construction will occur are always changing. As these adjustments to the construction plans are made, the SWPPP must be amended to reflect the changes that are occurring on site. Amending the SWPPP allows the operator to update their SWPPP book rather than making a new SWPPP to include changes from the initial plans. These amendments not only apply for updates made to the construction plans b...
by Austin Stiles, Lead Compliance Manager - Iowa/Kentucky // 2021-01-21
Read MoreWho 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 o...
by Matthew Trygg, Lead Compliance Manager - Illinois // 2021-01-21
Read MoreBioretention – Bioinfiltration Basin, also known as a Rain Garden, is a vegetated area used to treat stormwater before discharging from a site. Whether or not a retention or infiltration basin can be utilized still depends on the subsoils' predesign testing. These basins are great for sites because they can be constructed in any size, shape, and installed in any area that will be vegetated. They are highly versatile and are aesthetically appealing. With proper construction and design, these b...
by Richard Jackson, Lead Compliance Manager - Atlantic // 2021-01-21
Read MoreArticulated concrete blocks, also known as ACB’s, are a type of energy dissipation used to prevent erosion on the soil. ACB’s are an alternative to rip rap and concrete used for energy dissipation. Generally, ACB’s are installed in areas with high amounts of water flow, such as drainage channels, riverfronts, retention basins, and lake shorelines. The articulated concrete block system is comprised of a flexible mat made up of individual concrete blocks placed together to form an erosion-resis...
by Brian Hartman, Lead Compliance Manager - Minnesota // 2021-01-21
Read MoreImplementing stabilization in the winter can be a daunting task when the days are short and temperatures are cool. Depending on your geographical location you could be limited on the options available to stabilize soils; however, there are options to meet the stabilization requirement for your project all year round. Being proactive in soil stabilization is the best way to reduce and/or minimize erosion. Those pesky steep slopes on your project that are the most likely to erode are the one...
by Blake Curran, Lead Compliance Manager - Colorado // 2021-01-21
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