Erosion control is a vital aspect of site grading, as it prevents soil loss, water pollution, and environmental damage. In this article, you will learn some of the best practices for erosion control during site grading, and how to apply them to your construction projects.
Before you start grading, you should assess the site conditions, such as the slope, soil type, drainage, vegetation, and weather. These factors will affect the amount and rate of erosion, and the type of control measures you need. For example, steeper slopes require more stabilization, sandy soils are more prone to erosion, and rainy seasons increase runoff.
I’ve also found it helpful when trying to best control soil erosion is to look at the flood plain / storm history. Not every site has to be planned for a 50 or 100 Year Storm, but the 5-10 Year Storms are a very good indicator of what might be best practice.
You should plan the grading sequence in a way that minimizes the exposed area and duration of the site. You can do this by dividing the site into smaller sections, grading only the areas that are needed for the next phase of construction, and stabilizing the completed areas as soon as possible. You should also avoid grading during wet or windy seasons, and schedule the grading activities according to the weather forecast.
When it comes to site grading, there are various types of erosion control measures you can implement depending on the site conditions and project requirements. Silt fences, for example, are barriers made of geotextile fabric that trap sediment and slow down runoff. They should be installed around the perimeter of the site and near sensitive areas, such as water bodies or storm drains. Mulching is another option – this involves the application of organic or synthetic materials, like straw, wood chips, or plastic sheets – to protect the soil from rain and wind and increase infiltration and retention of water. Seeding is also useful for erosion control; it involves planting grasses or other vegetation on exposed soil to stabilize it with roots and provide cover and shade. Lastly, matting with biodegradable or synthetic mats such as jute, coir, or polypropylene can be used over seeded areas to hold the seeds in place and provide additional protection from rain and wind.
It’s best to combine all of your data compiled, along with current site conditions, coupled with the goals and expectations when designing and implementing control measures. There’s amazing products on the market and also resources on how to best implement them: so take a minute and do some research.
You should monitor and maintain the erosion control measures regularly, and make adjustments as needed. You should check for signs of erosion, such as rills, gullies, or sediment deposits, and repair any damages or failures of the control measures. You should also inspect the control measures after every rainfall event, and remove any accumulated sediment or debris.
You should follow the regulations and guidelines that apply to your site grading project, such as the local, state, or federal laws, or the industry standards. These may include obtaining permits, submitting plans, conducting inspections, or reporting incidents. You should also comply with the best management practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control, such as those recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).
You should educate and train the site personnel, such as the contractors, subcontractors, or workers, on the importance and implementation of erosion control during site grading. You should provide them with clear instructions, guidelines, and responsibilities, and ensure that they follow them. You should also communicate and coordinate with them regularly, and address any issues or concerns that may arise.
One thing I’ve found is that this is one of the most important, and often assumed aspects of many construction projects. Sometimes to their demise. It’s best to communicate to everyone that is involved, what the goals and objectives are and how they are going to be achieved. It’s better to over communicate and train than to assume it’s just “known”.