Winter Stablization

Winter is officially here! Well, not officially, but the time to stabilize construction sites for the winter is here!  The winter stabilization window listed in the Rainwater and Land Development window is November 1st through February 29th. Any areas that have exposed soil on an active construction site will need to be stabilized for the winter if the area will be dormant for 21 days or more over the winter. This month’s development digest on winter stabilization is a basic overview on why this BMP (Best Management Practice) is important, and the specifications of this stabilization practice.
Soil pollution is an issue that greatly affects the water that runs through Warren County. Soil pollution can be greatly increased in the winter due to the large amounts of snow, and melting of that snow, that creates water runoff. BMPs are practices we can put in place to minimize the risk of soil pollution. Winter stabilization is an important BMP that can help keep the soil out of the waters.

So, what exactly does winter stabilization entail? Winter stabilization can involve two different methods. The first method involves planting a dormant, cool season grass that will survive the winter and start its growth in the spring. Putting mulch down is also a necessary step to allow this method to be effective. The second method is to only put mulch down and not worry about the seed. This method may be more applicable if earthwork will resume directly at the end of winter when work starts back up. Both methods involve mulch, which is important because mulch provides a barrier between the stormwater and the exposed soil that help to keep the soil in place. Below are examples of types of mulch and types of grass seed that can be used.
 

Types of Mulch:        

• Straw                                                                                                
• Straw matting
• Wood chips
• Shredded woody material
• Pine needles
• Compost

 
Grass Species:

• Tall fescue
• Annual Ryegrass
• Perennial Ryegrass
• Kentucky Bluegrass

 
 
More information on temporary seeding throughout the year can be found on Table 7.8.1 of the Rainwater and Land Development Manual. For an area to be considered stable, 70% of the area should be seeded and mulched.
Stabilizing a site during the winter is the best method to prevent erosion and sediment runoff during a time of the year when work may not be happening. At the very least, dormant areas with exposed sediment should be mulched during the winter months. Further information on temporary stabilization techniques can be found on the Rainwater and Land Development Manual. Further information on stabilization regulations can be found in the Ohio Construction General Permit.
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Have questions on the topic of winter stabilization? Please feel free to reach out to our office through email at [email protected] or call us at (513) 695-1337.