Newletters, helpful advice and other pearls of wisdom from Earthworks' staff.
The Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) in Arizona recently rolled out a new permitting system affecting the Dust Compliance / Earthmoving permits. Earthworks has contacted MCAQD in order to obtain some clarifications, and we’d like to share the following updates: The dust permit project sign should reflect the Facility ID number (F- #). This number will no longer change upon renewal, but remain the same for the life of the project as long as the same permit holder is the one...
by Cherie Koester // 2020-09-09
Read MoreOriginally published in April 2019 in Vol. 2, Issue 1 of Earthworks newsletter. Most cities have their own network of sewer conduit guiding stormwater to outfalls reaching a water of the U.S. This network of sewer conduit is known as an MS4 (Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System). You can find a lot of information regarding what MS4 your project may affect online with your local municipal website. The city of Phoenix, AZ has a great breakdown of their network and where their ...
by Brooks Morse // 2020-08-25
Read MoreOriginally published in April 2019 in Vol. 2, Issue 1 of Earthworks newsletter. Figure showing a strong upward trend in Northeast Illinois summer precipitation. (Illinois State Water Survey) April showers bring May flowers! As you may have noticed there has been an increase of rainfall in Northeast Illinois. In fact, according to the Illinois State Water Survey “precipitation in Northeast Illinois has increased by 10% in the last century, with extreme precipitation events increas...
by Matthew Trygg // 2020-08-25
Read MoreOriginally published in April 2019 in Vol. 2, Issue 1 of Earthworks newsletter. Numerous snowfall records were broken this year. February 2019 has been the 4th all-time snowiest on record with 39”. Normal season snow totals in Minneapolis are 54.2”, the metropolitan area is presently 12.5” ahead of that, with traditionally heavy snows expected in March. “Extreme” may be the operative word to describe MN weather in 2019, record breaking snows, rapid melting and anticipated floo...
by Don Abresch // 2020-08-25
Read MoreOriginally published in April 2019 in Vol. 2, Issue 1 of Earthworks newsletter. When thinking of the weather in Florida, there are generally two trains of thought, sunshine and beaches or rain and hurricanes. Between the months of June and November, those who live or plan to travel to Florida must also plan and prepare for the possibility of a hurricane making landfall on the Sunshine state. Hurricanes are categorized from one to six with six being the strongest and most dangero...
by Johnathan Clayton // 2020-08-25
Read MoreIf you have lived in Arizona for any amount of time you know water is a precious commodity. Finding new and innovative ways to use all available water has never been more important. Although stormwater normally is considered a nuisance there are cities here in Arizona that are taking an innovative approach to its use for Urban sustainability. Mesa is one city that has begun to use techniques to divert, store and utilize stormwater runoff to support native and designed landscapes. One ...
by Mark Hubbard // 2020-08-25
Read MoreFlooding remains to be a reoccurring challenge across the state of Texas regardless of the city or county. Mass quantities and high velocity of water can transport pollutants without proper filtration, ultimately lowering water quality. Flooding also has the potential to damage not only vital infrastructures, but also endangers those who are caught in its wake. In Kingsland, Texas during last October the 2900 bridge over the Llano River collapsed due to flooding. The bridge collapse l...
by Haley Daily // 2020-08-25
Read MoreSediment basins are meant to receive and detain sediment-laden runoff for a period to allow the sediment to settle out of the water column. The basin is constructed by the excavation of a pit and/or the construction of an embankment. Sediment basins also have an engineered outlet facility. The sediment basin should be constructed prior to soil disturbance. Once a sediment basin is constructed, maintenance of the basin is needed to ensure proper and continuing functionality of the basin. T...
by Rick Jackson // 2020-08-25
Read MoreSurface stabilization is an important principle of erosion and sediment control because reducing erosion at the source is more effective and efficient than trying to clean up sediment after it has eroded. Minimizing the disturbance and length of time bare soil is left at the site greatly reduces the potential for erosion and off-site sediment damage. Examples of erosion control are seeding, mulching, erosion control blankets or a chemical such as Polyacrylamide (PAM). A reduction in erosi...
by Matthew Trygg // 2020-08-13
Read MoreSurface stabilization is an important principle of erosion and sediment control because reducing erosion at the source is more effective and efficient than trying to clean up sediment after it has eroded. Minimizing the disturbance and length of time bare soil is left at the site greatly reduces the potential for erosion and off-site sediment damage. A reduction in sediment load or erosion on a site can also reduce the frequency and expense of maintenance operations. Construction site stabil...
by Don Abresch // 2020-08-13
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