Article 16
Sec 20.16.001
Scope

A. This Division governs all design work, and materials required for temporary water pollution control measures which shall be required on all construction projects where earth is disturbed.

As defined herein, best management practices shall be performed throughout the life of the project to control water pollution. Construction of permanent drainage facilities as well as performance of other work which may contribute to the control of siltation shall be accomplished at the earliest practicable time. Pollutants such as chemicals, fuels, lubricants, bitumens, raw sewage, or other harmful material shall not be discharged from the project.

B. This work shall consist of furnishing, installing, maintaining, and removing temporary control measures as shown on the plans or ordered by the engineer. The control of water pollution through use of berms, slope drains, ditch checks, sediment basins, seeding and mulching, bales, silt fences, and other erosion control devices or methods, shall be used in accordance with this Article.

C. The temporary pollution control provisions contained herein shall be coordinated with any permanent erosion control features specified elsewhere in the plan or contract documents to assure effective and continuous erosion control. These provisions shall also apply to work within easements designated for the project.

Sec 20.16.002
Erosion Control Planes

Prior to any construction, a plan shall be submitted for acceptance for the implementation of temporary and permanent erosion control work, as are applicable for clearing and grubbing; grading; bridges and other structures at watercourses; construction; and paving. No work shall be started until the erosion control sequences and methods of operations have been approved by the engineer and in place.

Sec 20.16.003
Construction Requirements

A. The engineer may limit the surface area of erodible earth material exposed by clearing and grubbing, the surface area of erodible earth material exposed by excavation, borrow, and fill operations, and may require the immediate permanent or temporary pollution control measures to prevent contamination of adjacent streams or other watercourses, lakes, ponds, or other areas of water impoundment. Such work may involve the construction of temporary berms, dikes, dams, sediment basins, slope drains, and use of temporary mulches, seeding or other control devices or methods as required on the plans or in the contract document.

B. All permanent erosion control features shall be incorporated into the project at the earliest practicable time. Temporary pollution control measures shall be used to correct conditions that develop during construction which were not foreseen during the design state; that are needed prior to installation of permanent pollution control features; or that are needed temporarily to control erosion that develops during normal construction practices, but are not associated with permanent control features on the project.

C. Clearing and grubbing operations shall be so scheduled and performed that grading operations and permanent erosion control features will follow immediately thereafter. The surface area of erodible earth material exposed at one time by clearing and grubbing, by excavating, by fill, or by borrow shall not exceed 750,000 square feet without written approval of the engineer.

D. The engineer will limit the area of clearing and grubbing, excavation, borrow, and embankment operations in progress commensurate with the capability and progress in keeping the finish grading, mulching, seeding, and other such permanent pollution control measures current. Should seasonal limitations make such coordination unrealistic, temporary erosion control measures shall be taken immediately.

E. The engineer may increase or decrease the amount of surface area of erodible earth material to be exposed at one time by clearing and grubbing, excavation, borrow and fill operations based upon an analysis of project conditions.

F. Unless otherwise provided or approved in writing by the Engineer, construction operations in rivers, streams, and impoundments shall be restricted to those areas which must be entered for the construction of temporary or permanent structures. Rivers, streams, and impoundments shall be promptly cleared of all falsework, piling, debris or other obstructions placed therein or caused by the construction operations.

G. Frequent fording of live streams with construction equipment will not be permitted. Temporary bridges or other structures shall be used wherever an appreciable number of stream crossings are necessary. Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Engineer, mechanized equipment shall not be operated in live streams except as may be required to construct channel changes and temporary or permanent structures. If a Section 404 permit is applicable, its requirements and/or conditions shall prevail.

H. The location of all local material pits, other than commercially operated sources, and all excess material areas shall be subject to the approval of the Engineer and construction operations shall be conducted and pollution control measures implemented so that erosion will not result in water pollution.

I. In the event of conflict between these requirements and pollution control laws, rules, or regulations of other Federal, State, or local agencies, the more restrictive laws, rules, or regulations shall apply.

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A Clear Commitment to Clean Water