Examples of BMP selection options for various construction site risk conditions
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Functional activity BMPs for lower risks BMPs for moderate risks BMPs for higher risks
Planning One-step clearing, grading, and stabilization Two-phase clearing and grading, and stabilization Multiple phases for clearing, grading, road and utility installation, building construction, etc.
No mark-offs for critical areas needed Infiltrative soils (i.e., for septic drainfields, rain gardens) marked off limits to traffic Infiltrative soils, tree preservation area(s), stream buffers marked off
One stabilized site exit, comprised of rock pad Length and width of rock pad extended to deal with exit traffic and mud conditions Shaker rack or wheel washer used to ensure minimization of trackout
No crossings needed, or use of existing stabilized bridge or channel crossing Installation of temporary culvert or other stabilized stream crossing Installation of permanent stream crossing, e.g., moving up installation of planned bridge, etc.
Drainage management No upland flows to divert from active construction area Diversion ditch or berm installed upslope to keep run-on off the site Upslope run-on diversions installed; installation of stabilized channel to carry upland flows through site
Sheet flow only; no concentrated flows Small, flat ditches double-seeded and lined with straw erosion control blanket Larger, steeper ditches triple-seeded and lined with turf reinforcement mat
No sediment trap or pond needed; sediment barrier suffices One or more sediment traps needed to remove soil from site runoff flows Multiple sediment traps and sediment ponds needed; use of flocculants to help remove very small particles
Soil stabilization No need for interim soil stabilization with one-step clearing / grading approach All site areas are seeded after grading except for building pad and immediate area used for materials Phased stabilization as project progresses; soil binders / blown straw used on bare areas idle > 14 days
Grass seed and blown straw mulch or hydroseeding used to stabilize site Erosion control blanket installed over grass seed, with heavier seeding rate on slopes Same as previous, with native mix and turf reinforcement mat or sod installed on steepest slopes
Sediment traps Fiber rolls / logs or Type C silt fence used for downslope perimeter control Type B or Type C silt fence used for downslope perimeter control Heavy duty silt fence used at multiple intervals on long slopes
Rock bags or other simple dike used for storm drain inlets Filter fabric insert used for storm drain inlet protection Catch basin insert used for maximum removal of sediment and other pollutants
Dust control not necessary due to short duration of project Dust control addressed via water truck as needed Polymers or other soil binders applied on construction roads as needed for dust control