Site Stabilization: It’s Not as Difficult as You Think

It is only expected that on rainy Florida days there would be a little bit of erosion.  This is extremely likely on construction sites because there is so much movement of the soil, there’s no telling where it will end up.  Site stabilization is required for all construction sites to use vegetative and/or non-vegetative cover Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent erosion and sediment loss in exposed areas during the building process.

There are several different ways a site can be stabilized throughout the construction.  The best method depends on what is readily available to your particular project.  Temporary stabilization may include temporary seeding, geotextiles, mulches, and other techniques to reduce or eliminate erosion until either final stabilization can be achieved or until further construction activities take place to re-disturb this area.

Types of Site Stabilization

Erosion Control Blankets

These cover the ground for a short period one roll at a time.  Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) are made up of a variety of organic and synthetic materials.  They are used to establish a short-term vegetation site stabilization solution by protecting emerging seedlings and accelerating plant growth until they can maintain long-term erosion protection.  If there is soil under the ECBs, they will hold the ground in place to prevent erosion from occurring.

Seeding

Growing grass has an entirely different meaning when it comes to keeping your soil held together.  Seeding is an economical and adaptable way to stabilize your construction site.  You choose a plant that will grow quickly and well in your particular area, sow some seeds and let them grow.  This kind of vegetation controls erosion by protecting the bare soil surfaces from the impact of raindrops and slowing down wastewater that happens to come through the construction site.

Sod

This is a quicker vegetation solution than seeding.  Since the grass has already grown, the sod is laid down to grab onto the ground, and in a short amount of time, the roots will grasp onto the soil to prevent erosion.  This method is excellent for fine graded disturbed areas by establishing permanent grass and prevents immediate erosion protection.

Other Types of Vegetation

Plants, in general, are a great way to hold your ground together.  It is not limited to seedlings or sod but any vegetation that will grow roots which will slow down erosion. When properly installed and maintained, a plant can protect slopes by reducing erosion, strengthening soil, and inhibiting landslides which increase general slope stability.  It also adds an aesthetic appeal and promotes wildlife.

Rock

Creating a perimeter with rock can slow down erosion on your construction site.  You can also use a bed of rocks to remove sediment from vehicle tires.  They can be placed at all entrances and where erosion is most prevalent on your site.  They do have to be replaced every so often to prevent adding additional pollutants to waste water.

Pavement

Laying down some concrete will hold your ground together.  Just like rock, it is best to put some pavement down around the perimeter of your construction site to prevent wastewater from getting into our oceans and creeks.  This is a quicker solution than watching seeds grow.

When is a site considered stabilized?

KCI can help you determine whether your site is secured and ready for construction.  Some things to take into consideration is recognizing any loose soil and if there is potential for movement of the ground in the future.  Second guessing whether your site is stabilized could cost you time.  Let the pros help you determine that you’re ready to go and environmentally sound.

 

 

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