As of two days ago, the open catch basin is fixed again; there is new 30 mil PVC under the catch basin grate and turbid water is not draining into the catch basin. The contractor told their staff not to puncture the PVC. No word on whether they are thinking more proactively about this. The best measure is to keep the stockpile covered and the area cleaned up. We shall see what’s next.
The saga continues… the next inspection looked like the first inspection. The open catch basin is open again. 500 + NTU water draining into the catch basin. What happened?
As suspected, someone didn’t like the flooding, so they punctured the 30 mil PVC. I am wondering why the contractor erosion control lead is not finding this.
I inspected the open catch basin the next day to see if it was fixed, and this is what the contractor had done to keep turbid water out. I have nothing against doing this, but, since this does keep water out, flooding ensues. Flooding is okay if the catch basin is in a low spot and no one needs to work in the area.
I told the contractor that they might want to look at the storm system and see if there is a point where they can install a concrete plug temporarily and use the system for conveying the turbid water to their treatment system.
I found this open catch basin during a construction erosion inspection. The turbidity of the water draining into it from the stockpile measured at over 600 NTUs. Note that there is an insert in the catch basin; these do nothing to reduce turbidity. I notified the contractor who should have found this in their daily inspections, which I pointed out to them.
In my experience, managing contractor “means and methods” is more important than using the “right” best management practices. When turbidity is the standard for measuring water quality compliance, as in Washington state, site cleanliness is the key to prevention and compliance.
This contract requires that catch basin inserts be installed in all catch basins within the project boundaries. However, inserts are not at all effective in reducing turbidity in runoff. While removing the crane rail on this container terminal project, the contractor could clean up as the work progresses, place all material removed from the trench onto plastic for later removal, load into a Bobcat bucket, and pick up small debris with a shop vac. I can require these things in the contract that the contractor bids. It may cost extra; the extra cost may be worth it if it reduces my risk. If I tell the contractor after the contract is awarded, I will pay more.
I can also make suggestions during the work, pointing out that keeping things really clean will keep them in compliance with their NPDES permit. If framed in a way that shows benefit to the contractor, meaning reducing risk and cost, they will probably follow the suggestion.
Powered by WordPress