​You may have heard lately that Ohio is in a drought. A recently released drought map indicates Warren County to be in a severe to extreme drought. During these dry times, your construction site may welcome the lack of rain as dry sites can be easier to move around on and experience fewer issues with sediment and erosion control. However, we can’t get complacent on sediment and erosion control. The battle must go on!

In this month’s Development Digest, we will discuss remaining vigilant during dry times by having a routine dust control program in place, as well as making sure site BMPs are ready to go for the big rain. Dust can be a real problem during times of drought. So much so, that Soil and Water Conservation Districts were established to combat this issue, after the Great Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Poor farming practices, dry conditions, high winds, and plowing all combined to stir up the earth and create massive dust storms throughout the Midwest. President FDR signed the Soil Conservation Act of 1935 to protect our Country’s soil and water resources. This led to the establishment of the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission (OSWCC) in 1941, which allowed funding to create Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout the state. On construction sites, we often focus on keeping sediment contained during rain events, but soil loss can also occur during a drought. That’s why it’s important establish a dust control routine to keep sediment contained. Dust can be a real problem, as it is considered an airborne contaminant. Nearby existing homes and property can be covered in dust. It can become a public health concern when residents have trouble breathing. Our office has been receiving complaints from many sites throughout the county and we have been working with site contractors to ensure dust control measures are being enacted. 
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This can become a sleeping monster if dust control isn’t implemented. During times of extended drought, the ground becomes drier and harder. Especially in Warren County where much of the soil is clay, the ground can become like an impervious surface when it is compacted, dried and hardened. So, when it does eventually rain, the first initial downpour will likely run off the surface quickly, like it would on pavement. To further compound the issue, vehicles driving around on the site stirs up the sediment, creating dust clouds that will settle on the hard ground.  This fine-grained dust that settles accumulates almost like the regolith and dust on the surface of the moon. We are seeing anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of dust settled on some sites lately. 

4. Stone- Install crushed stone on graded roadways with construction traffic.
5. Barriers- Snow fencing or other suitable barriers may be placed perpendicular to wind currents to control air currents and blowing soil.
6. Calcium Chloride- the chemical may be applied by mechanical spreader as loose, dry granules. Follow manufacturer’s specs.
7. Operation and Maintenance- Repetitive, routine treatment of dust control practices.
8. Street Cleaning- Remove any settled dust from paved areas with a routine street sweeping schedule.

​Due to the recent drought, this is a great time to think about dust control. It looks like we will be getting some rain soon, so keep these practices in mind for the next dry time! If you have any questions regarding dust control you can contact us at the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District website https://www.warrenswcd.com/ or by our phone number at (513) 695-1337.    

Additional Resources
 
Ohio EPA Rainwater and Land Development Manual. Chapter 7 Soil Stabilization – Dust Control: https://epa.ohio.gov/divisions-and-offices/surface-water/guides-manuals/rainwater-and-land-development?msclkid=cb5f60f4b48d11ec8b5ece1ef5e16d3c

In this month’s development digest, we will learn about storm drain tags, and how developers in Warren County can easily add them into their construction process to protect the natural waters. Storm drain tags are an important tool that we can use to keep pollutants out of the natural waters, and so this article will go into what a storm drain tag is, different types of tags, and why it is worth the extra little bit of effort to install these tags.
What is a storm drain tag?

• A storm drain tag is a type of label placed on a storm drain to prevent anyone from dumping harmful pollutants into the drain.
• The main purpose of the label is to provide a visual warning to keep people from illegally dumping into the drain, and to also provide education to those who may not know about the pollutants that can’t be dumped into the drain.

 
Why might a developer want to spend money on storm drain tags?

• Storm drain tags are an inexpensive way to promote a healthier and more environmentally conscious community.
• They can protect the integrity of storm drains.
• Ensuring that only rain goes down the drain will help keep retention basins clear and attractive. Reduces the need to use excess pond dye since the water is already healthy and clear.
• Can save money in the future by preventing spills of hazardous material that requires clean-up.

 
Types of Drain Tags

• There are a few main types of drain tags: Pre-cast, plastic, and metal tags.
  • Pre-cast: Pre-cast storm drain tags are casted onto the storm drain when the structure is built. Pre-cast tags require the least effort since they are made with the rest of the storm drain.
  • Plastic: Plastic storm drain tags are typically attached to the drain using glue. A substantial amount of glue should be used to install the tags to create a proper seal.
  • Metal: Metal storm drain tags can be installed either with glue like the plastic, or some tags have a bolt and a nut that holds the tag in the grate of the storm drain.
  • All three of these tags are effective methods to keep pollution from entering the drains.

 
If you have any questions regarding storm drain tags or the installation of the tags you can contact us at the Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District website https://www.warrenswcd.com/ or by our phone number at (513) 695-1337.
 
 
Additional Resources
Nonpoint Source Pollution – US EPA