Chapter 4
Chapter 4
4
Preparing the Erosion and
Sedimentation Control Plan
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Before preparing an erosion and sedimentation control plan, the designer
should have a sound understanding of the requirements of the North Carolina
Sedimentation Control Law (Chapter 1), erosion and sedimentation control
principles (Chapter 2), the role of vegetation and other surface protection
in the erosion process (Chapter 3), and the appropriate uses of the principal
erosion and sedimentation control practices (Chapter 5).
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calculations and assumptions,
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details of the plan as an aid for the inspector and the contractor. The narrative
should be concise, but should describe:
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The designer should assume that the plan reviewer has not seen the site, and is
unfamiliar with the project. Map scales and drawings should be appropriate
for clear interpretation.
Data Collection and The base map for the erosion control plan is prepared from a detailed
topographic map. If available, a soil map should be obtained from the local
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information to the topographic map is helpful for site evaluation.
The design engineer responsible for the plan should inspect the site to verify
the base map with respect to natural drainage patterns, drainage areas, general
soil characteristics, and off-site factors.
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seepage zones,
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4.2
Preparing the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
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the limitations of the site and identify locations suitable for development.
Limit clearing and grading²&OHDUO\ GH¿QH ZRUN OLPLW OLQHV *UDGH WR
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that bare soil is exposed.
4.3
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Minimize impervious areas—Build in clusters to provide more open space,
minimize parking areas, and reduce disturbance for utility line construction.
Use porous paving materials when practical. Maintain existing vegetation
where possible.
Strategy The erosion and sedimentation control plan should seek to protect the soil
surface from erosion, control the amount and velocity of runoff, and capture
all sediment on-site during each phase of the construction project. Strategies
for controlling erosion and sedimentation should consider the following
elements:
Chapter 5 provides a practice selection guide (Table 5.1) for the selection of
appropriate control practices. Chapter 6FRQWDLQVVWDQGDUGVDQGVSHFL¿FDWLRQV
for the implementation of recommended erosion and sedimentation control
practices.
Phase I: Development of the erosion and sedimentation control plan can be viewed as
a series of phases that occur in approximate chronological order. The phases
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Analysis
Landscape—Evaluate proposed changes in the landscape to determine their
effect on runoff and erosion. Note all physical barriers to surface runoff, such
as roads, buildings, and berms. Check slope grades and lengths for potential
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and specify controls to dissipate energy or stabilize the surface. Designate
areas to be protected or used as buffer zones in this phase (Figure 4.2).
4.4
Preparing the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
Phase II: Erosion control practices reduce the amount of sediment generated, but they do
not eliminate the need for sediment control devices such as barriers and traps.
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shallow pools that reduce the carrying capacity of runoff. Thus, sedimentation
occurs on-site rather than off-site. Sediment is generally not controlled by
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Sediment basins and traps—Select sites and install sediment basins and traps
before other construction activities are started. Also consider locations for
diversions, open channels, and storm drains at this time so that all sediment-
laden runoff can be directed to an impoundment structure before leaving the
construction site.
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essential throughout the construction period.
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or gullies.
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assume that the barrier will clog rapidly so that all runoff must be retained
behind the fence or released through a designated outlet. Any outlet points
must be reinforced and stabilized, and should be designated in the plan.
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to develop without putting unnecessary strain on the fence. If a level area is
not available at the fence location, excavate a trench directly upslope from the
fence.
Show sediment fences on the topographic map, and clearly indicate deposition
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for maintenance.
Phase III: Once an area is disturbed, it is subject to accelerated erosion. In the plan,
show how erosion will be controlled on these disturbed areas. Erosion control
Protection of can be achieved by:
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activities are completed or when construction activities are delayed for
30 or more working days.
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stabilization measures as soon as possible. Roughen slope surfaces to improve
the success of vegetative stabilization. Consider both the stabilization
measures and how they will be maintained before planning the steepness of
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6XUIDFH FRYHUV—Riprap, gravel, straw and other land covers can provide
immediate surface protection to disturbed soil areas. Riprap is especially
useful where concentrated runoff over steep slopes occurs. Riprap should be
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Borrow and waste disposal areas—Clear borrow and waste disposal areas
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slopes are constructed to reduce slope length and control runoff. Slope all
areas to provide positive drainage, and stabilize bare soil surfaces with
4.7
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runoff that contains sediment to a sediment-trapping device. In large borrow
and disposal sites, shape and deepen the lower end to form an in-place sediment
trap, if site conditions warrant it. Off-site borrow areas may be governed by
the N.C. Mining Act.
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upslope areas, but use care in spoil placement to avoid blocking natural surface
outlets. Diversions and water bars can reduce erosion when properly spaced
across utility rights-of-way. When utilities are located near a stream, maintain
an undisturbed buffer zone wherever possible. If site dewatering is necessary,
pump or divert muddy water to sediment traps before discharging it to the
stream. If streams must be crossed, make sure all necessary materials and
equipment are on-site before construction begins, and complete work quickly.
Finish all disturbed surfaces to design grade and immediately stabilize them
with permanent vegetation or other suitable means. When utilities cross the
stream, you must specify the plans to prevent sedimentation.
Dust control—Exposed soil surfaces that are nearly level have little potential
for runoff erosion, but may be subject to severe wind erosion. Keeping the
disturbed surface moist during windy periods is an effective control measure,
especially for construction haul roads.
Phase IV: The safe conveyance of runoff water from a construction site is achieved by:
(1) utilizing and supplementing existing stable watercourses, (2) designing and
5XQRII&RQYH\DQFH constructing stable open channels, or (3) installing storm drains with stable
outlets. The plan should indicate locations and designs for these facilities.
Complete and stabilize outlets for channels, diversions, slope drains, or other
structures before installing the conveyance measure.
Wide, shallow channels with established grass linings are usually stable on
slopes up to 5%. These channels must be protected with temporary liners until
grass is established. If channel gradients are too steep to use vegetation, riprap
or concrete linings may be required, and in some instances grade stabilization
structures may be needed.
4.8
Preparing the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan
Storm drains—Where the site plan calls for a system of storm drains, the
drains may be used effectively in the erosion and sedimentation control plan.
Build junction boxes or inlets early in the construction sequence, and grade
the adjacent area to drain toward the inlet. Install an inlet protection device
at all open pipe inlets, and excavate a shallow basin in the approach to the
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may be diverted to a sediment basin for additional sediment control. Restrict
the drainage area for inlets to less than 1 acre, and frequently inspect inlet
protections for needed maintenance.
Standards for runoff conveyance (Practices 6.30, 6.31, 6.32, and 6.33) and
outlet protection measures (Practices 6.40 and 6.41) in Chapter 6 provide the
criteria necessary for the design of these practices. Design procedures for
channels and outlet structures are contained in Appendices 8.05, 8.06, and
8.07. Standards for the design of storm drains are not included.
When stability analysis shows that the stream requires protection, vegetation
is usually the preferred approach because it maintains the stream nearest to its
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grade stabilization structures are usually necessary. In the plan, show where
stream protection is needed, and how it will be accomplished.
Indicate stream buffer zones in plans that involve natural streams. The width
is determined by site conditions, but generally should not be less than 25 feet
on each side of the stream. Where natural buffers are not available, provide
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Phase VI: Appropriate sequencing of construction activities can be the most effective
means for controlling erosion and sedimentation. Consequently, present the
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disturbing activities.
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structural measures. Next install the overall water disposal outlet system for
the site.
After all principal erosion and sedimentation control measures are in place,
perform the land clearing and rough grading. Clear areas only as needed.
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within the construction schedule. Minimize the time of exposure, and select
temporary ground cover according to the location and season. Temporary
surfaces should be stabilized as soon as active grading is suspended, and
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of the time of year.
Phase VII: In the erosion and sedimentation control plan, indicate who is responsible for
maintenance and when it will be provided. The maintenance schedule should
Maintenance be based on site conditions, design safeguards, construction sequence, and
anticipated weather conditions. Specify the amount of allowable sediment
accumulation, design cross-section, and required freeboard for each practice
and what will be done with the sediment removed. The plans should also state
when temporary practices will be removed and how these areas and waste
disposal areas will be stabilized.
Phase VIII: Even though the developer may have an approved plan that is properly installed
and maintained, he/she is not relieved of responsibility for off-site sediment
Performance damage resulting from his/her construction activities. Therefore, frequently
5HTXLUHPHQW inspect the property boundary for evidence of sedimentation. If off-site
damage occurs, the developer may be responsible for immediate corrective
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or construction changes to occur during project development that may require
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they are implemented.
Phase IX: A preconstruction conference with the owner, contractor, and erosion
control personnel at the site is recommended as a means of assuring proper
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Conference is required by some local ordinances. A preconstruction conference allows
all parties to meet, review the plans and construction schedule, and agree
on responsibility and degree of control expected. Discuss maintenance
requirements, phasing of operations, and plan revisions at this time.