2020.0010 MU - SWPPP
Larson & Associates
surveyors, engineers and planners
9027 Pacific Avenue, Suite 4
Tacoma, WA 98444
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN
PROPONENT:
CRUZ DEVELOPMENTS, LLC
9935 COCHRANE AVE
YELM, WA 98597
CONTACT: RYAN CRUZ
PHONE: (253) 318-5494
PREPARED BY:
Larson & Associates
surveyors, engineers and planners
9027 Pacific Avenue, Suite 4
Tacoma, WA 98444
(253) 474-3404
March 6, 2020
Revised July 9, 2021
PROJECT ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATION.......................................................................................................... 1
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN
SECTION 1 - CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION ELEMENTS ......................2-11
SECTION 2 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................... 11-12
SECTION 3 - EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 4 - ADJACENT AREAS ........................................................................................................................ 12
SECTION 5 - CRITICAL AREAS .......................................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 6 - SOILS .......................................................................................................................................... 12-13
SECTION 7 - EROSION PROBLEM AREAS ........................................................................................................ 13
SECTION 8 - CONSTRUCTION PHASING ..................................................................................................... 13-14
SECTION 9 - CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE ...................................................................................................... 14
SECTION 10 - FINANCIAL/OWNERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................... 14
SECTION 11 - ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS ......................................................................................... 14-18
SECTION 12 - EROSION CONTROL SPECIALIST ............................................................................................. 18
APPENDIX "A" ............................................................... STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION BMPs
I hereby state that this Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for CRUZ
DEVELOPMENT has been prepared by me or under my supervision and meets the
standard of care and expertise which is usual and customary in this community for
professional engineers. I understand that Washington State and City of Yelm does not and
will not assume liability for the sufficiency, suitability, or performance of drainage
facilities prepared by me.
Grant J. Middleton, P.E.
SECTION 1 – CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION
ELEMENTS
Stormwater pollution prevention will be maintained during the construction of this site by
incorporating standard erosion control methods such as a temporary construction entrance and
mirafi siltation fences. The following devices will be used to trap sediment from the cleared areas
and prevent it from leaving the site. A construction entrance will be installed at the entrance to
the site to keep sediment from being tracked out of the site and onto the County roads. Mirafi silt
fences will be installed along the perimeter to prevent sediment runoff from exiting the project
limits. The following general Washington State Dept. of Ecology Construction Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Elements shall be upheld at all times during the construction process. Please
reference the Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Appendix A of this report.
Element #1: Preserve Vegetation/Mark Clearing Limits
• Prior to beginning land disturbing activities, including clearing and grading, clearly
mark all clearing limits, sensitive areas and their buffers, and trees that are to be
preserved within the construction area. These shall be marked, both in the field and on
the plans, to prevent damage and offsite impacts.
• The duff layer, native topsoil, and natural vegetation shall be retained in an undisturbed
state to the maximum degree practicable. If it is not practical to retain the native topsoil
or duff layer in place, then stockpile it onsite or at an approved location, cover it to
prevent erosion, and replace it immediately when site disturbance is complete. See
SOIL PRESERVATION AND AMENDMENT NOTES on the site development plans.
• Plastic, metal, or stake wire fence may be used to mark the clearing limits.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C103: High Visibility Plastic or Metal Fence
- BMP C233: Silt Fence
Element #2: Establish Construction Access
• Construction vehicle access and exit shall be limited to one route, if possible.
• Access points shall be stabilized with a pad of quarry spalls, crushed rock or other
equivalent BMP, to minimize the tracking of sediment onto public roads.
• Wheel wash or tire baths should be located on site, if the stabilized construction
entrance is not effective in preventing sediment from being tracked onto public roads.
• If sediment is tracked off site, public roads shall be cleaned thoroughly at the end of
each day, or more frequently during wet weather. Sediment shall be removed from
roads by shoveling or pickup sweeping and shall be transported to a controlled sediment
disposal area.
• Street washing is allowed only after sediment is removed in accordance with the above
bullet. Street wash wastewater shall be controlled by pumping back on site or otherwise
be prevented from discharging into systems tributary to waters of the state.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C105: Stabilized Construction Entrance
Element #3: Control Flow Rates
• Protect properties and waterways downstream of the proposed development from
erosion and the associated discharge of turbid waters due to increases in the velocity
and peak volumetric flow rate of stormwater runoff from the project site.
• Due to the native soil’s significant infiltration rate, it is the intent of the project storm
drainage design to infiltrate 100% of the stormwater runoff with no surface discharge
offsite. The site topography is also relatively flat, so very little, if any, stormwater
runoff is expected to discharge offsite during construction. However, if necessary, flow
control BMPs can be placed along the perimeter of the project, adjacent to the silt fence.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C207: Check Dams
- BMP C241: Sediment Pond
Element #4: Install Sediment Controls
• Install and maintain effective erosion controls and sediment controls to minimize the
discharge of pollutants.
• Construct sediment control BMPs as one of the first steps in grading. These BMPs
shall be functional before other land disturbing activities take place.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C233: Silt Fence
- BMP C241: Sediment Pond
Element #5: Stabilize Soils
• Exposed and unworked soils shall be stabilized by application of effective BMPs that
prevent erosion. Applicable BMPs include, but are not limited to: temporary and
permanent seeding, sodding, mulching, plastic covering, the early application of gravel
base on areas to be paved, and dust control.
• Soils must not remain exposed and unworked for more than the time periods set forth
below to prevent erosion:
- During the dry season (May 1 – Sept. 30): 7 days
- During the wet season (October 1 – April 30): 2 days
• Stabilize soils at the end of the shift before a holiday or weekend if needed based on
the weather forecast.
• Stabilize soil stockpiles from erosion, protected with sediment trapping measures, and
where possible, locate away from storm drain inlets, waterways, and drainage channels.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C120: Temporary and Permanent Seeding
- BMP C121: Mulching
- BMP C123: Plastic Covering
- BMP C124: Sodding
- BMP C125: Topsoiling/Composting
- BMP C140: Dust Control
Element #6: Protect Slopes
• Construct cut-and-fill slopes in a manner to minimize erosion.
• Divert offsite stormwater (run-on) or groundwater away from slopes and disturbed
areas with interceptor dikes, pipes, and/or swales. Offsite stormwater must be managed
separately from stormwater generated on the site.
• At the top of slopes, collect drainage in pipe slope drains or protected channels to
prevent erosion.
• Provide drainage to remove groundwater intersecting the slope surface of exposed soil
areas.
• Place excavated material on the uphill side of trenches, consistent with safety and space
considerations.
• Place check dams at regular intervals within constructed channels that are cut down a
slope.
• Stabilize soils on slopes, as specified in Element #5 above.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C120: Temporary and Permanent Seeding
- BMP C121: Mulching
- BMP C200: Interceptor Dike and Swale
- BMP C207: Check Dams
Element #7: Protect Drain Inlets
• Protect all storm drain inlets made operable during construction, including offsite inlets
adjacent to the project site, so that stormwater runoff does not enter the conveyance
system without first being filtered or treated to remove sediment.
• Clean or remove and replace inlet protection devices when sediment has filled one-
third of the available storage (unless a different standard is specified by the product
manufacturer).
• Inlets shall be inspected weekly at a minimum and daily during storm events.
• Keep all approach roads clean. Sediment and street wash wastewater shall be
controlled as specified above in Element #2.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C220: Storm Drain Inlet Protection
Element #8: Stabilize Channels and Outlets
• Provide stabilization, including armoring material, adequate to prevent erosion of
outlets, adjacent streambanks, slopes, and downstream reaches at the outlets of all
conveyance systems.
• The preferred method for stabilizing channels is to completely line the channel with a
blanket product first, then add check dams as necessary to function as an anchor and to
slow the flow of water.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C207: Check Dams
Element #9: Control Pollutants
• Handle and dispose of all pollutants, including waste materials and demolition debris
that occurs onsite in a manner that does not cause contamination of stormwater. Woody
debris may be chopped and spread onsite.
• Provide cover, containment, and protection from vandalism for all chemicals, liquid
products, petroleum products, and other materials that have the potential to pose a threat
to human health or the environment. Onsite fueling tanks must include secondary
containment, i.e. – placing tanks or containers within an impervious structure capable
of containing 110% of the volume contained in the largest tank within the containment
structure. Double-walled tanks do not require additional secondary containment.
• Conduct maintenance, fueling, and repair of heavy equipment and vehicles using spill
prevention and control measures. Clean contaminated surfaces immediately following
any spill incident.
• Conduct oil changes, hydraulic system drain down, solvent and de-greasing cleaning
operations, fuel tank drain down and removal, and other activities which may result in
discharge or spillage of pollutants to the ground or into stormwater runoff using spill
prevention measures, such as drip pans.
• Discharge wheel wash or tire bath wastewater shall be discharged to a separate onsite
treatment system that prevents discharge to surface water, such as closed-loop
recirculation or to the sanitary sewer. For discharges to the sanitary sewer, permits
must be obtained from the County Industrial Pretreatment Program at (253) 798-3013.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides in a manner and at application rates that will not result
in loss of chemical to stormwater runoff. Follow manufacturers’ label requirements
for application rates and procedures.
• Use BMPs to prevent contamination of stormwater runoff by pH-modifying sources.
The sources for this contamination include, but are not limited to: bulk cement, cement
kiln dust, fly ash, new concrete washing and curing waters, waste streams generated
from concrete grinding and sawing, exposed aggregate processes, dewatering concrete
vaults, concrete pumping and mixer washout waters. Adjust the pH of stormwater, if
necessary, to prevent violations of water quality standards.
• Obtain written approval from Ecology before using chemical treatment, other than CO2
or dry ice to adjust pH.
• Wheel wash or tire bath wastewater should not include wastewater from concrete
washout areas.
• Clean contaminated surfaces immediately following any discharge or spill incident.
Emergency repairs may be performed onsite using temporary plastic placed beneath
and, if raining, over the vehicle.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C151: Concrete Handling
- BMP C153: Material Delivery, Storage and Containment
Element #10: Control Dewatering
• Discharge foundation, vault, and trench dewatering water, which have characteristics
similar to stormwater runoff at the site, into a controlled conveyance system before
discharging to a sediment trap or sediment pond.
• Channels must be stabilized, as specified in Element #8.
• Discharging sediment-laden (muddy) water into waters of the State likely constitutes
violation of water quality standards for turbidity. The easiest way to avoid discharging
muddy water is through infiltration and preserving vegetation.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C203: Water Bars
- BMP C236: Vegetative Filtration
Element #11: Maintain BMPs
• Maintain and repair all temporary and permanent Construction SWPPP BMPs as
needed to ensure continued performance of their intended function in accordance with
BMP specifications.
• Remove all temporary Construction SWPPP BMPs within 30 days after achieving final
site stabilization or after the temporary BMPs are no longer needed.
• Provide protection to all BMPs installed for the permanent control of stormwater from
sediment and compaction. All BMPs that are to remain in place following completion
of construction shall be examined and placed in full operating conditions. If sediment
enters the BMPs during construction, it shall be removed and the facility shall be
returned to the conditions specified in the site development plans.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C160: Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead
Element #12: Manage the Project
• Phase development projects to the maximum degree practicable and take into account
seasonal work limitations.
• Inspection and Monitoring - Inspect, maintain, and repair all BMPs as needed to ensure
continued performance of their intended function. Conduct site inspections and
monitoring in accordance with all applicable county and Construction Stormwater
General Permit requirements.
• Maintaining an updated Construction SWPPP – Maintain, update, and implement the
Construction SWPPP in accordance with the Construction Stormwater General Permit
requirements and the requirements outlined in this Element (#12).
• Because this project will disturb more than 1 acre, site inspections must be conducted
by a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL). By the initiation of
construction, the Construction SWPPP must identify the CESCL or inspector, who
shall be present onsite or on-call at all times.
• Monitoring Requirements – the following monitoring requirements to be performed
by the CECSL conform to the requirements of the Construction Stormwater General
Permit (conditions referenced herein):
The primary monitoring requirements are summarized in Table 3 (below):
Table 3. Summary of Monitoring Requirements1
Size of Soils Disturbance2 Weekly
Site
Inspections
Weekly
Sampling
w/
Turbidity
Meter
Weekly
Sampling w/
Transparency
Tube
Weekly
pH
sampling3
Sites which disturb less
than 1 acre Required Not
Required Not Required Not
Required
Sites which disturb 1 acre
or more, but less than 5
acres
Required Sampling Required – either
method4 Required
Sites which disturb 5 acres
or more Required Required Not
Required5 Required
1 Additional monitoring requirements may apply for: 1) discharges to 303(d) listed waterbodies and waterbodies with
applicable TMDLs for turbidity, fine sediment, high pH, or phosphorus – see Condition S8; and 2) sites required to
perform additional monitoring by Ecology order – see Condition G13.
2 Soil disturbance is calculated by adding together all areas affected by construction activity. Construction Activity means
clearing, grading, excavation, and any other activity which disturbs the surface of the land, including ingress/egress from
the site.
3 Beginning October 1, 2006, if construction activity involves significant concrete work or the use of engineered soils, and
stormwater from the affected area drains to a stormwater collection system or other surface water, the Permittee shall
conduct pH sampling in accordance with Condition S4.D.
4 Beginning October 1, 2008, sites with one or more acres, but less than 5 acres of soil disturbance, shall conduct turbidity
or transparency sampling in accordance with Condition S4.C.
5 Beginning October 1, 2006, sites greater than or equal to 5 acres of soil disturbance shall conduct turbidity sampling using
a turbidity meter in accordance with Condition S4.C.
A. Site Log Book
The CESCL shall maintain a site log book that contains a record of the
implementation of the SWPPP and other permit requirements including the
installation and maintenance of BMPs, site inspections, and stormwater
monitoring.
B. Site Inspections
1. Site inspections shall include all areas disturbed by construction activities, all
BMPs, and all stormwater discharge points. Stormwater shall be visually
examined for the presence of suspended sediment, turbidity, discoloration,
and oil sheen. Inspectors shall evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs and
determine if it is necessary to install, maintain, or repair BMPs to improve the
quality of stormwater discharges. Based on the results of the inspection, the
Permittee shall correct the problems identified as follows:
a. Review the SWPPP for compliance with Condition S9 and make
appropriate revisions within 7 days of the inspection; and
b. Fully implement and maintain appropriate source control and/or treatment
BMPs as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days of the inspection; and
c. Document BMP implementation and maintenance in the site log
book.
2. The site inspections shall be conducted at least once every calendar week and
within 24 hours of any discharge from the site. The inspection frequency for
temporarily stabilized, inactive sites may be reduced to once every calendar
month.
3. Site inspections shall be conducted by a person who is knowledgeable in the
principles and practices of erosion and sediment control. The inspector shall
have the skills to:
a. Assess the site conditions and construction activities that could impact
the quality of stormwater, and
b. Assess the effectiveness of erosion and sediment control measures used
to control the quality of stormwater discharges.
4. Beginning October 1, 2006, construction sites one acre or larger that
discharge stormwater to surface waters of the state, shall have site inspections
conducted by a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL). The
CESCL shall be identified in the SWPPP and shall be present on-site or on-
call at all times. Certification shall be obtained through an approved erosion
and sediment control training program that meets the minimum training
standards established by Ecology (see BMP C160 in the Manual).
5. The inspector shall summarize the results of each inspection in an inspection
report or checklist and be entered into, or attached to, the site log book. At a
minimum, each inspection report or checklist shall include:
a. Inspection date and time.
b. Weather information: general conditions during inspection and
approximate amount of precipitation since the last inspection, and within
the last 24 hours.
c. A summary or list of all BMPs which have been implemented, including
observations of all erosion/sediment control structures or practices.
d. The following shall be noted:
i. locations of BMPs inspected,
ii. locations of BMPs that need maintenance,
iii. the reason maintenance is needed,
iv. locations of BMPs that failed to operate as designed or intended, and
v. locations where additional or different BMPs are needed, and the
reason(s) why.
e. A description of stormwater discharged from the site. The inspector
shall note the presence of suspended sediment, turbid water, discoloration,
and/or oil sheen, as applicable.
f. Any water quality monitoring performed during inspection.
g. General comments and notes, including a brief description of any BMP
repairs, maintenance or installations made as a result of the inspection.
h. A statement that, in the judgment of the person conducting the site
inspection, the site is either in compliance or out of compliance with the
terms and conditions of the SWPPP and the permit. If the site inspection
indicates that the site is out of compliance, the inspection report shall
include a summary of the remedial actions required to bring the site back
into compliance, as well as a schedule of implementation.
i. Name, title, and signature of the person conducting site inspection; and
the following statement: “I certify that this report is true, accurate, and
complete, to the best of my knowledge and belief”.
Element #13: Protect Low Impact Development BMPs
• To ensure that LID stormwater facilities and BMPs will be fully functional after
construction, it is important to protect these BMPs during construction activities.
Protecting native soil and vegetation, minimizing soil compaction, and retaining the
hydrologic function of LID BMPs during the site preparation and construction phases
are some of the most important practices during the development process.
• Limit construction activity in areas designated for LID BMPs.
• Limit clearing and grading activities during heavy rainfall seasons.
• Minimize the amount and time that graded areas are left exposed.
• Protect native topsoil during the construction phase, and reuse onsite. Cover small
stockpiles with weed barrier material that sheds moisture yet allows air transmission.
Large stockpiles may need to be seeded and/or mulched.
• Provide proper soil amendments with native topsoil where necessary.
• Suggested BMPs:
- BMP C103: High Visibility Fence
- BMP C200: Interceptor Dike and Swale
- BMP C207: Check Dams
- BMP C233: Silt Fence
SECTION 2 – PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The proposed Cruz Development project is located in the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 29,
Township 17 North, Range 2 East of the Willamette Meridian in Yelm, Washington. The address
is 17041 State Route (SR) 507, Yelm, WA 98597, and the parcel number is 64303200300. A
vicinity map, parcel map and aerial of the project parcels are provided in Appendix A. The project
consists of developing 5.86 acres of the 9.33-acre parcel into an automotive dealership with the
balance of the property dedicated to Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) for SR
507 right-of-way and to the City of Yelm and WSDOT for future right-of-way. An existing single-
family residence at the northwest corner of the parcel will be converted to a temporary office.
Property development will include a 12,000 square foot metal building, paved asphalt parking,
driveways, display area, and vehicle storage, and the required stormwater facilities, water and
sewer utilities, and emergency vehicle access for the proposed development. A Notice of Decision
for site plan approval with conditions was issued by the City on April 22, 2021. For regulating
stormwater runoff the City of Yelm has adopted the latest version of the Washington State Dept.
of Ecology’s Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW) dated July
2019 and as amended by the City. In accordance with Section 3.3, Volume I of the SWMMWW,
this project must comply with all 9 Minimum Requirements for stormwater management as more
than 5,000 S.F. of new impervious surface will be created by this project.
Stormwater runoff generated from pervious and impervious surface areas of the proposed building,
parking/driveway and outdoor display will be collected and conveyed to a biofiltration
swale/infiltration pond and bioretention cells for water quality treatment and flow control. All
disturbed pervious areas will receive compost amended topsoil in accordance with BMP T5.13,
Chapter V-11, Volume V of the SWMMWW.
SECTION 3 – EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
The project parcel is located on the south side of SR 507 at the eastern edge of the City of Yelm’s
city limits across from Wal-Mart; SR 507 borders the project site to the north. The property is
currently zoned C-2 Heavy Commercial according to the City’s current Zoning Map. Surrounding
properties consist of large tract farms to the south, west and east. The project property was
previously an egg producing farm that has since been vacated; two long, vacant buildings remain
from that previous use. An existing single-family residence exists at the project property’s
northwest corner; the residence and associated driveway access and landscaped area will remain.
The topography of the site is relatively flat with no more than 3 feet of elevation change; it appears
the site slopes very gently downward from the southeast partially to the northwest but more
predominately to the east toward the Nisqually River. The topographic high point of the project
site is approximately 359.00 (NAVD 88) at the southeast corner with a low point situated on the
west side of this site at approximately 356.00 feet. A topographic map and a copy of the FEMA
Flood Insurance Rate Map for the project site are provided in Appendix A, and it does not appear
the project site is in a 100-year flood plain.
SECTION 4 – ADJACENT AREAS
Surrounding properties consist of large tract farms to the south, west and east. Commercial
properties are located across SR 507 to the north.
SECTION 5 – CRITICAL AREAS
To the best of our knowledge, there are no critical areas (i.e. – wetlands, landslide hazard areas,
etc.) on or in the direct vicinity of the project site. Although the property is not located in a flood
plain, Thurston County GIS identifies the property’s easterly 40 feet is located in a High
Groundwater Hazard Review Area; this is addressed in the accompanying Storm Drainage Report.
SECTION 6 - SOILS
A geotechnical engineering study of the existing soil conditions was performed by South Sound
Geotechnical Consulting (SSGC) on February 7, 2020. SSGC observed, logged, and sampled 3
test pits ranging in depths from 6 feet to 9.5 feet below existing grade and performed one Pilot
Infiltration Test (PIT). Under approximately 24 inches of topsoil, SSGC encountered native soils
consisting of gravelly sand to sandy gravel with trace to some silt, cobbles and occasional boulder;
the native soils were in a loose grading to a medium dense condition. SSGC identifies the primary
geologic unit underlying the site and surrounding areas as Spanaway Gravelly Sandy Loam based
on geologic mapping, and states that the native soils encountered are consistent with the mapped
outwash soil. Groundwater was not observed in the test pits at the time of excavation, and SSGC
noted that soil mottling or other indicators of shallow groundwater were not observed. SSGC
installed piezometers in two of the test pits to monitor for the presence and depth of shallow
groundwater. To determine soil infiltration rates, SSGC performed a small scale PIT and a
gradation analysis of soil samples taken from Test Pit #2. Using appropriate correction factors to
the measured and calculated infiltration rates, SSGC recommends a long-term design infiltration
rate of 17 inches per hour. SSGC forwarded soils samples to a laboratory to test for Cation
Exchange Capacity (CEC) and organic content; the soils’ average CEC and organic content values
were 7.25 milliequivalents and 2.29%, respectively.
SECTION 7 – EROSION PROBLEM AREAS
To the best of our knowledge, there are no erosion problem areas on or in the direct vicinity of the
project site.
SECTION 8 – CONSTRUCTION PHASING
The proposed construction sequence will be as follows:
1. Contact the City of Yelm inspector to schedule the pre-construction meeting.
2. Clearly flag all limits of clearing and grading per the approved site development plans.
3. Install a temporary construction entrance as shown and per the notes and details.
4. Install temporary filter fabric (silt) fences as shown and per the notes and details.
5. Construct the temporary sediment pond as shown and per the notes and details.
6. Install the temporary interceptor swales and rock check dams as shown and per the notes and
details.
7. Clear and grade site per the approved plans, stockpiling duff and topsoil per the soil
preservation and amendment notes.
8. Hydroseed and/or mulch slopes and other exposed areas immediately after grading is
completed as outlined in “erosion control notes”.
9. Install underground utilities (i.e. – storm drainage, water, sewer, etc.)
10. Construct the infiltration pond per the approved site development plans. Protect all onsite
storm drainage facilities until all concrete and asphalt work is complete and all exposed areas
are seeded and stabilized for erosion and sedimentation control or final landscaping is
complete.
11. Construct asphalt and gravel paving per the approved site development plans.
12. Install inlet protection on all catch basins with grates and implement other BMPs to prevent
sediment and debris from entering the stormwater facilities.
13. Clean out and test all storm drain facilities.
14. Inspect and maintain all erosion control facilities at regular intervals & complete required
report. Clean as required until risk of sedimentation has passed.
15. Until all construction work which produces surface runoff are completed and all exposed
ground surfaces are stabilized by vegetation or landscaping, permanent stormwater facilities
may not be operated and no surface runoff may be permitted to enter the permanent storm
system. Maintain interceptor swales, check dams, temporary culverts and sediment traps until
all stormwater facilities have been thoroughly cleaned of sediment and debris, and inspected.
SECTION 9 – CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
Construction of this project will likely begin in the spring of 2022, and will follow the above
construction sequence.
During the wet season from October 1 through March 31, no soils shall remain exposed and
unworked for more than 2 days at a time.
SECTION 10 – FINANCIAL/OWNERSHIP RESPONSIBLITIES
The property owner responsible for the initiation of any necessary bonds and/or other financial
securities is:
CRUZ DEVELOPMENTS, LLC
9935 COCHRANE AVE
YELM WA 98597
CONTACT: RYAN CRUZ
PHONE: (253) 318-5494
SECTION 11 – ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS
Design of the temporary sediment pond follows BMP C241 found in Chapter II-4.2, Volume II,
of the SWMMWW where the surface area of the sediment pond is a function of the peak inflow
from the developed 2-year, 24-hour storm event.
• The 2-year, 24-hour peak inflow was calculated for the 9.33 acres of project area
in the developed condition. Using MGS Flood, Version 4.46, a 2-year, 24-hour
peak inflow (Q2) of 1.945 cubic feet per second (cfs) was calculated.
• Using the following formula: SA = 2,080 x Q2 where SA is the surface area of the
temporary sediment pond measured at the top of the temporary riser pipe, the
resulting surface area is:
SA = 2,080 x 1.945 = 4,045.6 square feet
The surface area of the sediment pond will be a minimum 4,046 square feet.
• The dewatering orifice was sized using the equation:
Ao = (As(2h)0.5) / (0.6)(3600Tg0.5) where:
Ao = Orifice area (sq. ft.)
As = Sediment pond surface area (sq. ft.)
h = Head of water above the orifice = 1.0 feet
T = dewatering time = 24 hours
g = acceleration of gravity = 32.2 feet/sec2
Ao = (4,046(2(1))0.5) / (0.6)(3600(24)(32.2)0.5) = 0.019 sf
The orifice diameter, Do, is equal to (4Ao / π)0.5 = 0.157 ft = 1.89 inches
Following is the MGS Flood continuous modeling for the onsite stormwater runoff in the
developed condition which shows the peak inflow from the 2-year, 24-hour storm event.
Sediment in the pond shall be removed when the depth of sediment reaches 1 foot.
—————————————————————————————————
MGS FLOOD
PROJECT REPORT
Program Version: MGSFlood 4.46
Program License Number: 200810005
Project Simulation Performed on: 02/17/2020 10:09 AM
Report Generation Date: 02/17/2020 10:10 AM —————————————————————————————————
Input File Name: 9339_Cruz_WQ Requirements.fld
Project Name: Cruz Development
Analysis Title: Water Quality Reqmts
Comments: Determine WQ reqmts for 5.219 AC of PGIS
———————————————— PRECIPITATION INPUT ————————————————
Computational Time Step (Minutes): 15
Extended Precipitation Time Series Selected
Climatic Region Number: 15
Full Period of Record Available used for Routing
Precipitation Station : 96004005 Puget East 40 in_5min 10/01/1939-10/01/2097
Evaporation Station : 961040 Puget East 40 in MAP
Evaporation Scale Factor : 0.750
HSPF Parameter Region Number: 1
HSPF Parameter Region Name : USGS Default
********** Default HSPF Parameters Used (Not Modified by User) ***************
********************** WATERSHED DEFINITION ***********************
Predevelopment/Post Development Tributary Area Summary
Predeveloped Post Developed
Total Subbasin Area (acres) 5.219 5.219
Area of Links that Include Precip/Evap (acres) 0.000 0.000
Total (acres) 5.219 5.219
----------------------SCENARIO: PREDEVELOPED
Number of Subbasins: 1
---------- Subbasin : Predeveloped ----------
-------Area (Acres) --------
Outwash Forest 5.219
----------------------------------------------
Subbasin Total 5.219
----------------------SCENARIO: POSTDEVELOPED
Number of Subbasins: 1
---------- Subbasin : Total PGIS ----------
-------Area (Acres) --------
Impervious 5.219
----------------------------------------------
Subbasin Total 5.219
************************* LINK DATA *******************************
----------------------SCENARIO: PREDEVELOPED
Number of Links: 0
************************* LINK DATA *******************************
----------------------SCENARIO: POSTDEVELOPED
Number of Links: 1
------------------------------------------
Link Name: New Copy Lnk1
Link Type: Copy
Downstream Link: None
**********************FLOOD FREQUENCY AND DURATION STATISTICS*******************
----------------------SCENARIO: PREDEVELOPED
Number of Subbasins: 1
Number of Links: 0
----------------------SCENARIO: POSTDEVELOPED
Number of Subbasins: 1
Number of Links: 1
********** Link: New Copy Lnk1 ********** Link Inflow Frequency Stats
Flood Frequency Data(cfs)
(Recurrence Interval Computed Using Gringorten Plotting Position)
Tr (yrs) Flood Peak (cfs)
======================================
2-Year 1.945 <- 2-Year, 24-Hour Peak Flow
5-Year 2.526
10-Year 2.842
25-Year 3.577
50-Year 4.554
100-Year 5.265
200-Year 5.457
***********Groundwater Recharge Summary *************
Recharge is computed as input to Perlnd Groundwater Plus Infiltration in Structures
Total Predeveloped Recharge During Simulation
Model Element Recharge Amount (ac-ft)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subbasin: Predeveloped 1385.034
_____________________________________
Total: 1385.034
Total Post Developed Recharge During Simulation
Model Element Recharge Amount (ac-ft)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subbasin: Total PGIS 0.000
Link: New Copy Lnk1 0.000
_____________________________________
Total: 0.000
Total Predevelopment Recharge is Greater than Post Developed
Average Recharge Per Year, (Number of Years= 158)
Predeveloped: 8.766 ac-ft/year, Post Developed: 0.000 ac-ft/year
***********Water Quality Facility Data *************
----------------------SCENARIO: PREDEVELOPED
Number of Links: 0
----------------------SCENARIO: POSTDEVELOPED
Number of Links: 1
********** Link: New Copy Lnk1 **********
Basic Wet Pond Volume (91% Exceedance): 23117. cu-ft
Computed Large Wet Pond Volume, 1.5*Basic Volume: 34676. cu-ft
2-Year Discharge Rate : 1.945 cfs
15-Minute Timestep, Water Quality Treatment Design Discharge
On-line Design Discharge Rate (91% Exceedance): 0.76 cfs
Off-line Design Discharge Rate (91% Exceedance): 0.42 cfs
Infiltration/Filtration Statistics--------------------
Inflow Volume (ac-ft): 2339.93
Inflow Volume Including PPT-Evap (ac-ft): 2339.93
Total Runoff Infiltrated (ac-ft): 0.00, 0.00%
Total Runoff Filtered (ac-ft): 0.00, 0.00%
Primary Outflow To Downstream System (ac-ft): 2339.93
Secondary Outflow To Downstream System (ac-ft): 0.00
Percent Treated (Infiltrated+Filtered)/Total Volume: 0.00%
***********Compliance Point Results *************
Scenario Predeveloped Compliance Subbasin: Predeveloped
Scenario Postdeveloped Compliance Link: New Copy Lnk1
*** Point of Compliance Flow Frequency Data ***
Recurrence Interval Computed Using Gringorten Plotting Position
Predevelopment Runoff Postdevelopment Runoff
Tr (Years) Discharge (cfs) Tr (Years) Discharge (cfs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-Year 4.034E-03 2-Year 1.945
5-Year 4.164E-03 5-Year 2.526
10-Year 4.190E-03 10-Year 2.842
25-Year 4.300E-03 25-Year 3.577
50-Year 5.632E-03 50-Year 4.554
100-Year 8.969E-03 100-Year 5.265
200-Year 1.133E-02 200-Year 5.457
** Record too Short to Compute Peak Discharge for These Recurrence Intervals
SECTION 12 – EROSION CONTROL SPECIALIST
No Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) has been appointed at this time. Once
one is established, he/she will be reported to the City of Yelm and WA State Department of
Ecology.
End of Report
APPENDIX “A”
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION BMPs
BMP C101: Preserving Natural Vegetation
Purpose
The purpose of preserving natural vegetation is to reduce erosion wherever practicable. Limiting site
disturbance is the single most effective method for reducing erosion. For example, conifers can hold
up to about 50 percent of all rain that falls during a storm. Up to 20-30 percent of this rain may never
reach the ground but is taken up by the tree or evaporates. Another benefit is that the rain held in the
tree can be released slowly to the ground after the storm.
Conditions of Use
Natural vegetation should be preserved on steep slopes, near perennial and intermittent water-
courses or swales, and on building sites in wooded areas.
l As required by local governments.
l Phase construction to preserve natural vegetation on the project site for as long as possible
during the construction period.
Design and Installation Specifications
Natural vegetation can be preserved in natural clumps or as individual trees, shrubs and vines.
The preservation of individual plants is more difficult because heavy equipment is generally used to
remove unwanted vegetation. The points to remember when attempting to save individual plants
are:
l Is the plant worth saving? Consider the location, species, size, age, vigor, and the work
involved. Local governments may also have ordinances to save natural vegetation and trees.
l Fence or clearly mark areas around trees that are to be saved. It is preferable to keep ground
disturbance away from the trees at least as far out as the dripline.
Plants need protection from three kinds of injuries:
l Construction Equipment - This injury can be above or below the ground level. Damage results
from scarring, cutting of roots, and compaction of the soil. Placing a fenced buffer zone around
plants to be saved prior to construction can prevent construction equipment injuries.
l Grade Changes - Changing the natural ground level will alter grades, which affects the plant's
ability to obtain the necessary air, water, and minerals. Minor fills usually do not cause prob-
lems although sensitivity between species does vary and should be checked. Trees can typ-
ically tolerate fill of 6 inches or less. For shrubs and other plants, the fill should be less.
When there are major changes in grade, it may become necessary to supply air to the roots of
plants. This can be done by placing a layer of gravel and a tile system over the roots before the
fill is made. The tile system should be laid out on the original grade leading from a dry well
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around the tree trunk. The system should then be covered with small stones to allow air to cir-
culate over the root area.
Lowering the natural ground level can seriously damage trees and shrubs. The highest per-
centage of the plant roots are in the upper 12 inches of the soil and cuts of only 2-3 inches can
cause serious injury. To protect the roots it may be necessary to terrace the immediate area
around the plants to be saved. If roots are exposed, construction of retaining walls may be
needed to keep the soil in place. Plants can also be preserved by leaving them on an undis-
turbed, gently sloping mound. To increase the chances for survival, it is best to limit grade
changes and other soil disturbances to areas outside the dripline of the plant.
l Excavations - Protect trees and other plants when excavating for drainfields, power, water,
and sewer lines. Where possible, the trenches should be routed around trees and large
shrubs. When this is not possible, it is best to tunnel under them. This can be done with hand
tools or with power augers. If it is not possible to route the trench around plants to be saved,
then the following should be observed:
o Cut as few roots as possible. When you have to cut, cut clean. Paint cut root ends with a
wood dressing like asphalt base paint if roots will be exposed for more than 24-hours.
o Backfill the trench as soon as possible.
o Tunnel beneath root systems as close to the center of the main trunk to preserve most
of the important feeder roots.
Some problems that can be encountered with a few specific trees are:
l Maple, Dogwood, Red alder, Western hemlock, Western red cedar, and Douglas fir do not
readily adjust to changes in environment and special care should be taken to protect these
trees.
l The windthrow hazard of Pacific silver fir and madrona is high, while that of Western hemlock
is moderate. The danger of windthrow increases where dense stands have been thinned.
Other species (unless they are on shallow, wet soils less than 20 inches deep) have a low
windthrow hazard.
l Cottonwoods, maples, and willows have water-seeking roots. These can cause trouble in
sewer lines and infiltration fields. On the other hand, they thrive in high moisture conditions
that other trees would not.
l Thinning operations in pure or mixed stands of Grand fir, Pacific silver fir, Noble fir, Sitka
spruce, Western red cedar, Western hemlock, Pacific dogwood, and Red alder can cause ser-
ious disease problems. Disease can become established through damaged limbs, trunks,
roots, and freshly cut stumps. Diseased and weakened trees are also susceptible to insect
attack.
Maintenance Standards
Inspect flagged and/or fenced areas regularly to make sure flagging or fencing has not been
removed or damaged. If the flagging or fencing has been damaged or visibility reduced, it shall be
repaired or replaced immediately and visibility restored.
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If tree roots have been exposed or injured, “prune” cleanly with an appropriate pruning saw or lop-
pers directly above the damaged roots and recover with native soils. Treatment of sap flowing trees
(fir, hemlock, pine, soft maples) is not advised as sap forms a natural healing barrier.
BMP C102: Buffer Zones
Purpose
Creation of an undisturbed area or strip of natural vegetation or an established suitable planting that
will provide a living filter to reduce soil erosion and stormwater runoff velocities.
Conditions of Use
Buffer zones are used along streams, wetlands and other bodies of water that need protection from
erosion and sedimentation. Contractors can use vegetative buffer zone BMPs to protect natural
swales and they can incorporate them into the natural landscaping of an area.
Do not use critical-areas buffer zones as sediment treatment areas. These areas shall remain com-
pletely undisturbed. The local permitting authority may expand the buffer widths temporarily to allow
the use of the expanded area for removal of sediment.
The types of buffer zones can change the level of protection required as shown below:
Designated Critical Area Buffers - buffers that protect Critical Areas, as defined by the Washington
State Growth Management Act, and are established and managed by the local permitting authority.
These should not be disturbed and must protected with sediment control BMPs to prevent impacts.
The local permitting authority may expand the buffer widths temporarily to allow the use of the expan-
ded area for removal of sediment.
Vegetative Buffer Zones - areas that may be identified in undisturbed vegetation areas or managed
vegetation areas that are outside any Designated Critical Area Buffer. They may be utilized to
provide an additional sediment control area and/or reduce runoff velocities. If being used for pre-
servation of natural vegetation, they should be arranged in clumps or strips. They can be used to pro-
tect natural swales and incorporated into the natural landscaping area.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Preserving natural vegetation or plantings in clumps, blocks, or strips is generally the easiest
and most successful method.
l Leave all unstable steep slopes in natural vegetation.
l Mark clearing limits and keep all equipment and construction debris out of the natural areas
and buffer zones. Steel construction fencing is the most effective method to protect sensitive
areas and buffers. Alternatively, wire-backed silt fence on steel posts is marginally effective.
Flagging alone is typically not effective.
l Keep all excavations outside the dripline of trees and shrubs.
l Do not push debris or extra soil into the buffer zone area because it will cause damage by
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burying and smothering vegetation.
l Vegetative buffer zones for streams, lakes or other waterways shall be established by the
local permitting authority or other state or federal permits or approvals.
Maintenance Standards
Inspect the area frequently to make sure flagging remains in place and the area remains undis-
turbed. Replace all damaged flagging immediately. Remove all materials located in the buffer area
that may impede the ability of the vegetation to act as a filter.
BMP C103: High-Visibility Fence
Purpose
High-visibility fencing is intended to:
l Restrict clearing to approved limits.
l Prevent disturbance of sensitive areas, their buffers, and other areas required to be left undis-
turbed.
l Limit construction traffic to designated construction entrances, exits, or internal roads.
l Protect areas where marking with survey tape may not provide adequate protection.
Conditions of Use
To establish clearing limits plastic, fabric, or metal fence may be used:
l At the boundary of sensitive areas, their buffers, and other areas required to be left uncleared.
l As necessary to control vehicle access to and on the site.
Design and Installation Specifications
High-visibility plastic fence shall be composed of a high-density polyethylene material and shall be at
least four feet in height. Posts for the fencing shall be steel or wood and placed every 6 feet on center
(maximum) or as needed to ensure rigidity. The fencing shall be fastened to the post every six inches
with a polyethylene tie. On long continuous lengths of fencing, a tension wire or rope shall be used as
a top stringer to prevent sagging between posts. The fence color shall be high-visibility orange. The
fence tensile strength shall be 360 lbs/ft using the ASTM D4595 testing method.
If appropriate install fabric silt fence in accordance with BMP C233: Silt Fence to act as high-visibility
fence. Silt fence shall be at least 3 feet high and must be highly visible to meet the requirements of
this BMP.
Metal fences shall be designed and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Metal fences shall be at least 3 feet high and must be highly visible.
Fences shall not be wired or stapled to trees.
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Maintenance Standards
If the fence has been damaged or visibility reduced, it shall be repaired or replaced immediately and
visibility restored.
BMP C105: Stabilized Construction Access
Purpose
Stabilized construction accesses are established to reduce the amount of sediment transported onto
paved roads outside the project site by vehicles or equipment. This is done by constructing a sta-
bilized pad of quarry spalls at entrances and exits for project sites.
Conditions of Use
Construction accesses shall be stabilized wherever traffic will be entering or leaving a construction
site if paved roads or other paved areas are within 1,000 feet of the site.
For residential subdivision construction sites, provide a stabilized construction access for each res-
idence, rather than only at the main subdivision entrance. Stabilized surfaces shall be of sufficient
length/width to provide vehicle access/parking, based on lot size and configuration.
On large commercial, highway, and road projects, the designer should include enough extra mater-
ials in the contract to allow for additional stabilized accesses not shown in the initial Construction
SWPPP. It is difficult to determine exactly where access to these projects will take place; additional
materials will enable the contractor to install them where needed.
Design and Installation Specifications
See Figure II-3.1: Stabilized Construction Access for details. Note: the 100’ minimum length of the
access shall be reduced to the maximum practicable size when the size or configuration of the site
does not allow the full length (100’).
Construct stabilized construction accesses with a 12-inch thick pad of 4-inch to 8-inch quarry spalls,
a 4-inch course of asphalt treated base (ATB), or use existing pavement. Do not use crushed con-
crete, cement, or calcium chloride for construction access stabilization because these products raise
pH levels in stormwater and concrete discharge to waters of the State is prohibited.
A separation geotextile shall be placed under the spalls to prevent fine sediment from pumping up
into the rock pad. The geotextile shall meet the standards listed in Table II-3.2: Stabilized Con-
struction Access Geotextile Standards.
Geotextile Property Required Value
Grab Tensile Strength (ASTM D4751)200 psi min.
Table II-3.2: Stabilized Construction Access
Geotextile Standards
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Geotextile Property Required Value
Grab Tensile Elongation (ASTM D4632)30% max.
Mullen Burst Strength (ASTM D3786-80a)400 psi min.
AOS (ASTM D4751)20-45 (U.S. standard sieve size)
Table II-3.2: Stabilized Construction Access
Geotextile Standards (continued)
l Consider early installation of the first lift of asphalt in areas that will be paved; this can be used
as a stabilized access. Also consider the installation of excess concrete as a stabilized access.
During large concrete pours, excess concrete is often available for this purpose.
l Fencing (see BMP C103: High-Visibility Fence) shall be installed as necessary to restrict
traffic to the construction access.
l Whenever possible, the access shall be constructed on a firm, compacted subgrade. This can
substantially increase the effectiveness of the pad and reduce the need for maintenance.
l Construction accesses should avoid crossing existing sidewalks and back of walk drains if at
all possible. If a construction access must cross a sidewalk or back of walk drain, the full length
of the sidewalk and back of walk drain must be covered and protected from sediment leaving
the site.
Alternative Material Specification
WSDOT has raised safety concerns about the Quarry Spall rock specified above. WSDOT observes
that the 4-inch to 8-inch rock sizes can become trapped between Dually truck tires, and then
released off-site at highway speeds. WSDOT has chosen to use a modified specification for the rock
while continuously verifying that the Stabilized Construction Access remains effective. To remain
effective, the BMP must prevent sediment from migrating off site. To date, there has been no per-
formance testing to verify operation of this new specification. Jurisdictions may use the alternative
specification, but must perform increased off-site inspection if they use, or allow others to use, it.
Stabilized Construction Accesses may use material that meets the requirements of WSDOT's Stand-
ard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction Section 9-03.9(1) (WSDOT, 2016)
for ballast except for the following special requirements.
The grading and quality requirements are listed in Table II-3.3: Stabilized Construction Access
Alternative Material Requirements.
Sieve Size Percent Passing
2½″99-100
Table II-3.3: Stabilized
Construction Access
Alternative Material
Requirements
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Sieve Size Percent Passing
2″65-100
¾″40-80
No. 4 5 max.
No. 100 0-2
% Fracture 75 min.
Table II-3.3: Stabilized
Construction Access
Alternative Material
Requirements
(continued)
l All percentages are by weight.
l The sand equivalent value and dust ratio requirements do not apply.
l The fracture requirement shall be at least one fractured face and will apply the combined
aggregate retained on the No. 4 sieve in accordance with FOP for AASHTO T 335.
Maintenance Standards
Quarry spalls shall be added if the pad is no longer in accordance with the specifications.
l If the access is not preventing sediment from being tracked onto pavement, then alternative
measures to keep the streets free of sediment shall be used. This may include replace-
ment/cleaning of the existing quarry spalls, street sweeping, an increase in the dimensions of
the access, or the installation of BMP C106: Wheel Wash.
l Any sediment that is tracked onto pavement shall be removed by shoveling or street sweep-
ing. The sediment collected by sweeping shall be removed or stabilized on site. The pavement
shall not be cleaned by washing down the street, except when high efficiency sweeping is inef-
fective and there is a threat to public safety. If it is necessary to wash the streets, the con-
struction of a small sump to contain the wash water shall be considered. The sediment would
then be washed into the sump where it can be controlled.
l Perform street sweeping by hand or with a high efficiency sweeper. Do not use a non-high effi-
ciency mechanical sweeper because this creates dust and throws soils into storm systems or
conveyance ditches.
l Any quarry spalls that are loosened from the pad, which end up on the roadway shall be
removed immediately.
l If vehicles are entering or exiting the site at points other than the construction access(es),
BMP C103: High-Visibility Fence shall be installed to control traffic.
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l Upon project completion and site stabilization, all construction accesses intended as per-
manent access for maintenance shall be permanently stabilized.
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Figure II-3.1: Stabilized Construction Access
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Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
BMP C106: Wheel Wash
Purpose
Wheel washes reduce the amount of sediment transported onto paved roads by washing dirt from
the wheels of motor vehicles prior to the motor vehicles leaving the construction site.
Conditions of Use
l Use a wheel wash when BMP C105: Stabilized Construction Access is not preventing sed-
iment from being tracked off site.
l Wheel washing is generally an effective BMP when installed with careful attention to topo-
graphy. For example, a wheel wash can be detrimental if installed at the top of a slope abut-
ting a right-of-way where the water from the dripping truck can run unimpeded into the street.
l Pressure washing combined with an adequately sized and surfaced pad with direct drainage
to a large 10-foot x 10-foot sump can be very effective.
l Wheel wash wastewater is not stormwater. It is commonly called process water, and must be
discharged to a separate on-site treatment system that prevents discharge to waters of the
State, or to the sanitary sewer with local sewer district approval.
l Wheel washes may use closed-loop recirculation systems to conserve water use.
l Wheel wash wastewater shall not include wastewater from concrete washout areas.
l When practical, the wheel wash should be placed in sequence with BMP C105: Stabilized
Construction Access. Locate the wheel wash such that vehicles exiting the wheel wash will
enter directly onto BMP C105: Stabilized Construction Access. In order to achieve this, BMP
C105: Stabilized Construction Access may need to be extended beyond the standard install-
ation to meet the exit of the wheel wash.
Design and Installation Specifications
Suggested details are shown in Figure II-3.2: Wheel Wash. The Local Permitting Authority may
allow other designs. A minimum of 6 inches of asphalt treated base (ATB) over crushed base mater-
ial or 8 inches over a good subgrade is recommended to pave the wheel wash.
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Use a low clearance truck to test the wheel wash before paving. Either a belly dump or lowboy will
work well to test clearance.
Keep the water level from 12 to 14 inches deep to avoid damage to truck hubs and filling the truck
tongues with water.
Midpoint spray nozzles are only needed in extremely muddy conditions.
Wheel wash systems should be designed with a small grade change, 6- to 12-inches for a 10-foot-
wide pond, to allow sediment to flow to the low side of pond to help prevent re-suspension of sed-
iment. A drainpipe with a 2- to 3-foot riser should be installed on the low side of the pond to allow for
easy cleaning and refilling. Polymers may be used to promote coagulation and flocculation in a
closed-loop system. Polyacrylamide (PAM) added to the wheel wash water at a rate of 0.25 - 0.5
pounds per 1,000 gallons of water increases effectiveness and reduces cleanup time. If PAM is
already being used for dust or erosion control and is being applied by a water truck, the same truck
can be used to change the wash water.
Maintenance Standards
The wheel wash should start out each day with fresh water.
The wheel wash water should be changed a minimum of once per day. On large earthwork jobs
where more than 10-20 trucks per hour are expected, the wheel wash water will need to be changed
more often.
Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
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Figure II-3.2: Wheel Wash
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BMP C107: Construction Road / Parking Area
Stabilization
Purpose
Stabilizing roads, parking areas, and other on-site vehicle transportation routes immediately after
grading reduces erosion caused by construction traffic or stormwater runoff.
Conditions of Use
Roads and parking areas shall be stabilized wherever they are constructed, whether permanent or
temporary, for use by construction traffic.
BMP C103: High-Visibility Fence shall be installed, if necessary, to limit the access of vehicles to only
those roads and parking areas that are stabilized.
Design and Installation Specifications
l On areas that will receive asphalt as part of the project, install the first lift as soon as possible.
l A 6-inch depth of 2- to 4-inch crushed rock, gravel base, or crushed surfacing base course
shall be applied immediately after grading or utility installation. A 4-inch course of asphalt
treated base (ATB) may also be used, or the road/parking area may be paved. It may also be
possible to use cement or calcium chloride for soil stabilization. If cement or cement kiln dust is
used for roadbase stabilization, pH monitoring and BMP C252: Treating and Disposing of
High pH Water is necessary to evaluate and minimize the effects on stormwater. If the area
will not be used for permanent roads, parking areas, or structures, a 6-inch depth of hog fuel
may also be used, but this is likely to require more maintenance. Whenever possible, con-
struction roads and parking areas shall be placed on a firm, compacted subgrade.
l Temporary road gradients shall not exceed 15 percent. Roadways shall be carefully graded to
drain. Drainage ditches shall be provided on each side of the roadway in the case of a
crowned section, or on one side in the case of a super-elevated section. Drainage ditches
shall be directed to a sediment control BMP.
l Rather than relying on ditches, it may also be possible to grade the road so that runoff sheet-
flows into a heavily vegetated area with a well-developed topsoil. Landscaped areas are not
adequate. If this area has at least 50 feet of vegetation that water can flow through, then it is
generally preferable to use the vegetation to treat runoff, rather than a sediment pond or trap.
The 50 feet shall not include wetlands or their buffers. If runoff is allowed to sheetflow through
adjacent vegetated areas, it is vital to design the roadways and parking areas so that no con-
centrated runoff is created.
l Storm drain inlets shall be protected to prevent sediment-laden water entering the drainage
system (see BMP C220: Inlet Protection).
Maintenance Standards
Inspect stabilized areas regularly, especially after large storm events.
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Crushed rock, gravel base, etc., shall be added as required to maintain a stable driving surface and
to stabilize any areas that have eroded.
Following construction, these areas shall be restored to pre-construction condition or better to pre-
vent future erosion.
Perform street cleaning at the end of each day or more often if necessary.
BMP C120: Temporary and Permanent Seeding
Purpose
Seeding reduces erosion by stabilizing exposed soils. A well-established vegetative cover is one of
the most effective methods of reducing erosion.
Conditions of Use
Use seeding throughout the project on disturbed areas that have reached final grade or that will
remain unworked for more than 30 days.
The optimum seeding windows for western Washington are April 1 through June 30 and September
1 through October 1.
Between July 1 and August 30 seeding requires irrigation until 75 percent grass cover is established.
Between October 1 and March 30 seeding requires a cover of mulch or an erosion control blanket
until 75 percent grass cover is established.
Review all disturbed areas in late August to early September and complete all seeding by the end of
September. Otherwise, vegetation will not establish itself enough to provide more than average pro-
tection.
Mulch is required at all times for seeding because it protects seeds from heat, moisture loss, and
transport due to runoff. Mulch can be applied on top of the seed or simultaneously by hydroseeding.
See BMP C121: Mulching for specifications.
Seed and mulch all disturbed areas not otherwise vegetated at final site stabilization. Final sta-
bilization means the completion of all soil disturbing activities at the site and the establishment of a
permanent vegetative cover, or equivalent permanent stabilization measures (such as pavement,
riprap, gabions, or geotextiles) which will prevent erosion. See BMP T5.13: Post-Construction Soil
Quality and Depth.
Design and Installation Specifications
General
l Install channels intended for vegetation before starting major earthwork and hydroseed with a
Bonded Fiber Matrix. For vegetated channels that will have high flows, install erosion control
blankets over the top of hydroseed. Before allowing water to flow in vegetated channels,
establish 75 percent vegetation cover. If vegetated channels cannot be established by seed
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before water flow; install sod in the channel bottom — over top of hydromulch and erosion con-
trol blankets.
l Confirm the installation of all required surface water control measures to prevent seed from
washing away.
l Hydroseed applications shall include a minimum of 1,500 pounds per acre of mulch with 3 per-
cent tackifier. See BMP C121: Mulching for specifications.
l Areas that will have seeding only and not landscaping may need compost or meal-based
mulch included in the hydroseed in order to establish vegetation. Re-install native topsoil on
the disturbed soil surface before application. See BMP T5.13: Post-Construction Soil Quality
and Depth.
l When installing seed via hydroseeding operations, only about 1/3 of the seed actually ends up
in contact with the soil surface. This reduces the ability to establish a good stand of grass
quickly. To overcome this, consider increasing seed quantities by up to 50 percent.
l Enhance vegetation establishment by dividing the hydromulch operation into two phases:
o Phase 1- Install all seed and fertilizer with 25-30 percent mulch and tackifier onto soil in
the first lift.
o Phase 2- Install the rest of the mulch and tackifier over the first lift.
Or, enhance vegetation by:
o Installing the mulch, seed, fertilizer, and tackifier in one lift.
o Spread or blow straw over the top of the hydromulch at a rate of 800-1000 pounds per
acre.
o Hold straw in place with a standard tackifier.
Both of these approaches will increase cost moderately but will greatly improve and enhance
vegetative establishment. The increased cost may be offset by the reduced need for:
o Irrigation.
o Reapplication of mulch.
o Repair of failed slope surfaces.
This technique works with standard hydromulch (1,500 pounds per acre minimum) and Bon-
ded Fiber Matrix/ Mechanically Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM/MBFMs) (3,000 pounds per acre
minimum).
l Seed may be installed by hand if:
o Temporary and covered by straw, mulch, or topsoil.
o Permanent in small areas (usually less than 1 acre) and covered with mulch, topsoil, or
erosion blankets.
l The seed mixes listed in Table II-3.4: Temporary and Permanent Seed Mixes include
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recommended mixes for both temporary and permanent seeding.
l Apply these mixes, with the exception of the wet area seed mix, at a rate of 120 pounds per
acre. This rate can be reduced if soil amendments or slow-release fertilizers are used. Apply
the wet area seed mix at a rate of 60 pounds per acre.
l Consult the local suppliers or the local conservation district for their recommendations. The
appropriate mix depends on a variety of factors, including location, exposure, soil type, slope,
and expected foot traffic. Alternative seed mixes approved by the local authority may be used,
depending on the soil type and hydrology of the area.
Common Name Latin Name % Weight % Purity % Germination
Temporary Erosion Control Seed Mix
A standard mix for areas requiring a temporary vegetative cover.
Chewings or
annual blue grass
Festuca rubra var.
commutata or Poa
anna
40 98 90
Perennial rye Lolium perenne 50 98 90
Redtop or colonial
bentgrass
Agrostis alba or
Agrostis tenuis 5 92 85
White dutch clover Trifolium repens 5 98 90
Landscaping Seed Mix
A recommended mix for landscaping seed.
Perennial rye blend Lolium perenne 70 98 90
Chewings and red
fescue blend
Festuca rubra var.
commutata or Fes-
tuca rubra
30 98 90
Low-Growing Turf Seed Mix
A turf seed mix for dry situations where there is no need for watering. This mix requires very little main-
tenance.
Dwarf tall fescue
(several varieties)
Festuca arundin-
acea var. 45 98 90
Dwarf perennial
rye (Barclay)
Lolium perenne
var. barclay 30 98 90
Red fescue Festuca rubra 20 98 90
Colonial bentgrass Agrostis tenuis 5 98 90
Bioswale Seed Mix
A seed mix for bioswales and other intermittently wet areas.
Tall or meadow fes-Festuca arundin-75-80 98 90
Table II-3.4: Temporary and Permanent Seed Mixes
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Common Name Latin Name % Weight % Purity % Germination
cue acea or Festuca
elatior
Seaside/Creeping
bentgrass Agrostis palustris 10-15 92 85
Redtop bentgrass Agrostis alba or
Agrostis gigantea 5-10 90 80
Wet Area Seed Mix
A low-growing, relatively non-invasive seed mix appropriate for very wet areas that are not regulated wet-
lands. Consult Hydraulic Permit Authority (HPA) for seed mixes if applicable.
Tall or meadow fes-
cue
Festuca arundin-
acea or Festuca
elatior
60-70 98 90
Seaside/Creeping
bentgrass Agrostis palustris 10-15 98 85
Meadow foxtail Alepocurus praten-
sis 10-15 90 80
Alsike clover Trifolium hybridum 1-6 98 90
Redtop bentgrass Agrostis alba 1-6 92 85
Meadow Seed Mix
A recommended meadow seed mix for infrequently maintained areas or non-maintained areas where col-
onization by native plants is desirable. Likely applications include rural road and utility right-of-way. Seed-
ing should take place in September or very early October in order to obtain adequate establishment prior to
the winter months. Consider the appropriateness of clover, a fairly invasive species, in the mix. Amending
the soil can reduce the need for clover.
Redtop or Oregon
bentgrass
Agrostis alba or
Agrostis ore-
gonensis
20 92 85
Red fescue Festuca rubra 70 98 90
White dutch clover Trifolium repens 10 98 90
Table II-3.4: Temporary and Permanent Seed Mixes (continued)
Roughening and Rototilling
l The seedbed should be firm and rough. Roughen all soil no matter what the slope. Track walk
slopes before seeding if engineering purposes require compaction. Backblading or smoothing
of slopes greater than 4H:1V is not allowed if they are to be seeded.
l Restoration-based landscape practices require deeper incorporation than that provided by a
simple single-pass rototilling treatment. Wherever practical, initially rip the subgrade to
improve long-term permeability, infiltration, and water inflow qualities. At a minimum,
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permanent areas shall use soil amendments to achieve organic matter and permeability per-
formance defined in engineered soil/landscape systems. For systems that are deeper than 8
inches complete the rototilling process in multiple lifts, or prepare the engineered soil system
per specifications and place to achieve the specified depth.
Fertilizers
l Conducting soil tests to determine the exact type and quantity of fertilizer is recommended.
This will prevent the over-application of fertilizer.
l Organic matter is the most appropriate form of fertilizer because it provides nutrients (includ-
ing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in the least water-soluble form.
l In general, use 10-4-6 N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer at a rate of 90
pounds per acre. Always use slow-release fertilizers because they are more efficient and
have fewer environmental impacts. Do not add fertilizer to the hydromulch machine, or agit-
ate, more than 20 minutes before use. Too much agitation destroys the slow-release coating.
l There are numerous products available that take the place of chemical fertilizers. These
include several with seaweed extracts that are beneficial to soil microbes and organisms. If
100 percent cottonseed meal is used as the mulch in hydroseed, chemical fertilizer may not be
necessary. Cottonseed meal provides a good source of long-term, slow-release, available
nitrogen.
Bonded Fiber Matrix and Mechanically Bonded Fiber Matrix
l On steep slopes use Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM) or Mechanically Bonded Fiber Matrix
(MBFM) products. Apply BFM/MBFM products at a minimum rate of 3,000 pounds per acre
with approximately 10 percent tackifier. Achieve a minimum of 95 percent soil coverage during
application. Numerous products are available commercially. Most products require 24-36
hours to cure before rainfall and cannot be installed on wet or saturated soils. Generally,
products come in 40-50 pound bags and include all necessary ingredients except for seed and
fertilizer.
l Install products per manufacturer's instructions.
l BFMs and MBFMs provide good alternatives to blankets in most areas requiring vegetation
establishment. Advantages over blankets include:
o BFM and MBFMs do not require surface preparation.
o Helicopters can assist in installing BFM and MBFMs in remote areas.
o On slopes steeper than 2.5H:1V, blanket installers may require ropes and harnesses
for safety.
o Installing BFM and MBFMs can save at least $1,000 per acre compared to blankets.
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Maintenance Standards
Reseed any seeded areas that fail to establish at least 75 percent cover (100 percent cover for areas
that receive sheet or concentrated flows). If reseeding is ineffective, use an alternate method such
as sodding, mulching, nets, or blankets.
l Reseed and protect by mulch any areas that experience erosion after achieving adequate
cover. Reseed and protect by mulch any eroded area.
l Supply seeded areas with adequate moisture, but do not water to the extent that it causes run-
off.
Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
BMP C121: Mulching
Purpose
Mulching soils provides immediate temporary protection from erosion. Mulch also enhances plant
establishment by conserving moisture, holding fertilizer, seed, and topsoil in place, and moderating
soil temperatures. There are a variety of mulches that can be used. This section discusses only the
most common types of mulch.
Conditions of Use
As a temporary cover measure, mulch should be used:
l For less than 30 days on disturbed areas that require cover.
l At all times for seeded areas, especially during the wet season and during the hot summer
months.
l During the wet season on slopes steeper than 3H:1V with more than 10 feet of vertical relief.
Mulch may be applied at any time of the year and must be refreshed periodically.
For seeded areas, mulch may be made up of 100 percent:
l cottonseed meal;
l fibers made of wood, recycled cellulose, hemp, or kenaf;
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l compost;
l or blends of these.
Tackifier shall be plant-based, such as guar or alpha plantago, or chemical-based such as poly-
acrylamide or polymers.
Generally, mulches come in 40-50 pound bags. Seed and fertilizer are added at time of application.
Recycled cellulose may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). Ecology recommends that
products should be evaluated for PCBs prior to use.
Refer to BMP C126: Polyacrylamide (PAM) for Soil Erosion Protection for conditions of use. PAM
shall not be directly applied to water or allowed to enter a water body.
Any mulch or tackifier product used shall be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Design and Installation Specifications
For mulch materials, application rates, and specifications, see Table II-3.6: Mulch Standards and
Guidelines. Consult with the local supplier or the local conservation district for their recom-
mendations. Increase the application rate until the ground is 95% covered (i.e. not visible under the
mulch layer). Note: Thickness may be increased for disturbed areas in or near sensitive areas or
other areas highly susceptible to erosion.
Where the option of “Compost” is selected, it should be a coarse compost that meets the size grad-
ations listed in Table II-3.5: Size Gradations of Compost as Mulch Material when tested in accord-
ance with Test Method 02.02-B found in Test Methods for the Examination of Composting and
Compost (Thompson, 2001).
Sieve Size Percent Passing
3"100%
1"90% - 100%
3/4"70% - 100%
1/4"40% - 100%
Table II-3.5: Size Gradations of Compost as Mulch Material
Mulch used within the ordinary high-water mark of surface waters should be selected to minimize
potential flotation of organic matter. Composted organic materials have higher specific gravities
(densities) than straw, wood, or chipped material. Consult the Hydraulic Permit Authority (HPA) for
mulch mixes if applicable.
Maintenance Standards
The thickness of the mulch cover must be maintained.
Any areas that experience erosion shall be remulched and/or protected with a net or blanket. If the
erosion problem is drainage related, then the problem shall be fixed and the eroded area remulched.
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Mulch Mater-
ial Guideline Description
Straw
Quality
Standards Air-dried; free from undesirable seed and coarse material.
Application
Rates 2"-3" thick; 5 bales per 1,000 sf or 2-3 tons per acre
Remarks
Cost-effective protection when applied with adequate thickness. Hand-
application generally requires greater thickness than blown straw. The
thickness of straw may be reduced by half when used in conjunction with
seeding. In windy areas straw must be held in place by crimping, using a
tackifier, or covering with netting. Blown straw always has to be held in
place with a tackifier as even light winds will blow it away. Straw, however,
has several deficiencies that should be considered when selecting mulch
materials. It often introduces and/or encourages the propagation of weed
species and it has no significant long-term benefits It should also not be
used within the ordinary high-water elevation of surface waters (due to flot-
ation).
Hydromulch
Quality
Standards No growth inhibiting factors.
Application
Rates Approx. 35-45 lbs per 1,000 sf or 1,500 - 2,000 lbs per acre
Remarks
Shall be applied with hydromulcher. Shall not be used without seed and
tackifier unless the application rate is at least doubled. Fibers longer than
about 3/4 - 1 inch clog hydromulch equipment. Fibers should be kept to less
than 3/4 inch.
Compost
Quality
Standards
No visible water or dust during handling. Must be produced per WAC 173-
350, Solid Waste Handling Standards, but may have up to 35% biosolids.
Application
Rates 2" thick min.; approx. 100 tons per acre (approx. 750 lbs per cubic yard)
Remarks
More effective control can be obtained by increasing thickness to 3". Excel-
lent mulch for protecting final grades until landscaping because it can be dir-
ectly seeded or tilled into soil as an amendment. Compost used for mulch
has a coarser size gradation than compost used for BMP C125: Topsoiling
/ Composting or BMP T5.13: Post-Construction Soil Quality and Depth. It
is more stable and practical to use in wet areas and during rainy weather
conditions. Do not use near wetlands or near phosphorous impaired water
bodies.
Chipped
Site Veget-
ation
Quality
Standards
Gradations from fines to 6 inches in length for texture, variation, and inter-
locking properties. Include a mix of various sizes so that the average size
is between 2- and 4- inches.
Application
Rates 2" thick min.;
Table II-3.6: Mulch Standards and Guidelines
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Mulch Mater-
ial Guideline Description
Remarks
This is a cost-effective way to dispose of debris from clearing and grub-
bing, and it eliminates the problems associated with burning. Generally, it
should not be used on slopes above approx. 10% because of its tendency
to be transported by runoff. It is not recommended within 200 feet of sur-
face waters. If permanent seeding or planting is expected shortly after
mulch, the decomposition of the chipped vegetation may tie up nutrients
important to grass establishment.
Note: thick application of this material over existing grass, herbaceous spe-
cies, and some groundcovers could smother and kill vegetation.
Wood-
Based
Mulch
Quality
Standards
No visible water or dust during handling. Must be purchased from a supplier
with a Solid Waste Handling Permit or one exempt from solid waste reg-
ulations.
Application
Rates 2" thick min.; approx. 100 tons per acre (approx. 750 lbs. per cubic yard)
Remarks
This material is often called "wood straw" or "hog fuel". The use of mulch
ultimately improves the organic matter in the soil. Special caution is
advised regarding the source and composition of wood-based mulches. Its
preparation typically does not provide any weed seed control, so evidence
of residual vegetation in its composition or known inclusion of weed plants
or seeds should be monitored and prevented (or minimized).
Wood
Strand
Mulch
Quality
Standards
A blend of loose, long, thin wood pieces derived from native conifer or
deciduous trees with high length-to-width ratio.
Application
Rates 2" thick min.
Remarks
Cost-effective protection when applied with adequate thickness. A min-
imum of 95-percent of the wood strand shall have lengths between 2 and
10-inches, with a width and thickness between 1/16 and 1/2-inches. The
mulch shall not contain resin, tannin, or other compounds in quantities that
would be detrimental to plant life. Sawdust or wood shavings shall not be
used as mulch. [Specification 9-14.4(4) from the Standard Specifications
for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction (WSDOT, 2016)
Table II-3.6: Mulch Standards and Guidelines (continued)
BMP C122: Nets and Blankets
Purpose
Erosion control nets and blankets are intended to prevent erosion and hold seed and mulch in place
on steep slopes and in channels so that vegetation can become well established. In addition, some
nets and blankets can be used to permanently reinforce turf to protect drainage ways during high
flows.
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Nets (commonly called matting) are strands of material woven into an open, but high-tensile strength
net (for example, coconut fiber matting). Blankets are strands of material that are not tightly woven,
but instead form a layer of interlocking fibers, typically held together by a biodegradable or pho-
todegradable netting (for example, excelsior or straw blankets). They generally have lower tensile
strength than nets, but cover the ground more completely. Coir (coconut fiber) fabric comes as both
nets and blankets.
Conditions of Use
Erosion control netting and blankets shall be made of natural plant fibers unaltered by synthetic
materials.
Erosion control nets and blankets should be used:
l To aid permanent vegetated stabilization of slopes 2H:1V or greater and with more than 10
feet of vertical relief.
l For drainage ditches and swales (highly recommended). The application of appropriate net-
ting or blanket to drainage ditches and swales can protect bare soil from channelized runoff
while vegetation is established. Nets and blankets also can capture a great deal of sediment
due to their open, porous structure. Nets and blankets can be used to permanently stabilize
channels and may provide a cost-effective, environmentally preferable alternative to riprap.
Disadvantages of nets and blankets include:
l Surface preparation is required.
l On slopes steeper than 2.5H:1V, net and blanket installers may need to be roped and har-
nessed for safety.
l They cost at least $4,000-6,000 per acre installed.
Advantages of nets and blankets include:
l Installation without mobilizing special equipment.
l Installation by anyone with minimal training
l Installation in stages or phases as the project progresses.
l Installers can hand place seed and fertilizer as they progress down the slope.
l Installation in any weather.
l There are numerous types of nets and blankets that can be designed with various parameters
in mind. Those parameters include: fiber blend, mesh strength, longevity, biodegradability,
cost, and availability.
An alternative to nets and blankets in some limited conditions is BMP C202: Riprap Channel Lining.
Ensure that BMP C202: Riprap Channel Lining is appropriate before using it as a substitute for nets
and blankets.
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Design and Installation Specifications
l See Figure II-3.3: Channel Installation (Clackamas County et al., 2008) and Figure II-3.4:
Slope Installation for typical orientation and installation of nets and blankets used in channels
and as slope protection. Note: these are typical only; all nets and blankets must be installed
per manufacturer’s installation instructions.
l Installation is critical to the effectiveness of these products. If good ground contact is not
achieved, runoff can concentrate under the product, resulting in significant erosion.
l Installation of nets and blankets on slopes:
1. Complete final grade and track walk up and down the slope.
2. Install hydromulch with seed and fertilizer.
3. Dig a small trench, approximately 12 inches wide by 6 inches deep along the top of the
slope.
4. Install the leading edge of the net/blanket into the small trench and staple approximately
every 18 inches. NOTE: Staples are metal, “U”-shaped, and a minimum of 6 inches
long. Longer staples are used in sandy soils. Biodegradable stakes are also available.
5. Roll the net/blanket slowly down the slope as the installer walks backward. NOTE: The
net/blanket rests against the installer’s legs. Staples are installed as the net/blanket is
unrolled. It is critical that the proper staple pattern is used for the net/blanket being
installed. The net/blanket is not to be allowed to roll down the slope on its own as this
stretches the net/blanket, making it impossible to maintain soil contact. In addition, no
one is allowed to walk on the net/blanket after it is in place.
6. If the net/blanket is not long enough to cover the entire slope length, the trailing edge of
the upper net/blanket should overlap the leading edge of the lower net/blanket and be
stapled. On steeper slopes, this overlap should be installed in a small trench, stapled,
and covered with soil.
l With the variety of products available, it is impossible to cover all the details of appropriate use
and installation. Therefore, it is critical that the designer consult the manufacturer's inform-
ation and that a site visit takes place in order to ensure that the product specified is appro-
priate. Information is also available in WSDOT's Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge,
and Municipal Construction Division 8-01 and Division 9-14 (WSDOT, 2016).
l Use jute matting in conjunction with mulch (BMP C121: Mulching). Excelsior, woven straw
blankets and coir (coconut fiber) blankets may be installed without mulch. There are many
other types of erosion control nets and blankets on the market that may be appropriate in cer-
tain circumstances.
l In general, most nets (e.g., jute matting) require mulch in order to prevent erosion because
they have a fairly open structure. Blankets typically do not require mulch because they usually
provide complete protection of the surface.
l Extremely steep, unstable, wet, or rocky slopes are often appropriate candidates for use of
synthetic blankets, as are riverbanks, beaches and other high-energy environments. If
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synthetic blankets are used, the soil should be hydromulched first.
l 100-percent biodegradable blankets are available for use in sensitive areas. These organic
blankets are usually held together with a paper or fiber mesh and stitching which may last up
to a year.
l Most netting used with blankets is photodegradable, meaning it breaks down under sunlight
(not UV stabilized). However, this process can take months or years even under bright sun.
Once vegetation is established, sunlight does not reach the mesh. It is not uncommon to find
non-degraded netting still in place several years after installation. This can be a problem if
maintenance requires the use of mowers or ditch cleaning equipment. In addition, birds and
small animals can become trapped in the netting.
Maintenance Standards
l Maintain good contact with the ground. Erosion must not occur beneath the net or blanket.
l Repair and staple any areas of the net or blanket that are damaged or not in close contact with
the ground.
l Fix and protect eroded areas if erosion occurs due to poorly controlled drainage.
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Figure II-3.3: Channel Installation
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Figure II-3.4: Slope Installation
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BMP C123: Plastic Covering
Purpose
Plastic covering provides immediate, short-term erosion protection to slopes and disturbed areas.
Conditions of Use
Plastic covering may be used on disturbed areas that require cover measures for less than 30 days,
except as stated below.
l Plastic is particularly useful for protecting cut and fill slopes and stockpiles. However, the rel-
atively rapid breakdown of most polyethylene sheeting makes it unsuitable for applications
greater than six months.
l Due to rapid runoff caused by plastic covering, do not use this method upslope of areas that
might be adversely impacted by concentrated runoff. Such areas include steep and/or
unstable slopes.
l Plastic sheeting may result in increased runoff volumes and velocities, requiring additional on-
site measures to counteract the increases. Creating a trough with wattles or other material
can convey clean water away from these areas.
l To prevent undercutting, trench and backfill rolled plastic covering products.
l Although the plastic material is inexpensive to purchase, the cost of installation, maintenance,
removal, and disposal add to the total costs of this BMP.
l Whenever plastic is used to protect slopes, install water collection measures at the base of the
slope. These measures include plastic-covered berms, channels, and pipes used to convey
clean rainwater away from bare soil and disturbed areas. Do not mix clean runoff from a
plastic covered slope with dirty runoff from a project.
l Other uses for plastic include:
o Temporary ditch liner.
o Pond liner in temporary sediment pond.
o Liner for bermed temporary fuel storage area if plastic is not reactive to the type of fuel
being stored.
o Emergency slope protection during heavy rains.
o Temporary drainpipe (“elephant trunk”) used to direct water.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Plastic slope cover must be installed as follows:
1. Run plastic up and down the slope, not across the slope.
2. Plastic may be installed perpendicular to a slope if the slope length is less than 10 feet.
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3. Provide a minimum of 8-inch overlap at the seams.
4. On long or wide slopes, or slopes subject to wind, tape all seams.
5. Place plastic into a small (12-inch wide by 6-inch deep) slot trench at the top of the slope
and backfill with soil to keep water from flowing underneath.
6. Place sand filled burlap or geotextile bags every 3 to 6 feet along seams and tie them
together with twine to hold them in place.
7. Inspect plastic for rips, tears, and open seams regularly and repair immediately. This
prevents high velocity runoff from contacting bare soil, which causes extreme erosion.
8. Sandbags may be lowered into place tied to ropes. However, all sandbags must be
staked in place.
l Plastic sheeting shall have a minimum thickness of 0.06 millimeters.
l If erosion at the toe of a slope is likely, a gravel berm, riprap, or other suitable protection shall
be installed at the toe of the slope in order to reduce the velocity of runoff.
Maintenance Standards
l Torn sheets must be replaced and open seams repaired.
l Completely remove and replace the plastic if it begins to deteriorate due to ultraviolet radi-
ation.
l Completely remove plastic when no longer needed.
l Dispose of old tires used to weight down plastic sheeting appropriately.
Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
BMP C124: Sodding
Purpose
The purpose of sodding is to establish turf for immediate erosion protection and to stabilize drainage
paths where concentrated overland flow will occur.
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Conditions of Use
Sodding may be used in the following areas:
l Disturbed areas that require short-term or long-term cover.
l Disturbed areas that require immediate vegetative cover.
l All waterways that require vegetative lining. Waterways may also be seeded rather than sod-
ded, and protected with a net or blanket.
Design and Installation Specifications
Sod shall be free of weeds, of uniform thickness (approximately 1-inch thick), and shall have a dense
root mat for mechanical strength.
The following steps are recommended for sod installation:
1. Shape and smooth the surface to final grade in accordance with the approved grading plan.
Consider any areas (such as swales) that need to be overexcavated below design elevation to
allow room for placing soil amendment and sod.
2. Amend 4 inches (minimum) of compost into the top 8 inches of the soil if the organic content of
the soil is less than ten percent or the permeability is less than 0.6 inches per hour. See
https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-recycling-waste/Organic-mater-
ials/Managing-organics-compost for further information.
3. Fertilize according to the sod supplier's recommendations.
4. Work lime and fertilizer 1 to 2 inches into the soil, and smooth the surface.
5. Lay strips of sod beginning at the lowest area to be sodded and perpendicular to the direction
of water flow. Wedge strips securely into place. Square the ends of each strip to provide for a
close, tight fit. Stagger joints at least 12 inches. Staple on slopes steeper than 3H:1V. Staple
the upstream edge of each sod strip.
6. Roll the sodded area and irrigate.
7. When sodding is carried out in alternating strips or other patterns, seed the areas between the
sod immediately after sodding.
Maintenance Standards
If the grass is unhealthy, the cause shall be determined and appropriate action taken to reestablish a
healthy groundcover. If it is impossible to establish a healthy groundcover due to frequent saturation,
instability, or some other cause, the sod shall be removed, the area seeded with an appropriate mix,
and protected with a net or blanket.
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BMP C125: Topsoiling / Composting
Purpose
Topsoiling and composting provide a suitable growth medium for final site stabilization with veget-
ation. While not a permanent cover practice in itself, topsoiling and composting are an integral com-
ponent of providing permanent cover in those areas where there is an unsuitable soil surface for
plant growth. Use this BMP in conjunction with other BMPs such as BMP C120: Temporary and Per-
manent Seeding, BMP C121: Mulching, or BMP C124: Sodding. Implementation of this BMP may
meet the post-construction requirements of BMP T5.13: Post-Construction Soil Quality and Depth.
Native soils and disturbed soils that have been organically amended not only retain much more
stormwater, but also serve as effective biofilters for urban pollutants and, by supporting more vig-
orous plant growth, reduce the water, fertilizer and pesticides needed to support installed land-
scapes. Topsoil does not include any subsoils but only the material from the top several inches
including organic debris.
Conditions of Use
l Permanent landscaped areas shall contain healthy topsoil that reduces the need for fertilizers,
improves overall topsoil quality, provides for better vegetative health and vitality, improves
hydrologic characteristics, and reduces the need for irrigation.
l Leave native soils and the duff layer undisturbed to the maximum extent practicable. Stripping
of existing, properly functioning soil system and vegetation for the purpose of topsoiling during
construction is not acceptable. Preserve existing soil systems in undisturbed and uncom-
pacted conditions if functioning properly.
l Areas that already have good topsoil, such as undisturbed areas, do not require soil amend-
ments.
l Restore, to the maximum extent practical, native soils disturbed during clearing and grading to
a condition equal to or better than the original site condition’s moisture-holding capacity. Use
on-site native topsoil, incorporate amendments into on-site soil, or import blended topsoil to
meet this requirement.
l Topsoiling is a required procedure when establishing vegetation on shallow soils, and soils of
critically low pH (high acid) levels.
l Beware of where the topsoil comes from, and what vegetation was on site before disturbance.
Invasive plant seeds may be included and could cause problems for establishing native plants,
landscaped areas, or grasses.
l Topsoil from the site will contain mycorrhizal bacteria that are necessary for healthy root
growth and nutrient transfer. These native mycorrhiza are acclimated to the site and will
provide optimum conditions for establishing grasses. Use commercially available mycorrhiza
products when using off-site topsoil.
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Design and Installation Specifications
Meet the following requirements for disturbed areas that will be developed as lawn or landscaped
areas at the completed project site:
l Maximize the depth of the topsoil wherever possible to provide the maximum possible infilt-
ration capacity and beneficial growth medium. Topsoil shall have:
o A minimum depth of 8-inches. Scarify subsoils below the topsoil layer at least 4-inches
with some incorporation of the upper material to avoid stratified layers, where feasible.
Ripping or re-structuring the subgrade may also provide additional benefits regarding
the overall infiltration and interflow dynamics of the soil system.
o A minimum organic content of 10% dry weight in planting beds, and 5% organic matter
content in turf areas. Incorporate organic amendments to a minimum 8-inch depth
except where tree roots or other natural features limit the depth of incorporation.
o A pH between 6.0 and 8.0 or matching the pH of the undisturbed soil.
o If blended topsoil is imported, then fines should be limited to 25 percent passing through
a 200 sieve.
l Mulch planting beds with 2 inches of organic material
l Accomplish the required organic content, depth, and pH by returning native topsoil to the site,
importing topsoil of sufficient organic content, and/or incorporating organic amendments.
When using the option of incorporating amendments to meet the organic content requirement,
use compost that meets the compost specification for Bioretention (See BMP T7.30: Biore-
tention), with the exception that the compost may have up to 35% biosolids or manure.
l Sections 3 through 7 of Building Soil: Guidelines and Resources for Implementing Soil Quality
and Depth BMP T5.13 in WDOE Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington
(Stenn et al., 2016), provides useful guidance for implementing whichever option is chosen. It
includes guidance for pre-approved default strategies and guidance for custom strategies.
Check with your local jurisdiction concerning its acceptance of this guidance.
l The final composition and construction of the soil system will result in a natural selection or
favoring of certain plant species over time. For example, incorporation of topsoil may favor
grasses, while layering with mildly acidic, high-carbon amendments may favor more woody
vegetation.
l Allow sufficient time in scheduling for topsoil spreading prior to seeding, sodding, or planting.
l Take care when applying top soil to subsoils with contrasting textures. Sandy topsoil over
clayey subsoil is a particularly poor combination, as water creeps along the junction between
the soil layers and causes the topsoil to slough. If topsoil and subsoil are not properly bonded,
water will not infiltrate the soil profile evenly and it will be difficult to establish vegetation. The
best method to promote bonding is to actually work the topsoil into the layer below for a depth
of at least 6 inches.
l Field exploration of the site shall be made to determine if there is surface soil of sufficient
quantity and quality to justify stripping. Topsoil shall be friable and loamy (loam, sandy loam,
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silt loam, sandy clay loam, and clay loam). Avoid areas of natural ground water recharge.
l Stripping shall be confined to the immediate construction area. A 4-inch to 6-inch stripping
depth is common, but depth may vary depending on the particular soil. All surface runoff con-
trol structures shall be in place prior to stripping.
l Do not place topsoil while in a frozen or muddy condition, when the subgrade is excessively
wet, or when conditions exist that may otherwise be detrimental to proper grading or pro-
posed sodding or seeding.
l In any areas requiring grading, remove and stockpile the duff layer and topsoil on site in a des-
ignated, controlled area, not adjacent to public resources and critical areas. Reapply stock-
piled topsoil to other portions of the site where feasible.
l Locate the topsoil stockpile so that it meets specifications and does not interfere with work on
the site. It may be possible to locate more than one pile in proximity to areas where topsoil will
be used.
l Stockpiling of topsoil shall occur in the following manner:
o Side slopes of the stockpile shall not exceed 2H:1V.
o Between October 1 and April 30:
n An interceptor dike with gravel outlet and silt fence shall surround all topsoil.
n Within 2 days complete erosion control seeding, or covering stockpiles with clear
plastic, or other mulching materials.
o Between May 1 and September 30:
n An interceptor dike with gravel outlet and silt fence shall surround all topsoil if the
stockpile will remain in place for a longer period of time than active construction
grading.
n Within 7 days complete erosion control seeding, or covering stockpiles with clear
plastic, or other mulching materials.
l When native topsoil is to be stockpiled and reused the following should apply to ensure that
the mycorrhizal bacterial, earthworms, and other beneficial organisms will not be destroyed:
o Re-install topsoil within 4 to 6 weeks.
o Do not allow the saturation of topsoil with water.
o Do not use plastic covering.
Maintenance Standards
l Inspect stockpiles regularly, especially after large storm events. Stabilize any areas that have
eroded.
l Establish soil quality and depth toward the end of construction and once established, protect
from compaction, such as from large machinery use, and from erosion.
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l Plant and mulch soil after installation.
l Leave plant debris or its equivalent on the soil surface to replenish organic matter.
l Reduce and adjust, where possible, the use of irrigation, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides,
rather than continuing to implement formerly established practices.
BMP C126: Polyacrylamide (PAM) for Soil Erosion
Protection
Purpose
Polyacrylamide (PAM) is used on construction sites to prevent soil erosion.
Applying PAM to bare soil in advance of a rain event significantly reduces erosion and controls sed-
iment in two ways. First, PAM increases the soil’s available pore volume, thus increasing infiltration
and reducing the quantity of stormwater runoff. Second, it increases flocculation of suspended
particles and aids in their deposition, thus reducing stormwater runoff turbidity and improving water
quality.
Conditions of Use
PAM shall not be directly applied to water or allowed to enter a water body. Stormwater runoff shall
pass through a sediment pond prior to discharging to surface waters.
PAM can be applied to bare soil under the following conditions:
l During rough grading operations.
l In Staging areas.
l Balanced cut and fill earthwork.
l Haul roads prior to placement of crushed rock surfacing.
l Compacted soil roadbase.
l Stockpiles.
l After final grade and before paving or final seeding and planting.
l Pit sites.
l Sites having a winter shut down. In the case of winter shut down, or where soil will remain
unworked for several months, PAM should be used together with mulch.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Do not use PAM on a slope that flows directly into a stream or wetland.
l Do not add PAM to water discharging from the site.
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l When the total drainage area is greater than or equal to 5 acres, PAM treated areas shall
drain to a sediment pond.
l Areas less than 5 acres shall drain to sediment control BMPs, such as sediment trap. The total
number of sediment traps used shall be maximized to achieve the greatest amount of set-
tlement of sediment prior to discharging from the site. Check dams may be used in a drainage
channel to form the sediment trap.
l Maximize the use of silt fence to limit the discharge of sediment from the site.
l All areas not being actively worked shall be covered and protected from rainfall. PAM shall not
be the only cover BMP used.
l PAM can be applied to wet soil, but dry soil is preferred due to less sediment loss.
l PAM will work when applied to saturated soil but is not as effective as applications to dry or
damp soil.
The Preferred Application Method
PAM may be applied with water in dissolved form. The preferred application method is the dissolved
form.
PAM is to be applied at a maximum rate of 2/3 pound PAM per 1,000 gallons water (80 mg/L) per 1
acre of bare soil. See Table II-3.7: PAM and Water Application Rates to determine the PAM and
water application rate for a disturbed soil area. Higher concentrations of PAM do not provide any
additional effectiveness.
Disturbed Area (ac)PAM (lbs)Water (gal)
0.50 0.33 500
1.00 0.66 1,000
1.50 1.00 1,500
2.00 1.32 2,000
2.50 1.65 2,500
3.00 2.00 3,000
3.50 2.33 3,500
4.00 2.65 4,000
4.50 3.00 4,500
5.00 3.33 5,000
Table II-3.7: PAM and Water
Application Rates
Follow the steps below to apply PAM using the preferred method:
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1. Pre-measure the area where PAM is to be applied and calculate the amount of product and
water necessary to provide coverage at the specified application rate (2/3 pound PAM/1000
gallons/acre).
2. PAM has infinite solubility in water, but dissolves very slowly. Dissolve pre-measured dry gran-
ular PAM with a known quantity of clean water in a bucket several hours or overnight. Mech-
anical mixing will help dissolve the PAM. Always add PAM to water - not water to PAM.
3. Pre-fill the water truck about 1/8 full with water. The water does not have to be potable, but it
must have relatively low turbidity – in the range of 20 NTU or less.
4. Add the PAM/Water mixture to the truck.
5. Completely fill the water truck to the specified volume.
6. Spray the PAM/Water mixture onto dry soil, until the soil surface is uniformly and completely
wetted.
An Alternate Application Method
PAM may also be applied as a powder at the rate of 5 lbs per acre. This must be applied on a day
that is dry. For areas less than 10 acres, a hand-held “organ grinder” fertilizer spreader set to the
smallest setting will work. For efficiency, tractor-mounted spreaders will work for larger areas.
The following shall be used for application of powdered PAM:
l Powdered PAM shall be used in conjunction with other BMPs and not in place of other BMPs.
l Keep the granular PAM supply out of the sun. Granular PAM loses its effectiveness in three
months after exposure to sunlight and air.
l Proper application and re-application plans are necessary to ensure total effectiveness of
PAM usage.
Safety and Toxicity
PAM, combined with water, is very slippery and can be a safety hazard. Care must be taken to pre-
vent spills of PAM powder onto paved surfaces. During an application of PAM, prevent over-spray
from reaching pavement to avoid the pavement becoming slippery. If PAM powder gets on skin or
clothing, wipe it off with a rough towel rather than washing with water. Washing with water will make
cleanup messier and take longer.
Some PAMs are more toxic and carcinogenic than others. Only the most environmentally safe PAM
products should be used.
The specific PAM copolymer formulation must be anionic. Cationic PAM shall not be used in
any application because of known aquatic toxicity problems. Use only the highest drinking
water grade PAM, certified for compliance with NSF International (NSF)/American National Stand-
ards Institute (ANSI) Standard 60 for drinking water treatment, for soil applications. Recent media
attention and high interest in PAM has resulted in some entrepreneurial exploitation of the term "poly-
mer." All PAM are polymers, but not all polymers are PAM, and not all PAM products comply with
ANSI/NSF Standard 60. PAM use shall be reviewed and approved by the local permitting authority.
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l PAM designated for these uses should be "water soluble" or "linear" or "non-crosslinked".
Cross-linked or water absorbent PAM, polymerized in highly acidic (pH<2) conditions, are
used to maintain soil moisture content.
l The PAM anionic charge density may vary from 2-30 percent; a value of 18 percent is typical.
Studies conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ARS demon-
strated that soil stabilization was optimized by using very high molecular weight (12-15 mg/-
mole), highly anionic (>20% hydrolysis) PAM.
l PAM tackifiers are available and being used in place of guar and alpha plantago. Typically,
PAM tackifiers should be used at a mixing rate of no more than 0.5-1 lb. per 1000 gallons of
water in a hydromulch machine. Some tackifier product instructions say to use at an applic-
ation rate of 3 – 5 lbs per acre, which can be too much. In addition, pump problems can occur
at higher application rates due to increased viscosity.
Maintenance Standards
l PAM may be reapplied on actively worked areas after a 48-hour period.
l Reapplication is not required unless PAM treated soil is disturbed or unless turbidity levels
show the need for an additional application. If PAM treated soil is left undisturbed, a reapplic-
ation may be necessary after two months. More PAM applications may be required for steep
slopes, silty and clayey soils (USDA Classification Type "C" and "D" soils), long grades, and
high precipitation areas. When PAM is applied first to bare soil and then covered with straw, a
reapplication may not be necessary for several months.
l Loss of sediment and PAM may be a basis for penalties per RCW 90.48.080.
l PAM may affect the treatment efficiency of chitosan flocculent systems.
BMP C130: Surface Roughening
Purpose
Surface roughening aids in the establishment of vegetative cover, reduces runoff velocity, increases
infiltration, and provides for sediment trapping through the provision of a rough soil surface. Hori-
zontal depressions are created by operating a tiller or other suitable equipment on the contour or by
leaving slopes in a roughened condition by not fine grading them.
Use this BMP in conjunction with other BMPs such as BMP C120: Temporary and Permanent Seed-
ing, BMP C121: Mulching, or BMP C124: Sodding.
Conditions for Use
l All slopes steeper than 3H:1V and greater than 5 vertical feet require surface roughening to a
depth of 2 to 4 inches prior to seeding.
l Areas that will not be stabilized immediately may be roughened to reduce runoff velocity until
seeding takes place.
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l Slopes with a stable rock face do not require roughening.
l Slopes where mowing is planned should not be excessively roughened.
Design and Installation Specifications
There are different methods for achieving a roughened soil surface on a slope, and the selection of
an appropriate method depends upon the type of slope. Roughening methods include stair-step
grading, grooving, contour furrows, and tracking. See Figure II-3.5: Surface Roughening by Track-
ing and Contour Furrows. Factors to be considered in choosing a roughening method are slope
steepness, mowing requirements, and whether the slope is formed by cutting or filling.
l Disturbed areas that will not require mowing may be stair-step graded, grooved, or left rough
after filling.
l Stair-step grading is particularly appropriate in soils containing large amounts of soft rock.
Each "step" catches material that sloughs from above, and provides a level site where veget-
ation can become established. Stairs should be wide enough to work with standard earth mov-
ing equipment. Stair steps must be on contour or gullies will form on the slope.
l Areas that will be mowed (these areas should have slopes less steep than 3H:1V) may have
small furrows left by disking, harrowing, raking, or seed-planting machinery operated on the
contour.
l Graded areas with slopes steeper than 3H:1V but less than 2H:1V should be roughened
before seeding. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including "track walking," or
driving a crawler tractor up and down the slope, leaving a pattern of cleat imprints parallel to
slope contours.
l Tracking is done by operating equipment up and down the slope to leave horizontal depres-
sions in the soil.
Maintenance Standards
l Areas that are surface roughened should be seeded as quickly as possible.
l Regular inspections should be made of the area. If rills appear, they should be re-roughened
and re-seeded immediately.
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Figure II-3.5: Surface Roughening by Tracking and Contour Furrows
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BMP C131: Gradient Terraces
Purpose
Gradient terraces reduce erosion damage by intercepting surface runoff and conveying it to a stable
outlet at a non-erosive velocity.
Conditions of Use
Gradient terraces are normally limited to bare land having a water erosion problem. They should not
be constructed on deep sands or on soils that are too stony, steep, or shallow to permit practical and
economical installation and maintenance. Gradient terraces may only be used where suitable outlets
are or will be made available.
Design and Installation Specifications
l The maximum vertical spacing of gradient terraces should be determined by the following
method:
VI = (0.8)s + y
Where:
VI = vertical interval in feet
s = land rise per 100 feet, expressed in feet
y = a soil and cover variable with values from 1.0 to 4.0
Values of “y” are influenced by soil erodibility and cover practices. The lower values are applic-
able to erosive soils where little to no residue is left on the surface. The higher value is applic-
able only to erosion-resistant soils where a large amount of residue (1½ tons of straw/acre
equivalent) is on the surface.
l The minimum constructed cross-section should meet the design dimensions.
l The top of the constructed ridge should not be lower at any point than the design elevation
plus the specified overfill for settlement. The opening at the outlet end of the terrace should
have a cross section equal to that specified for the terrace channel.
l Channel grades may be either uniform or variable with a maximum grade of 0.6 feet per 100
feet length (0.6%). For short distances, terrace grades may be increased to improve align-
ment. The channel velocity should not exceed that which is nonerosive for the soil type.
l All gradient terraces should have adequate outlets. Such an outlet may be a grassed water-
way, vegetated area, or tile outlet. In all cases the outlet must convey runoff from the terrace
or terrace system to a point where the outflow will not cause damage. Vegetative cover and
energy dissipators should be used in the outlet channel.
l The design elevation of the water surface of the terrace should not be lower than the design
elevation of the water surface in the outlet at their junction, when both are operating at design
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flow.
l Vertical spacing determined by the above methods may be increased as much as 0.5 feet or
10 percent, whichever is greater, to provide better alignment or location, to avoid obstacles, to
adjust for equipment size, or to reach a satisfactory outlet. The drainage area above the ter-
race should not exceed the area that would be drained by a terrace with normal spacing.
l The terrace should have enough capacity to handle the peak runoff expected from a 2-year,
24-hour design storm without overtopping.
l The terrace cross-section should be proportioned to fit the land slope.
l The ridge height should include a reasonable settlement factor.
l The ridge should have a minimum top width of 3 feet at the design height.
l The minimum cross-sectional area of the terrace channel should be 8 square feet for land
slopes of 5 percent or less, 7 square feet for slopes from 5 to 8 percent, and 6 square feet for
slopes steeper than 8 percent. The terrace can be constructed wide enough to be maintained
using a small vehicle.
Maintenance Standards
Maintenance should be performed as needed. Terraces should be inspected regularly; at least once
per year, and after large storm events.
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Figure II-3.6: Gradient Terraces
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BMP C140: Dust Control
Purpose
Dust control prevents wind transport of dust from disturbed soil surfaces onto roadways, drainage
ways, and surface waters.
Conditions of Use
Use dust control in areas (including roadways) subject to surface and air movement of dust where
on-site or off-site impacts to roadways, drainage ways, or surface waters are likely.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Vegetate or mulch areas that will not receive vehicle traffic. In areas where planting, mulching,
or paving is impractical, apply gravel or landscaping rock.
l Limit dust generation by clearing only those areas where immediate activity will take place,
leaving the remaining area(s) in the original condition. Maintain the original ground cover as
long as practical.
l Construct natural or artificial windbreaks or windscreens. These may be designed as enclos-
ures for small dust sources.
l Sprinkle the site with water until the surface is wet. Repeat as needed. To prevent carryout of
mud onto the street, refer to BMP C105: Stabilized Construction Access and BMP C106:
Wheel Wash.
l Irrigation water can be used for dust control. Irrigation systems should be installed as a first
step on sites where dust control is a concern.
l Spray exposed soil areas with a dust palliative, following the manufacturer’s instructions and
cautions regarding handling and application. Used oil is prohibited from use as a dust sup-
pressant. Local governments may approve other dust palliatives such as calcium chloride or
PAM.
l PAM (BMP C126: Polyacrylamide (PAM) for Soil Erosion Protection) added to water at a rate
of 0.5 pounds per 1,000 gallons of water per acre and applied from a water truck is more effect-
ive than water alone. This is due to increased infiltration of water into the soil and reduced
evaporation. In addition, small soil particles are bonded together and are not as easily trans-
ported by wind. Adding PAM may reduce the quantity of water needed for dust control. Note
that the application rate specified here applies to this BMP, and is not the same application
rate that is specified in BMP C126: Polyacrylamide (PAM) for Soil Erosion Protection, but the
downstream protections still apply.
Refer to BMP C126: Polyacrylamide (PAM) for Soil Erosion Protection for conditions of use.
PAM shall not be directly applied to water or allowed to enter a water body.
l Contact your local Air Pollution Control Authority for guidance and training on other dust con-
trol measures. Compliance with the local Air Pollution Control Authority constitutes
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compliance with this BMP.
l Use vacuum street sweepers.
l Remove mud and other dirt promptly so it does not dry and then turn into dust.
l Techniques that can be used for unpaved roads and lots include:
o Lower speed limits. High vehicle speed increases the amount of dust stirred up from
unpaved roads and lots.
o Upgrade the road surface strength by improving particle size, shape, and mineral types
that make up the surface and base materials.
o Add surface gravel to reduce the source of dust emission. Limit the amount of fine
particles (those smaller than .075 mm) to 10 to 20 percent.
o Use geotextile fabrics to increase the strength of new roads or roads undergoing recon-
struction.
o Encourage the use of alternate, paved routes, if available.
o Apply chemical dust suppressants using the admix method, blending the product with
the top few inches of surface material. Suppressants may also be applied as surface
treatments.
o Limit dust-causing work on windy days.
o Pave unpaved permanent roads and other trafficked areas.
Maintenance Standards
Respray area as necessary to keep dust to a minimum.
BMP C150: Materials on Hand
Purpose
Keep quantities of erosion prevention and sediment control materials on the project site at all times
to be used for regular maintenance and emergency situations such as unexpected heavy rains. Hav-
ing these materials on-site reduces the time needed to replace existing or implement new BMPs
when inspections indicate that existing BMPs are not meeting the Construction SWPPP require-
ments. In addition, contractors can save money by buying some materials in bulk and storing them at
their office or yard.
Conditions of Use
l Construction projects of any size or type can benefit from having materials on hand. A small
commercial development project could have a roll of plastic and some gravel available for
immediate protection of bare soil and temporary berm construction. A large earthwork project,
such as highway construction, might have several tons of straw, several rolls of plastic, flexible
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pipe, sandbags, geotextile fabric and steel “T” posts.
l Materials should be stockpiled and readily available before any site clearing, grubbing, or
earthwork begins. A large contractor or project proponent could keep a stockpile of materials
that are available for use on several projects.
l If storage space at the project site is at a premium, the contractor could maintain the materials
at their office or yard. The office or yard must be less than an hour from the project site.
Design and Installation Specifications
Depending on project type, size, complexity, and length, materials and quantities will vary. A good
minimum list of items that will cover numerous situations includes:
l Clear Plastic, 6 mil
l Drainpipe, 6 or 8 inch diameter
l Sandbags, filled
l Straw Bales for mulching
l Quarry Spalls
l Washed Gravel
l Geotextile Fabric
l Catch Basin Inserts
l Steel "T" Posts
l Silt fence material
l Straw Wattles
Maintenance Standards
l All materials with the exception of the quarry spalls, steel “T” posts, and gravel should be kept
covered and out of both sun and rain.
l Re-stock materials as needed.
BMP C151: Concrete Handling
Purpose
Concrete work can generate process water and slurry that contain fine particles and high pH, both of
which can violate water quality standards in the receiving water. Concrete spillage or concrete dis-
charge to waters of the State is prohibited. Use this BMP to minimize and eliminate concrete, con-
crete process water, and concrete slurry from entering waters of the State.
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Conditions of Use
Any time concrete is used, utilize these management practices. Concrete construction project com-
ponents include, but are not limited to:
l Curbs
l Sidewalks
l Roads
l Bridges
l Foundations
l Floors
l Runways
Disposal options for concrete, in order of preference are:
1. Off-site disposal
2. Concrete wash-out areas (see BMP C154: Concrete Washout Area)
3. De minimus washout to formed areas awaiting concrete
Design and Installation Specifications
l Wash concrete truck drums at an approved off-site location or in designated concrete
washout areas only. Do not wash out concrete trucks onto the ground (including formed areas
awaiting concrete), or into storm drains, open ditches, streets, or streams. Refer to BMP
C154: Concrete Washout Area for information on concrete washout areas.
o Return unused concrete remaining in the truck and pump to the originating batch plant
for recycling. Do not dump excess concrete on site, except in designated concrete
washout areas as allowed in BMP C154: Concrete Washout Area.
l Wash small concrete handling equipment (e.g. hand tools, screeds, shovels, rakes, floats,
trowels, and wheelbarrows) into designated concrete washout areas or into formed areas
awaiting concrete pour.
l At no time shall concrete be washed off into the footprint of an area where an infiltration fea-
ture will be installed.
l Wash equipment difficult to move, such as concrete paving machines, in areas that do not dir-
ectly drain to natural or constructed stormwater conveyance or potential infiltration areas.
l Do not allow washwater from areas, such as concrete aggregate driveways, to drain directly
(without detention or treatment) to natural or constructed stormwater conveyances.
l Contain washwater and leftover product in a lined container when no designated concrete
washout areas (or formed areas, allowed as described above) are available. Dispose of con-
tained concrete and concrete washwater (process water) properly.
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l Always use forms or solid barriers for concrete pours, such as pilings, within 15-feet of surface
waters.
l Refer to BMP C252: Treating and Disposing of High pH Water for pH adjustment require-
ments.
l Refer to the Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSWGP) for pH monitoring require-
ments if the project involves one of the following activities:
o Significant concrete work (as defined in the CSWGP).
o The use of soils amended with (but not limited to) Portland cement-treated base,
cement kiln dust or fly ash.
o Discharging stormwater to segments of water bodies on the 303(d) list (Category 5) for
high pH.
Maintenance Standards
Check containers for holes in the liner daily during concrete pours and repair the same day.
BMP C152: Sawcutting and Surfacing Pollution
Prevention
Purpose
Sawcutting and surfacing operations generate slurry and process water that contains fine particles
and high pH (concrete cutting), both of which can violate the water quality standards in the receiving
water. Concrete spillage or concrete discharge to waters of the State is prohibited. Use this BMP to
minimize and eliminate process water and slurry created through sawcutting or surfacing from enter-
ing waters of the State.
Conditions of Use
Utilize these management practices anytime sawcutting or surfacing operations take place. Saw-
cutting and surfacing operations include, but are not limited to:
l Sawing
l Coring
l Grinding
l Roughening
l Hydro-demolition
l Bridge and road surfacing
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Design and Installation Specifications
l Vacuum slurry and cuttings during cutting and surfacing operations.
l Slurry and cuttings shall not remain on permanent concrete or asphalt pavement overnight.
l Slurry and cuttings shall not drain to any natural or constructed drainage conveyance includ-
ing stormwater systems. This may require temporarily blocking catch basins.
l Dispose of collected slurry and cuttings in a manner that does not violate ground water or sur-
face water quality standards.
l Do not allow process water generated during hydro-demolition, surface roughening or similar
operations to drain to any natural or constructed drainage conveyance including stormwater
systems. Dispose of process water in a manner that does not violate ground water or surface
water quality standards.
l Handle and dispose of cleaning waste material and demolition debris in a manner that does
not cause contamination of water. Dispose of sweeping material from a pick-up sweeper at an
appropriate disposal site.
Maintenance Standards
Continually monitor operations to determine whether slurry, cuttings, or process water could enter
waters of the state. If inspections show that a violation of water quality standards could occur, stop
operations and immediately implement preventive measures such as berms, barriers, secondary
containment, and/or vacuum trucks.
BMP C153: Material Delivery, Storage, and
Containment
Purpose
Prevent, reduce, or eliminate the discharge of pollutants to the stormwater system or watercourses
from material delivery and storage. Minimize the storage of hazardous materials on-site, store mater-
ials in a designated area, and install secondary containment.
Conditions of Use
Use at construction sites with delivery and storage of the following materials:
l Petroleum products such as fuel, oil and grease
l Soil stabilizers and binders (e.g., Polyacrylamide)
l Fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides
l Detergents
l Asphalt and concrete compounds
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l Hazardous chemicals such as acids, lime, adhesives, paints, solvents, and curing compounds
l Any other material that may be detrimental if released to the environment
Design and Installation Specifications
l The temporary storage area should be located away from vehicular traffic, near the con-
struction entrance(s), and away from waterways or storm drains.
l Safety Data Sheets (SDS) should be supplied for all materials stored. Chemicals should be
kept in their original labeled containers.
l Hazardous material storage on-site should be minimized.
l Hazardous materials should be handled as infrequently as possible.
l During the wet weather season (Oct 1 – April 30), consider storing materials in a covered
area.
l Materials should be stored in secondary containments, such as an earthen dike, horse trough,
or even a children’s wading pool for non-reactive materials such as detergents, oil, grease,
and paints. Small amounts of material may be secondarily contained in “bus boy” trays or con-
crete mixing trays.
l Do not store chemicals, drums, or bagged materials directly on the ground. Place these items
on a pallet and, when possible, within secondary containment.
l If drums must be kept uncovered, store them at a slight angle to reduce ponding of rainwater
on the lids to reduce corrosion. Domed plastic covers are inexpensive and snap to the top of
drums, preventing water from collecting.
l Liquids, petroleum products, and substances listed in 40 CFR Parts 110, 117, or 302 shall be
stored in approved containers and drums and shall not be overfilled. Containers and drums
shall be stored in temporary secondary containment facilities.
l Temporary secondary containment facilities shall provide for a spill containment volume able
to contain 10% of the total enclosed container volume of all containers, or 110% of the capa-
city of the largest container within its boundary, whichever is greater.
l Secondary containment facilities shall be impervious to the materials stored therein for a min-
imum contact time of 72 hours.
l Sufficient separation should be provided between stored containers to allow for spill cleanup
and emergency response access.
l During the wet weather season (Oct 1 – April 30), each secondary containment facility shall
be covered during non-working days, prior to and during rain events.
l Keep material storage areas clean, organized and equipped with an ample supply of appro-
priate spill clean-up material (spill kit).
l The spill kit should include, at a minimum:
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o 1-Water Resistant Nylon Bag
o 3-Oil Absorbent Socks 3”x 4’
o 2-Oil Absorbent Socks 3”x 10’
o 12-Oil Absorbent Pads 17”x19”
o 1-Pair Splash Resistant Goggles
o 3-Pair Nitrile Gloves
o 10-Disposable Bags with Ties
o Instructions
Maintenance Standards
l Secondary containment facilities shall be maintained free of accumulated rainwater and spills.
In the event of spills or leaks, accumulated rainwater and spills shall be collected and placed
into drums. These liquids shall be handled as hazardous waste unless testing determines
them to be non-hazardous.
l Re-stock spill kit materials as needed.
BMP C154: Concrete Washout Area
Purpose
Prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants from concrete waste to stormwater by conducting
washout off-site, or performing on-site washout in a designated area.
Conditions of Use
Concrete washout areas are implemented on construction projects where:
l Concrete is used as a construction material
l It is not possible to dispose of all concrete wastewater and washout off-site (ready mix plant,
etc.).
l Concrete truck drums are washed on-site.
Note that auxiliary concrete truck components (e.g. chutes and hoses) and small concrete
handling equipment (e.g. hand tools, screeds, shovels, rakes, floats, trowels, and wheel-
barrows) may be washed into formed areas awaiting concrete pour.
At no time shall concrete be washed off into the footprint of an area where an infiltration feature will
be installed.
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Design and Installation Specifications
Implementation
l Perform washout of concrete truck drums at an approved off-site location or in designated con-
crete washout areas only.
l Do not wash out concrete onto non-formed areas, or into storm drains, open ditches, streets,
or streams.
l Wash equipment difficult to move, such as concrete paving machines, in areas that do not dir-
ectly drain to natural or constructed stormwater conveyance or potential infiltration areas.
l Do not allow excess concrete to be dumped on-site, except in designated concrete washout
areas as allowed above.
l Concrete washout areas may be prefabricated concrete washout containers, or self-installed
structures (above-grade or below-grade).
l Prefabricated containers are most resistant to damage and protect against spills and leaks.
Companies may offer delivery service and provide regular maintenance and disposal of solid
and liquid waste.
l If self-installed concrete washout areas are used, below-grade structures are preferred over
above-grade structures because they are less prone to spills and leaks.
l Self-installed above-grade structures should only be used if excavation is not practical.
l Concrete washout areas shall be constructed and maintained in sufficient quantity and size to
contain all liquid and concrete waste generated by washout operations.
Education
l Discuss the concrete management techniques described in this BMP with the ready-mix con-
crete supplier before any deliveries are made.
l Educate employees and subcontractors on the concrete waste management techniques
described in this BMP.
l Arrange for the contractor’s superintendent or Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead
(CESCL) to oversee and enforce concrete waste management procedures.
l A sign should be installed adjacent to each concrete washout area to inform concrete equip-
ment operators to utilize the proper facilities.
Contracts
Incorporate requirements for concrete waste management into concrete supplier and subcontractor
agreements.
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Location and Placement
l Locate concrete washout areas at least 50 feet from sensitive areas such as storm drains,
open ditches, water bodies, or wetlands.
l Allow convenient access to the concrete washout area for concrete trucks, preferably near the
area where the concrete is being poured.
l If trucks need to leave a paved area to access the concrete washout area, prevent track-out
with a pad of rock or quarry spalls (see BMP C105: Stabilized Construction Access). These
areas should be far enough away from other construction traffic to reduce the likelihood of acci-
dental damage and spills.
l The number of concrete washout areas you install should depend on the expected demand
for storage capacity.
l On large sites with extensive concrete work, concrete washout areas should be placed in mul-
tiple locations for ease of use by concrete truck drivers.
Concrete Truck Washout Procedures
l Washout of concrete truck drums shall be performed in designated concrete washout areas
only.
l Concrete washout from concrete pumper bins can be washed into concrete pumper trucks
and discharged into designated concrete washout areas or properly disposed of off-site.
Concrete Washout Area Installation
l Concrete washout areas should be constructed as shown in the figures below, with a recom-
mended minimum length and minimum width of 10 ft, but with sufficient quantity and volume to
contain all liquid and concrete waste generated by washout operations.
l Plastic lining material should be a minimum of 10 mil polyethylene sheeting and should be free
of holes, tears, or other defects that compromise the impermeability of the material.
l Lath and flagging should be commercial type.
l Liner seams shall be installed in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations.
l Soil base shall be prepared free of rocks or other debris that may cause tears or holes in the
plastic lining material.
Maintenance Standards
Inspection and Maintenance
l Inspect and verify that concrete washout areas are in place prior to the commencement of con-
crete work.
l Once concrete wastes are washed into the designated washout area and allowed to harden,
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the concrete should be broken up, removed, and disposed of per applicable solid waste reg-
ulations. Dispose of hardened concrete on a regular basis.
l During periods of concrete work, inspect the concrete washout areas daily to verify continued
performance.
o Check overall condition and performance.
o Check remaining capacity (% full).
o If using self-installed concrete washout areas, verify plastic liners are intact and side-
walls are not damaged.
o If using prefabricated containers, check for leaks.
l Maintain the concrete washout areas to provide adequate holding capacity with a minimum
freeboard of 12 inches.
l Concrete washout areas must be cleaned, or new concrete washout areas must be con-
structed and ready for use once the concrete washout area is 75% full.
l If the concrete washout area is nearing capacity, vacuum and dispose of the waste material in
an approved manner.
l Do not discharge liquid or slurry to waterways, storm drains or directly onto ground.
l Do not discharge to the sanitary sewer without local approval.
l Place a secure, non-collapsing, non-water collecting cover over the concrete washout
area prior to predicted wet weather to prevent accumulation and overflow of pre-
cipitation.
l Remove and dispose of hardened concrete and return the structure to a functional con-
dition. Concrete may be reused on-site or hauled away for disposal or recycling.
l When you remove materials from a self-installed concrete washout area, build a new struc-
ture; or, if the previous structure is still intact, inspect for signs of weakening or damage, and
make any necessary repairs. Re-line the structure with new plastic after each cleaning.
Removal of Concrete Washout Areas
l When concrete washout areas are no longer required for the work, the hardened concrete,
slurries and liquids shall be removed and properly disposed of.
l Materials used to construct concrete washout areas shall be removed from the site of the work
and disposed of or recycled.
l Holes, depressions or other ground disturbance caused by the removal of the concrete
washout areas shall be backfilled, repaired, and stabilized to prevent erosion.
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Figure II-3.7: Concrete Washout Area with Wood Planks
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Figure II-3.8: Concrete Washout Area with Straw Bales
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Figure II-3.9: Prefabricated Concrete Washout Container w/Ramp
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BMP C160: Certified Erosion and Sediment Control
Lead
Purpose
The project proponent designates at least one person as the responsible representative in charge of
erosion and sediment control (ESC), and water quality protection. The designated person shall be
responsible for ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal erosion and sediment control
and water quality requirements. Construction sites one acre or larger that discharge to waters of the
State must designate a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) as the responsible
representative.
Conditions of Use
A CESCL shall be made available on projects one acre or larger that discharge stormwater to sur-
face waters of the state. Sites less than one acre may have a person without CESCL certification
conduct inspections.
The CESCL shall:
l Have a current certificate proving attendance in an erosion and sediment control training
course that meets the minimum ESC training and certification requirements established by
Ecology.
Ecology has provided the minimum requirements for CESCL course training, as well as a list
of ESC training and certification providers at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Permits-certifications/Certified-erosion-sed-
iment-control
OR
l Be a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC). For additional inform-
ation go to:
http://www.envirocertintl.org/cpesc/
Specifications
l CESCL certification shall remain valid for three years.
l The CESCL shall have authority to act on behalf of the contractor or project proponent and
shall be available, or on-call, 24 hours per day throughout the period of construction.
l The Construction SWPPP shall include the name, telephone number, fax number, and
address of the designated CESCL. See II-2 Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plans (Construction SWPPPs).
l A CESCL may provide inspection and compliance services for multiple construction projects
in the same geographic region, but must be on site whenever earthwork activities are
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occurring that could generate release of turbid water.
l Duties and responsibilities of the CESCL shall include, but are not limited to the following:
o Maintaining a permit file on site at all times which includes the Construction SWPPP
and any associated permits and plans.
o Directing BMP installation, inspection, maintenance, modification, and removal.
o Updating all project drawings and the Construction SWPPP with changes made.
o Completing any sampling requirements including reporting results using electronic Dis-
charge Monitoring Reports (WebDMR).
o Facilitate, participate in, and take corrective actions resulting from inspections per-
formed by outside agencies or the owner.
o Keeping daily logs, and inspection reports. Inspection reports should include:
n Inspection date/time.
n Weather information; general conditions during inspection and approximate
amount of precipitation since the last inspection.
n Visual monitoring results, including a description of discharged stormwater. The
presence of suspended sediment, turbid water, discoloration, and oil sheen shall
be noted, as applicable.
n Any water quality monitoring performed during inspection.
n General comments and notes, including a brief description of any BMP repairs,
maintenance or installations made as a result of the inspection.
n A summary or list of all BMPs implemented, including observations of all
erosion/sediment control structures or practices. The following shall be noted:
1. Locations of BMPs inspected.
2. Locations of BMPs that need maintenance.
3. Locations of BMPs that failed to operate as designed or intended.
4. Locations of where additional or different BMPs are required.
BMP C162: Scheduling
Purpose
Sequencing a construction project reduces the amount and duration of soil exposed to erosion by
wind, rain, runoff, and vehicle tracking.
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Conditions of Use
The construction sequence schedule is an orderly listing of all major land-disturbing activities
together with the necessary erosion and sedimentation control measures planned for the project.
This type of schedule guides the contractor on work to be done before other work is started so that
serious erosion and sedimentation problems can be avoided.
Following a specified work schedule that coordinates the timing of land-disturbing activities and the
installation of control measures is perhaps the most cost-effective way of controlling erosion during
construction. The removal of ground cover leaves a site vulnerable to erosion. Construction sequen-
cing that limits land clearing, provides timely installation of erosion and sedimentation controls, and
restores protective cover quickly can significantly reduce the erosion potential of a site.
Design Considerations
l Minimize construction during rainy periods.
l Schedule projects to disturb only small portions of the site at any one time. Complete grading
as soon as possible. Immediately stabilize the disturbed portion before grading the next por-
tion. Practice staged seeding in order to revegetate cut and fill slopes as the work progresses.
II-3.3 Construction Runoff BMPs
BMP C200: Interceptor Dike and Swale
Purpose
Provide a dike of compacted soil or a swale at the top or base of a disturbed slope or along the peri-
meter of a disturbed construction area to convey stormwater. Use the dike and/or swale to intercept
the runoff from unprotected areas and direct it to areas where erosion can be controlled. This can
prevent storm runoff from entering the work area or sediment-laden runoff from leaving the con-
struction site.
Conditions of Use
Use an interceptor dike or swale where runoff from an exposed site or disturbed slope must be con-
veyed to an erosion control BMP which can safely convey the stormwater.
l Locate upslope of a construction site to prevent runoff from entering the disturbed area.
l When placed horizontally across a disturbed slope, it reduces the amount and velocity of run-
off flowing down the slope.
l Locate downslope to collect runoff from a disturbed area and direct it to a sediment BMP (e.g.
BMP C240: Sediment Trap or BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary)).
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Design and Installation Specifications
l Dike and/or swale and channel must be stabilized with temporary or permanent vegetation or
other channel protection during construction.
l Steep grades require channel protection and check dams.
l Review construction for areas where overtopping may occur.
l Can be used at the top of new fill before vegetation is established.
l May be used as a permanent diversion channel to carry the runoff.
l Contributing area for an individual dike or swale should be one acre or less.
l Design the dike and/or swale to contain flows calculated by one of the following methods:
o Single Event Hydrograph Method: The peak volumetric flow rate calculated using a 10-
minute time step from a Type 1A, 10-year, 24-hour frequency storm for the worst-case
land cover condition.
OR
o Continuous Simulation Method: The 10-year peak flow rate, as determined by an
approved continuous runoff model with a 15-minute time step for the worst-case land
cover condition.
Worst-case land cover conditions (i.e., producing the most runoff) should be used for analysis
(in most cases, this would be the land cover conditions just prior to final landscaping).
Interceptor Dikes
Interceptor dikes shall meet the following criteria:
l Top Width: 2 feet minimum.
l Height: 1.5 feet minimum on berm.
l Side Slope: 2H:1V or flatter.
l Grade: Depends on topography, however, dike system minimum is 0.5%, and maximum is
1%.
l Compaction: Minimum of 90 percent ASTM D698 standard proctor.
l Stabilization: Depends on velocity and reach. Inspect regularly to ensure stability.
l Ground Slopes <5%: Seed and mulch applied within 5 days of dike construction (see BMP
C121: Mulching).
l Ground Slopes 5 - 40%: Dependent on runoff velocities and dike materials. Stabilization
should be done immediately using either sod or riprap, or other measures to avoid erosion.
l The upslope side of the dike shall provide positive drainage to the dike outlet. No erosion shall
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occur at the outlet. Provide energy dissipation measures as necessary. Sediment-laden runoff
must be released through a sediment trapping facility.
l Minimize construction traffic over temporary dikes. Use temporary cross culverts for channel
crossing.
l See Table II-3.8: Horizontal Spacing of Interceptor Dikes Along Ground Slope for recom-
mended horizontal spacing between dikes.
Average Slope Slope Percent Flowpath Length
20H:1V or less 3-5%300 feet
(10 to 20)H:1V 5-10%200 feet
(4 to 10)H:1V 10-25%100 feet
(2 to 4)H:1V 25-50%50 feet
Table II-3.8: Horizontal Spacing of
Interceptor Dikes Along Ground
Slope
Interceptor Swales
Interceptor swales shall meet the following criteria:
l Bottom Width: 2 feet minimum; the cross-section bottom shall be level.
l Depth: 1-foot minimum.
l Side Slope: 2H:1V or flatter.
l Grade: Maximum 5 percent, with positive drainage to a suitable outlet (such as BMP C241:
Sediment Pond (Temporary)).
l Stabilization: Seed as per BMP C120: Temporary and Permanent Seeding, or BMP C202:
Riprap Channel Lining, 12 inches thick riprap pressed into the bank and extending at least 8
inches vertical from the bottom.
Maintenance Standards
l Inspect diversion dikes and interceptor swales once a week and after every rainfall. Imme-
diately remove sediment from the flow area.
l Damage caused by construction traffic or other activity must be repaired before the end of
each working day.
l Check outlets and make timely repairs as needed to avoid gully formation. When the area
below the temporary diversion dike is permanently stabilized, remove the dike and fill and sta-
bilize the channel to blend with the natural surface.
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BMP C201: Grass-Lined Channels
Purpose
To provide a channel with a vegetative lining for conveyance of runoff. The purpose of the vegetative
lining is to prevent transport of sediment and erosion.
Conditions of Use
This practice applies to construction sites where concentrated runoff needs to be directed to prevent
erosion or flooding.
l Use this BMP when a vegetative lining can provide sufficient stability for the channel cross sec-
tion and at lower velocities of water (normally dependent on grade). This means that the chan-
nel slopes are generally less than 5 percent and space is available for a relatively large cross
section.
l Typical uses include roadside ditches, channels at property boundaries, outlets for diversions,
and other channels and drainage ditches in low areas.
l Channels that will be vegetated should be installed before major earthwork and hydroseeded
with a bonded fiber matrix (BFM). The vegetation should be well established (i.e., 75 percent
cover) before water is allowed to flow in the ditch unless BMP C122: Nets and Blankets is
used to protect the channel. With channels that will have high flows, erosion control blankets
should be installed over the hydroseed. If vegetation cannot be established from seed before
water is allowed in the ditch, sod should be installed in the bottom of the ditch in lieu of hydro-
mulch and blankets.
Design and Installation Specifications
See Figure II-3.10: Typical Grass-Lined Channels
Locate channels where they can conform to the topography and other features such as roads. Use
natural drainage systems to the greatest extent possible
l Avoid sharp changes in alignment or bends and changes in grade.
l Do not reshape the landscape to fit the drainage channel.
l The maximum design velocity shall be based on soil conditions, type of vegetation, and
method of revegetation, but at no time shall velocity exceed 5 feet/second. The channel shall
not be overtopped by the peak volumetric flow rate calculated by one of the following meth-
ods:
o Single Event Hydrograph Method: The peak volumetric flow rate calculated using a 10-
minute time step from a Type 1A, 10-year, 24-hour frequency storm for the worst-case
land cover condition.
OR
o Continuous Simulation Method: The 10-year peak flow rate, as determined by an
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approved continuous runoff model with a 15-minute time step for the worst-case land
cover condition..
Worst-case land cover conditions (i.e., producing the most runoff) should be used for analysis
(in most cases, this would be the land cover conditions just prior to final landscaping).
l Where the grass-lined channel will also function as a permanent stormwater conveyance facil-
ity, consult the drainage conveyance requirements of the local jurisdiction.
l An established grass or vegetated lining is required before the channel can be used to convey
stormwater, unless stabilized with nets or blankets (See BMP C122: Nets and Blankets).
l If design velocity of a channel to be vegetated by seeding exceeds 2 ft/sec, a temporary chan-
nel liner is required. Geotextile or special mulch protection such as fiberglass roving or straw
and netting provides stability until the vegetation is fully established. See Figure II-3.11: Tem-
porary Channel Liners.
l Check dams shall be removed when the grass has matured sufficiently to protect the ditch or
swale unless the slope of the swale is greater than 4 percent. The area beneath the check
dams shall be seeded and mulched immediately after dam removal.
l If vegetation is established by sodding, the permissible velocity for established vegetation may
be used and no temporary liner is needed.
l Do not subject the grass-lined channel to sedimentation from disturbed areas. Use sediment-
trapping BMPs upstream of the channel.
l V-shaped grass channels generally apply where the quantity of water is small, such as in short
reaches along roadsides. The V-shaped cross section is least desirable because it is difficult
to stabilize the bottom where velocities may be high.
l Trapezoidal grass channels are used where runoff volumes are large and slope is low so that
velocities are nonerosive to vegetated linings. (Note: it is difficult to construct small parabolic
shaped channels.)
l Subsurface drainage or riprap channel bottoms may be necessary on sites that are subject to
prolonged wet conditions due to long duration flows or a high water table.
l Provide outlet protection at culvert ends and at channel intersections.
l Grass channels, at a minimum, should carry peak runoff for temporary construction drainage
facilities from the 10-year, 24-hour storm without eroding. Where flood hazard exists, increase
the capacity according to the potential damage.
l Grassed channel side slopes generally are constructed 3H:1V or flatter to aid in the estab-
lishment of vegetation and for maintenance.
l Construct channels a minimum of 0.2 foot larger around the periphery to allow for soil bulking
during seedbed preparations and sod buildup.
Maintenance Standards
During the establishment period, check grass-lined channels after every rainfall.
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l After grass is established, periodically check the channel; check it after every heavy rainfall
event. Immediately make repairs.
l Check the channel outlet and all road crossings for bank stability and evidence of piping or
scour holes.
l Remove all significant sediment accumulations to maintain the designed carrying capacity.
Keep the grass in a healthy, vigorous condition at all times, since it is the primary erosion pro-
tection for the channel.
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Figure II-3.10: Typical Grass-Lined Channels
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Figure II-3.11: Temporary Channel Liners
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BMP C202: Riprap Channel Lining
Purpose
To protect channels by providing a channel liner using riprap.
Conditions of Use
Use this BMP when natural soils or vegetated stabilized soils in a channel are not adequate to pre-
vent channel erosion.
Use this BMP when a permanent ditch or pipe system is to be installed and a temporary measure is
needed.
An alternative to riprap channel lining is BMP C122: Nets and Blankets.
The Federal Highway Administration recommends not using geotextile liners whenever the slope
exceeds 10 percent or the shear stress exceeds 8 lbs/ft2.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Since riprap is typically used where erosion potential is high, construction must be sequenced
so that the riprap is put in place with the minimum possible delay.
l Disturb areas awaiting riprap only when final preparation and placement of the riprap can fol-
low immediately behind the initial disturbance. Where riprap is used for outlet protection, the
riprap should be placed before or in conjunction with the construction of the pipe or channel so
that it is in place when the pipe or channel begins to operate.
l The designer, after determining the riprap size that will be stable under the flow conditions,
shall consider that size to be a minimum size and then, based on riprap gradations actually
available in the area, select the size or sizes that equal or exceed the minimum size. The pos-
sibility of drainage structure damage by others shall be considered in selecting a riprap size,
especially if there is nearby water or a gully in which to toss the stones.
l Stone for riprap shall consist of field stone or quarry stone of approximately rectangular
shape. The stone shall be hard and angular and of such quality that it will not disintegrate on
exposure to water or weathering and it shall be suitable in all respects for the purpose inten-
ded. See Section 9-13 of WSDOT's Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal
Construction (WSDOT, 2016).
l A lining of engineering filter fabric (geotextile) shall be placed between the riprap and the
underlying soil surface to prevent soil movement into or through the riprap. The geotextile
should be keyed in at the top of the bank.
l Filter fabric shall not be used on slopes greater than 1.5H:1V as slippage may occur. It should
be used in conjunction with a layer of coarse aggregate (granular filter blanket) when the
riprap to be placed is 12 inches and larger.
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Maintenance Standards
Replace riprap as needed.
BMP C203: Water Bars
Purpose
A water bar is a small ditch or ridge of material that is constructed diagonally across a road or right-
of-way to divert stormwater runoff from the road surface, wheel tracks, or a shallow road ditch. See
Figure II-3.12: Water Bar.
Conditions of Use
Clearing right-of-way and construction of access for power lines, pipelines, and other similar install-
ations often require long narrow right-of-ways over sloping terrain. Disturbance and compaction pro-
motes gully formation in these cleared strips by increasing the volume and velocity of runoff. Gully
formation may be especially severe in tire tracks and ruts. To prevent gullying, runoff can often be
diverted across the width of the right-of-way to undisturbed areas by using small predesigned diver-
sions.
Give special consideration to each individual outlet area, as well as to the cumulative effect of added
diversions. Use gravel to stabilize the diversion where significant vehicular traffic is anticipated.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Height: 8-inch minimum, measured from the channel bottom to the ridge top.
l Side slope of channel: 2H:1V maximum; 3H:1V or flatter when vehicles will cross.
l Top width of ridge: 6-inch minimum.
l Locate water bars to use natural drainage systems and to discharge into well vegetated stable
areas.
l See Table II-3.9: Water Bar Spacing Guidelines:
Slope Along Road (%)Spacing (ft)
< 5 125
5 - 10 100
10 - 20 75
20 - 35 50
> 35 Use rock lined ditch
Table II-3.9: Water Bar Spacing
Guidelines
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l Grade of water bar and angle: Select an angle that results in a ditch slope less than 2 percent.
l Install the water bar as soon as the clearing and grading is complete. When utilities are being
installed, reconstruct the water bar as construction is complete in each section.
l Compact the water bar ridge.
l Stabilize, seed, and mulch the portions that are not subject to traffic. Gravel the areas crossed
by vehicles.
l Note that BMP C208: Triangular Silt Dike (TSD) can be used to create the ridge for the water
bar.
Maintenance Standards
Periodically inspect water bars after every heavy rainfall for wear and erosion damage.
l Immediately remove sediment from the flow area and repair the dike.
l Check outlet areas and make timely repairs as needed.
l When permanent road drainage is established and the area above the temporary water bar is
permanently stabilized, remove the dikes and fill the channel to blend with the natural ground,
and appropriately stabilize the disturbed area.
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Figure II-3.12: Water Bar
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BMP C204: Pipe Slope Drains
Purpose
The purpose of pipe slope drains is to prevent gullies, channel erosion, and saturation of slide-prone
soils by using a pipe to convey stormwater away from or over bare soil.
Conditions of Use
Pipe slope drains should be used when a temporary or permanent stormwater conveyance is
needed to move water down a steep slope to avoid erosion.
Pipe slope drains should be used at bridge ends to collect runoff and convey it to the base of the fill
slopes along the bridge approaches. Another use on road projects is to collect runoff from pavement
in a pipe slope drain and convey it away from side slopes.
Temporary installations of pipe slope drains can be useful because there is generally a time lag
between having the first lift of asphalt installed and the curbs, gutters, and permanent drainage
installed. Used in conjunction with sand bags, or other temporary diversion devices, these will pre-
vent massive amounts of sediment from leaving a project.
Pipe slope drains can serve the following purposes:
l Connection to new catch basins and temporarily use until permanent piping is installed.
l Drainage of water collected from aquifers exposed on cut slopes and conveyance of water to
the base of the slope.
l Collection of clean runoff from plastic sheeting and routing the runoff away from exposed soil.
l Installation in conjunction with silt fence to drain collected water to a controlled area.
l Diversion of small seasonal streams away from construction. They have been used suc-
cessfully on culvert replacement and extension jobs. Large flex pipe can be used on larger
streams during culvert removal, repair, or replacement.
l Connection to existing downspouts and roof drains and diversion of water away from work
areas during building renovation, demolition, and construction projects.
There are several commercially available collectors that attach to the pipe inlet and help prevent
erosion at the inlet.
Design and Installation Specifications
See Figure II-3.13: Pipe Slope Drain.
Size the pipe to convey the projected flow. The capacity for temporary drains shall be sufficient to
handle flows calculated by one of the following methods:
o Single Event Hydrograph Method: The peak volumetric flow rate calculated using a 10-minute
time step from a Type 1A, 10-year, 24-hour frequency storm for the worst-case land cover
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condition.
OR
o Continuous Simulation Method: The 10-year peak flow rate, as determined by an approved
continuous runoff model with a 15-minute time step for the worst-case land cover condition.
Worst-case land cover conditions (i.e., producing the most runoff) should be used for analysis (in
most cases, this would be the land cover conditions just prior to final landscaping).
Consult local drainage requirements for sizing permanent pipe slope drains.
l Use care in clearing vegetated slopes for installation.
l Re-establish cover immediately on areas disturbed by installation.
l Use temporary drains on new cut or fill slopes.
l Use BMP C200: Interceptor Dike and Swale to collect water at the top of the slope.
l Ensure that the entrance area is stable and large enough to direct flow into the pipe.
l Piping of water through the berm at the entrance area is a common failure mode.
l The entrance shall consist of a standard flared end section for culverts 12 inches and larger
with a minimum 6-inch metal toe plate to prevent runoff from undercutting the pipe inlet. The
slope of the entrance shall be at least 3 percent. Sand bags may also be used at pipe
entrances as a temporary measure.
l The soil around and under the pipe and entrance section shall be thoroughly compacted to pre-
vent undercutting.
l The flared inlet section shall be securely connected to the slope drain and have watertight con-
necting bands.
l Slope drain sections shall be securely fastened together, fused or have gasketed watertight fit-
tings, and shall be securely anchored into the soil.
l Thrust blocks should be installed anytime 90 degree bends are utilized. Depending on size of
pipe and flow, these can be constructed with sand bags, straw bales staked in place, “t” posts
and wire, or ecology blocks.
l Pipe needs to be secured along its full length to prevent movement. This can be done with
steel “t” posts and wire. Install a post on each side of the pipe and wire the pipe to them. This
should be done every 10-20 feet of pipe length or so, depending on the size of the pipe and
quantity of water to divert.
l BMP C200: Interceptor Dike and Swale shall be used to direct runoff into a pipe slope drain.
The height of the dike shall be at least 1 foot higher at all points than the top of the inlet pipe.
l The area below the outlet must be stabilized. See BMP C209: Outlet Protection.
l If the pipe slope drain is conveying sediment-laden water, direct all flows into a sediment trap-
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ping facility.
l Materials specifications for any permanent piped system shall be set by the local government.
Maintenance Standards
Check inlet and outlet points regularly, especially after storms.
l The inlet should be free of undercutting, and no water should be going around the point of
entry. If there are problems, the headwall should be reinforced with compacted earth or sand
bags.
l The outlet point should be free of erosion and installed with appropriate outlet protection.
For permanent installations, inspect the pipe periodically for vandalism and physical distress such as
slides and wind-throw. Clean the pipe and outlet structure at the completion of construction.
Normally the pipe slope is so steep that clogging is not a problem with smooth wall pipe, however,
debris may become lodged in the pipe.
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Figure II-3.13: Pipe Slope Drain
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BMP C205: Subsurface Drains
Purpose
The purpose of subsurface drains is to intercept, collect, and convey ground water to a satisfactory
outlet, using a perforated pipe or other conduit below the ground surface. Subsurface drains are also
known as “french drains.” The perforated pipe provides a dewatering mechanism to drain excess-
ively wet soils, provide a stable base for construction, improve stability of structures with shallow
foundations, or to reduce hydrostatic pressure to improve slope stability.
Conditions of Use
Use subsurface drains when excessive water must be removed from the soil. The soil permeability,
depth to water table, and impervious layers are all factors which may govern the use of subsurface
drains.
Design and Installation Specifications
Subsurface Drain Type: Relief Drains
Relief drains are used to lower the water table in large, relatively flat areas, improve the growth of
vegetation, or to remove surface water.
Relief drains are installed along a slope and drain in the direction of the slope.
Relief drains can be installed in a grid pattern, a herringbone pattern, or a random pattern.
Subsurface Drain Type: Interceptor Drains
Interceptor drains are used to remove excess ground water from a slope, stabilize steep slopes, and
lower the water table immediately below a slope to prevent the soil from becoming saturated.
Interceptor drains are installed perpendicular to a slope and drain to the side of the slope.
Interceptor drains usually consist of a single pipe or series of single pipes instead of a patterned lay-
out.
Subsurface Drain Depth and Spacing
l The depth of a subsurface drain is determined primarily by the depth to which the water table
is to be lowered or the depth to a confining layer. For practical reasons, the maximum depth is
usually limited to 6 feet, with a minimum cover of 2 feet to protect the conduit.
l The soil should have depth and sufficient permeability to permit installation of an effective
drainage system at a depth of 2 to 6 feet.
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Subsurface Drain Sizing and Placement
l The quantity and quality of discharge needs to be accounted for in the receiving stream (addi-
tional detention may be required).
l The size of a subsurface drain is determined by first calculating the maximum rate of ground
water flow to be intercepted, and then choosing a subsurface drain pipe (or pipes) with
enough capacity to convey that flow. Therefore, it is good practice to make complete sub-
surface investigations, including hydraulic conductivity of the soil, before designing a sub-
surface drainage system.
l Size subsurface drains to carry the required capacity without pressure flow. Minimum dia-
meter for a subsurface drain is 4 inches.
l The minimum velocity in the pipe required to prevent silting is 1.4 ft/sec. Grade the subsurface
drain to achieve this velocity at a minimum. The maximum allowable velocity using a sand-
gravel filter or envelope is 9 ft/sec.
l Filter material and fabric shall be used around all drains for proper bedding and filtration of fine
materials. Envelopes and filters should surround the drain to a minimum of 3-inch thickness.
l The trench shall be constructed on a continuous grade with no reverse grades or low spots.
l Soft or yielding soils under the subsurface drain shall be stabilized with gravel or other suitable
material.
l Backfilling shall be done immediately after placement of the pipe. No sections of pipe shall
remain uncovered overnight or during a rainstorm. Backfill material shall be placed in the
trench in such a manner that the drain pipe is not displaced or damaged.
l Do not install permanent drains near trees to avoid the tree roots that tend to clog the line. Use
solid pipe with watertight connections where it is necessary to pass a subsurface drainage sys-
tem through a stand of trees.
Subsurface Drain Outlets
l An adequate outlet for the subsurface drain must be available either by gravity or by pumping.
l The outlet of the subsurface drain shall empty into a sediment trapping BMP through a catch
basin. If free of sediment, it can then empty into a receiving channel, swale, or stable veget-
ated area adequately protected from erosion and undermining.
l Ensure that the outlet of a subsurface drain empties into a channel or other watercourse
above the normal water level.
l Secure an animal guard to the outlet end of the pipe to keep out rodents.
l Use outlet pipe of corrugated metal, cast iron, or heavy-duty plastic without perforations and
at least 10 feet long. Do not use an envelope or filter material around the outlet pipe, and bury
at least two-thirds of the pipe length.
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l When outlet velocities exceed those allowable for the receiving stream, outlet protection must
be provided.
Maintenance Standards
Subsurface drains shall be checked periodically to ensure that they are free-flowing and not clogged
with sediment or roots.
l The outlet shall be kept clean and free of debris.
l Surface inlets shall be kept open and free of sediment and other debris.
l Trees located too close to a subsurface drain often clog the system with their roots. If a drain
becomes clogged, relocate the drain or remove the trees as a last resort. Drain placement
should be planned to minimize this problem.
l Where drains are crossed by heavy vehicles, the line shall be checked to ensure that it is not
crushed.
BMP C206: Level Spreader
Purpose
The purpose of a level spreader as a Construction Stormwater BMP is to provide a temporary outlet
for dikes and diversions and convert concentrated runoff to sheet flow prior to releasing it to sta-
bilized areas.
Conditions of Use
Use level spreaders when a concentrated flow of water needs to be dispersed over a large area with
existing stable vegetation.
Use only where the slopes are gentle, the water volume is relatively low, and the soil will adsorb
most of the low flow events.
Items to consider are:
l What is the risk of erosion or damage if the flow becomes concentrated?
l Is an easement required if discharged to adjoining property?
Design and Installation Specifications
l Use above undisturbed areas that are stabilized by existing vegetation.
l Discharge area below the outlet must be uniform with a slope flatter than 5H:1V.
l Do not allow any low points in the level spreader. If the level spreader has any low points, flow
will concentrate, create channels and may cause erosion.
l Ensure the outlet is level in a stable, undisturbed soil profile (not on fill).
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l The runoff shall not re-concentrate on site after release from the level spreader unless it is
intercepted by another downstream measure.
l The grade of the channel for the last 20 feet of the dike or interceptor entering the level
spreader shall be less than or equal to 1 percent. The grade of the level spreader shall be 0
percent to ensure uniform spreading of runoff.
l A 6-inch high gravel berm placed across the level lip shall consist of washed crushed rock, 2-
to 4-inch or 3/4-inch to 1½-inch size.
l The spreader length shall be determined by calculating the peak volumetric flow rate using a
10-minute time step from a Type 1A, 10-year, 24-hour design storm. The length of the
spreader shall be a minimum of 15 feet for 0.1 cfs and shall increase by 10 feet for each 0.1 cfs
thereafter to a maximum of 0.5 cfs per spreader. Use multiple spreaders for higher flows.
l The width of the approach to the spreader should be at least 6 feet.
l The depth of the spreader as measured from the lip should be at least 6 inches and it should
be uniform across the entire length.
l Level spreaders shall be set back from the property line unless there is an easement for flow.
l Materials that can be used for level spreaders include sand bags, lumber, logs, concrete, pipe,
and capped perforated pipe. To function properly, the material needs to be installed level and
on contour.
l See Figure II-3.14: Cross Section of Level Spreader and Figure II-3.15: Detail of Level
Spreader.
Maintenance Standards
The level spreader should be inspected during and after runoff events to ensure that it is functioning
correctly.
l The contractor should avoid the placement of any material on the level spreader, and should
prevent construction traffic from crossing over the level spreader.
l If the level spreader is damaged by construction traffic, it shall be immediately repaired.
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Figure II-3.14: Cross Section of Level Spreader
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Figure II-3.15: Detail of Level Spreader
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BMP C207: Check Dams
Purpose
Construction of check dams across a swale or ditch reduces the velocity of concentrated flow and dis-
sipates energy at the check dam.
Conditions of Use
Use check dams where temporary or permanent channels are not yet vegetated, channel lining is
infeasible, and/or velocity checks are required.
l Check dams may not be placed in streams unless approved by the State Department of Fish
and Wildlife.
l Check dams may not be placed in wetlands without approval from a permitting agency.
l Do not place check dams below the expected backwater from any salmonid bearing water
between October 1 and May 31 to ensure that there is no loss of high flow refuge habitat for
overwintering juvenile salmonids and emergent salmonid fry.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Construct rock check dams from appropriately sized rock. The rock used must be large
enough to stay in place given the expected design flow through the channel. The rock must be
placed by hand or by mechanical means (do not dump the rock to form the dam) to achieve
complete coverage of the ditch or swale and to ensure that the center of the dam is lower than
the edges.
l Check dams may also be constructed of either rock or pea-gravel filled bags. Numerous new
products are also available for this purpose. They tend to be re-usable, quick and easy to
install, effective, and cost efficient.
l Place check dams perpendicular to the flow of water.
l The check dam should form a triangle when viewed from the side. This prevents undercutting
as water flows over the face of the check dam rather than falling directly onto the ditch bottom.
l Before installing check dams, impound and bypass upstream water flow away from the work
area. Options for bypassing include pumps, siphons, or temporary channels.
l Check dams combined with sumps work more effectively at slowing flow and retaining sed-
iment than a check dam alone. A deep sump should be provided immediately upstream of the
check dam.
l In some cases, if carefully located and designed, check dams can remain as permanent install-
ations with very minor regrading. They may be left as either spillways, in which case accu-
mulated sediment would be graded and seeded, or as check dams to prevent further
sediment from leaving the site.
l The maximum spacing between check dams shall be such that the downstream toe of the
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upstream dam is at the same elevation as the top of the downstream dam.
l Keep the maximum height at 2 feet at the center of the check dam.
l Keep the center of the check dam at least 12 inches lower than the outer edges at natural
ground elevation.
l Keep the side slopes of the check dam at 2H:1V or flatter.
l Key the stone into the ditch banks and extend it beyond the abutments a minimum of 18
inches to avoid washouts from overflow around the dam.
l Use filter fabric foundation under a rock or sand bag check dam. If a blanket ditch liner is used,
filter fabric is not necessary. A piece of organic or synthetic blanket cut to fit will also work for
this purpose.
l In the case of grass-lined ditches and swales, all check dams and accumulated sediment shall
be removed when the grass has matured sufficiently to protect the ditch or swale - unless the
slope of the swale is greater than 4 percent. The area beneath the check dams shall be
seeded and mulched immediately after dam removal.
l Ensure that channel appurtenances, such as culvert entrances below check dams, are not
subject to damage or blockage from displaced stones.
l See Figure II-3.16: Rock Check Dam.
Maintenance Standards
Check dams shall be monitored for performance and sediment accumulation during and after each
rainfall that produces runoff. Sediment shall be removed when it reaches one half the sump depth.
l Anticipate submergence and deposition above the check dam and erosion from high flows
around the edges of the dam.
l If significant erosion occurs between dams, install a protective riprap liner in that portion of the
channel. See BMP C202: Riprap Channel Lining.
Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
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Figure II-3.16: Rock Check Dam
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BMP C208: Triangular Silt Dike (TSD)
Purpose
Triangular silt dikes (TSDs) may be used as check dams, for perimeter protection, for temporary soil
stockpile protection, for drop inlet protection, or as a temporary interceptor dike.
Conditions of Use
l TSDs may be used on soil or pavement with adhesive or staples.
l TSDs have been used to build temporary:
o BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary);
o BMP C200: Interceptor Dike and Swale;
o BMP C154: Concrete Washout Area;
o BMP C203: Water Bars;
o BMP C206: Level Spreader;
o BMP C220: Inlet Protection;
o BMP C207: Check Dams
o curbing; and
o berms.
Design and Installation Specifications
l TSDs are made of urethane foam sewn into a woven geosynthetic fabric.
l TSDs are triangular, 10 inches to 14 inches high in the center, with a 20-inch to 28-inch base.
A 2 foot apron extends beyond both sides of the triangle along its standard section of 7 feet. A
sleeve at one end allows attachment of additional sections as needed.
l Install with ends curved up to prevent water from flowing around the ends.
l The fabric flaps and check dam units are attached to the ground with wire staples. Wire
staples should be No. 11 gauge wire and should be 200 mm to 300 mm in length.
l When multiple units are installed, the sleeve of fabric at the end of the unit shall overlap the
abutting unit and be stapled.
l When used as check dams:
o TSDs should be located and installed as soon as construction will allow.
o TSDs should be placed perpendicular to the flow of water.
o The leading edge of the TSD must be secured with rocks, sandbags, or a small key slot
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and staples.
o In the case of grass-lined ditches and swales, check dams and accumulated sediment
shall be removed when the grass has matured sufficiently to protect the ditch or swale
unless the slope of the swale is greater than 4 percent. The area beneath the check
dams shall be seeded and mulched immediately after dam removal.
Maintenance Standards
l Inspect TSDs for performance and sediment accumulation during and after each rainfall that
produces runoff. Remove sediment when it reaches one half the height of the TSD.
l Anticipate submergence and deposition above the TSD and erosion from high flows around
the edges of the TSD. Immediately repair any damage or any undercutting of the TSD.
BMP C209: Outlet Protection
Purpose
Outlet protection prevents scour at conveyance outlets and minimizes the potential for downstream
erosion by reducing the velocity of concentrated stormwater flows.
Conditions of Use
Use outlet protection at the outlets of all ponds, pipes, ditches, or other conveyances that discharge
to a natural or manmade drainage feature such as a stream, wetland, lake, or ditch.
Design and Installation Specifications
l The receiving channel at the outlet of a pipe shall be protected from erosion by lining a min-
imum of 6 feet downstream and extending up the channel sides a minimum of 1–foot above
the maximum tailwater elevation, or 1-foot above the crown, whichever is higher. For pipes lar-
ger than 18 inches in diameter, the outlet protection lining of the channel shall be four times
the diameter of the outlet pipe.
l Standard wingwalls, tapered outlets, and paved channels should also be considered when
appropriate for permanent culvert outlet protection (WSDOT, 2015).
l BMP C122: Nets and Blankets or BMP C202: Riprap Channel Lining provide suitable options
for lining materials.
l With low flows, BMP C201: Grass-Lined Channels can be an effective alternative for lining
material.
l The following guidelines shall be used for outlet protection with riprap:
o If the discharge velocity at the outlet is less than 5 fps, use 2-inch to 8-inch riprap. Min-
imum thickness is 1-foot.
o For 5 to 10 fps discharge velocity at the outlet, use 24-inch to 48-inch riprap. Minimum
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thickness is 2 feet.
o For outlets at the base of steep slope pipes (pipe slope greater than 10 percent), use an
engineered energy dissipator.
o Filter fabric or erosion control blankets should always be used under riprap to prevent
scour and channel erosion. See BMP C122: Nets and Blankets.
l Bank stabilization, bioengineering, and habitat features may be required for disturbed areas.
This work may require a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) from the Washington State Depart-
ment of Fish and Wildlife. See I-2.11 Hydraulic Project Approvals.
Maintenance Standards
l Inspect and repair as needed.
l Add rock as needed to maintain the intended function.
l Clean energy dissipator if sediment builds up.
BMP C220: Inlet Protection
Purpose
Inlet protection prevents coarse sediment from entering drainage systems prior to permanent sta-
bilization of the disturbed area.
Conditions of Use
Use inlet protection at inlets that are operational before permanent stabilization of the disturbed
areas that contribute runoff to the inlet. Provide protection for all storm drain inlets downslope and
within 500 feet of a disturbed or construction area, unless those inlets are preceded by a sediment
trapping BMP.
Also consider inlet protection for lawn and yard drains on new home construction. These small and
numerous drains coupled with lack of gutters can add significant amounts of sediment into the roof
drain system. If possible, delay installing lawn and yard drains until just before landscaping, or cap
these drains to prevent sediment from entering the system until completion of landscaping. Provide
18-inches of sod around each finished lawn and yard drain.
Table II-3.10: Storm Drain Inlet Protection lists several options for inlet protection. All of the methods
for inlet protection tend to plug and require a high frequency of maintenance. Limit contributing drain-
age areas for an individual inlet to one acre or less. If possible, provide emergency overflows with
additional end-of-pipe treatment where stormwater ponding would cause a hazard.
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Type of Inlet Pro-
tection
Emergency
Overflow
Applicable for
Paved/ Earthen Sur-
faces
Conditions of Use
Drop Inlet Protection
Excavated drop
inlet protection
Yes, temporary
flooding may
occur
Earthen
Applicable for heavy flows. Easy
to maintain. Large area requirement:
30'x30'/acre
Block and gravel
drop inlet pro-
tection
Yes Paved or Earthen Applicable for heavy concentrated flows.
Will not pond.
Gravel and wire
drop inlet pro-
tection
No Paved or Earthen Applicable for heavy concentrated flows.
Will pond. Can withstand traffic.
Catch basin filters Yes Paved or Earthen Frequent maintenance required.
Curb Inlet Protection
Curb inlet pro-
tection with
wooden weir
Small capacity
overflow Paved Used for sturdy, more compact install-
ation.
Block and gravel
curb inlet pro-
tection
Yes Paved Sturdy, but limited filtration.
Culvert Inlet Protection
Culvert inlet sed-
iment trap N/A N/A 18 month expected life.
Table II-3.10: Storm Drain Inlet Protection
Design and Installation Specifications
Excavated Drop Inlet Protection
Excavated drop inlet protection consists of an excavated impoundment around the storm drain inlet.
Sediment settles out of the stormwater prior to entering the storm drain. Design and installation spe-
cifications for excavated drop inlet protection include:
l Provide a depth of 1-2 ft as measured from the crest of the inlet structure.
l Slope sides of excavation should be no steeper than 2H:1V.
l Minimum volume of excavation is 35 cubic yards.
l Shape the excavation to fit the site, with the longest dimension oriented toward the longest
inflow area.
l Install provisions for draining to prevent standing water.
l Clear the area of all debris.
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l Grade the approach to the inlet uniformly.
l Drill weep holes into the side of the inlet.
l Protect weep holes with screen wire and washed aggregate.
l Seal weep holes when removing structure and stabilizing area.
l Build a temporary dike, if necessary, to the down slope side of the structure to prevent bypass
flow.
Block and Gravel Filter
A block and gravel filter is a barrier formed around the inlet with standard concrete blocks and gravel.
See Figure II-3.17: Block and Gravel Filter. Design and installation specifications for block gravel fil-
ters include:
l Provide a height of 1 to 2 feet above the inlet.
l Recess the first row of blocks 2-inches into the ground for stability.
l Support subsequent courses by placing a pressure treated wood 2x4 through the block open-
ing.
l Do not use mortar.
l Lay some blocks in the bottom row on their side to allow for dewatering the pool.
l Place hardware cloth or comparable wire mesh with ½-inch openings over all block openings.
l Place gravel to just below the top of blocks on slopes of 2H:1V or flatter.
l An alternative design is a gravel berm surrounding the inlet, as follows:
o Provide a slope of 3H:1V on the upstream side of the berm.
o Provide a slope of 2H:1V on the downstream side of the berm.
o Provide a 1-foot wide level stone area between the gravel berm and the inlet.
o Use stones 3 inches in diameter or larger on the upstream slope of the berm.
o Use gravel ½- to ¾-inch at a minimum thickness of 1-foot on the downstream slope of
the berm.
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Figure II-3.17: Block and Gravel Filter
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Gravel and Wire Mesh Filter
Gravel and wire mesh filters are gravel barriers placed over the top of the inlet. This method does not
provide an overflow. Design and installation specifications for gravel and wire mesh filters include:
l Use a hardware cloth or comparable wire mesh with ½-inch openings.
o Place wire mesh over the drop inlet so that the wire extends a minimum of 1-foot bey-
ond each side of the inlet structure.
o Overlap the strips if more than one strip of mesh is necessary.
l Place coarse aggregate over the wire mesh.
o Provide at least a 12-inch depth of aggregate over the entire inlet opening and extend at
least 18-inches on all sides.
Catch Basin Filters
Catch basin filters are designed by manufacturers for construction sites. The limited sediment stor-
age capacity increases the amount of inspection and maintenance required, which may be daily for
heavy sediment loads. To reduce maintenance requirements, combine a catch basin filter with
another type of inlet protection. This type of inlet protection provides flow bypass without overflow
and therefore may be a better method for inlets located along active rights-of-way. Design and install-
ation specifications for catch basin filters include:
l Provides 5 cubic feet of storage.
l Requires dewatering provisions.
l Provides a high-flow bypass that will not clog under normal use at a construction site.
l Insert the catch basin filter in the catch basin just below the grating.
Curb Inlet Protection with Wooden Weir
Curb inlet protection with wooden weir is an option that consists of a barrier formed around a curb
inlet with a wooden frame and gravel. Design and installation specifications for curb inlet protection
with wooden weirs include:
l Use wire mesh with ½-inch openings.
l Use extra strength filter cloth.
l Construct a frame.
l Attach the wire and filter fabric to the frame.
l Pile coarse washed aggregate against the wire and fabric.
l Place weight on the frame anchors.
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Block and Gravel Curb Inlet Protection
Block and gravel curb inlet protection is a barrier formed around a curb inlet with concrete blocks and
gravel. See Figure II-3.18: Block and Gravel Curb Inlet Protection. Design and installation spe-
cifications for block and gravel curb inlet protection include:
l Use wire mesh with ½-inch openings.
l Place two concrete blocks on their sides abutting the curb at either side of the inlet opening.
These are spacer blocks.
l Place a 2x4 stud through the outer holes of each spacer block to align the front blocks.
l Place blocks on their sides across the front of the inlet and abutting the spacer blocks.
l Place wire mesh over the outside vertical face.
l Pile coarse aggregate against the wire to the top of the barrier.
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Figure II-3.18: Block and Gravel Curb Inlet Protection
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Curb and Gutter Sediment Barrier
Curb and gutter sediment barrier is a sandbag or rock berm (riprap and aggregate) 3 feet high and 3
feet wide in a horseshoe shape. See Figure II-3.19: Curb and Gutter Barrier. Design and installation
specifications for curb and gutter sediment barrier include:
l Construct a horseshoe shaped berm, faced with coarse aggregate if using riprap, 3 feet high
and 3 feet wide, at least 2 feet from the inlet.
l Construct a horseshoe shaped sedimentation trap on the upstream side of the berm. Size the
trap to sediment trap standards for protecting a culvert inlet.
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Figure II-3.19: Curb and Gutter Barrier
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Maintenance Standards
l Inspect all forms of inlet protection frequently, especially after storm events. Clean and
replace clogged catch basin filters. For rock and gravel filters, pull away the rocks from the
inlet and clean or replace. An alternative approach would be to use the clogged rock as fill and
put fresh rock around the inlet.
l Do not wash sediment into storm drains while cleaning. Spread all excavated material evenly
over the surrounding land area or stockpile and stabilize as appropriate.
Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
BMP C231: Brush Barrier
Purpose
The purpose of brush barriers is to reduce the transport of coarse sediment from a construction site
by providing a temporary physical barrier to sediment and reducing the runoff velocities of overland
flow.
Conditions of Use
l Brush barriers may be used downslope of disturbed areas that are less than one-quarter acre.
l Brush barriers are not intended to treat concentrated flows, nor are they intended to treat sub-
stantial amounts of overland flow. Any concentrated flows must be directed to a sediment trap-
ping BMP. The only circumstance in which overland flow can be treated solely by a brush
barrier, rather than by a sediment trapping BMP, is when the area draining to the barrier is
small.
l Brush barriers should only be installed on contours.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Height: 2 feet (minimum) to 5 feet (maximum).
l Width: 5 feet at base (minimum) to 15 feet (maximum).
l Filter fabric (geotextile) may be anchored over the brush berm to enhance the filtration ability
of the barrier. Ten-ounce burlap is an adequate alternative to filter fabric.
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l Chipped site vegetation, composted mulch, or wood-based mulch (hog fuel) are acceptable
materials to construct brush barriers.
l A 100 percent biodegradable installation can be constructed using 10-ounce burlap held in
place by wooden stakes.
l Figure II-3.20: Brush Barrier depicts a typical brush barrier.
Maintenance Standards
l There shall be no signs of erosion or concentrated runoff under or around the barrier. If con-
centrated flows are bypassing the barrier, it must be expanded or augmented by toed-in filter
fabric.
l The dimensions of the barrier must be maintained.
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Figure II-3.20: Brush Barrier
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BMP C232: Gravel Filter Berm
Purpose
A gravel filter berm retains sediment by filtering runoff through a berm of gravel or crushed rock.
Conditions of Use
Use a gravel filter berm where a temporary measure is needed to retain sediment from construction
sites.
Do not place gravel filter berms in traffic areas; gravel filter berms are not intended to be driven over.
Place gravel filter berms perpendicular to the flow of runoff, such that the runoff will filter through the
berm prior to leaving the site.
Design and Installation Specifications
l Berm material shall be ¾ to 3 inches in size, washed well-grade gravel or crushed rock with
less than 5 percent fines. Do not use crushed concrete.
l Spacing of berms:
o Every 300 feet on slopes less than 5 percent
o Every 200 feet on slopes between 5 percent and 10 percent
o Every 100 feet on slopes greater than 10 percent
l Berm dimensions:
o 1 foot high with 3H:1V side slopes
o 8 linear feet per 1 cfs runoff based on the 10-year, 24-hour design storm
l See Figure II-3.21: Gravel Filter Berm for a photo of a gravel filter berm application.
Maintenance Standards
Regular inspection is required. Sediment shall be removed and filter material replaced as needed.
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Figure II-3.21: Gravel Filter Berm
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BMP C233: Silt Fence
Purpose
Silt fence reduces the transport of coarse sediment from a construction site by providing a temporary
physical barrier to sediment and reducing the runoff velocities of overland flow.
Conditions of Use
Silt fence may be used downslope of all disturbed areas.
l Silt fence shall prevent sediment carried by runoff from going beneath, through, or over the
top of the silt fence, but shall allow the water to pass through the fence.
l Silt fence is not intended to treat concentrated flows, nor is it intended to treat substantial
amounts of overland flow. Convey any concentrated flows through the drainage system to a
sediment trapping BMP.
l Do not construct silt fences in streams or use in V-shaped ditches. Silt fences do not provide
an adequate method of silt control for anything deeper than sheet or overland flow.
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Figure II-3.22: Silt Fence
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Design and Installation Specifications
l Use in combination with other construction stormwater BMPs.
l Maximum slope steepness (perpendicular to the silt fence line) 1H:1V.
l Maximum sheet or overland flow path length to the silt fence of 100 feet.
l Do not allow flows greater than 0.5 cfs.
l Use geotextile fabric that meets the following standards. All geotextile properties listed below
are minimum average roll values (i.e., the test result for any sampled roll in a lot shall meet or
exceed the values shown in Table II-3.11: Geotextile Fabric Standards for Silt Fence):
Geotextile Property Minimum Average Roll Value
Polymeric Mesh AOS
(ASTM D4751)
0.60 mm maximum for slit film woven (#30 sieve).
0.30 mm maximum for all other geotextile types (#50 sieve).
0.15 mm minimum for all fabric types (#100 sieve).
Water Permittivity
(ASTM D4491)
0.02 sec-1 minimum
Grab Tensile Strength
(ASTM D4632)
180 lbs. Minimum for extra strength fabric.
100 lbs minimum for standard strength fabric.
Grab Tensile Strength
(ASTM D4632)
30% maximum
Ultraviolet Resistance
(ASTM D4355)
70% minimum
Table II-3.11: Geotextile Fabric Standards for Silt Fence
l Support standard strength geotextiles with wire mesh, chicken wire, 2-inch x 2-inch wire,
safety fence, or jute mesh to increase the strength of the geotextile. Silt fence materials are
available that have synthetic mesh backing attached.
l Silt fence material shall contain ultraviolet ray inhibitors and stabilizers to provide a minimum
of six months of expected usable construction life at a temperature range of 0°F to 120°F.
l One-hundred percent biodegradable silt fence is available that is strong, long lasting, and can
be left in place after the project is completed, if permitted by the local jurisdiction.
l Refer to Figure II-3.22: Silt Fence for standard silt fence details. Include the following Stand-
ard Notes for silt fence on construction plans and specifications:
1. The Contractor shall install and maintain temporary silt fences at the locations shown in
the Plans.
2. Construct silt fences in areas of clearing, grading, or drainage prior to starting those
activities.
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3. The silt fence shall have a 2-feet min. and a 2½-feet max. height above the original
ground surface.
4. The geotextile fabric shall be sewn together at the point of manufacture to form fabric
lengths as required. Locate all sewn seams at support posts. Alternatively, two sections
of silt fence can be overlapped, provided that the overlap is long enough and that the
adjacent silt fence sections are close enough together to prevent silt laden water from
escaping through the fence at the overlap.
5. Attach the geotextile fabric on the up-slope side of the posts and secure with staples,
wire, or in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Attach the geotextile
fabric to the posts in a manner that reduces the potential for tearing.
6. Support the geotextile fabric with wire or plastic mesh, dependent on the properties of
the geotextile selected for use. If wire or plastic mesh is used, fasten the mesh securely
to the up-slope side of the posts with the geotextile fabric up-slope of the mesh.
7. Mesh support, if used, shall consist of steel wire with a maximum mesh spacing of 2-
inches, or a prefabricated polymeric mesh. The strength of the wire or polymeric mesh
shall be equivalent to or greater than 180 lbs. grab tensile strength. The polymeric mesh
must be as resistant to the same level of ultraviolet radiation as the geotextile fabric it
supports.
8. Bury the bottom of the geotextile fabric 4-inches min. below the ground surface. Backfill
and tamp soil in place over the buried portion of the geotextile fabric, so that no flow can
pass beneath the silt fence and scouring cannot occur. When wire or polymeric back-up
support mesh is used, the wire or polymeric mesh shall extend into the ground 3-inches
min.
9. Drive or place the silt fence posts into the ground 18-inches min. A 12–inch min. depth
is allowed if topsoil or other soft subgrade soil is not present and 18-inches cannot be
reached. Increase fence post min. depths by 6 inches if the fence is located on slopes of
3H:1V or steeper and the slope is perpendicular to the fence. If required post depths
cannot be obtained, the posts shall be adequately secured by bracing or guying to pre-
vent overturning of the fence due to sediment loading.
10. Use wood, steel or equivalent posts. The spacing of the support posts shall be a max-
imum of 6-feet. Posts shall consist of either:
l Wood with minimum dimensions of 2 inches by 2 inches by 3 feet. Wood shall be
free of defects such as knots, splits, or gouges.
l No. 6 steel rebar or larger.
l ASTM A 120 steel pipe with a minimum diameter of 1-inch.
l U, T, L, or C shape steel posts with a minimum weight of 1.35 lbs./ft.
l Other steel posts having equivalent strength and bending resistance to the post
sizes listed above.
11. Locate silt fences on contour as much as possible, except at the ends of the fence,
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where the fence shall be turned uphill such that the silt fence captures the runoff water
and prevents water from flowing around the end of the fence.
12. If the fence must cross contours, with the exception of the ends of the fence, place
check dams perpendicular to the back of the fence to minimize concentrated flow and
erosion. The slope of the fence line where contours must be crossed shall not be
steeper than 3H:1V.
l Check dams shall be approximately 1-foot deep at the back of the fence. Check
dams shall be continued perpendicular to the fence at the same elevation until
the top of the check dam intercepts the ground surface behind the fence.
l Check dams shall consist of crushed surfacing base course, gravel backfill for
walls, or shoulder ballast. Check dams shall be located every 10 feet along the
fence where the fence must cross contours.
l Refer to Figure II-3.23: Silt Fence Installation by Slicing Method for slicing method details. The
following are specifications for silt fence installation using the slicing method:
1. The base of both end posts must be at least 2- to 4-inches above the top of the geo-
textile fabric on the middle posts for ditch checks to drain properly. Use a hand level or
string level, if necessary, to mark base points before installation.
2. Install posts 3- to 4-feet apart in critical retention areas and 6- to 7-feet apart in standard
applications.
3. Install posts 24-inches deep on the downstream side of the silt fence, and as close as
possible to the geotextile fabric, enabling posts to support the geotextile fabric from
upstream water pressure.
4. Install posts with the nipples facing away from the geotextile fabric.
5. Attach the geotextile fabric to each post with three ties, all spaced within the top 8-
inches of the fabric. Attach each tie diagonally 45 degrees through the fabric, with each
puncture at least 1-inch vertically apart. Each tie should be positioned to hang on a post
nipple when tightening to prevent sagging.
6. Wrap approximately 6-inches of the geotextile fabric around the end posts and secure
with 3 ties.
7. No more than 24-inches of a 36-inch geotextile fabric is allowed above ground level.
8. Compact the soil immediately next to the geotextile fabric with the front wheel of the
tractor, skid steer, or roller exerting at least 60 pounds per square inch. Compact the
upstream side first and then each side twice for a total of four trips. Check and correct
the silt fence installation for any deviation before compaction. Use a flat-bladed shovel
to tuck the fabric deeper into the ground if necessary.
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Figure II-3.23: Silt Fence Installation by Slicing Method
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Maintenance Standards
l Repair any damage immediately.
l Intercept and convey all evident concentrated flows uphill of the silt fence to a sediment trap-
ping BMP.
l Check the uphill side of the silt fence for signs of the fence clogging and acting as a barrier to
flow and then causing channelization of flows parallel to the fence. If this occurs, replace the
fence and remove the trapped sediment.
l Remove sediment deposits when the deposit reaches approximately one-third the height of
the silt fence, or install a second silt fence.
l Replace geotextile fabric that has deteriorated due to ultraviolet breakdown.
BMP C234: Vegetated Strip
Purpose
Vegetated strips reduce the transport of coarse sediment from a construction site by providing a
physical barrier to sediment and reducing the runoff velocities of overland flow.
Conditions of Use
l Vegetated strips may be used downslope of all disturbed areas.
l Vegetated strips are not intended to treat concentrated flows, nor are they intended to treat
substantial amounts of overland flow. Any concentrated flows must be conveyed through the
drainage system to BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary) or other sediment trapping
BMP. The only circumstance in which overland flow can be treated solely by a vegetated strip,
rather than by a sediment trapping BMP, is when the following criteria are met (see Table II-
3.12: Contributing Drainage Area for Vegetated Strips):
Average Contributing Area
Slope
Average Contributing Area Per-
cent Slope
Max Contributing area Flowpath
Length
1.5H : 1V or flatter 67% or flatter 100 feet
2H : 1V or flatter 50% or flatter 115 feet
4H : 1V or flatter 25% or flatter 150 feet
6H : 1V or flatter 16.7% or flatter 200 feet
10H : 1V or flatter 10% or flatter 250 feet
Table II-3.12: Contributing Drainage Area for Vegetated Strips
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Design and Installation Specifications
l The vegetated strip shall consist of a continuous strip of dense vegetation with topsoil for a min-
imum of a 25-foot length along the flowpath. Grass-covered, landscaped areas are generally
not adequate because the volume of sediment overwhelms the grass. Ideally, vegetated strips
shall consist of undisturbed native growth with a well-developed soil that allows for infiltration
of runoff.
l The slope within the vegetated strip shall not exceed 4H:1V.
l The uphill boundary of the vegetated strip shall be delineated with clearing limits.
Maintenance Standards
l Any areas damaged by erosion or construction activity shall be seeded immediately and pro-
tected by mulch.
l If more than 5 feet of the original vegetated strip width has had vegetation removed or is being
eroded, sod must be installed.
l If there are indications that concentrated flows are traveling across the vegetated strip, storm-
water runoff controls must be installed to reduce the flows entering the vegetated strip, or addi-
tional perimeter protection must be installed.
BMP C235: Wattles
Purpose
Wattles are temporary erosion and sediment control barriers consisting of straw, compost, or other
material that is wrapped in netting made of natural plant fiber or similar encasing material. They
reduce the velocity and can spread the flow of rill and sheet runoff, and can capture and retain sed-
iment.
Conditions of Use
l Wattles shall consist of cylinders of plant material such as weed-free straw, coir, wood chips,
excelsior, or wood fiber or shavings encased within netting made of natural plant fibers
unaltered by synthetic materials.
l Use wattles:
o In disturbed areas that require immediate erosion protection.
o On exposed soils during the period of short construction delays, or over winter months.
o On slopes requiring stabilization until permanent vegetation can be established.
l The material used dictates the effectiveness period of the wattle. Generally, wattles are effect-
ive for one to two seasons.
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l Prevent rilling beneath wattles by entrenching and overlapping wattles to prevent water from
passing between them.
Design Criteria
l See Figure II-3.24: Wattles for typical construction details.
l Wattles are typically 8 to 10 inches in diameter and 25 to 30 feet in length.
l Install wattles perpendicular to the flow direction and parallel to the slope contour.
l Place wattles in shallow trenches, staked along the contour of disturbed or newly constructed
slopes. Dig narrow trenches across the slope (on contour) to a depth of 3- to 5-inches on clay
soils and soils with gradual slopes. On loose soils, steep slopes, and areas with high rainfall,
the trenches should be dug to a depth of 5- to 7- inches, or 1/2 to 2/3 of the thickness of the
wattle.
l Start building trenches and installing wattles from the base of the slope and work up. Spread
excavated material evenly along the uphill slope and compact it using hand tamping or other
methods.
l Construct trenches at intervals of 10- to 25-feet depending on the steepness of the slope, soil
type, and rainfall. The steeper the slope the closer together the trenches.
l Install the wattles snugly into the trenches and overlap the ends of adjacent wattles 12 inches
behind one another.
l Install stakes at each end of the wattle, and at 4-foot centers along entire length of wattle.
l If required, install pilot holes for the stakes using a straight bar to drive holes through the wattle
and into the soil.
l Wooden stakes should be approximately 0.75 x 0.75 x 24 inches min. Willow cuttings or 3/8-
inch rebar can also be used for stakes.
l Stakes should be driven through the middle of the wattle, leaving 2 to 3 inches of the stake pro-
truding above the wattle.
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Figure II-3.24: Wattles
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Maintenance Standards
l Wattles may require maintenance to ensure they are in contact with soil and thoroughly
entrenched, especially after significant rainfall on steep sandy soils.
l Inspect the slope after significant storms and repair any areas where wattles are not tightly
abutted or water has scoured beneath the wattles.
Approved as Functionally Equivalent
Ecology has approved products as able to meet the requirements of this BMP. The products did not
pass through the Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology (TAPE) process. Local jurisdictions
may choose not to accept these products, or may require additional testing prior to consideration for
local use. Products that Ecology has approved as functionally equivalent are available for review on
Ecology’s website at:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-per-
mittee-guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
BMP C236: Vegetative Filtration
Purpose
Vegetative filtration as a BMP is used in conjunction with detention storage in the form of portable
tanks or BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary), BMP C206: Level Spreader, and a pumping sys-
tem with surface intake. Vegetative filtration improves turbidity levels of stormwater discharges by fil-
tering runoff through existing vegetation where undisturbed forest floor duff layer or established lawn
with thatch layer are present. Vegetative filtration can also be used to infiltrate dewatering waste
from foundations, vaults, and trenches as long as runoff does not occur.
Conditions of Use
l For every five acres of disturbed soil use one acre of grass field, farm pasture, or wooded
area. Reduce or increase this area depending on project size, ground water table height, and
other site conditions.
l Wetlands shall not be used for vegetative filtration.
l Do not use this BMP in areas with a high ground water table, or in areas that will have a high
seasonal ground water table during the use of this BMP.
l This BMP may be less effective on soils that prevent the infiltration of the water, such as hard
till.
l Using other effective source control measures throughout a construction site will prevent the
generation of additional highly turbid water and may reduce the time period or area need for
this BMP.
l Stop distributing water into the vegetated filtration area if standing water or erosion results.
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l On large projects that phase the clearing of the site, areas retained with native vegetation may
be used as a temporary vegetative filtration area.
Design Criteria
l Find land adjacent to the project site that has a vegetated field, preferably a farm field, or
wooded area.
l If the site does not contain enough vegetated field area consider obtaining permission from
adjacent landowners (especially for farm fields).
l Install a pump and downstream distribution manifold depending on the project size. Generally,
the main distribution line should reach 100 to 200-feet long (large projects, or projects on tight
soil, will require systems that reach several thousand feet long with numerous branch lines off
of the main distribution line).
l The manifold should have several valves, allowing for control over the distribution area in the
field.
l Install several branches of 4-inch diameter schedule 20 polyvinyl chloride (PVC), swaged-fit
common septic tight-lined sewer line, or 6-inch diameter fire hose, which can convey the tur-
bid water out to various sections of the field. See Figure II-3.25: Manifold and Branches in a
Wooded, Vegetated Spray Field.
l Determine the branch length based on the field area geography and number of branches. Typ-
ically, branches stretch from 200-feet to several thousand feet. Lay the branches on contour
with the slope.
l On uneven ground, sprinklers perform well. Space sprinkler heads so that spray patterns do
not overlap.
l On relatively even surfaces, a level spreader using 4-inch perforated pipe may be used as an
alternative option to the sprinkler head setup. Install drain pipe at the highest point on the field
and at various lower elevations to ensure full coverage of the filtration area. Place the pipe
with the holes up to allow for gentle weeping evenly out all holes. Leveling the pipe by staking
and using sandbags may be required.
l To prevent over saturating of the vegetative filtration area, rotate the use of branches or spray
heads. Repeat as needed based on monitoring the spray field.
Average Slope Average Area % Slope Estimated Flowpath Length (ft)
1.5H:1V 67%250
2H:1V 50%200
4H:1V 25%150
6H:1V 16.7%115
10H:1V 10%100
Table II-3.13: Flowpath Guidelines for Vegetative
Filtration
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Figure II-3.25: Manifold and Branches in a Wooded, Vegetated Spray
Field
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Maintenance Standards
l Monitor the spray field on a daily basis to ensure that over saturation of any portion of the field
doesn’t occur at any time. The presence of standing puddles of water or creation of con-
centrated flows visually signify that over saturation of the field has occurred.
l Monitor the vegetated spray field all the way down to the nearest surface water, or farthest
spray area, to ensure that the water has not caused overland or concentrated flows, and has
not created erosion around the spray nozzle(s).
l Do not exceed water quality standards for turbidity.
l Ecology recommends that a separate inspection log be developed, maintained and kept with
the existing site logbook to aid the operator conducting inspections. This separate “Field Filtra-
tion Logbook” can also aid in demonstrating compliance with permit conditions.
l Inspect the spray nozzles daily, at a minimum, for leaks and plugging from sediment particles.
l If erosion, concentrated flows, or over saturation of the field occurs, rotate the use of branches
or spray heads or move the branches to a new field location.
l Check all branches and the manifold for unintended leaks.
BMP C240: Sediment Trap
Purpose
A sediment trap is a small temporary ponding area with a gravel outlet used to collect and store sed-
iment from sites during construction. Sediment traps, along with other perimeter controls, shall be
installed before any land disturbance takes place in the drainage area.
Conditions of Use
l Sediment traps are intended for use on sites where the tributary drainage area is less than 3
acres, with no unusual drainage features, and a projected build-out time of six months or less.
The sediment trap is a temporary measure (with a design life of approximately 6 months) and
shall be maintained until the tributary area is permanently protected against erosion by veget-
ation and/or structures.
l Sediment traps are only effective in removing sediment down to about the medium silt size
fraction. Runoff with sediment of finer grades (fine silt and clay) will pass through untreated,
emphasizing the need to control erosion to the maximum extent first.
l Projects that are constructing permanent Flow Control BMPs, or Runoff Treatment BMPs
that use ponding for treatment, may use the rough-graded or final-graded permanent BMP
footprint for the temporary sediment trap. When permanent BMP footprints are used as tem-
porary sediment traps, the surface area requirement of the sediment trap must be met. If the
surface area requirement of the sediment trap is larger than the surface area of the per-
manent BMP, then the sediment trap shall be enlarged beyond the permanent BMP footprint
to comply with the surface area requirement.
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l A floating pond skimmer may be used for the sediment trap outlet if approved by the Local Per-
mitting Authority.
l Sediment traps may not be feasible on utility projects due to the limited work space or the
short-term nature of the work. Portable tanks may be used in place of sediment traps for utility
projects.
Design and Installation Specifications
l See Figure II-3.26: Cross Section of Sediment Trap and Figure II-3.27: Sediment Trap Outlet
for details.
l To determine the sediment trap geometry, first calculate the design surface area (SA) of the
trap, measured at the invert of the weir. Use the following equation:
SA = FS(Q2/Vs)
where
Q2 =
o Option 1 - Single Event Hydrograph Method:
Q2 = Peak volumetric flow rate calculated using a 10-minute time step from a Type 1A,
2-year, 24-hour frequency storm for the developed condition. The 10-year peak volu-
metric flow rate shall be used if the project size, expected timing and duration of con-
struction, or downstream conditions warrant a higher level of protection.
o Option 2 - For construction sites that are less than 1 acre, the Rational Method may be
used to determine Q2.
Vs = The settling velocity of the soil particle of interest. The 0.02 mm (medium silt) particle with
an assumed density of 2.65 g/cm3 has been selected as the particle of interest and has a set-
tling velocity (Vs) of 0.00096 ft/sec.
FS = A safety factor of 2 to account for non-ideal settling.
Therefore, the equation for computing sediment trap surface area becomes:
SA = 2 x Q2/0.00096
or
2080 square feet per cfs of inflow
l Sediment trap depth shall be 3.5 feet minimum from the bottom of the trap to the top of the
overflow weir.
l To aid in determining sediment depth, all sediment traps shall have a staff gauge with a prom-
inent mark 1-foot above the bottom of the trap.
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l Design the discharge from the sediment trap by using the guidance for discharge from tem-
porary sediment ponds in BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary).
Maintenance Standards
l Sediment shall be removed from the trap when it reaches 1-foot in depth.
l Any damage to the trap embankments or slopes shall be repaired.
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Figure II-3.26: Cross Section of Sediment Trap
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Figure II-3.27: Sediment Trap Outlet
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BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary)
Purpose
Sediment ponds are temporary ponds used during construction to remove sediment from runoff ori-
ginating from disturbed areas of the project site. Sediment ponds are typically designed to remove
sediment no smaller than medium silt (0.02 mm). Consequently, they usually reduce turbidity only
slightly.
Conditions of Use
l Use a sediment pond where the contributing drainage area to the pond is 3 acres or more.
Ponds must be used in conjunction with other Construction Stormwater BMPs to reduce the
amount of sediment flowing into the pond.
l Do not install sediment ponds on sites where failure of the BMP would result in loss of life,
damage to homes or buildings, or interruption of use or service of public roads or utilities. Also,
sediment ponds are attractive to children and can be dangerous. Compliance with local ordin-
ances regarding health and safety must be addressed. If fencing of the pond is required, show
the type of fence and its location on the drawings in the Construction SWPPP.
l Sediment ponds that can impound 10 acre-ft (435,600 cu-ft, or 3.26 million gallons) or more,
or have an embankment of more than 6 feet, are subject to the Washington Dam Safety Regu-
lations (Chapter 173-175 WAC). See BMP D.1: Detention Ponds for more information regard-
ing dam safety considerations for detention ponds.
l Projects that are constructing permanent Flow Control BMPs or Runoff Treatment BMPs that
use ponding for treatment may use the rough-graded or final-graded permanent BMP foot-
print for the temporary sediment pond. When permanent BMP footprints are used as tem-
porary sediment ponds, the surface area requirement of the temporary sediment pond must
be met. If the surface area requirement of the sediment pond is larger than the surface area of
the permanent BMP, then the sediment pond shall be enlarged beyond the permanent BMP
footprint to comply with the surface area requirement.
The permanent control structure must be temporarily replaced with a control structure that
only allows water to leave the temporary sediment pond from the surface or by pumping.
Alternatively, the permanent control structure may used if it is temporarily modified by plug-
ging any outlet holes below the riser. The permanent control structure must be installed as
part of the permanent BMP after the site is fully stabilized.
Design and Installation Specifications
General
l See Figure II-3.28: Sediment Pond Plan View, Figure II-3.29: Sediment Pond Cross Section,
and Figure II-3.30: Sediment Pond Riser Detail for details.
l Use of permanent infiltration BMP footprints for temporary sediment ponds during
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construction tends to clog the soils and reduce their capacity to infiltrate. If permanent infilt-
ration BMP footprints are used, the sides and bottom of the temporary sediment pond must
only be rough excavated to a minimum of 2 feet above final grade of the permanent infiltration
BMP. Final grading of the permanent infiltration BMP shall occur only when all contributing
drainage areas are fully stabilized. Any proposed permanent pretreatment BMP prior to the
infiltration BMP should be fully constructed and used with the temporary sediment pond to
help prevent clogging of the soils. See Element 13: Protect Low Impact Development BMPs
for more information about protecting permanent infiltration BMPs.
l The pond shall be divided into two roughly equal volume cells by a permeable divider that will
reduce turbulence while allowing movement of water between the cells. The divider shall be at
least one-half the height of the riser, and at least one foot below the top of the riser. Wire-
backed, 2- to 3-foot high, high strength geotextile fabric supported by treated 4"x4"s can be
used as a divider. Alternatively, staked straw bales wrapped with geotextile fabric may be
used. If the pond is more than 6 feet deep, a different divider design must be proposed. A
riprap embankment is one acceptable method of separation for deeper ponds. Other designs
that satisfy the intent of this provision are allowed as long as the divider is permeable, struc-
turally sound, and designed to prevent erosion under and around the divider.
l The most common structural failure of sediment ponds is caused by piping. Piping refers to
two phenomena: (1) water seeping through fine-grained soil, eroding the soil grain by grain
and forming pipes or tunnels; and, (2) water under pressure flowing upward through a gran-
ular soil with a head of sufficient magnitude to cause soil grains to lose contact and capability
for support.
The most critical construction practices to prevent piping are:
o Tight connections between the riser and outlet pipe, and other pipe connections.
o Adequate anchoring of the riser.
o Proper soil compaction of the embankment and riser footing.
o Proper construction of anti-seep devices.
Sediment Pond Geometry
To determine the sediment pond geometry, first calculate the design surface area (SA) of the pond,
measured at the top of the riser pipe. Use the following equation:
SA = 2 x Q2/0.00096
or
2080 square feet per cfs of inflow
See BMP C240: Sediment Trap for more information on the above equation.
The basic geometry of the pond can now be determined using the following design criteria:
l Required surface area SA (from the equation above) at the top of the riser.
l Minimum 3.5-foot depth from the top of the riser to the bottom of the pond.
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l Maximum 3H:1V interior side slopes and maximum 2H:1V exterior slopes. The interior slopes
can be increased to a maximum of 2H:1V if fencing is provided at or above the maximum
water surface.
l One foot of freeboard between the top of the riser and the crest of the emergency spillway.
l Flat bottom.
l Minimum 1-foot deep spillway.
l Length-to-width ratio between 3:1 and 6:1.
Sediment Pond Discharge
The outlet for the pond consists of a combination of principal and emergency spillways. These out-
lets must pass the peak runoff expected from the contributing drainage area for a 100-year storm. If,
due to site conditions and basin geometry, a separate emergency spillway is not feasible, the prin-
cipal spillway must pass the entire peak runoff expected from the 100-year storm. However, an
attempt to provide a separate emergency spillway should always be made. Base the runoff cal-
culations on the site conditions during construction. The flow through the dewatering orifice cannot
be utilized when calculating the 100-year storm elevation because of its potential to become
clogged; therefore, available spillway storage must begin at the principal spillway riser crest.
The principal spillway designed by the procedures described below will result in some reduction in
the peak rate of runoff. However, the design will not control the discharge flow rates to the extent
required to comply with I-3.4.7 MR7: Flow Control. The size of the contributing basin, the expected
life of the construction project, the anticipated downstream effects, and the anticipated weather con-
ditions during construction should be considered to determine the need for additional discharge con-
trol.
Principal Spillway: Determine the required diameter for the principal spillway (riser pipe). The dia-
meter shall be the minimum necessary to pass the peak volumetric flow rate using a 15-minute time
step from a Type 1A, 10-year, 24-hour frequency storm for the developed condition. Use Figure II-
3.31: Riser Inflow Curves to determine the riser diameter.
To aid in determining sediment depth, one-foot intervals shall be prominently marked on the riser.
Emergency Overflow Spillway: Size the emergency overflow spillway for the peak volumetric flow
rate using a 10-minute time step from a Type 1A, 100-year, 24-hour frequency storm for the
developed condition. See BMP D.1: Detention Ponds for additional guidance for Emergency Over-
flow Spillway design
Dewatering Orifice: Size of the dewatering orifice(s) (minimum 1-inch diameter) using a modified
version of the discharge equation for a vertical orifice and a basic equation for the area of a circular
orifice. Determine the required area of the orifice with the following equation:
where
Ao = orifice area (square feet)
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AS = pond surface area (square feet)
h = head of water above orifice (height of riser in feet)
T = dewatering time (24 hours)
g = acceleration of gravity (32.2 feet/second2)
Convert the orifice area (in square feet) to the orifice diameter D (in inches):
The vertical, perforated tubing connected to the dewatering orifice must be at least 2 inches larger in
diameter than the orifice to improve flow characteristics. The size and number of perforations in the
tubing should be large enough so that the tubing does not restrict flow. The orifice should control the
flow rate.
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Figure II-3.28: Sediment Pond Plan View
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Figure II-3.29: Sediment Pond Cross Section
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Figure II-3.30: Sediment Pond Riser Detail
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Figure II-3.31: Riser Inflow Curves
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Maintenance Standards
l Remove sediment from the pond when it reaches 1 foot in depth.
l Repair any damage to the pond embankments or slopes.
BMP C250: Construction Stormwater Chemical
Treatment
Purpose
This BMP applies when using chemicals to treat turbidity in stormwater by either batch or flow-
through chemical treatment.
Turbidity is difficult to control once fine particles are suspended in stormwater runoff from a con-
struction site. BMP C241: Sediment Pond (Temporary) is effective at removing larger particulate
matter by gravity settling, but is ineffective at removing smaller particulates such as clay and fine silt.
Traditional Construction Stormwater BMPs may not be adequate to ensure compliance with the
water quality standards for turbidity in the receiving water.
Chemical treatment can reliably provide exceptional reductions of turbidity and associated pol-
lutants. Chemical treatment may be required to meet turbidity stormwater discharge requirements,
especially when construction proceeds through the wet season.
Conditions of Use
Formal written approval from Ecology is required for the use of chemical treatment, regardless of
site size. See https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ecy070258.html for a copy of
the Request for Chemical Treatment form. The Local Permitting Authority may also require review
and approval. When authorized, the chemical treatment systems must be included in the Con-
struction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Chemically treated stormwater discharged from construction sites must be nontoxic to aquatic organ-
isms. The Chemical Technology Assessment Protocol - Ecology (CTAPE) must be used to evaluate
chemicals proposed for stormwater treatment. Only chemicals approved by Ecology under the
CTAPE may be used for stormwater treatment. The approved chemicals, their allowable application
techniques (batch treatment or flow-through treatment), allowable application rates, and conditions
of use can be found at the Department of Ecology Emerging Technologies website:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-permittee-
guidance-resources/Emerging-stormwater-treatment-technologies
Background on Chemical Treatment Systems
Coagulation and flocculation have been used for over a century to treat water. The use of coagu-
lation and flocculation to treat stormwater is a very recent application. Experience with the treatment
of water and wastewater has resulted in a basic understanding of the process, in particular factors
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that affect performance. This experience can provide insights as to how to most effectively design
and operate similar systems in the treatment of stormwater.
Fine particles suspended in water give it a milky appearance, measured as turbidity. Their small size,
often much less than 1 µm in diameter, give them a very large surface area relative to their volume.
These fine particles typically carry a negative surface charge. Largely because of these two factors
(small size and negative charge), these particles tend to stay in suspension for extended periods of
time. Thus, removal is not practical by gravity settling. These are called stable suspensions. Chem-
icals like polymers, as well as inorganic chemicals such as alum, speed the settling process. The
added chemical destabilizes the suspension and causes the smaller particles to flocculate. The pro-
cess consists of three primary steps: coagulation, flocculation, and settling or clarification. Ecology
requires a fourth step, filtration, on all stormwater chemical treatment systems to reduce floc dis-
charge and to provide monitoring prior to discharge.
General Design and Installation Specifications
l Chemicals approved for use in Washington State are listed on Ecology's TAPE website,
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/newtech/technologies.html, under the "Con-
struction" tab.
l Care must be taken in the design of the withdrawal system to minimize outflow velocities and
to prevent floc discharge. Stormwater that has been chemically treated must be filtered
through BMP C251: Construction Stormwater Filtration for filtration and monitoring prior to dis-
charge.
l System discharge rates must take into account downstream conveyance integrity.
l The following equipment should be located on site in a lockable shed:
o The chemical injector.
o Secondary containment for acid, caustic, buffering compound, and treatment chemical.
o Emergency shower and eyewash.
o Monitoring equipment which consists of a pH meter and a turbidimeter.
l There are two types of systems for applying the chemical treatment process to stormwater:
the batch chemical treatment system and the flow-through chemical treatment system. See
below for further details for both types of systems.
Batch Chemical Treatment Systems
A batch chemical treatment system consists of four steps: coagulation, flocculation, clarification, and
polishing and monitoring via filtration.
Step 1: Coagulation
Coagulation is the process by which negative charges on the fine particles are disrupted. By dis-
rupting the negative charges, the fine particles are able to flocculate. Chemical addition is one
method of destabilizing the suspension, and polymers are one class of chemicals that are generally
effective. Chemicals that are used for this purpose are called coagulants. Coagulation is complete
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when the suspension is destabilized by the neutralization of the negative charges. Coagulants per-
form best when they are thoroughly and evenly dispersed under relatively intense mixing. This rapid
mixing involves adding the coagulant in a manner that promotes rapid dispersion, followed by a short
time period for destabilization of the particle suspension. The particles are still very small and are not
readily separated by clarification until flocculation occurs.
Step 2: Flocculation
Flocculation is the process by which fine particles that have been destabilized bind together to form
larger particles that settle rapidly. Flocculation begins naturally following coagulation, but is
enhanced by gentle mixing of the destabilized suspension. Gentle mixing helps to bring particles in
contact with one another such that they bind and continually grow to form "flocs." As the size of the
flocs increase, they become heavier and settle.
Step 3: Clarification
The final step is the settling of the particles, or clarification. Particle density, size and shape are
important during settling. Dense, compact flocs settle more readily than less dense, fluffy flocs.
Because of this, flocculation to form dense, compact flocs is particularly important during chemical
treatment. Water temperature is important during settling. Both the density and viscosity of water are
affected by temperature; these in turn affect settling. Cold temperatures increase viscosity and dens-
ity, thus slowing down the rate at which the particles settle.
The conditions under which clarification is achieved can affect performance. Currents can affect set-
tling. Currents can be produced by wind, by differences between the temperature of the incoming
water and the water in the clarifier, and by flow conditions near the inlets and outlets. Quiescent
water, such as that which occurs during batch clarification, provides a good environment for settling.
One source of currents in batch chemical treatment systems is movement of the water leaving the
clarifier unit. Because flocs are relatively small and light, the velocity of the water must be as low as
possible. Settled flocs can be resuspended and removed by fairly modest currents.
Step 4: Filtration
After clarification, Ecology requires stormwater that has been chemically treated to be filtered and
monitored prior to discharge. The sand filtration system continually monitors the stormwater effluent
for turbidity and pH. If the discharge water is ever out of an acceptable range for turbidity or pH, the
water is returned to the untreated stormwater pond where it will begin the treatment process again.
Design and Installation of Batch Chemical Treatment Systems
A batch chemical treatment system consists of a stormwater collection system (either a temporary
diversion or the permanent site drainage system), an untreated stormwater storage pond, pumps, a
chemical feed system, treatment cells, a filtering and monitoring system, and interconnecting piping.
The batch treatment system uses a storage pond for untreated stormwater, followed by a minimum
of two lined treatment cells. Multiple treatment cells allow for clarification of chemically treated water
in one cell, while other cells are being filled or emptied. Treatment cells may be ponds or tanks.
Ponds with constructed earthen embankments greater than six feet high or which impound more
than 10 acre-feet are subject to the Washington Dam Safety Regulations (Chapter 173-175 WAC).
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See BMP D.1: Detention Ponds for more information regarding dam safety considerations for
ponds.
Stormwater is collected at interception point(s) on the site and is diverted by gravity or by pumping to
an untreated stormwater storage pond or other untreated stormwater holding area. The stormwater
is stored until treatment occurs. It is important that the storage pond is large enough to provide
adequate storage.
The first step in the treatment sequence is to check the pH of the stormwater in the untreated storm-
water storage pond. The pH is adjusted by the application of carbon dioxide or a base until the storm-
water in the untreated storage pond is within the desired pH range, 6.5 to 8.5. When used, carbon
dioxide is added immediately downstream of the transfer pump. Typically sodium bicarbonate (bak-
ing soda) is used as a base, although other bases may be used. When needed, base is added dir-
ectly to the untreated stormwater storage pond. The stormwater is recirculated with the treatment
pump to provide mixing in the storage pond. Initial pH adjustments should be based on daily bench
tests. Further pH adjustments can be made at any point in the process. See BMP C252: Treating
and Disposing of High pH Water for more information on pH adjustments as a part of chemical treat-
ment.
Once the stormwater is within the desired pH range (which is dependant on the coagulant being
used), the stormwater is pumped from the untreated stormwater storage pond to a lined treatment
cell as a coagulant is added. The coagulant is added upstream of the pump to facilitate rapid mixing.
The water is kept in the lined treatment cell for clarification. In a batch mode process, clarification typ-
ically takes from 30 minutes to several hours. Prior to discharge, samples are withdrawn for analysis
of pH, coagulant concentration, and turbidity. If these levels are acceptable, the treated water is with-
drawn, filtered, and discharged.
Several configurations have been developed to withdraw treated water from the treatment cell. The
original configuration is a device that withdraws the treated water from just beneath the water sur-
face using a float with adjustable struts that prevent the float from settling on the cell bottom. This
reduces the possibility of picking up floc from the bottom of the cell. The struts are usually set at a min-
imum clearance of about 12 inches; that is, the float will come within 12 inches of the bottom of the
cell. Other systems have used vertical guides or cables which constrain the float, allowing it to drift up
and down with the water level. More recent designs have an H-shaped array of pipes, set on the hori-
zontal.This scheme provides for withdrawal from four points rather than one. This configuration
reduces the likelihood of sucking settled solids from the bottom. It also reduces the tendency for a vor-
tex to form. Inlet diffusers, a long floating or fixed pipe with many small holes in it, are also an option.
Safety is a primary concern. Design should consider the hazards associated with operations, such
as sampling. Facilities should be designed to reduce slip hazards and drowning. Tanks and ponds
should have life rings, ladders, or steps extending from the bottom to the top.
Sizing Batch Chemical Treatment Systems
Chemical treatment systems must be designed to control the velocity and peak volumetric flow rate
that is discharged from the system and consequently the project site. See Element 3: Control Flow
Rates for further details on this requirement.
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The total volume of the untreated stormwater storage pond and treatment cells must be large
enough to treat stormwater that is produced during multiple day storm events. It is recommended
that at a minimum the untreated stormwater storage pond be sized to hold 1.5 times the volume of
runoff generated from the site during the 10-year, 24-hour storm event. Bypass should be provided
around the chemical treatment system to accommodate extreme storm events. Runoff volume shall
be calculated using the methods presented in III-2.3 Single Event Hydrograph Method. Worst-case
land cover conditions (i.e., producing the most runoff) should be used for analyses (in most cases,
this would be the land cover conditions just prior to final landscaping).
Primary settling should be encouraged in the untreated stormwater storage pond. A forebay with
access for maintenance may be beneficial.
There are two opposing considerations in sizing the treatment cells. A larger cell is able to treat a lar-
ger volume of water each time a batch is processed. However, the larger the cell, the longer the time
required to empty the cell. A larger cell may also be less effective at flocculation and therefore
require a longer settling time. The simplest approach to sizing the treatment cell is to multiply the
allowable discharge flow rate (as determined by the guidance in Element 3: Control Flow Rates)
times the desired drawdown time. A 4-hour drawdown time allows one batch per cell per 8-hour
work period, given 1 hour of flocculation followed by two hours of settling.
See BMP C251: Construction Stormwater Filtration for details on sizing the filtration system at the
end of the batch chemical treatment system.
If the chemical treatment system design does not allow you to discharge at the rates as required by
Element 3: Control Flow Rates, and if the site has a permanent Flow Control BMP that will serve the
planned development, the discharge from the chemical treatment system may be directed to the per-
manent Flow Control BMP to comply with Element 3: Control Flow Rates. In this case, all discharge
(including water passing through the treatment system and stormwater bypassing the treatment sys-
tem) will be directed into the permanent Flow Control BMP. If site constraints make locating the
untreated stormwater storage pond difficult, the permanent Flow Control BMP may be divided to
serve as the untreated stormwater storage pond and the post-treatment temporary flow control
pond. A berm or barrier must be used in this case so the untreated water does not mix with the
treated water. Both untreated stormwater storage requirements, and adequate post-treatment flow
control must be achieved. The designer must document in the Construction SWPPP how the per-
manent Flow Control BMP is able to attenuate the discharge from the site to meet the requirements
of Element 3: Control Flow Rates. If the design of the permanent Flow Control BMP was modified
for temporary construction flow control purposes, the construction of the permanent Flow Control
BMP must be finalized, as designed for its permanent function, at project completion.
Flow-Through Chemical Treatment Systems
Background on Flow-Through Chemical Treatment Systems
A flow-through chemical treatment system adds a sand filtration component to the batch chemical
treatment system's treatment train following flocculation. The coagulant is added to the stormwater
upstream of the sand filter so that the coagulation and flocculation step occur immediately prior to the
filter. The advantage of a flow-through chemical treatment system is the time saved by immediately
filtering the water, as opposed to waiting for the clarification process necessary in a batch chemical
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treatment system. See BMP C251: Construction Stormwater Filtration for more information on fil-
tration.
Design and Installation of Flow-Through Chemical Treatment Systems
At a minimum, a flow-through chemical treatment system consists of a stormwater collection system
(either a temporary diversion or the permanent site drainage system), an untreated stormwater stor-
age pond, and a chemically enhanced sand filtration system.
As with a batch treatment system, stormwater is collected at interception point(s) on the site and is
diverted by gravity or by pumping to an untreated stormwater storage pond or other untreated storm-
water holding area. The stormwater is stored until treatment occurs. It is important that the holding
pond be large enough to provide adequate storage.
Stormwater is then pumped from the untreated stormwater storage pond to the chemically
enhanced sand filtration system where a coagulant is added. Adjustments to pH may be necessary
before coagulant addition. The sand filtration system continually monitors the stormwater effluent for
turbidity and pH. If the discharge water is ever out of an acceptable range for turbidity or pH, the
water is returned to the untreated stormwater pond where it will begin the treatment process again.
Sizing Flow-Through Chemical Treatment Systems
Refer to BMP C251: Construction Stormwater Filtration for sizing requirements of flow-through
chemical treatment systems.
Factors Affecting the Chemical Treatment Process
Coagulants
Cationic polymers can be used as coagulants to destabilize negatively charged turbidity particles
present in natural waters, wastewater and stormwater. Polymers are large organic molecules that
are made up of subunits linked together in a chain-like structure. Attached to these chain-like struc-
tures are other groups that carry positive or negative charges, or have no charge. Polymers that
carry groups with positive charges are called cationic, those with negative charges are called
anionic, and those with no charge (neutral) are called nonionic. In practice, the only way to determ-
ine whether a polymer is effective for a specific application is to perform preliminary or on-site test-
ing.
Aluminum sulfate (alum) can also be used as a coagulant, as this chemical becomes positively
charged when dispersed in water.
Polymers are available as powders, concentrated liquids, and emulsions (which appear as milky
liquids). The latter are petroleum based, which are not allowed for construction stormwater treat-
ment. Polymer effectiveness can degrade with time and also from other influences. Thus, man-
ufacturers' recommendations for storage should be followed. Manufacturer’s recommendations
usually do not provide assurance of water quality protection or safety to aquatic organisms. Con-
sideration of water quality protection is necessary in the selection and use of all polymers.
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Application
Application of coagulants at the appropriate concentration or dosage rate for optimum turbidity
removal is important for management of chemical cost, for effective performance, and to avoid
aquatic toxicity. The optimum dose in a given application depends on several site-specific features.
Turbidity of untreated water can be important with turbidities greater than 5,000 NTU. The surface
charge of particles to be removed is also important. Environmental factors that can influence dosage
rate are water temperature, pH, and the presence of constituents that consume or otherwise affect
coagulant effectiveness. Laboratory experiments indicate that mixing previously settled sediment
(floc sludge) with the untreated stormwater significantly improves clarification, therefore reducing
the effective dosage rate. Preparation of working solutions and thorough dispersal of coagulants in
water to be treated is also important to establish the appropriate dosage rate.
For a given water sample, there is generally an optimum dosage rate that yields the lowest residual
turbidity after settling. When dosage rates below this optimum value (underdosing) are applied,
there is an insufficient quantity of coagulant to react with, and therefore destabilize, all of the turbidity
present. The result is residual turbidity (after flocculation and settling) that is higher than with the
optimum dose. Overdosing, application of dosage rates greater than the optimum value, can also
negatively impact performance. Like underdosing, the result of overdosing is higher residual turbidity
than that with the optimum dose.
Mixing
The G-value, or just "G", is often used as a measure of the mixing intensity applied during coagu-
lation and flocculation. The symbol G stands for “velocity gradient”, which is related in part to the
degree of turbulence generated during mixing. High G-values mean high turbulence, and vice versa.
High G-values provide the best conditions for coagulant addition. With high G's, turbulence is high
and coagulants are rapidly dispersed to their appropriate concentrations for effective destabilization
of particle suspensions.
Low G-values provide the best conditions for flocculation. Here, the goal is to promote formation of
dense, compact flocs that will settle readily. Low G's provide low turbulence to promote particle col-
lisions so that flocs can form. Low G's generate sufficient turbulence such that collisions are effective
in floc formation, but do not break up flocs that have already formed.
pH Adjustment
The pH must be in the proper range for the coagulants to be effective, which is typically 6.5 to 8.5. As
polymers tend to lower the pH, it is important that the stormwater have sufficient buffering capacity.
Buffering capacity is a function of alkalinity. Without sufficient alkalinity, the application of the polymer
may lower the pH to below 6.5. A pH below 6.5 not only reduces the effectiveness of the polymer as
a coagulant, but it may also create a toxic condition for aquatic organisms. Stormwater may not be
discharged without readjustment of the pH to above 6.5. The target pH should be within 0.2 stand-
ard units of the receiving water's pH.
Experience gained at several projects in the City of Redmond has shown that the alkalinity needs to
be at least 50 mg/L to prevent a drop in pH to below 6.5 when the polymer is added.
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Maintenance Standards
Monitoring
At a minimum, the following monitoring shall be conducted. Test results shall be recorded on a daily
log kept on site. Additional testing may be required by the NPDES permit based on site conditions.
l Operational Monitoring
o Total volume treated and discharged.
o Flow must be continuously monitored and recorded at not greater than 15-minute inter-
vals.
o Type and amount of chemical used for pH adjustment.
o Type and amount of coagulant used for treatment.
o Settling time.
l Compliance Monitoring
o Influent and effluent pH, flocculent chemical concentration, and turbidity must be con-
tinuously monitored and recorded at not greater than 15-minute intervals.
o pH and turbidity of the receiving water.
l Biomonitoring
o Treated stormwater must be non-toxic to aquatic organisms. Treated stormwater must
be tested for aquatic toxicity or residual chemicals. Frequency of biomonitoring will be
determined by Ecology.
o Residual chemical tests must be approved by Ecology prior to their use.
o If testing treated stormwater for aquatic toxicity, you must test for acute (lethal) toxicity.
Bioassays shall be conducted by a laboratory accredited by Ecology, unless otherwise
approved by Ecology. Acute toxicity tests shall be conducted per the CTAPE protocol
and Appendix G of Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing Guidance and Test Review Criteria
(Marshall, 2016).
Discharge Compliance
Prior to discharge, treated stormwater must be sampled and tested for compliance with pH, floc-
culent chemical concentration, and turbidity limits. These limits may be established by the Con-
struction Stormwater General Permit or a site-specific discharge permit. Sampling and testing for
other pollutants may also be necessary at some sites. pH must be within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 stand-
ard units and not cause a change in the pH of the receiving water by more than 0.2 standard units.
Treated stormwater samples and measurements shall be taken from the discharge pipe or another
location representative of the nature of the treated stormwater discharge. Samples used for determ-
ining compliance with the water quality standards in the receiving water shall not be taken from the
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treatment pond prior to decanting. Compliance with the water quality standards is determined in the
receiving water.
Operator Training
Each project site using chemical treatment must have a trained operator who is certified for oper-
ation of an Enhanced Chemical Treatment system. The operator must be trained and certified by an
organization approved by Ecology. Organizations approved for operator training are found at the fol-
lowing website:
https://ecology.wa.gov/Regulations-Permits/Guidance-technical-assistance/Stormwater-permittee-
guidance-resources/Contaminated-water-on-construction-sites
Sediment Removal and Disposal
l Sediment shall be removed from the untreated stormwater storage pond and treatment cells
as necessary. Typically, sediment removal is required at least once during a wet season and
at the decommissioning of the chemical treatment system. Sediment remaining in the cells
between batches may enhance the settling process and reduce the required chemical
dosage.
l Sediment that is known to be non-toxic may be incorporated into the site away from drain-
ages.
BMP C251: Construction Stormwater Filtration
Purpose
Filtration removes sediment from runoff originating from disturbed areas of the site.
Conditions of Use
Traditional Construction Stormwater BMPs used to control soil erosion and sediment loss from con-
struction sites may not be adequate to ensure compliance with the water quality standard for tur-
bidity in the receiving water. Filtration may be used in conjunction with gravity settling to remove
sediment as small as fine silt (0.5 µm). The reduction in turbidity will be dependent on the particle
size distribution of the sediment in the stormwater. In some circumstances, sedimentation and fil-
tration may achieve compliance with the water quality standard for turbidity.
The use of construction stormwater filtration does not require approval from Ecology as long as treat-
ment chemicals are not used. Filtration in conjunction with BMP C250: Construction Stormwater
Chemical Treatment requires testing under the Chemical Technology Assessment Protocol – Eco-
logy (CTAPE) before it can be initiated. Approval from Ecology must be obtained at each site where
chemical use is proposed prior to use. See https://-
fortress.wa.gov/ecy/publications/SummaryPages/ecy070258.html for a copy of the Request for
Chemical Treatment form.
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Design and Installation Specifications
Two types of filtration systems may be applied to construction stormwater treatment: rapid and slow.
Rapid filtration systems are the typical system used for water and wastewater treatment. They can
achieve relatively high hydraulic flow rates, on the order of 2 to 20 gpm/sf, because they have auto-
matic backwash systems to remove accumulated solids.
Slow filtration systems have very low hydraulic rates, on the order of 0.02 gpm/sf, because they do
not have backwash systems. Slow filtration systems have generally been used as post construction
BMPs to treat stormwater (see V-6 Filtration BMPs). Slow filtration is mechanically simple in com-
parison to rapid filtration, but requires a much larger filter area.
Filter Types and Efficiencies
Sand media filters are available with automatic backwashing features that can filter to 50 µm particle
size. Screen or bag filters can filter down to 5 µm. Fiber wound filters can remove particles down to
0.5 µm. Filters should be sequenced from the largest to the smallest pore opening. Sediment
removal efficiency will be related to particle size distribution in the stormwater.
Treatment Process and Description
Stormwater is collected at interception point(s) on the site and diverted to an untreated stormwater
sediment pond or tank for removal of large sediment, and storage of the stormwater before it is
treated by the filtration system. In a rapid filtration system, the untreated stormwater is pumped from
the pond or tank through the filtration media. Slow filtration systems are designed using gravity to
convey water from the pond or tank to and through the filtration media.
Sizing
Filtration treatment systems must be designed to control the velocity and peak volumetric flow rate
that is discharged from the system and consequently the project site. See Element 3: Control Flow
Rates for further details on this requirement.
The untreated stormwater storage pond or tank should be sized to hold 1.5 times the volume of run-
off generated from the site during the 10-year, 24-hour storm event, minus the filtration treatment
system flowrate for an 8-hour period. For a chitosan-enhanced sand filtration system, the filtration
treatment system flowrate should be sized using a hydraulic loading rate between 6-8 gpm/ft2. Other
hydraulic loading rates may be more appropriate for other systems. Bypass should be provided
around the filtration treatment system to accommodate extreme storm events. Runoff volume shall
be calculated using the methods presented in III-2.3 Single Event Hydrograph Method. Worst-case
land cover conditions (i.e., producing the most runoff) should be used for analyses (in most cases,
this would be the land cover conditions just prior to final landscaping).
If the filtration treatment system design does not allow you to discharge at the rates as required by
Element 3: Control Flow Rates, and if the site has a permanent Flow Control BMP that will serve the
planned development, the discharge from the filtration treatment system may be directed to the per-
manent Flow Control BMP to comply with Element 3: Control Flow Rates. In this case, all discharge
(including water passing through the treatment system and stormwater bypassing the treatment
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system) will be directed into the permanent Flow Control BMP. If site constraints make locating the
untreated stormwater storage pond difficult, the permanent Flow Control BMP may be divided to
serve as the untreated stormwater storage pond and the post-treatment temporary flow control
pond. A berm or barrier must be used in this case so the untreated water does not mix with the
treated water. Both untreated stormwater storage requirements, and adequate post-treatment flow
control must be achieved. The designer must document in the Construction SWPPP how the per-
manent Flow Control BMP is able to attenuate the discharge from the site to meet the requirements
of Element 3: Control Flow Rates. If the design of the permanent Flow Control BMP was modified
for temporary construction flow control purposes, the construction of the permanent Flow Control
BMP must be finalized, as designed for its permanent function, at project completion.
Maintenance Standards
l Rapid sand filters typically have automatic backwash systems that are triggered by a pre-set
pressure drop across the filter. If the backwash water volume is not large or substantially more
turbid than the untreated stormwater stored in the holding pond or tank, backwash return to
the untreated stormwater pond or tank may be appropriate. However, other means of treat-
ment and disposal may be necessary.
l Screen, bag, and fiber filters must be cleaned and/or replaced when they become clogged.
l Sediment shall be removed from the storage and/or treatment ponds as necessary. Typically,
sediment removal is required once or twice during a wet season and at the decommissioning
of the ponds.
l Disposal of filtration equipment must comply with applicable local, state, and federal reg-
ulations.
BMP C252: Treating and Disposing of High pH Water
Purpose
When pH levels in stormwater rise above 8.5, it is necessary to lower the pH levels to the acceptable
range of 6.5 to 8.5 prior to discharge to surface or ground water. A pH level range of 6.5 to 8.5 is typ-
ical for most natural watercourses, and this neutral pH range is required for the survival of aquatic
organisms. Should the pH rise or drop out of this range, fish and other aquatic organisms may
become stressed and may die.
Conditions of Use
l The water quality standard for pH in Washington State is in the range of 6.5 to 8.5. Storm-
water with pH levels exceeding water quality standards may be either neutralized on site or
disposed of to a sanitary sewer or concrete batch plant with pH neutralization capabilities.
l Neutralized stormwater may be discharged to surface waters under the Construction Storm-
water General permit.
l Neutralized process water such as concrete truck wash-out, hydro-demolition, or saw-cutting
slurry must be managed to prevent discharge to surface waters. Any stormwater
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contaminated during concrete work is considered process wastewater and must not be dis-
charged to waters of the State or stormwater collection systems.
l The process used for neutralizing and/or disposing of high pH stormwater from the site must
be documented in the Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Causes of High pH
High pH at construction sites is most commonly caused by the contact of stormwater with poured or
recycled concrete, cement, mortars, and other Portland cement or lime containing construction
materials. (See BMP C151: Concrete Handling for more information on concrete handling pro-
cedures). The principal caustic agent in cement is calcium hydroxide (free lime).
Calcium hardness can contribute to high pH values and cause toxicity that is associated with high pH
conditions. A high level of calcium hardness in waters of the state is not allowed. Ground water stand-
ard for calcium and other dissolved solids in Washington State is less than 500 mg/l.
Treating High pH Stormwater by Carbon Dioxide Sparging
Advantages of Carbon Dioxide Sparging
l Rapidly neutralizes high pH water.
l Cost effective and safer to handle than acid compounds.
l CO2 is self-buffering. It is difficult to overdose and create harmfully low pH levels.
l Material is readily available.
The Chemical Process of Carbon Dioxide Sparging
When carbon dioxide (CO2) is added to water (H 2O), carbonic acid (H2CO3) is formed which can
further dissociate into a proton (H+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3-) as shown below:
CO2 + H 2O ↔ H2CO3 ↔ H+ + HCO3-
The free proton is a weak acid that can lower the pH. Water temperature has an effect on the reac-
tion as well. The colder the water temperature is, the slower the reaction occurs. The warmer the
water temperature is, the quicker the reaction occurs. Most construction applications in Washington
State have water temperatures in the 50°F or higher range so the reaction is almost simultaneous.
The Treatment Process of Carbon Dioxide Sparging
High pH water may be treated using continuous treatment, continuous discharge systems. These
manufactured systems continuously monitor influent and effluent pH to ensure that pH values are
within an acceptable range before being discharged. All systems must have fail safe automatic shut
off switches in the event that pH is not within the acceptable discharge range. Only trained operators
may operate manufactured systems. System manufacturers often provide trained operators or train-
ing on their devices.
The following procedure may be used when not using a continuous discharge system:
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1. Prior to treatment, the appropriate jurisdiction should be notified in accordance with the reg-
ulations set by the jurisdiction.
2. Every effort should be made to isolate the potential high pH water in order to treat it separately
from other stormwater on-site.
3. Water should be stored in an acceptable storage facility, detention pond, or containment cell
prior to pH treatment.
4. Transfer water to be treated for pH to the pH treatment structure. Ensure that the pH treat-
ment structure size is sufficient to hold the amount of water that is to be treated. Do not fill the
pH treatment structure completely, allow at least 2 feet of freeboard.
5. The operator samples the water within the pH treatment structure for pH and notes the clarity
of the water. As a rule of thumb, less CO2 is necessary for clearer water. The results of the
samples and water clarity observations should be recorded.
6. In the pH treatment structure, add CO2 until the pH falls into the range of 6.9-7.1. Adjusting
pH to within 0.2 pH units of receiving water (background pH) is recommended. It is unlikely
that pH can be adjusted to within 0.2 pH units using dry ice. Compressed carbon dioxide gas
should be introduced to the water using a carbon dioxide diffuser located near the bottom of
the pH treatment structure, this will allow carbon dioxide to bubble up through the water and
diffuse more evenly.
7. Slowly discharge the water, making sure water does not get stirred up in the process. Release
about 80% of the water from the pH treatment structure leaving any sludge behind. If turbidity
remains above the maximum allowable, consider adding filtration to the treatment train. See
BMP C251: Construction Stormwater Filtration.
8. Discharge treated water through a pond or drainage system.
9. Excess sludge needs to be disposed of properly as concrete waste. If several batches of
water are undergoing pH treatment, sludge can be left in the treatment structure for the next
batch treatment. Dispose of sludge when it fills 50% of the treatment structure volume.
10. Disposal must comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Treating High pH Stormwater by Food Grade Vinegar
Food grade vinegar that meets FDA standards may be used to neutralize high pH water. Food
grade vinegar is only 4% to 18% acetic acid with the remainder being water. Food grade vinegar
may be used if dosed just enough to lower pH sufficiently. Use a treatment process as described
above for CO2 sparging, but add food grade vinegar instead of CO2.
This treatment option for high pH stormwater does not apply to anything but food grade vinegar.
Acetic acid does not equal vinegar. Any other product or waste containing acetic acid must go
through the evaluation process in Appendix G of Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing Guidance and Test
Review Criteria (Marshall, 2016).
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Disposal of High pH Stormwater
Sanitary Sewer Disposal
Local sewer authority approval is required prior to disposal via the sanitary sewer.
Concrete Batch Plant Disposal
l Only permitted facilities may accept high pH water.
l Contact the facility to ensure they can accept the high pH water.
Maintenance Standards
Safety and materials handling:
l All equipment should be handled in accordance with OSHA rules and regulations.
l Follow manufacturer guidelines for materials handling.
Each operator should provide:
l A diagram of the monitoring and treatment equipment.
l A description of the pumping rates and capacity the treatment equipment is capable of treat-
ing.
Each operator should keep a written record of the following:
l Client name and phone number.
l Date of treatment.
l Weather conditions.
l Project name and location.
l Volume of water treated.
l pH of untreated water.
l Amount of CO2 or food grade vinegar needed to adjust water to a pH range of 6.9-7.1.
l pH of treated water.
l Discharge point location and description.
A copy of this record should be given to the client/contractor who should retain the record for three
years.
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