Construction sites can minimize disruption to local water bodies and reduce pollution by following specific environmental guidelines set by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Construction projects can create a negative impact on the environment. However, there are specific Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be implemented to reduce the risk of water pollution.
Quality installed and maintained BMPs will protect Florida’s natural resources near a construction site. There are three highly effective solutions, especially if you are performing construction activities near a body of water.
Silt fence is commonly placed around the outer perimeter of a site. The effectiveness of silt fence is very much dependent on proper installation, maintenance, and when necessary, supplementation of other erosion control measures. Double row of reinforced silt fence consists of a temporary sediment barrier consisting of a filter fabric stretched across and attached to supporting posts and entrenched. Using silt fence that incorporates a wire reinforcement for support is also excellent near bodies of water.
The last effort that is quite effective is using turbidity curtains and barriers in and near local water bodies. Turbidity curtains are impermeable barriers that trap sediment in water bodies. During construction, sediment can be stirred up by work activities near local bodies of water. With the abundance of lakes in Florida, it is certainly a high propensity for construction activities to take place near water. This unique and effective BMP can be frequently seen floating near shorelines of ponds or lakes as we drive along the highway.
Another effective BMP involves manufactured berms. The process of designing berms located along the edge of existing wetlands, ponds, or other water bodies is an excellent way to divert stormwater encroaching sediment and erosion away from water bodies.
Turbidity curtains and barriers are typically weighted at the bottom to ensure the sediment does not travel underneath. When installed correctly, these barriers allow solids to settle back down to the bottom of the water before entering our natural water bodies.
If you are planning construction activity near a waterbody, KCI can help you plan, prepare, and implement a solution. Call us today, 888-346-7779.
