Page 408 - The Engineering Guide to LEED-New Construction Sustainable Construction for Engineers

368 Cha pte r T e n

There are also classifications of BMPs with respect to adaptation for climate change.
In these cases, other BMPs and functions are added to the mix. Some of the additional
functions considered are

• Urban heat island reduction
• Urban forestry support
• Carbon sequestration
• Micro hydropower potential
• Combined sewer overflow (CSO) reduction

ESC
Erosion and sediment control measures are important for both the construction phase
and the operational (built) phase, but are particularly important during the construction
phase of a project. Construction sites are sometimes referred to as nonpoint source
pollution “hot spots” as the pollution in the runoff, if not controlled and treated, is
frequently several times higher than from a developed site.
ESCs are varied in function, form, and applicability just as other BMPs are. The best
practices are usually site-specific and sometimes season-specific. Therefore, there are
many options to choose from and many manufacturers. Since there are such a broad
range of products, there are various testing facilities which are analyzing the options
throughout the country. Some of the testing facilities include
• The Hydraulics, Sedimentation, and Erosion Control Laboratory operated by
the Texas Transportation Institute and the Texas Department of Transportation
• The San Diego State University Soil Erosion Research Laboratory
• The St. Anthony Falls Laboratory operated by the University of Minnesota
• Alden Research Laboratory in Holden, MA

Information from these and other testing facilities, from other research reports, and
from the various manufacturers can be used to determine which ESC measures may be
applicable for a site, but there is an immense amount of information and with the
different options, a need developed to establish some form of organized inspection and
organization of the methods. From this has sprung the programs of the Certified
Professional in Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (CPESC) and the Certified
Erosion Prevention and Sedimentation Control Inspector (CEPSCI) which are being
recognized by many state agencies as a means to facilitate erosion and sediment control
on project sites, particularly in departments of transportation, where there are always
many horizontal maintenance and construction projects underway. Table 10.1.7 lists the
various categories of erosion and sedimentation control practices that are taught in the
CEPSCI certification classes in South Carolina.
The most common ESC measures used during construction are the silt fence around
the perimeter of the disturbed areas so that sediments do not wash out from the site,
construction entrances at the openings to the disturbed areas so that vehicles can come in
and out, and some form of inlet protection on any stormwater device installed prior to or
during construction so that it does not become a conduit for sediment flow off the site
during the construction phase. Based on weather and soil conditions, some type of dust
control may also be needed to prevent soil from escaping the site by wind mechanisms.