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Guideline S.6: Erosion and Sedimentation Control During Construction

 

Intent

To ensure the reduction of erosion and sedimentation during construction.

 

Required Performance Criteria

Plan for and implement erosion control management during construction per National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) site permit limits, including provisions:

  1. Ensure that no soil is left open for more than 48 hours (use blankets, fences, and slope interceptions instead).
  2. Inspect, repair and cover erosion-damaged areas within 6 hours of every 24-hour storm event that is greater than or equal to 0.75 inches.
  3. Create a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and submit it to MPCA and the local watershed authority 4 days prior to any and all site disturbances.
  4. Identify and protecting all downstream Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) impaired waters from identified impacts (examples include mercury, lead, calcium, chromium, copper, chloride, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), phosphorus, biota).

Limit sediment discharge to the most stringent of the following scenarios:

  1. 5 tons per acre per year using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) method or other generally accepted soil runoff calculation;
  2. Where applicable, meet the sediment discharge requirements of the watershed district, watershed maintenance organization, joint powers association, or other local governing unit.
  3. Maintain temporary erosion control until the site is vegetated and stormwater infrastructure is fully functional.

Implementation in the Design Process:

In predesign and early design, seek direction from the local government unit or authority with jurisdiction over the project’s erosion and sedimentation control. Understand applicable rules, regulations, and permitting requirements. Determine soil type, soil structure, and limitations of soil, by performing a detailed geotechnical analysis.

Through the design process, evaluate what types of erosion and sedimentation control measures are appropriate for the specific types of soils and slopes present onsite, and develop drawings and specifications that protect soil, water, and utilities form erosion and sedimentation.

Hold a preconstruction meeting to identify requirements for sediment control during and after the construction process. Monitor project submittals for compliance with plans and details. Coordinate as necessary with contractors to ensure correct application of erosion and sedimentation controls and necessary modifications. Maintain temporary erosion control until the site is fully vegetated and stabilized and the stormwater management techniques are fully functional and online.

Create an operations and management manual that requires, at a minimum, inspections and necessary maintenance of the site and stormwater management areas for erosion and sedimentation and ensures that operations staff is familiar with site maintenance.

 

Design:

  • S.6D: Identification of downstream TMDL impaired waters,

Final Design:

  • S.6A: Verification of language mandating compliance in construction documents.
  • S.6B: Verification of language mandating compliance in construction documents.
  • S.6C: Verification of language mandating compliance in construction documents.
  • S.6D: Identification of downstream TMDL impaired waters, verification of site design mitigating downstream TMDL impact.
  • S.6E: Tons of sediment discharge and reduction percentage, additional threshold if requirements are present from other organizations and verification that the more stringent limits are met.
  • S.6F: Verification of language mandating verification in construction documents.

Closeout:

  • S.6A: Verification of installed soil cover measures and verification that the site contractor understands the requirements and intent of this guideline.
  • S.6B: Verification that the site contractor understands the requirements and intent of this guideline.
  • S.6C: Verification that the site contractor understands the requirements and intent of this guideline.
  • S.6D: Verification that the site contractor understands the requirements and intent of this guideline
  • S.6E: Verification that methods of limiting sediment discharge were implemented and verification that the site contractor understands the requirements and intent of this guideline.
  • S.6F Verification that temporary erosion control was implemented and verification that the site contractor understands the requirements and intent of this guideline.

Best management practices for erosion and sedimentation control by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), MetCouncil, or Local Governing Unit (LGU)

MetCouncil Small Sites BMP Manual: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Planning/Water-Resources-Management/Water-Quality-Management-Key-Roles.aspx

RUSLE Method (NRCS): www.ars.usda.gov/Research/docs.htm?docid=5971

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency SWPPP Guidelines: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/construction-stormwater

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Publication: Minnesota’s Impaired Waters: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/minnesotas-impaired-waters-list

Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual: https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Main_Page

Erosion Control & Stormwater Management: www.dot.state.mn.us/environment/erosion/index.html

 

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