Fall-time in southwestern Ohio is simply wonderful; the weather starts to cool down and the trees transform into a lovely autumn palette. Around this time of year, we like to remind developers to continue seeding as much bare soil as possible before winter turns the corner. Soil erosion remains an area of concern for earth disturbing work throughout winter as melting snowfall transports sediment into our local waterways. According to the Ohio Rainwater and Land Development Manual, soil stabilization is the most effective way to minimize sediment erosion from construction sites (over >90%). We mean it when we say seeding and sod installation is music to our ears! Temporary seeding (which must be applied to bare soil where additional work is not scheduled for more than 14 days) may continue until November 1st. Especially through late fall, we recommend monitoring and maintaining seeding efforts until an overall vegetative density of >70% has been achieved. Fall-time seeding species include Rye, Tall Fescue, Annual and Perennial Ryegrass, Creeping Red Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass. A layer of mulch (straw, wood cellulose fiber, and/or mulch matting) must be applied during or immediately after seeding. During more favorable seeding times of year, mulching may not be necessary but late fall weather warrants the extra protection. The window for permanent seeding (which must be applied to bare soil at final grade that may be idle for over 1 year) has now closed (March 1st through September 30th). Click here for our guide to dormant seeding during winter months. Traditional permanent seeding efforts may germinate during late fall, but they are unlikely to survive the winter. Spotlight Example from the Field: Seeding Before Winter Ryan Wilms and his team at Cincinnati United Contractors have been working on improvements at Green Bay Packaging in Lebanon, OH. During routine inspections, we noticed their team’s excellent pre-winter stabilization. Having this steep slope stabilized now will set them up for success throughout winter. This also allows for more efficient sediment management throughout the rest of their project. What if temporary/final grading work took longer than expected and you missed the seeding window? Although the disturbed areas cannot be traditionally seeded after the windows have closed, bare soils must be mulched or dormant seeded. For more specific technical guidance and specifications, please review the most recent OEPA Construction General Permit (OHC000006), the Rainwater and Land Development Manual, and the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for your site. Additional Resources Construction Site Winterization – Development Digest Rainwater and Land Development Manual Ohio EPA NPDES General Construction Permit (OHC000006) Seeding Tables – USDA NRCS
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Sediment and erosion control maintenance needs are inevitable on construction sites. With the nature of construction activity and rainfall events, it is nearly impossible for controls to stay in perfect condition throughout the entire process. However, the more that your team stays on top of maintenance needs and acts proactively, the better the chances are to keep controls functioning and keep your site in compliance. General BMP Inspection Tips: The best way to stay on top of maintenance needs is to conduct routine inspections according to the guidance provided in the Rainwater and Land Development manual. Controls should be inspected daily for general condition and effectiveness. They should also be inspected after each rainfall event and during a prolonged rainfall. If controls aren’t being inspected on a regular basis, it is easy for small maintenance needs to compound and become larger issues over time. Below are 7 common BMP maintenance needs our urban inspectors see out on site and some tips for staying on top:
Fix Tips: If silt fence is downed, it may be able to be retrenched and wrapped around the stakes again. Ensure silt fence is properly trenched and pulled taught. If the geotextile material has been damaged, it will need replaced entirely. 2. Inlet Protection or Curb Stop Damaged Fix Tips: If using a basket or dam style inlet protection, ensure that capture device is secured underneath grate to prevent getting pulled into catch basin or swept into roadway. For curb inlets, ensure that curb stops are installed along rear of the grate to ensure that water cannot enter through the sides or top of the inlet. 3. Compost Filter Socks Flattened / Moved Fix Tips: Replace socks that have been torn or damaged beyond repair. If socks have just become flattened, refill with compost material until they are returned to the appropriate diameter. Encourage your team to use established construction entrances to prevent running over the socks. If the socks are moved for utility or other work on the lot, ensure that they are replaced in the appropriate location as soon as feasible. 4. Sediment Build Up in Street Fix Tips: Sweep the streets any time you notice a significant amount of tracking occurring. Establish a routine street sweeping schedule to prevent heavy accumulation on roadway. Ensure other practices (such as silt fence or filter socks, proper construction entrances) are in place and functioning to help stop sediment tracking in the first place. 5. Compost Filter Berms Blown Out Fix Tips: If you notice sediment is overtopping the berms, the sediment may need to be dug out away from the berm area. It’s best practice to keep the sediment deposit level below ½ of the height of mulch berms or silt fence. If a heavy rainfall knocks down a portion of the berm, make sure that berms are built back up to meet the specifications outlined in the RWLD manual. 6. Maintain Construction Entrance Fix Tips: ODOT 1/2s should be used for construction entrances. Smaller gravel tends to get swept into the roadway with sediment. If the incorrect aggregate is used, this will need to be revised to prevent off site tracking. If a construction entrance is regularly used, the aggregate may need to be replaced to provide ample area to kick sediment off wheels. 7. Concrete Washout Area Full / Needs Cleaned Up Fix Tips: Concrete washout pits should be emptied on a regular basis to prevent overflowing. If pits are dug out in the ground, they should be lined with a tarp to prevent leaching into bare soils. If the liner gets damaged or rolled up, it needs to be readjusted or replaced. The pit should have four walls around (typically lined straw bales). If the walls of the pit are compromised, they need to be rebuilt or replaced. BMP Spotlight Example from the Field: |
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Urban team BLOGEvery month, the Warren Co SWCD Urban Team dives deep into the world of land development as it relates to stormwater pollution prevention. The blog covers topics like erosion & sediment control best management practices (BMPs), state and local regulations, retention/detention basins, and the conservation of our natural resources. Stay up to date with Development Digest by signing up for WCSWCD Urban eNews!
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