Spring is here, temperatures are rising and the sun is beginning to peak through the clouds! And as life begins again for the environment around us, we still are reminded of the weather before; as the snow melt reveals trash, debris and damage from wind and snow plows. To combat the hazards of the seasons, we shine light on some Best Management Practices to consider maintaining your construction sites.
Always assess Slit Fences on your site
Silt Fence Maintenance & Stabilizing Soils
We have watched snow plows tear silt fence to shreds. Some of that fencing may no longer be needed while other areas may still require fencing until they have achieved 80% stabilization.
As you are thinking about maintaining sediment control best management practices’ such as: check dams, silt fences, and inlet protection, remember that properly stabilizing your soils helps reduce maintenance costs. If the soils do not move, then maintaining sediment controls can be eliminated from your “to do” list, as well as from your site maintenance cost budget.
If you are unsure what fencing needs to be replaced and what can and cannot be removed, ask your Qualified SWPPP Inspector to evaluate your site and save yourself the time and money of reinstalling silt fence that is no longer necessary.
Be in the Know
Speaking of stabilizing soils, did you know that every year that your project’s stormwater permit is open you must pay the DEC an annual regulatory fee of $110 for your SPDES General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activity (GP-0-15-002)?
This annual fee is billed in the late fall. If earthwork is completed and you want to avoid paying that preventable fee, stabilize your site before late fall and have your Qualified SWPPP Inspector submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) to the DEC to terminate your obligation of payment.
FYI: An 80% density grass growth rate for the entire project is required prior to submitting the NOT.
Let Us Help
As the nice weather continues to rolls in, be sure you are taking the steps to ensure successful progression on your construction sites. We encourage you to reach out to our Stormwater/ SWPPP Specialist, Kimberly Boyd, CPESC, CPMSM, or Construction Services Manager, Tom Danks, with any questions or requests on maintaining your construction sites best management practices.