Construction site winterization

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​Winter is quickly approaching in Warren County, and the snowfall that occurs during winter months can result in excessive amounts of soil erosion and transport of sediment into our local waterways. For your construction site to be compliant with Ohio EPA Construction General Permit regulations, workers should begin applying temporary stabilization measures for areas that will be left idle over winter months. For a disturbed site, stabilization techniques are required if areas are to remain dormant for more than 14 days.
 
Preparing the disturbed area for winter conditions by providing cover over bare soil and ensuring proper function of controls will result in minimal environmental impact. For all disturbed sites it is essential to install perimeter and inlet protection so that snowmelt leaving the site passes through a filter prior to discharging into the drainage network. Additionally, it is necessary to install rock check dams and construction entrances prior to the onset of weather to avoid loss of sediment downslope. Other stabilization measure providing cover over a large portion of the site include seeding, mulching, and sodding. The goal is to apply these vegetative treatments by November, but sometimes this is not always practical with varying schedules.
 
To learn more about coverage options, specifications, and seeding schedules, browse through Chapter 7 of the Ohio Rainwater and Land Development Manual. Warren Co SWCD’s expert Urban Team is also available to help – call us at 513-695-2901.