Newletters, helpful advice and other pearls of wisdom from Earthworks' staff.
A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must be developed prior to the start of construction and prior to applying for any National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in order to receive a NPDES Permit. A well-developed SWPPP is the first line of defense for sediment and erosion control. The first purpose is to “identify potential sources of stormwater pollution on a construction, industrial and/or municipal site.” 1 In order to prevent illicit discharges, yo...
by Matthew Trygg // 2020-08-04
Read MoreSeveral challenges arise when building in an area that has Karst topography. These areas prominently occur in areas where the bedrock has carbonate-rich rocks like Limestone, Dolomite, and Gypsum. These rocks under the right circumstance will dissolve and leave voids beneath the ground surface. A sinkhole occurs when the soils above the void can no longer support their weight. Sinkholes can happen slowly or rapidly. Before constructing in these locations, subsurface soil investigations a...
by Rick Jackson // 2020-08-03
Read MoreTemporary (temp) stabilization is any material or product that can be applied to disturbed ground and stockpiles, for erosion control protection. Temporary stabilization is intended to counteract the erosive influences of rain, snowmelt and wind. Without temp stabilization on disturbed areas, erosion and stormwater runoff are significantly more likely to occur. Erosion and stormwater runoff can lead to sediment build-up. Sediment can carry many pollutants which flow into the streets and e...
by Brian Hartman // 2020-08-03
Read MoreThe main purpose of a dust palliative is to temporarily prevent erosion and provide temporary stabilization for dust. Dust palliatives are often used in the construction industry and can be used in a variety of climates such as the desert here in Arizona. Proper research should be done to determine the correct palliative for your climate. Due to the lack of rain in Arizona, the soil is very dry and often becomes airborne once the material on a construction site is disturbed. County regulators...
by Brooks Morse // 2020-08-03
Read MoreArguably one of the most important Best Management Practices (BMP) on a construction site, whether residential or commercial, is the installation and maintenance of perimeter controls. Perimeter controls may vary depending on the needs of the construction site (ie. Silt fence, fiber logs, hay bales, trackout control device, etc.) Perimeter controls are generally the first temporary BMP to be installed and the last to be removed. It is important to thoroughly inspect perimeter BMP’s to ens...
by Johnathan Clayton // 2020-08-03
Read MoreThis Q1 2020 article will diverge from the normal focus on strictly stormwater information. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic there are many questions and uncertainties as we all look for answers. One recommended social practice now being accepted worldwide is Social Distancing. The following information comes from a New York Times article titled “Wondering about Social Distancing” by Apoorva Mandavilli on 16-MAR-2020. Here in the US our President has now endorsed a voluntary practi...
by Mark Hubbard // 2020-08-03
Read MoreThe Illinois Urban Manual is a technical reference for those involved in the inspecting and/or installing Best Management Practices (BMPs) for soil and erosion control on construction sites in the state of Illinois. The manual has been put together and updated by the state of Illinois and the public. The state entity includes the following public agencies representing the entire State of Illinois: AISWCD, IEPA, Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), Illinois Department of Agricu...
by Matthew Trygg // 2020-08-03
Read MoreStates are required to follow the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has authorized most states to perform their own permitting, administrative and enforcement aspects of the program (NPDES, 2020), however, regulations do not stop there. In Texas cities and counties are also allowed to create and enforce their own set of ordinances that are as or more stringent than the Texas Pollutant Discharge ...
by Haley Daily // 2020-08-03
Read MoreThe main purpose of BMPs (Best Management Practices) on a construction site are to keep lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands free of sediment pollution. Sediment pollution can negatively impact the environment in many ways, including the degradation of plant and animal life. Turbid water blocks sunlight from reaching plant life, and also prevents fish and other animals from seeing their food. In return, this completely disrupts the food chain which can severely impact the natural habitat....
by Brian Hartman // 2020-07-30
Read MoreTemporary stabilization is a soil stabilization measure that is generally used for disturbed areas of a construction site that have a planned period of inactivity. In Florida, the Construction General Permit (CGP) calls for temporary stabilization to be implemented when an area of disturbed soil will not be active for a period of 7 days or greater. There are many ways to achieve temporary stabilization, some of which include: seeding, sodding, mulching, soil binding agents, erosion contro...
by Johnathan Clayton // 2020-07-30
Read More