Erosion Sediment Control (ESC)

Measures



[Project Title]



[Project Lead]



[Duration of Project]

Contents


Purpose and Scope .............................................................................................................................. 3
Pre Construction Site Assessment .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Site Details ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Erosion Sediment Control Measure (ESC Measures) .......................................................................... 4
Soil Erosion Control Measures ............................................................................................................ 4
Drainage Swales .............................................................................................................................. 4
Covering Exposed Surfaces ............................................................................................................. 5
Proper Work Sequencing ................................................................................................................ 6
Sediment Control Measures ............................................................................................................... 7
Perimeter Drainage ......................................................................................................................... 7
Slit Fencing ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Sediment Basin.............................................................................................................................. 10
Checked Dam ................................................................................................................................ 11
Designated Wash Areas ................................................................................................................ 12
Water Treatment Plants ............................................................................................................... 15
Tracking Control ................................................................................................................................ 16
Stabilized Construction Entrances/Exits ....................................................................................... 16
Waste Spray .................................................................................................................................. 18



Appendix
Inspection Checklist


Purpose and Scope
This procedure was established for the implementation and maintenance of good environmental
operation practices by controlling the environmental impacts due to the construction of this
organisation.
The environmental operational control procedures also take into account of the applicable legal
requirements and other requirements as appropriate while controlling the operational activities.
Storm water runoff is water from rain that does not immediately infiltrate into the ground and flows
over natural made storage or conveyance system. At the construction site this is of particular
interest due to the development of the area which could potentially result in increased surface
runoff, soil erosion as well as polluted water from sediments and industrial pollutants entering the
sewerage system.
The following sections describe the control practices for different categories of environmental
impacts.
1. Soil Erosion Control
- To minimize bare earth surfaces on site
- Expedient paving or covering of exposed earth surfaces
- Balance cut and fill earth works to prevent earth stockpiles
2. Sediment Control
- To contain sediment discharge into public drainage system
- To provide sedimentation storage
- To treat excess silty water
3. Tracking Control

Erosion Sediment Control Measure (ESC Measures)
The selections of the ESC measures were based on the pollution risks associated with the
construction activity. The pollution prevention objectives of these measures are defined based on a
review of the information gathered during the assessment of the site and planned activities. The
objectives of the ESC measures for this project were to control soil erosion, sediment discharge and
tracking control.
All ESC measures were installed before the start of major earthwork and at appropriate intervals
during the project.
All measures taken within this reported were in accordance to the regulations and specifications as
required by PUB and stated in the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage, Sixth Edition,
December 2011.



Soil Erosion Control Measures
Drainage Swales
Drainage swales were incorporated into the sites drainage system to divert off site runoff around
the construction site from stabilized areas and disturbed areas and direct runoff into sediment
basins and traps. Drainage swales constructed were of at least 40cm deep. Lining and stabilizers
were used to lining the swales to maintain the structural integrity of the
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs was scheduled to inspect the drainage swales weekly check the serviceability
of the lining or daily for days with rain. He was tasked to report to the site safety officer of his
findings each week which would be compiled into a summary report for each month. Any defects or
damaged linings were reported to the site safety officer for immediate rectification. Accumulated
debris in the swales was also removed.


Covering Exposed Surfaces
Exposed surfaces were identified as the most damaging source of soil erosion. To mitigate damage
from soil erosion from exposed surfaces, all bare surfaces which were not temporal (more than
12hours) were to be either covered by lean concrete or turfed. Exposed slopes were to be covered if
they were to be there for more than 6 hours. Earth and soil stock piles on site were covered with
canvases to prevent damage to soil erosion as well as sedimentation.

Image 1: Bare sloped surfaced covered either by turfing or lean concrete.

Image 2: Use of erosion control blankets to cover exposed slope surfaces.

Image3 & 4: Earth stock piles being covered with canvas. Exposed slope surfaces were also covered
for temporary protection.
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to ensure compliance to this measure and conducted weekly
inspection if all surfaces were adequately covered or if there were exposed surfaces. After
inspection he reported to the site safety officer where corrective action if needed was taken. A
summary of the weekly reports were compiled monthly by the site safety officer.

Proper Work Sequencing
During the planning phase, a proper work sequence was set in place for construction staging and
work sequences to minimize large bare erodible surfaces for occurring over a prolonged period of
time. This minimized the need to construct and prepare for large scaled erosion and sediment
control measures.







Sediment Control Measures

Perimeter Drainage
To ensure surface runoff from the construction site would not enter directly into the sewerage
system, a perimeter drainage system was constructed along the site boundary. Internal width of
Drain must be more than 450mm.

Image5: Perimeter drainage constructed along the site boundary.

Drains were designed to have discharge capacities (Q
c
) to adequately cope with the estimated peak
runoffs (Q
r
). The size, geometry and bed gradient of a drain determine its discharge capacities (Q
c
).
The velocity of flow in a drain was designed to be no lower than 1.0 m/s for self-cleansing action to
take place. The drain discharge capacity calculated must be larger than the peak runoff (Q
r
) for it to
be effective and this is found using Mannings Formula as found in the pre-construction site
assessment.
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to inspect the perimeter drains weekly and after rain and
report any findings to the site safety officer. The objective is to check if there is serious overflow
after rain and if the drains were still intact. Any corrective action if necessary was carried out
immediately. A monthly summary was generated by the site safety officer.

Slit Fencing
As part of interior sediment control, a perimeter silt fence made of filter fabric was entrenched
around the construction site attached to either existing fences or supporting poles. This was marked
out nearer to the site after the perimeter drainage. The purpose of the silt fence was to detain
sediment laden water and promote sedimentation behind the fence. Slit fences were also employed
where sheet flow and rill erosion occurred to localize sedimentation. A more permanent alternative
to the filter slit fences is to use concrete to cast the bottom fences and this was used in areas which
were frequented by the public at places such as pedestrian walkways.


Image 6: Perimeter silt fence set up supported by poles


Image7, 8 & 9: Concrete slit fences
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to inspect the silt fence weekly and after rain and report any
findings to the site safety officer. Any corrective action if necessary was carried out immediately. A
monthly summary was generated by the site safety officer. Concrete slit fences were checked every
month visible damage and leakage. Repair works were carried out upon discovery of such damages.
The following items were checked during each inspection
- Check for any undercut silt fences
- Check for any torn, split, slumping or weathered fences
- Check for fences which have been damaged, and are no longer serviceable
- Remove any excess sediment accumulated by the slit fences. The general guideline was 1/3
of the fence height.

Sediment Basin
A sediment basin was constructed as temporary central collection point for runoff to settle down
before being discharged. Drainage swales, pipes and directing runoff channels were directed
towards the basin. Having identified the largest possible amount of disturbed areas in the pre-site
assessment, the basin was located to be able to intercept as much runoff as possible. Rocks were
used to protect the basin inlet from erosion. The basin outlet was designed to have drain of 24 to 72
hours. This was done to ensure adequate settling time as well as to prevent flooding.

Image 10: Sediment basin
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to inspect the perimeter drains weekly and after rain and
report any findings to the site safety officer. The objective is to check for any seepage and for
structural integrity. Sediments from the basin were periodically removed, the guideline used was
when the amount of sediments reached half the storage volume. Any corrective action if necessary
was carried out immediately. A monthly summary was generated by the site safety officer.



Checked Dam
During heavy rain and situations where surface runoff was abundant, drainage for runoff may flow
at a very fast rate which generates significantly more sediment disturbance. Hence, rocks and
aggregates were placed at regular intervals within these drain channels. This was done to slow down
the flow rate within these channels reducing sediment discharge into the sediment basin. This
effectively increases the sediment basins capacity.


Image 11 & 12: Rocks placed inside drain channels to slow down flow rate
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to perform weekly inspections on the checked dams. They
were tasked to ensure the dams were kept compact and tight to maintain function of the dams. The
channel was also checked for smaller rocks that could have been displaced and were then removed.
A weekly report was generated by the site safety officer and monthly summary reports were
generated for documentation.

Designated Wash Areas
A centralised location of washing equipment was also set up such that waste water could be easier
collected and directed to appropriate drainage for treatment. A designated wheel-wash area was
also set up for outgoing vehicles to ensure wheels were properly washed off from soil, sediments
and other debris. The silty water from the wheel was connected to the sediment basin. Silt traps
were also constructed to localize waste water discharge at wash areas. Outgoing vehicles were also
sprayed down with water to remove dust and dirt to reduce tracking of dust and dirt to the public
environment. In addition, vehicles which were carrying dirt/soil/waste piles were required to be
covered with netting to minimize dirt and dust to be transferred off the vehicle to the public. The
water used in the wheel wash was recycled using a water pump to save water. Refer to pictures
below for illustration.


Image13: Slit trap



Image14: Designated wheel wash area

Image15: Water used for wheel wash being recycled.

Image 16: Vehicles being sprayed down with water, covered with nettings.
Inspection and Maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to perform weekly inspections on slit traps as well as the
wheel wash area to ensure waste water was properly directed towards the proper drainage
channels. Sediments in slit traps and wheel wash were periodically removed to prevent clogging. The
site staff reported to the site safety officer at the end of each week and corrective action if necessary
was carried out immediately. A monthly summary report was generated by the site safety officer to
collate and document findings.








Water Treatment Plants
A water treatment system was installed on the construction site to manage storm water on site and
promote water recycling. The water treatment plant was also used to supplement the sediment
basin when it could not meet the TSS requirements because of overflow etc. Passive use of
membrane filtration system was also integrated with the water treatment plants to allow storm
water to be passively treated and recycled for use elsewhere on site. Non portable water generated
from treatment plants and filtration systems were used to wash roads, toilets, vehicles as well as
machinery cooling.

Image17: Water storage tank

Image 18: Water treatment plant
Inspection and Maintenance
Engineers were schedule to perform fortnightly inspections on the water treatment plant to ensure
that it is working at an optimal efficiency. Any defects or features that were found to function
optimally were raised to the Chief Engineer for required corrective action. Bi-monthly reports were
generated by the site operations manager and collated by the site safety officer for documentation
and collation.

Tracking Control

Stabilized Construction Entrances/Exits
To minimize tracking of mud and dirt onto public roads by construction vehicles, a stabilized
construction entrance and exit was constructed. The entrance/exit was made of steel gratings with
pads of aggregate underlain with filter. A minimum depth of 25cm of stones was adhered to
ensuring sufficient depth. It was also designed to ensure that it could support the heaviest vehicles
and equipment that would use it. Vehicles were also required to travel slowly when crossing the
racks on minimize stirring of dust. At the more prominent access points, a wheel wash system was
integrated together with a steel grating to ensure soil and mud were adequately removed before
the vehicles got onto public roads.

Image 19: Stabilized construction access point made from steel grating and rocks.

Image 20: Wheel wash combination with steel grating
Inspection and maintenance
Designated site staffs were scheduled to perform weekly checks on the gratings. Any noticeable
damaged was reported to the site safety officer immediately for corrective action. At the end of
each day, visible and accumulated sediments were removed by sweeping or vacuuming. Additional
gravel and filter fabric were added as and when necessary when surface voids were visible. Weekly
reports were generated by site staff and a monthly summary report was collated by the site safety
officer for documentation.
Waste Spray
To minimize dust particles from the construction site, water was sprayed during intensive use of
jackhammers as well as hacking concrete. These processes expose workers as well as the public to
hazardous dust particles which are known to cause lung cancer, kidney disease, and other disorders.
The photo below featuring a low-flow water spray attachment to a conventional jackhammer
reduces dust exposures by 70%-90%. Water was also sprayed during dry days on the floor to prevent
dust from being picked up by the wind.

Image 21: Concrete jackhammer fitted with a water nozzle

Image 22: Spraying water on the floor.
Inspection Report
Project Name: ______________________________________
Inspection Date: _______________ Time: ____________ Inspected by: _______________
Stage of Construction
__ Pre-construction __ Rough grading __ Finish grading
__ clearing and grubbing __ Building construction __ Final Stabilization
The objective for this checklist is to provide staff conducting routine checks on the serviceability of site equipment
and structures put in place as part of the sites ESC measures. This checklist outlines the important and items which
require inspection but is not limited to only these. Site staff should look out for other possible areas which require
corrective action as well.

Inspection Checklist NA Yes No
1. Are the linings of the swales intact?
2. Are the swales over-flooded during rain?
3. Are the swales filled with debris?
4. Are there exposed areas/slopes in the site?
5. Are the exposed areas/slopes adequately turfed/covered?
6. Are the erosion control mats used still serviceable?
7. Is the site boundary perimeter drainage in place?
8. Are the perimeter drains flooded after rain?
9. Are the perimeter drains still intact?
10. Are the slit fences still in place after rain?
11. Does any part of the slit fence have any undercuts?
12. Is there any part of the fence that is torn/split/weathered?
13. Is there excess sediment collection accumulated by the slit fence?
14. Is there any damage, leakages from the concrete slit fences?
15. Has the sediment basin been set up?
16. Are the directing channels to the sediment basin adequate?
17. Is the sediment basin overflowing after rain?
18. Are there any visible leakages/structural defects with the sediment
basin?
19. Is the sediment basin more than half filled with collected
sediments/debris?
20. Are the checked dams overflowing during rain?
21. Are there sufficient rocks and aggregates in the dam to significantly
slow down flow rate?
22. Have the rocks/aggregates in the dam been displaced? No longer
tight and compact.
23. Is water being properly directed towards the silt traps?
24. Is the wheel wash area being clogged with sediments and debris?
25. Is the water treatment plant running at optimal efficiency?
26. Is the filtration membrane working optimally?
27. Is there any noticeable damage to the stabilized entrance/exit?
28. Is the stabilized entrance/exit covered with sediments/debris?
29. Are soil stock piles adequately cover/stabilized?
30. Are soil and mud kept off public roadways at intersections with site
access roads?
31. Have all temporary control structures which are no longer needed
been removed?
32. Are the waste collection bins/containers adequately cleared each
day?
33. Is there waste being collected in drainage channels etc?
Comments and Corrective Actions:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________


Verified by: Date:
______________ ______________
Site Amenities Plan