Archive for 2023

Many rain events can begin with general surface runoff that may begin as sheet flow and then the water can accelerate and scour the soil into channels. Once this occurs, the stormwater can become a vicious velocity of flooding water. Soil exposed by construction activities is especially vulnerable to erosion. Stormwater runoff can pick up…

There are several different ways a site can be stabilized throughout the construction project.  Let us review the different types of Site Stabilization. Erosion Control Blankets – These cover the ground for a short period of time.  Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) are made up of a variety of organic and synthetic materials.  They are used…

What does stabilization mean?  Directly from the Merriam-Webster dictionary it states “to make something stable, steadfast, or to hold steadyâ€. During active construction projects, it is critically important to limit stormwater exposure and stabilize the soil by using vegetative or non-vegetative Best Management Practices (BMPs). Effectively implementing and maintaining such practices will dramatically reduce erosion…

Did you know that Stormwater is considered one of the top contributors to water pollution? When it rains, stormwater runs across impermeable surfaces created by developed areas.  Stormwater can pick up garbage, debris, chemicals, toxic fluids, and sediment easily when these are exposed to flowing stormwater across impervious surfaces.  We have all heard the saying,…

It becomes dangerous when construction projects encounter a high concentration of rain. It can become extremely hazardous for potential slips and falls. Extreme wet conditions can create an increase in accidents especially while workers are on ladders and scaffolding with wet and dirty boots. Certainly, safety becomes the priority after a heavy rain on any…

What is mud really made of? Yes, you are probably thinking this is a silly question.  We all know mud is created when water is added and mixed with soil. What’s interesting is that you can actually find online instructions on how to make mud.  The materials or list of ingredients you will need and…

Sedimentation run-off can create costly damage to our waterbodies. An abundance of sedimentation leaving a construction site can create less capacity for water in streams, rivers, and lakes causing a higher propensity for flooding.  If not adequately maintained and frequently checked, sediment can quickly fill the construction sites stormwater drainage systems such as culverts, inlets,…

Just having a quality-built construction entrance alone is not going to completely control sediment and mud departing a construction site.  It must also be well maintained through-out the construction process.  On-going traffic through-out the day will put a tremendous strain on the construction exit.  It is a great practice to frequently inspect the condition to…

A construction entrance is a temporary stabilized location for construction vehicles to properly enter and depart a construction site.  A proper construction entrance should be designed to effectively keep mud, sediment, and dirt from leaving your site once vehicles complete their task.  These items can carry pollutants that are generated on constructions sites with them.   …

There are certainly advantages and disadvantages for using permeable surfaces. The top two benefits for porous surfaces are the reduction of pollutants discharged in runoff by filtering stormwater and stormwater runoff volume.  Adversely there are some disadvantages. First, they tend to have less structural strength than conventional pavements therefore the goal is to minimize using…