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This is the first TESC Plan I wrote for WSDOT. It was used by WSDOT for several years as an example of how to write a TESC Plan. DJ

STATE ROUTE 101
MP 174.50 TO MP 188.00
95C539
MARCH 27, 1996

TEMPORARY EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The project is located in Jefferson and Clallam counties on State Route 101, from MP 174.50 to MP 188.00. This section of State Route 101 begins just east of Lost Creek, runs in a northwesterly direction, ending about 2 miles south of Forks. About 13.5 miles of State Route 101 will be improved by crack sealing, pavement repair, pre-leveling with asphalt concrete pavement, paving with asphalt concrete, drainage, guardrail, and flexible guide posts, pavement marking, permanent signing, and culvert replacement to improve fish passage. Two major drainage basins and several sub-basins are spanned by the project: the Hoh River, Bogachiel River, Lost Creek, Hell Roaring Creek, Dowans Creek, and May Creek. In addition, there are several perennial and intermittent streams which flow under the highway via culvert, some of which are fed by small wetlands.

Annual precipitation for the area ranges from 100 to 180 inches. Total annual precipitation measured at Forks is 118 inches. The topography of this coastal forest consists principally of gently rolling to moderately steep, glacially terraced uplands interspersed with numerous swampy depressions. Average monthly precipitation for June, July, August and September are 3.7, 2.5, 2.3, and 5.1 inches, respectively. Summers are fairly warm, but hot days are rare. Several weeks often pass with little precipitation.

The principal land use centers around the forest products industry. Most, if not all, forested areas adjacent to the project have been logged at one time with various stages of growth manifested. Other land uses include farming, commercial, and residential. Logging operations have impacted some streams through increased flows and bed loads.

The current roadway configuration typically consists of two eleven foot wide traveled lanes and minimal two foot wide shoulders. Existing embankments are generally 2:1 and shallower. Existing cut slopes range from gentle to near vertical in some locations, though height of vertical slopes is usually less than ten feet. This project does not create any new cut or fill slopes.

Roadway improvements will involve only minimal earthwork, the majority occurring during culvert replacement. Some embankment grading will be necessary to blend the gravel base into existing contours.

BASINS

Hoh River- SR 101 crosses the Hoh River at bridge 101/217, which is not part of this contract. The project remains in the Hoh River watershed from the Lost Creek basin to just north of the Hell Roaring Creek basin. Both Lost Creek and Hell Roaring Creek basins are included in this watershed. Lost Creek passes under SR 101 just south of MP 174.50.

One new 24″ culvert will be installed at MP 185.15 to handle increased flow and bed load caused by logging in the upper watershed and to improve fish passage to the upper watershed. Best Management Practices (BMP) will be installed to minimize siltation and sedimentation of the stream during culvert installation. Quarry spalls will be placed at the inlet and outlets of the culvert to prevent erosion and silt deposition in wetlands and the Hoh River. Check dams will be placed ten feet upstream of culvert inlets and ten feet downstream of culvert outlets as indicated on plan sheet “EC”. Temporary check dams will consist of silt fence downstream and gravel filled burlap bags upstream. Improving the road will allow water to sheet flow to the embankments where water will flow through gravel road base material, down the seeded and mulched embankment, and into the vegetated drainage ditch before flowing into waters of the State of Washington. Timing of the project will enable earthwork to be performed during the lowest flows of the year.

Erosion of soils will depend on precipitation quantity, duration, soil type, slope, and vegetative cover. Most of the project will occur in areas of slight to moderate slope, with slight erosion hazard, during the driest time of year, and under forested cover. In areas where soil will be exposed without adequate forest cover, on steep slopes, or where soils are erosive, extra precaution will be taken to prevent erosion and silt deposition. One such area that will require extra precautions is the area north of the Hoh River bridge. The soil type Phelan gravelly silt loam (PHF) is very erosive and the forest has been logged, removing protective cover.

The predominant soil type that will be encountered in the Hoh River watershed is the Hoko gravelly silt loam, 0 to 15% slopes Hoko gravelly silt loam (HKC). This soil is found from the crest of the hill north of the Hoh River bridge northward to the Bogachiel River watershed. If this soil is exposed during construction and if forest cover has been removed, precaution must be taken to prevent erosion and siltation.

Soil types encountered:

Hoh silt loam (HH)- this is a nearly level soil on low river terraces with slopes in the 1% to 2% range. The soil is well drained. Runoff is slow to very slow and the hazard of water erosion is slight.

Klone-Hoko association, moderately steep (KND)- consists of about 30% Klone gravelly silt loam, 30% Klone cobbly loam, and 40% Hoko gravelly silt loam. Slopes range from 0 to 30%. The erosion hazard is slight to moderate depending on slope.

Kalaloch gravelly loam, 0 to 15 % slopes (KCC)- Nearly level to strongly sloping soil on glacial outwash terraces. It is gravelly loam and is 20 to 35% gravel to a depth of two feet. The soil erosion hazard is slight to moderate.

Phelan gravelly silt loam, 30 to 80% slopes (PHF)- this steep to very steep soil is found along river valleys. Most slopes range between 40 and 65%. Runoff is rapid to very rapid, and the hazards of land slip and water erosion are severe to very severe. This soil is only located in the hill above the north end of the Hoh River bridge.

Hoko-Tealwhit association, gently rolling (HMC)- consists of about 70% Hoko gravelly silt loam and about 30% Tealwhit silty clay loam. The Hoko soils are gently rolling and the Tealwhit is mostly level. Erosion hazard is estimated as slight to moderate depending on slope.

Hoko gravelly silt loam, 0 to 15% slopes (HKC)- this gently sloping to strongly sloping soil is found on glacial terraces. Runoff is slow to medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate to severe.

Bogachiel River- SR 101 crosses the Bogachiel River at bridge 101/302, which is not part of this contract. The project lies in this watershed from the Dowans Creek basin on the south to MP 188.00 on the north. Dowans Creek and May Creek basins are included in this watershed. May Creek crosses under SR 101 south of the Bogachiel River bridge.

From about MP 185.00 to MP 187.00, four new 48″culverts will be installed to replace 24″ concrete pipes, and one 18″ pipe will be installed to enhance fish passage and improve water flow. Replacement will require the use of BMP to minimize siltation and sedimentation of the stream during culvert installation. Quarry spalls will be placed at the inlets and outlets of the culvert to prevent erosion and silt deposition in wetlands and/or the Bogachiel River. Check dams will be placed ten feet upstream of culvert inlets and ten feet downstream of culvert outlets as indicated on plan sheet “EC”. Temporary check dams will consist of silt fence downstream and gravel filled burlap bags upstream. Improving the road will allow water to sheet flow to the embankments where water will flow through gravel road base material, down the seeded and mulched embankment, and into the vegetated drainage ditch before flowing into waters of the State of Washington. Timing of the project will enable earthwork to be performed during the lowest flows of the year.

Much of the soil encountered in this section of the project, near the Dowans Creek basin, is the HKC type that is, as mentioned above, subject to moderate or severe erosion hazard. Precautions must be taken in this area to prevent erosion. All other soil types encountered display slight to moderate water erosion hazard and require no extra precaution to prevent erosion other than normal inspection and maintenance of BMP’s.

During repair of the slide south of the Bogachiel River bridge, BMP’s will be utilized to prevent erosion and silt deposition into the Bogachiel River, which flows near the base of the slope 60 to 80 feet below the road. The soil in this area, Klone very gravelly loam (29), is classified as having a slight erosion hazard.

Soil types encountered include the following:

Hoko-Tealwhit association, gently rolling (HMC)-consists of about 70% Hoko gravelly silt loam and about 30% Tealwhit silty clay loam. The Hoko soils are gently rolling and the Tealwhit is mostly level. Erosion hazard is estimated as slight to moderate depending on slope.

Hoko gravelly silt loam, 0 to 15% slopes (HKC)-this gently sloping to strongly sloping soil is found on glacial terraces. Runoff is slow to medium and the hazard of water erosion is moderate to severe.

Klone-Hoko association, moderately steep (KND)- consists of about 30% Klone gravelly silt loam, 30% Klone cobbly loam, and 40% Hoko gravelly silt loam. Slopes range from 0 to 30%. The erosion hazard is slight to moderate depending on slope.

Klone very gravelly loam, 0 to 15% slopes (29)- this glacial outwash soil is found on terraces. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is slight.

Hoh silt loam (22)- this very deep, well drained soil is found on low terraces and flood plains. Runoff is medium and the hazard of water erosion is slight.

Queets silt loam (54)- consists of silty alluvium. Runoff is medium and water erosion hazard is slight.

Ilwaco-Klone complex, 30 to 65% slopes (28)- this complex consists of about 40% Ilwaco silt loam and 40% Klone very gravelly loam. The Ilwaco soil forms from weathered sandstone and loess. Runoff is medium and erosion hazard is moderate. The Klone soil formed in glacial outwash. Runoff is medium and water erosion hazard is moderate.

REQUIRED PERMITS

The following is a list of permits required for this project:

Permit Name Agency
Corps of Engineers-Nationwide U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Water Quality Certification Wash. State Dept of Ecology
Hydraulic Project Approval Wash. State Dept of Fish & Wildlife

A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit is not required since this project involves less than five acres of earthwork. Therefore, a Notice of Intent (NOI) will not be filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology. In addition, since this project does not add any new impervious surface a Storm water Site Plan (SSP) will not be prepared.

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL

Temporary elements shall be placed to prevent damage to the adjacent property, and potential degradation of the downstream resources. Additional control devices will be positioned to intercept flows and eliminate the introduction of silt laden runoff from entering the rivers, creeks, wetlands, and tributaries. Essential components of the erosion and sediment control system must be fully operational before the Contractor is allowed to begin construction.

* Bare soil shall not be left uncovered for longer than seven days. In no case shall soil be left uncovered over weekends or holidays unless personnel are on site who can cover bare soil as needed to prevent erosion.

* Hand seeding and straw mulching shall be accomplished as the project proceeds. It is preferable that no more than 500 linear feet of embankment shall be left bare before seeding and mulching. In no case shall seeding and mulching be scheduled until the end of the project.

* No mud or dirt that has been tracked onto pavement during construction shall be left overnight. All tracked material shall be removed by broom, mechanical sweeper, or shovel and disposed of in a controlled sediment disposal area. Mud and dirt shall not be washed off pavement into drainage conveyances without first having used the above removal methods.

* All check dams will be in operation before any excavation to replace culverts is allowed.

* All sensitive areas including streams, wetlands, and creeks and all clearing limits shall be marked with construction tape before work in those areas commences.

* All temporary soil stockpiles will be covered with plastic or mulch if unused for more than seven days or if there is any opportunity for eroded soil to enter drainage channels or flow onto pavement, or enter property outside of WSDOT right-of-way.

SCHEDULE

The engineer’s estimated progress schedule for construction of this project is approximately 75 working days. Due to HPA permit conditions, construction will not start until June 15, 1996 to avoid salmon migration. The implementation of recommended temporary BMP’s will depend on whether construction extends beyond September 15, 1996, when precipitation increases dramatically. If construction does continue beyond August 1996, the Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (TESC) may need to be revised to account for increased precipitation and subsequent runoff.

INSTALLATION

All BMP’s will be installed according to directions contained in either the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual or the Dept. of Ecology Stormwater Management Manual for the Puget Sound. The following specific points are to be followed:

Filter Fence -
Fence posts shall be placed downstream of flows. The bottom of the fence shall be secured in a trench per plan sheet “EC”. Fence material will be stretched tight and installed on a contour if possible.

Straw Bale Check Dams -
Straw bale check dams may be used if necessary to retain small amounts of sediment and reduce flow velocity in drainage ditches as directed by the Engineer. Enough bales will be installed to ensure that the top of the bale at the lowest point of the ditch shall be the lowest point of the dam. This will prevent endcutting.

Rock or Gravel Check Dams-
Dams shall be constructed so that the center of the dam is lower than the edges to prevent endcutting. Gravel shall be pre-washed to avoid silt deposition in live streams. Gravel shall be placed in burlap or other suitable material that allows water to flow through the bags.

Seeding and Mulching -
Straw and seed shall be spread by hand. The quantity and type of seed and straw shall be according to specifications. Seed shall be raked into the soil then covered with straw. The straw shall not include invasive or non-native seeds.

INSPECTION

All on-site temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be inspected at least once every seven days and within 24-hours after any storm event of greater than 0.5 inches of rain per 24-hour period. An inspection file shall be maintained.

An official copy of the TESC plan shall be maintained in the construction project engineer’s office on which changes affecting the TESC are documented. Revisions to the TESC plan are approved by the Project Engineer after consultation with the office responsible for developing the plan, as per Section 1-2.4 C of the Construction Manual. The project inspector shall inspect the construction site weekly and after any significant rainfall or runoff event to ensure that the BMP’s are functioning properly. The inspector’s Daily Report shall be used to record observations and changes regarding the TESC plan. The project inspector shall conduct the final inspection to ensure all contractor work required by the TESC plan has been completed.

MAINTENANCE

The following is a list of BMPs and their associated maintenance:

Filter Fence-
Filter fence is to be inspected immediately after each rainfall, and at least daily during prolonged rainfall. Repair tears, endcutting, undercutting, and fence posts as needed. Sediment shall be removed when it reaches approximately one third the height of the fence and placed in a controlled sediment disposal site. Any sediment deposits remaining in place after the filter fence is no longer required shall be removed to a controlled sediment disposal site.

Straw Bale Check Dams-
Straw bale check dams shall be inspected immediately after each runoff-producing rainfall and at least daily during prolonged rainfall. Sediment shall be removed when it reaches one half the height of the dam and after each runoff-producing rainfall and placed in a controlled sediment disposal site. Any sediment deposits remaining in place after the straw bales are no longer required shall be dressed to conform to the existing grade, prepared and seeded.

Rock or Gravel Check Dams-
Rock and gravel check dams shall be inspected immediately after each runoff-producing rainfall and at least daily during prolonged rainfall. Sediment shall be removed when it reaches one half the height of the dam and after each runoff-producing rainfall and placed in a controlled sediment disposal site. Any sediment deposits remaining in place after the rock and gravel check dams are no longer required shall be dressed to conform to the existing grade, prepared and seeded.

Temporary Seeding of Stripped Areas-
Areas which fail to establish vegetative cover adequate to prevent erosion shall be reseeded, raked, and mulched immediately upon identification.

Mulching -
Mulched areas should be checked periodically, especially following storms, when damaged areas shall be repaired.

Permanent Seeding and Planting-
If vegetative cover is inadequate to prevent rill erosion, overseed and fertilize in accordance with soil test results. If a stand has less than 40 percent cover, reevaluate choice of plant materials and quantities of lime fertilizer. Re-establish the stand.

PERMANENT STABILIZATION

Existing vegetation will be preserved where possible within the project limits. The primary objectives will be the restoration and reseeding of native plants and trees, and to provide immediate slope stability and erosion control. The latter may be accomplished using a combination of hand seeding and mulching. All temporary erosion and sediment control BMPs will be removed within 30 days after final site stabilization, or after the facilities are no longer needed. Trapped sediments will be removed or stabilized on site.

REFERENCES

Design Manuals

* Stormwater Runoff Manual for the Puget Sound Basin, Dept. of Ecology, February 1992.

* WSDOT Hydraulics Manual, May 1989

* WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual, February 1995

Special Reports and Studies

* Soil Survey of Jefferson County Area, Washington, USDA, Soil Conservation Service, 1975

* Soil Survey of Clallam County Area, Washington, USDA, Soil Conservation Service, 1987

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This is a brief description of the WSDOT Erosion Control Program that I developed and managed from January 1996 to March 1999. I wrote this in 1996. DJ

WSDOT Erosion Control Program Description
David S. Jenkins – Statewide Erosion Control Coordinator

Statewide Erosion Control Coordinator

WSDOT hired a full-time Statewide Erosion Control Coordinator to develop policy and oversee implementation of the Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC) Program. In addition, the Statewide Erosion Control Coordinator provides on-site technical assistance to Project Inspectors and makes field visits to highway construction sites to evaluate planning and implementation of TESC plans. This provides WSDOT with the opportunity to share successful experiences and develop consistency in program implementation.

Highway Runoff Manual

The primary guidance document for the program is the WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual (HRM) which was adopted in January, 1995. The HRM was developed to direct stormwater management activities for new and existing state highways, rest areas, park and ride lots, and ferry terminals and is consistent with the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE) “Stormwater Management Manual for the Puget Sound”. The HRM requires that projects adding more than 5,000 sq. feet of new impervious surface provide both water quality and water quantity treatment for those surfaces. Also, a Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (TESC) is prepared for all WSDOT construction projects that involve excavation, clearing, grubbing, trenching, or any activity that exposes bare soil to precipitation and/or wind.

As part of the effort to improve environmental compliance with the various regulations, revisions and additions to the “Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction” are being developed and implemented with assistance from the Associated General Contractors (AGC)/WSDOT Roadway Quality Team. The first new specification to be implemented was the Erosion and Spill Control Lead General Special Provision which became effective 10/28/96.

Erosion & Spill Control Lead General Special Provision

Starting in early 1997, the Contractor was required to designate and make known to the Project Engineer during pre-construction meetings the firm’s Erosion & Spill Control Leads (ESC Leads). These people will have the training to administer an active and effective construction site erosion and spill control programs. Certification as the Erosion Control Lead is achieved by attending a WSDOT-approved course in Construction Site Erosion and Spill Control. Re-certification is required every 3 years.

Spill Prevention, Containment, & Control Specification

In order protect surface and ground waters, and soil resources from contamination by hazardous materials, a specification has been developed that will give guidance to WSDOT personnel and contractors. Currently this plan is called the “Contractor’s Addendum to the TESC plan. Training will be provided for SPCC plan preparations.

Construction Site Erosion & Spill Control Training

Education is the foundation of the WSDOT temporary erosion and spill control programs. Training programs are developed for WSDOT Design, Construction, and Engineering staff as well as for the contracting community. These programs are specific to highway construction under all state-wide conditions and give attendees some of the tools necessary to implement an effective program. The goal is to prevent discharge of contaminated storm water from construction sites. As of late 1998, over 1000 persons have been certified.

Courses are offered every year during the construction off-season, which runs from approximately October through March. The courses are held over a two day period and cover: the difference between erosion control and sediment control; erosion prevention; and proper BMP installation, maintenance, and inspection. One half day of field work with hands-on training in BMP installation provides the opportunity to become familiar with different erosion and sediment control techniques. Also, information concerning the latest erosion and sediment control technology is given.

TESC Monitoring, Research & New Product Evaluation

WSDOT will continue to participate in research efforts to identify cost effective temporary erosion control methods and to evaluate new erosion prevention and sediment control products. Some examples include:

An internal New Products Review Committee, in cooperation with WSDOT’s Materials Lab and the Hydraulics Office, evaluates new commercial erosion control products submitted by contractors. Priority items to be reviewed include filter fence designs and erosion control matting.

WSDOT documents case histories of TESC product effectiveness in actual field construction situations. HRM recommendations and design specifications and be developed based on on-site experience.

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A little thing I wrote when I was at WSDOT; back in the day. DJ

Preparing for the Upcoming Rainy Season
David S. Jenkins
WSDOT Statewide Erosion Control Coordinator
September 1997

Now that the El Nino has ended and the La Nina has begun, the National Weather Service is predicting a much wetter fall and winter than normal. So, what are some things you can do now to prepare? How about:

Cover bare soil. Final grades can be covered with hydroseed, erosion blankets, topsoil, bark or whatever final cover is planned for the project.

Get your hydroseed contractor lined up now and avoid the October rush.

Don’t open up more than a few acres after September 1st.

Grades that aren’t being actively worked can be covered with straw at a rate of 1500 pounds per acre. This is a very cheap and effective way to protect bare soil from raindrop impacts and erosion. Hand seed before spreading the straw. Spray it with water to help hold it in place.

Track your slopes with a Cat: up and down slope, not across slope. The first helps prevent erosion, the second speeds it up.

Use flex pipe drains at bridge ends if your permanent drainage system and curbs are not in place. Collect the water from the bridge using sand bags and divert it to the pipe. Make sure the pipe is long enough to reach the bottom of the slope.

Use a water truck and water seeded areas weekly to get quicker growth. The better the growth going into winter the better.

If you have to open up a large area, only clear and grub small areas. You can clear larger areas if you don’t grub. Roots and slash help protect the bare soil.

Walk the site looking only at erosion controls, thinking ahead of areas that could have a problem. Identify them and start making additions and corrections.

Locate all existing water flows in and around your project and find out where they drain to.

Think about maintenance and regular inspection of erosion controls. When are silt fences going to be inspected and who does it? Who removes mud from check dams? Who covers slopes with straw or other mulch?

Get materials on site now. Again beat the rush for materials in October and November when everyone is in a panic to get plastic and straw. Stockpile enough straw, plastic, silt fence, flex pipe, sand bags, seed, rock, now to cover all areas that are bare.

Set up emergency procedures now. Who should be called in emergencies? Do you have a WSDOT certified Erosion and Spill Control Lead? Brief your personnel on what to do if they see muddy water and who to go to.

Make sure that erosion control material installers know proper installation methods.

Make sure all your silt fence is installed on contour with the ends flared up slope a few feet. If it is not on contour, identify the lowest points of the fence as these will be the failure spots. Install a double row of silt fence at these low spots before you have a failure. Double up your silt fence in areas where eroding slopes could flow into wetlands or streams.

Do you have bare spots where previous seeding hasn’t grown? Cover it with seed and straw if the area is small, remobilize the hydroseeder for larger areas.

Make sure all catch basins within the project boundary are protected with inserts, fence surrounds, or other methods to keep mud out. Locate any catchbasins outside project boundaries that may receive water from your site and protect them.

Make sure that you have a copy of the Stormwater Site Plan (SSP) and Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control plan (TESC) and any grading or environmental permits on site in the job shack. Know what they say. Give each inspector a copy of the SSP and TESC to keep in their truck. These are working copies that can be adapted to site conditions.

Modify your permanent stormwater ponds into temporary sediment ponds by installing a standpipe and blocking the outlet with sand bags. Cut a few small holes in the standpipe to allow for slow release of water. You can also use perforated pipe as the standpipe and hold it in place with “T” posts, wire, and gravel piled up around it.

Use geotextile fabric as a temporary ditch lining to protect bare soil from erosion. Hold the fabric in place with rock check dams, wooden stakes, or sand bags.

If you are using straw bale check dams in ditches, they will likely fail from undercutting and endcutting. You can make them work better if you cover them with geotextile or plastic secured upstream and down with rock or sand bags. Run the cover all the way from end to end.

Make sure that all check dams are installed so that the top center point is lower than the bottom end points. This prevents endcutting. You may have to add more material to the dam to increase the width, especially on wide ditches with shallow grade side slopes.

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FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL for OPERATORS

Graders and Scrapers

* Use water truck or sprinklers to moisten soils before grading.

* Minimize areas of clearing and grubbing to a manageable size.

* Minimize time frames between Fugitive Dust-creating activities and final solutions (ex., roadway excavation and paving).

* Avoid activity during high winds.

Front-End Loaders and Backhoes

* Use water truck to keep soils moist.

* Use water sprays when dumping soils into haul trucks.

* Minimize drop height.

* Avoid activity during high winds.

FROM: “Guide to Handling Fugitive Dust from Construction Projects”, AGC of WA Ed. Foundation. 1997
MODIFIED: David S. Jenkins, Port of Seattle, Erosion Control / Stormwater Engineer. 2/2009

PHOTO: Sheetflow.com

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FUGITIVE DUST CONTROL for TRUCK DRIVERS

* Wet loads with a fire hose.

* Ensure adequate freeboard.

* Cover loads.

* Reduce speed on unpaved haul roads to less than 15 mph.

* Stay on gravel haul roads.

* Stay on paved haul roads.

* Avoid driving through mud and wet soil.

* Brush off mud from wheels, wheel wells, running boards and tail gates.

* Wash wheels and inner fender wells immediately prior to exiting. Use a tire wash if available.

* Call the truck boss for vacuum sweeper or water truck if you see trackout or visible dust.

FROM: “Guide to Handling Fugitive Dust from Construction Projects”, AGC of WA Ed. Founation. 1997
MODIFIED: David S. Jenkins, Port of Seattle, Erosion Control / Stormwater Engineer. 2/2009

PHOTO: Sheetflow.com

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TITLE: Erosion Control Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Engineering/Construction Operations

REPORTS TO: Chief of Construction Operations

PURPOSE:

To lead and manage all aspects of construction erosion and sediment control services to all departments, tenants, contractors and outside agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide construction project consultation and oversight
• Provide project planning and design reviews
• Responsible for program management and oversight
• Administrative

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, OTHER WORK CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ability to understand and interpret project plans, project schedules and specifications
• Ability to perform skilled inspections of varied erosion control methods, materials, and procedures
• Ability to utilize critical thinking, judgment, and experience to define, analyze and resolve problems and issues
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with a wide range of personnel internally and externally to the organization and the community, including staff and management, contractors, tenants, outside agencies, and the public
• Effective working knowledge of support services, including legal, environmental, communications and information services
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective working knowledge of construction methods, code interpretation and erosion control best management practices, methods, and materials used during heavy construction
• Proficiency with computer office applications such as Microsoft Office 2007
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art testing equipment including but not limited to turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen meters and automatic water quality samplers
• Knowledge of construction stormwater treatment systems including electro-coagulation, chitosan-enahnced sand filtration, CatFloc batch treatment, chitosan gel-floc, and other existing and emerging technologies
• Effective working knowledge of environmental regulations including National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Section 401, 402, and 404 permits, Washington Administrative Code 173-201A and 90-48, fugitive dust planning, and Hydraulic Project Approval permits
• Ability to be on call during off duty hours

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EXPERIENCE:

3 years experience in general construction erosion and sediment control. Includes: stormwater monitoring, construction site inspection, recordkeeping, program development, contractor training, field engineering, developing and maintaining complex communications and working relationships.
Demonstrate proven ability to manage all aspects of heavy and commercial construction erosion and sediment control compliance in a public works contracting environment. Includes work with wetland, shoreline and growth management regulations Must have working knowledge of low-impact construction in and around sensitive areas including wetlands, navigable waters and waters of the State of Washington

EDUCATION:

MINIMUM:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental, Earth Sciences or related field

WA State Department of Ecology approved certification as Erosion and Sediment Control Lead

Valid Washington State Driver’s License

Ability to pass a number of safety/environmental classes

Knowledge of soils, vegetation, stormwater, environmental regulations, construction means and methods, construction erosion best management practices, training facilitation.

Required to operate company vehicles while traveling to work sites

Required to work around any excavations that may contain contaminated soil or water, and fulfill required training for all Engineering department staff

PREFERRED:
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Industry standard certification for erosion control professionals

DECISION MAKING:

This position is regularly required to assess risk to project cost and budget as well as determining the potential to violate environmental permit conditions. Since rainfall is unpredictable, decisions are often made quickly and with limited information. Risk must be assessed and field forces mobilized to monitor and modify erosion controls and perform water quality testing. This frequently occurs after hours, on weekends and holidays over the telephone. In any situation, the action taken has the potential of affecting risk, cost, schedule, fines, shutdowns and negative press coverage.

Example:

This position was notified by Washington State Department of Ecology inspector of dirty water in a creek near project. In order to determine a course of action, the following decisions were made and risks assessed:

• Weather conditions- is this a rain-dependant discharge? If it is raining, it is important to go directly to known Port projects with the highest potential for failure. If it is not raining, it is important to go to suspect areas, such as excavation work near the creek and non-company projects on or near the creek to determine if dewatering is taking place.
• Identify the scope of the problem-are water quality samples necessary or is a visual observation adequate?
• Identify the source of the dirty water- is this a discharge from the company or is it a non-company source?
• Locate the source- which reach of the creek is impacted?
• Identify the cause- once the source is located, what is causing the discharge?
• Determine the immediate course of action- can the discharge be eliminated immediately with out involving others by closing a valve, diverting flow away from a catch basin, or shutting off a pump? Will the correction require laborers and equipment?
• Mobilize field crews- is the discharge associated with a contractor’s actions, maintenance, or other? Calls are made to the appropriate persons that can act to eliminate discharge.
• Identify appropriate people to be notified of discharge- these could include Environmental, Resident Engineer and contractor erosion control lead or superintendent.
• Inspect to ensure discharge is eliminated.
• Determine whether corrective work is adequate to prevent future discharge.
• Work with non-company entities if discharge originated off company property.
• Determine whether training is required to prevent future discharge.
• If discharge was not an accident, identify issues and determine what action the company should take, including formal process through contracting mechanism.
• Determine whether the discharge was serious enough to elevate to upper management.

PROBLEM SOLVING:
This position is frequently called upon to assist construction staff in bringing contractors into compliance with contract requirements. As construction erosion control is often not considered an integral part of the construction process, it is, at times, necessary to escalate the level of contract enforcement to ensure the contractor and company maintain compliance with environmental requirements.

This position is the company resource for solving erosion control issues and problems during construction. It is important to keep abreast of the latest research, technology, and means and methods and applies these, as appropriate, to solve construction issues “real time” in order to avoid costly claims and prevent schedule impacts.

Example:
The erosion specification requires dewatering to be controlled and water quality to be maintained. The earthwork subcontractor on a $250m contract continually disregarded the contract requirements putting the company at risk of violating National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. The contractor did not heed the direction of the project Inspectors and Resident Engineers and pumped contaminated water from an excavation into roadway drains. This position worked closely with the Construction Manager, developed and submitted a Non-Compliance letter to the Prime contractor which led to the removal of the subcontractor’s superintendent and set enforcement actions to be taken in the event of further non-compliance with the dewatering requirements. No further action was necessary through the completion of the project.

Example:
On an electrical substation project, ground and surface water continually entered vaults, drained through conduits and filled the basement of the main substation. Upon contact with pre-cast and cast-in-place concrete structures, the pH of the water was elevated to a point significantly above water quality compliance standards. The contractor was required to dispose of the water off site at a significant cost to the company. Research by this position led to the contracting of an erosion control company that was developing a new, mobile pH treatment system. The water was treated and released on-site for less than ¼ of the cost to haul off-site. This position invited the Department of Ecology staff to observe the system and mentored the erosion control company to enable them to gain approval from Ecology to use the system on a wider scale.

CHALLENGES:

What: Maintain a balance between construction and environmental needs and requirements.

Why: Construction and environmental needs often conflict. Construction projects operate in “real time” and must meet schedule and budget restraints. Environmental requirements operate outside of construction restraints but must be met during construction. As a result, this position must frequently interpret requirements and respond to environmental staff, then coordinate with construction staff “real time” to modify means and methods to maintain permit compliance.

Example: A project developed an erosion control plan for upcoming work. This position inspected the work and found that the erosion control plan was not being followed in the field. Immediate action was required to facilitate modification of the erosion control plan to reflect what turned out to be improved methods developed by field personnel. Facilitation involved training persons in permit requirements, communicating with various personnel with assorted backgrounds, identifying common ground, and facilitating a solution agreeable to everyone.

What: Develop and maintain respectful and successful relationships and partnerships with numerous stakeholders.

Why: In many ways, construction erosion control is where the “rubber meets the road” regarding environmental requirements. For example, while some projects may involve wetland identification and protection or stream relocation, nearly all projects require some form of erosion control, from a small irrigation installation project to a major earthwork project involving placement of millions of tons of fill material. Because construction is a fast moving and dynamic process involving many specialties and disciplines, and because environmental requirements are often open to interpretation, this position must be skilled in developing and maintaining successful relationships. An example would be when this position organized and facilitated a Weekly Permit Compliance Coordination meeting for a 20 million cubic yard embankment project. Due to the scope and complexity of this $192m project and the numerous stakeholders involved, environmental permit issues were not always being addressed as a result of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or not having the right people involved in the decision. Since the meetings began, communication and coordination among all stakeholders has improved and conflicts have been reduced, saving the project time and money.

What: Keep abreast of changing environmental requirements and update specifications, policies, and procedures.

Why: The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegated Clean Water Act compliance authority to the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE). The DOE is required to develop and maintain a sate-wide stormwater management program which includes a construction erosion and sediment control component. The EPA modifies these requirements and requires the DOE to update their Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington every four to five years. This position has worked with the DOE in revising the Manual and provided significant input that makes the Manual more “user friendly” to designers and contractors. For example, this position wrote Master Specifications for Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control which included requirements for a contractor-provided “Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead” on all projects, saw cutting and concrete work procedures, and a definition of project stabilization. This specification language was provided to the DOE which then incorporated it into the Manual. This benefits the construction industry by providing clean clear and concise language and further, it has proven to work well in company contracts. This position also monitors the company’s NPDES permit, which is modified every 4 years, and incorporates changing permit conditions into Master Specifications so that by following the contract requirements, the contractor is also complying with the NPDES permit.

IMPACT:

What: This position provides leadership to staff, advises managers on compliance, and partners with resource agencies and contractors. In these roles, opportunities exist to shape regulations, facilitate discussions that lead to problem resolution, and identify cost saving measures.

Why: The construction erosion control industry and associated regulations are still in their infancy. This position is in a unique situation to promote the importance and benefits of maintaining successful erosion control by presenting at conferences, teaching erosion certification classes, providing technical assistance to stakeholders within and outside of the company, and advising decision makers in means and methods that lead to cost and time savings as well as increased compliance with changing environmental regulations.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

This position does not have direct supervision authority over other employees. This position will coordinate erosion control of contractors, manage consultants through Open Orders and Professional Service Agreements, and direct college interns with inspection assistance.

BUDGET:

This position does not have any involvement in the development or tracking of the department’s operating budget but does provide input into the budget process by gathering information and recommending amounts to be included in the budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for program management and oversight: 25%
• Report project compliance to management and stakeholders
• Facilitate and assist Construction Managers, Resident Engineers, Inspectors, contractors, and environmental staff in identifying and solving construction-related challenges
• Mentor staff to ensure that efficient and consistent compliance efforts are maintained
• Develop and maintain Master Specifications
• Manage support services contracts and professional services agreements as they relate to erosion and sediment control support of construction
• Develop, manage and administer hazardous materials and erosion control guide specifications
• Serve as primary liaison to project designer and Environmental program staff

Provide project planning and design reviews: 20%
• Review plans and specifications for compliance with regulations and constructability
• Provide recommendations for resolution of design issues
• Set up and maintain project files
• Identify and communicate potential impacts on project cost, schedule and compliance
• Work with designers to develop and optimize erosion plan sheets and details
• Identify means and methods of accomplishing work in an efficient manner
• Investigate products, materials, and design ideas to accomplish work
• Identify potential problems and opportunities and develop contingent and preventative plans
• Modify Master Specifications to meet individual project needs
• Attend pre-bid tours, design meetings, and construction meetings

Provide construction project consultation and oversight: 40%
• Ensure compliance with contract specifications, plans, and applicable regulations
• Notify Resident Engineer of contractor non-compliance
• Ensure all submittals and documentation is accurate and up-to-date
• Accurately interpret plans, drawings, specifications and other contract documents
• Review and accept erosion submittals and substitutions
• Respond to Request for Information (RFI) submittals
• Coordinate project erosion-related issues with Construction and Project Managers prior to, during, and after construction
• Coordinate construction stormwater monitoring with environmental and contractor staff
• Act as liaison between construction and environmental staff to resolve issues
• Conduct and attend permit compliance and coordination meetings
• Investigate reports of non-compliant discharges
• Conduct and oversee non-compliant discharge source traces
• Resolve construction project-related erosion control issues
• Advise project staff on fugitive dust requirements and compliance

Administrative: 15%
• Serve as technical expert on regulatory committees advising on regulations, guidance documents, product evaluations, and new technologies
• Develop and teach erosion-related courses through contractor and industry associations
• Coordinate and review research and modify procedures, policies and specifications
• Participate in regular training and professional development
• Participate in regular training and professional development
• Prepare correspondence with contractors, tenants, and other agencies
• Establish erosion control policies and procedures
• Review and processes contract submittals
• Serve on initiative teams responsible for policy recommendations and implementation
• Maintain personal certifications and licenses

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Percent of time spent inside of a building. 40%
Percent of time spent outside of a building. 60%

Field visits for construction inspection and contract and environmental compliance verification.
Personnel Protective Equipment is required at construction sites and some pre-bid meetings. Field conditions may vary from exposure to outside elements on airfield projects to inside construction sites. Work is frequently in high noise environments, high traffic locations, sites requiring fall protection, over water, steep slopes, thick brush, or uneven ground.

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