Occasionally things go wrong. Here is an article on how one community dealt with a severe soil erosion mishap.
Pulling Together for Erosion Control
I think we have many lessons to learn from this article.
Showing posts with label part 91. Show all posts
Showing posts with label part 91. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Soil Erosion Plans
My goal is always to be in a position to enable builders and developers to responsibly develop their land. Since our forefathers failed to care about the environment and just looked at the land as a commodity, we now must pay the price of government regulation.
So far its not that bad. The developer (or their engineer) chooses how the development progresses and determines the products used. There is only about 13 things listed in Part 91 that must be on the plan. The real design is up the engineer.
As an Engineer, I realize the need to utilize standard drawings and cookie cutter plans. But that doesn't cut it for soil erosion. At the least, you must consider the soil type and slope.
The plan should show pre-existing conditions, final conditions and detailed instructions on how to go from one to the other. Typical items missing from plans I see are products used and construction details. How do you bid a project if you don't know which Geotextile fabric they want? How about all thoes plans I see with silt fence details showing wire backing?
Heres my suggestion. First, design the site. Its probably already layed out when you get it. Design the roads and balance the dirt. Do all the standard CE work.
Second, go through the list of things in Part 91 and put them on the plan. This includes soil descriptions. Are they erodible? Which way does the land slope? Where is the nearest water? Where are the existing catchbasins?
Third, think about the site. Protect everything identified in the above step. Silt fence does not stop erosion and therefore does not protect the land. If you don't know how to stop erosion, either learn or hire an individual who does. I am sorry if I sound harsh, but if you cant do it learn how. Plan review takes much longer if the enforcing agent needs to train the designer in the process.
Fourth, instruct your draftsman (or do it yourself) to place standard details for ALL the items listed in your "keying system". Then, you must update them to reflect specific item selections. You are the engineer, use your knowledge to make educated decisions.
If you follow this process you will be able to intelegently argue the basis of design for your project instead of arguing about the "requirements" for part 91.
Finaly, visit the site while it is being built to see what your plan was lacking. We can always do better.
So far its not that bad. The developer (or their engineer) chooses how the development progresses and determines the products used. There is only about 13 things listed in Part 91 that must be on the plan. The real design is up the engineer.
As an Engineer, I realize the need to utilize standard drawings and cookie cutter plans. But that doesn't cut it for soil erosion. At the least, you must consider the soil type and slope.
The plan should show pre-existing conditions, final conditions and detailed instructions on how to go from one to the other. Typical items missing from plans I see are products used and construction details. How do you bid a project if you don't know which Geotextile fabric they want? How about all thoes plans I see with silt fence details showing wire backing?
Heres my suggestion. First, design the site. Its probably already layed out when you get it. Design the roads and balance the dirt. Do all the standard CE work.
Second, go through the list of things in Part 91 and put them on the plan. This includes soil descriptions. Are they erodible? Which way does the land slope? Where is the nearest water? Where are the existing catchbasins?
Third, think about the site. Protect everything identified in the above step. Silt fence does not stop erosion and therefore does not protect the land. If you don't know how to stop erosion, either learn or hire an individual who does. I am sorry if I sound harsh, but if you cant do it learn how. Plan review takes much longer if the enforcing agent needs to train the designer in the process.
Fourth, instruct your draftsman (or do it yourself) to place standard details for ALL the items listed in your "keying system". Then, you must update them to reflect specific item selections. You are the engineer, use your knowledge to make educated decisions.
If you follow this process you will be able to intelegently argue the basis of design for your project instead of arguing about the "requirements" for part 91.
Finaly, visit the site while it is being built to see what your plan was lacking. We can always do better.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
MID-MICHIGAN Peer Group for Soil Erosion Professionals
I am working with Joe LaGrow, from Price and Company, to set up a Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control peer group here in Mid-Michigan. I have tentatively called it the Mid-Michigan Soil Erosion Group (MiMISEG). If you found this page, then I would call you a professional just due to your interest in soil erosion. Everyone is welcome.
Our first (organizational) meeting will be held on
Thursday, February 22, 2007
At
2:00pm
In the basement of the
Eaton County Farm Services Building
551 Courthouse Drive
Charlotte, MI 48813
At this meeting, we will review some organizational material, set up a small temporary board, and start planning a Field Day for this summer. Bring your ideas of what you and others might need to see.
RSVP (517) 543-3886
kkalmbach@eatoncounty.org
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Kalmbach
Soil Erosion Engineer
Our first (organizational) meeting will be held on
Thursday, February 22, 2007
At
2:00pm
In the basement of the
Eaton County Farm Services Building
551 Courthouse Drive
Charlotte, MI 48813
At this meeting, we will review some organizational material, set up a small temporary board, and start planning a Field Day for this summer. Bring your ideas of what you and others might need to see.
RSVP (517) 543-3886
kkalmbach@eatoncounty.org
Sincerely,
Kevin J. Kalmbach
Soil Erosion Engineer
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