This is how we designed and constructed embankment fills for the 3rd Runway project 15 years ago. We sloped the benches and the top surface to drain water away from the face.
June 12, 2020
May 5, 2017
Designed to Keep Clean Water Out
Designed to Keep Clean Water Out – During project design, it is important to develop a storm water management basis for design.
This is done primarily for the permanent storm water conveyance systems, but is is also important to do this for the temporary erosion controls which are, in effect, a temporary storm water conveyance system.
This project, though covering a small area, drains directly to a creek which is tributary to an important salmon spawning river. In addition, there was some risk that the project might not be complete before the fall rains would begin.
Because of these things, the basis of design process led to a system of clean water diversion and site water collection and dispersal into vegetation.
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June 25, 2015
Low Impact Construction
Low Impact Development for Public Works Construction:
Erosion and Sediment Control Compliance
David S. Jenkins, Seattle, Washington
Introduction
Construction is a messy business; in the Puget Sound region of western Washington, with average annual rainfall of 40″ to 60″, it can also be challenging. Uncontrolled erosion from a construction site can generate 10-1000 times the quantity of sediment that occurs naturally from vegetated areas. Most construction in western Washington occurs near wetlands, streams, lakes, or the Puget Sound where sediment loss can reduce beneficial uses, or worse, destroy a salmon stream.
This paper will discuss proven methods that public works professionals can utilise to improve erosion control compliance and reduce project impacts.
(more…)
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June 1, 2014
How to Design and Install a Wheel Wash
How to Design and Install a Wheel Wash
By: Mark Kestner, Ph.D.
National Environmental Service Co., Inc.
7 Hampshire Drive, Mendham, NJ 07945 Tel: 973-543-4586 www.drdust.com
Presented at: California Mining Association Annual Meeting 2005, Squaw Valley, CA May 24-27
Introduction
Quarries, ready-mix plants, construction sites and other industrial facilities have become the
targets of new regulations designed to prevent track-out of mud, dust and dirt on to public roads. These
regulations have been developed primarily in response to Federal EPA actions that have designated many
metropolitan areas as “non-attainment” for their failure to comply with air quality standards for fine
particulate. Fine particulate, known as PM10 and fine respirable particulate, PM2.5, are now regarded as
the number one health hazard in urban environments. These particles are so small that they become
lodged in the aveoli of the lungs where they can cause or aggravate a variety of respiratory diseases
including asthma, emphysema and lung cancer.
Local governments in non-attainment areas are forced to take draconian measures to comply with
fine particulate standards or face the loss of federal highway funds. As a result, cities like Los Angeles
and Phoenix, have or are in the process of adopting rules that require affected facilities to install wheel
washes. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) in California, for example, has
recently passed Rule 1157 that will mandate the use of rumble grates and tire washes.
In other areas of the country, encroaching residential and commercial development around
industrial sites has led to an increased demand for wheel washes. Many companies, particularly stone
quarries, have installed wheel washes in order to get out in front of regulation and demonstrate their
willingness to be good neighbors. Other facilities are forced into compliance through fines and litigation.
Faced with state and local governments under the threat of federal action and a public unwilling
to tolerate any pollution, companies need to take a hard look at how best to respond. Because the costs of
pollution control equipment are difficult to recover, affected facilities have a real incentive to develop
affordable and effective technology to prevent carryout.
….MORE….
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December 26, 2012
Caltrans Erosion Control Toolbox
Welcome to the Caltrans Erosion Control Toolbox, a one-stop reference for erosion control standards and guidance. The purpose of this site is to provide Caltrans Landscape Architects with a single location that provides access to the information necessary to design successful, effective and cost efficient erosion control treatments.
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