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. 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. When we do get the big rain event, the settled dust and hard ground beneath it will combine to create a sediment runoff issue. All of that dust will want to run off to the low point of the site. This is why it is ever-important to maintain your sediment and erosion controls and make sure everything is ready to go before the rains come back this fall. Perimeter controls like silt fence and mulch berms will need to be repaired. Make sure the site drains to the sediment basin and ensure the skimmer on your sediment basin is functional and ready to go. Please refer to the Ohio EPA’s Rainwater and Land Development Manual for Guidance on the following Dust Control measures. Specifications for Dust Control 1. Vegetative cover/mulch- Apply temporary or permanent seeding and mulch areas that will remain idle for over 21 days. 2. Watering- Spraying site down with water trucks on a regular basis, until the surface is wet. Before and after grading, especially on haul roads. Repeat as needed. Do not use too much water that could cause erosion. 3. Spray-On adhesives- Apply adhesive according to the following table: 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
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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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October 2024
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