Why You Should Hire A Construction Stormwater Compliance Contractor
Stormwater is rainwater moving across different surfaces and consists of pollutants such as chemicals from lawns and gardens, oil and grease from driveways, and sediments from exposed soil. The stormwater then gets into creeks, rivers, or other primary drinking water supplies through stormwater pipes. Stormwater inspection occurs during construction to ensure the project is compliant with the environmental agencies. Below are common problems found during a stormwater compliance inspection.
1. Un-protected Inlets
Two of the most critical aspects during stormwater construction inspection are the system's inlet and outlet. A properly designed system should have a reasonable distance between the inlet and outlet because they play a crucial role in the dewatering process. The inlet and outlet must be protected from stones, debris, and rocks since they damage the areas. This allows the accumulation of more materials in the stormwater drainage system, which eventually fails or becomes slow.
2. Erosion and Sedimentation Issues
Different construction sites apply distinct sedimentation control methods to prevent erosion. For instance, fully developed sites apply landscaping and plants, while areas where construction is in progress, use artificial methods such as sediment basins to control erosion. During the stormwater inspection, water samples are collected and used to confirm whether there are any sedimentation control issues. If the water sample has suspended sediments or the sediment settles at the bottom of the water quickly, it shows the need for new sedimentation controls.
3. Insufficient Grading
Grading involves shaping an area to take a particular shape or form by digging and smoothening specific places to get the desired aesthetic impression. Proper grading minimizes steep and flat regions, controlling stormwater and other pollutants runoff. However, excessive reduction of the vertical and flat areas may result in erosion and flooding.
4. Non-compliance
Construction owners' biggest mistakes are not obtaining and implementing permit coverage and not training employees properly. Compliance challenges are common when rainstorms occur for several days calling for unexpected dewatering. As a result, it is vital to keep up with stormwater certification from your municipality or water management district. Additionally, your employees should know potential pathways through which excess water can flow.
Conclusion
You should handle stormwater with seriousness and care during construction because it is easy for a stormwater inspector to identify the problems mentioned above. However, you can avoid these problems by working with a certified construction stormwater compliance contractor. The contractors have years of experience dealing with stormwater which helps them identify all potential issues and mitigate them. Additionally, they understand all your local stormwater codes and regulations, and hence they will guide you through the process until you are certified.
Contact a construction stormwater compliance contractor to learn more.