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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220790 Ver 1_SWPPP_TimbermillWind_November2022_20221104Timbermill Wind, LLC Chowan County, North Carolina Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) In compliance with: The provisions of the Clean Water Act General Permit to Discharge under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): ',V N Construction General Permit (CGP) NO. NCGO10000 NO Timmons Group Legacy Circle, Suite Plano, TX 75024 imb rmill Wina, LLC Garrett Street, Suite 700 lottesville, VA 22902 November 2022 Timbermill Wind, LLC Chowan County, North Carolina Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) In compliance with: The provisions of the Clean Water Act General Permit to Discharge under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): Construction General Permit (CGP) NO. NCG010000 %Ih'- I certify under penalty of law; this document an (misnquiry chments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with the system designre that qualified personnel properly gathered and evaluated the information submitted. Based oof the person or p ns who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the in ation submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, inquding the possibility of a fine and imprisonment for knowing violations. Respc Comp Respc Mailit Date: Signal Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Page I ii Timbermill Wind, LLC Chowan County, North Carolina Timbermill Wind, LLC Chowan County, North Carolina Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) In compliance with: The provisions of the Clean Water Act General Permit to Discharge under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): Construction General Permit (CGP) NO. NCG010000 I certify under penalty of law that I understand the terms and conditions of the general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Construction permit that authorizes the storm water discharges associated with industrial activity from the &ction site ident feed as part of this certification. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Page I iii Timbermill Wind, LLC Chowan County, North Carolina Note to Contractor: In North Carolina, the SWPPP consists of the NCGO10000 Construction General Permit (CGP) and approved Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans. This Compilation of documents is for use by the Contractor, Owner and Inspectors during Construction. Construction within any section of this project cannot begin until an Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit has been obtained for that area. This site will be subject to implementing a Spill Prevention and Response Plan based on the minimum requirements listed below. A more detailed report will be provided once materials are on site in order to ensure adequate containment is put in place. Plan should be made available on site for quick reference. The purpose of the Spill Prevention and Response Plan is to Ndesthemeasures implemented by Contractor to prevent the discharge of oil into navigable waters of thes or their adjoining shorelines, and to respond in a safe, effective, and timely manner to azards to human health and the environment should such an event occur. The SPCC plan will bmeet the requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contained in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 112 (40 CFR part 112). A non -trans UZ related facility is subject to SPCC regulations if • the total aboveground storage capacity exceeds 1,320 gallons; or the underground oil storage capacity exceeds 42,000 gallons; and, if due to its location, the facility could reasonably exp harge oilyoruponhe navigable waters of the United States. Contents: Appendix A CDENR DWQ GeneralGO10000 (Eff ve April 01, 2019 & Expires March 31, 2024) Appendix B Self Ins n Program Appendi Approved cculants 1% Appendix D rosion and Sediment Control Inspector's Guide Appendix E Post Construction BMP Appendix F Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permits References: North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Plannin4 and Design Manual: A complete design manual that provides extensive details and procedures for developing site -specific erosion and sedimentation control plans, consistent with the requirements of the North Carolina Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act and Administrative Rules. Revised Jan. 2017. 2. North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Field Manual Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Page I iv Timbermill Wind, LLC Chowan County, North Carolina Appendix A NCDENR DWQ General Permit — NCGO10000 (Effective April 01, 2019 & Expires March 31, 2024) STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY DIVISION OF ENERGY, MINERAL, AND LAND RESOURCES GENERAL PERMIT NO. NCG010000 TO DISCHARGE STORMWATER UNDER THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM for: Construction Activities that are also Subject to the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 In compliance with the provisions of North Carolina General Statute (G.S.) 143-215.1, other lawful standards and regulations promulgated and adopted by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, this permit is hereby issued to all owners or operators, hereinafter permittees, which are covered by this permit as evidenced by receipt of a Certificate of Coverage by the Environmental Management Commission to allow the discharge of stormwater to the surface waters of North Carolina or to a separate storm sewer system conveying discharges to surface waters in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Coverage under General Permit No. NCG010000, hereafter referred to as NCG01, is applicable to: All owners or operators of stormwater point source discharges associated with construction activities including clearing, grading, or excavation activities resulting in the disturbance of land greater than or equal to one acre, or that are part of a common plan of development of that size that are also subject to the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (SPCA), are hereby authorized to discharge stormwater to the surface waters in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. Failure to receive coverage under this permit or violations of any of the conditions listed may result in assessment of state or federal civil or criminal penalties for each day of each violation. The General Permit shall become effective on April 1, 2019. The General Permit shall expire at midnight on March 31, 2024. Signed this day March 29, 2019. S. Daniel Smith Interim Director, Division of Energy, Mineral and Land Resources By the Authority of the Environmental Management Commission Permit No. NCG010000 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I NCGO1 PERMIT COVERAGE PART II STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN Section A: Required Components of the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan 1. Location Information 2. Narrative and Construction Sequence 3. General Site Features 4. Site Drainage Features 5. Plans Showing E&SC Measures 6. Calculations 7. Vegetative Stabilization Shown on Plans 8. Documentation Section B: Design and Construction Standards for Erosion and Sediment Control Measures 1. Objective of E&SC Measures 2. Area to Be Covered by the E&SC Plan 3. Angle for Graded Slopes 4. Upslope Areas S. Design Standard for E&SC Measures 6. Calculation Method 7. Stormwater Outlets 8. Stormwater Conveyances 9. Sediment Basin Outlet Structures 9. Lower Portions of the Site Section C: Additional Design and Construction Standards in High Quality Water (HQW) Zones 1. Extent of the HQW Zone 2. Disturbed Area Limits in HQW Zones 3. Additional Sediment Basin Requirements in HQW Zones 4. Open Channels in HQW Zones Section D: Construction Activity Buffers 1. Buffers in Non -Trout Waters 2. Buffers in Trout Waters Permit No. NCGO10000 Section E: Ground Stabilization 1. Ground Stabilization Timelines 2. Permanent Ground Stabilization Timeline Section F: Materials Handling 1. Polyacrylamides (PAMS) and Flocculants 2. Equipment Fluids 3. Waste Materials 4. Herbicide, Pesticide, and Rodenticides S. Concrete Materials 6. Earthen Material Stock Piles Section G: Operation and Maintenance 1. Plan Deviations 2. Operation and Maintenance 3. Corrective Actions 4. Maintenance of Sediment Basins 5. Bypass of E&SC Measures 6. Upset of E&SC Measures 7. Compliance with the Turbidity Standard PART III SELF -INSPECTION, RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING Section A: Self -Inspection Section B: Recordkeeping 1. E&SC Plan Documentation 2. Additional Documentation to be Kept on Site 3. Documentation to he Kept for Three Years Section C: Reporting 1. Occurrences that Must be Reported 2. Reporting Timeframes and Other Requirements PART IV STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR NPDES STORMWATER GENERAL PERMITS Section A: Compliance and Liability 1. Continuation of Previously Permitted Projects 2. Projects Submitted Prior to this Permit's Effective Date 3. Duty to Comply 4. Non-Stormwater Discharges ii Permit No. NCGO10000 S. Test Procedures 6. Duty to Mitigate 7. Need to Halt or Reduce Not a Defense 8. Civil and Criminal Liability 9. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability 10. Property Rights 11. Severability 12. Duty to Provide Information 13. Inspection and Entry 14. Penalties for Tampering 15. Penalties for Falsification of Reports 16. Onshore or Offshore Construction 17. Duty to Reapply 18. Planned Changes 19. Anticipated Noncompliance Section B: Permit Administration 1. General Permit Expiration 2. Transfers 3. When an Individual Permit May be Required 4. When an Individual Permit May he Requested S. Impacts or Potential Impacts to Surface Waters or Wetlands 6. Signatory Requirements 7. General Permit Modification, Revocation and Reissuance, or Termination 8. Certificate of Coverage Actions 9. Annual Administering and Compliance Monitoring Fee Requirements 10. Availability of Reports 11. Omissions PART V DEFINITIONS Permit No. NCG010000 PART I - NCGO1 PERMIT COVERAGE This permit applies to all owners or operators of stormwater discharges associated with construction activities such as clearing, grading, and excavation, that result in the disturbance of a land area greater than or equal to one acre, or that are part of a common plan of development of that size or greater that are also subject to the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (SPCA). This permit may also be issued to stormwater discharges from like activities deemed by the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) to be similar to these operations in process or stormwater discharges. This permit shall not apply to land -disturbing activities that are covered under the NCG020000 (Mining Activities) permit or the NCG120000 (Landfills) permit. The SPCA requires that the persons engaged in subject construction activities develop and adhere to an Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) Plan. The Sedimentation Control Commission and DEMLR have created and adopted a North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual describing recommended sedimentation control techniques for construction activities. A person seeking coverage under this permit shall take the following steps in the following order: 1. Develop an E&SC plan that adheres to the SWPPP requirements of this permit, the SPCA and 15A NCAC 048 .0101-.0132. The North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual shall be used as guidance in meeting the applicable requirements. 2. Obtain approval of the E&SC plan by either DEMLR or the appropriate state delegated local entity (hereafter known as the "E&SC plan authority"). 3. Submit an electronic Notice of Intent (e-NOI) to DEMLR with documentation of the E&SC plan approval scanned and uploaded. The e-NOI is available at https:lldeq.nc.gov/NCGO1. In addition, pay the general annual permit fee provided for in § 143-215.31). DEMLR shall email the COC within three business days (or 24 business hours for a project being reviewed under DEMLR's Express review program) after the submittal of a complete and correct a-NOI and the receipt of the general permitting fee. 4. Commence the construction activity after receipt of the COC. S. Abide by the conditions of both the NCGO1 permit and the E&SC plan until completion of the construction activity and establishment of permanent ground stabilization. 6. Contact the E&SC plan authority after construction is complete and the site is permanently stabilized, contact the E&SC plan authority for the final/close out inspection of the E&SC plan. 7. Submit an electronic Notice of Termination (e-NOT) with a scan of the close-out inspection report uploaded. The e-NOT is available at https://de-q.nc.gov/NCG01. DEMLR shall email confirmation of the close-out of the COC within three business days after the submittal of a complete and correct e-NOT. The discharges allowed by this General Permit shall not cause or contribute to violations of North Carolina Water Quality Standards for surface waters and wetlands (15A NCAC O213.0200). Discharges allowed by this permit must meet all applicable water quality certification or permit requirements as outlined in 15A NCAC 02H .0500 and 02H .1300. This permit does not relieve the permittee from responsibility for compliance with any other applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, standard, ordinance, order, judgment, or decree. This General Permit does not cover any other point source discharge to surface waters of the state, nor does it cover activities or discharges that are covered by an individual NPDES permit. Any owner or operator of a subject construction activity not wishing to be covered or limited by this General Permit may apply for an individual NPDES permit in accordance with NPDES procedures in 15A NCAC 02H .0100, stating the reasons supporting the request. Any application for an individual permit Page 1 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 should be made at least 180 days prior to the time the permit is needed unless waived by the Director (see Part IV Section B of this permit). PART II - STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for this permit shall include the approved Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) Plan as well as any requirements in this Part that exceed the approved E&SC Plan. Items that are required in the SWPPP but are not part of the approved E&SC Plan may include, at a minimum, Section E, Item (2) [Required Timeframesfor Temporary Ground Stabilization], Section F [Materials Handling]. DEMLR provides two sample plan sheets that permittees may add to their E&SC Plan set to fulfill Sections E(2) and F of this permit at https:,(Jdeq.nc.goy/NCG01. Recommendations for preparing the E&SC plan as well as for designing, constructing, and maintaining the erosion and sedimentation control practices are contained in the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual. SECTION A: REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF THE STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN The E&SC Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan shall include, at a minimum, the following components and those components shall be in compliance with all conditions of this permit. Hard and/or digital copies shall be submitted in accordance with the specifications of the E&SC plan authority. 1. Location Information Project location & labeled vicinity map (roads, streets, landmarks) North arrow and scale Identification of the River Basin A copy of site disturbed area located on applicable USGS quadrangle and hardbound copy of the NRCS Soils maps to scale Latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees) at the project entrance 2. Narrative and Construction Sequence Narrative describing the nature & purpose of the construction activity Construction sequence related to erosion and sediment control (including installation of critical measures prior to the initiation of the land -disturbing activity & removal of measures after areas they serve are permanently stabilized). Address all phases of construction and necessary practices associated with temporary stream bypasses and/or crossings Estimated start and end dates 3. General Site Features Property lines Existing and proposed contours (topographic lines) Stockpiled topsoil or subsoil locations Limits of disturbed area (with acreage labeled) within which all construction, material storage, grading, and related activities occur, including the following items as applicable: • Access to E&SC measures, lots that will be disturbed, and utilities that may extend offsite. • Temporary access and haul roads, other than public roads, constructed or used in connection with the land -disturbing activity Page 2 of 26 Permit No. NCG020000 * Borrow and waste areas created by the applicant. If the land -disturbing activity and any related borrow or waste activity are not conducted by the same person, they shall be considered separate land -disturbing activities + Offsite borrow pits if the borrow pit is a construction support activity to the development Planned and existing building locations and elevations, if applicable Planned & existing road locations & elevations, including temporary access roads, if applicable Profiles of streets, utilities, and permanent ditch lines, if applicable Lot lines and/or building numbers, if applicable Easements and drainageways, particularly required for offsite affected areas, if applicable Location and details associated with any onsite stone crushing or other processing of material excavated, if applicable. A mining permit will be required if the affected area associated with excavation, processing, stockpiles and transport of such materials comprises one or more acres, and materials will be leaving the development tract 4. Site Drainage Features Existing and planned drainage patterns (include off -site areas that drain through project and address temporary and permanent conveyance of stormwater over graded slopes) Drainage area map Surface waters, including the limits of wetlands, streams, lakes and ponds and all required local or state buffer zones as well as impact maps by the construction activity to these sensitive areas. Method used to determine acreage of land being disturbed and drainage areas to all proposed E&SC measures (e.g. delineation map) Size, pipe material and location of culverts and sewers Soil information throughout the site and below culvert storm outlets, including soil type and special characteristics Name and classification of receiving water course where discharges are to occur S. Plans Showing E&SC Measures Legend (provide appropriate symbols for all measures and reference them to the construction details) Location of temporary and permanent E&SC measures Location of permanent stormwater quality and quantity control measures Construction drawings and details for temporary and permanent measures, including outlet structures. Show measures to scale on plan and include proposed contours where necessary. Ensure design storage requirements are maintained through all phases of construction. Specifications for ground stabilization Maintenance requirements for measures Contact person responsible for maintenance, if the permittee wishes to designate one. If not, the financially responsible organization will be the contact for maintenance. A note stating that material handling procedures for the items required in Part II, Section F will be followed. Standard details for structural BMPs to be installed to manage the anticipated materials listed in Part 11, Section F such as construction debris management, concrete washout, paint washout, petroleum product storage and pesticide/herbicide handling, along with spill prevention practices. 6. Calculations Calculations for peak discharges of runoff from each outlet at pre -development, during construction and at completion. Provide all supporting data for the computation methods used (rainfall data for required storm events, time of concentration/storm duration, and runoff coefficients). Page 3 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 Design calculations for culverts and storm sewers (include headwater, tailwater and outlet velocities) Discharge and velocity calculations for open channel and ditch flows (easement & rights -of -way) Design calculations for cross sections and method of stabilization for existing and planned channels (include temporary linings). Include appropriate permissible velocity and shear stress. Design calculations and construction details for energy dissipaters below culvert and storm sewer outlets (include stone/material specs & apron dimensions). Avoid discharges on fill slopes. Design calculations and dimensions for sediment traps and basins Total and disturbed drainage areas for silt fencing and other sediment controls 7. Vegetative Stabilization Shown on Plans Area & acreage to be stabilized with vegetation Method of soil preparation Seed type & rates (temporary & permanent) Fertilizer type and rates Mulch type and rates (include mulch anchoring methods) S. Documentation Completed, signed & notarized Financial Responsibility/Ownership Form Certificate of assumed name, if the owner is a partnership Name of Registered Agent (if applicable) Copy of the most current Deed for the site. Please mare sure the deed(s) and ownership information are consistent between the plan sheets, local records and this form. Provide latitude & longitude (in decimal degrees) at the project entrance. Army Corps 404 permit and Water Quality 401 certification, if required for project, or a complete application if these items are not yet issued. DWR Buffer Authorization, if required for project Copies of any recorded easements and/or agreements with adjoining property owners for landlocked parcels SECTION B: DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL MEASURES 1. Objective of E&SC Measures E&SC Measures shall be designed and constructed to prevent off -site sedimentation damage. 2. Area to Be Covered by the E&SC Plan The E&SC plan shall include the limits of disturbed area within which all construction, material storage, grading, and related activities occur, including the following items as applicable: (a) Access to E&SC measures, lots that will be disturbed, and utilities that may extend offsite, (b) Temporary access and haul roads, other than public roads, constructed or used in connection with the land -disturbing activity (c) Borrow and waste areas created by the applicant. If the land -disturbing activity and any related borrow or waste activity are not conducted by the same person, they shall be considered separate land -disturbing activities (d) Offsite borrow pits if the borrow pit is a construction support activity to the development 3. Angle for Graded Slopes Page 4 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 The angle for graded slopes and fills shall be no greater than the angle that can be retained by vegetative cover or other erosion control devices or structures. (NCGS 113A-57(2)) 4. Upslope Areas Runoff originating upslope of the disturbed areas shall be either diverted away from the construction activity or E&SC measures shall be sized sufficiently to handle the runoff. Any diversion measures shall be shown on the plans. 5. Design Standard for E&SC Measures Plans shall include measures necessary to prevent erosion at the limit of disturbance during the 10- year storm or the 25-year storm in HQW Zones and the Falls Lake Watershed. 6. Calculation Method Hydrologic calculations for designing E&SC measures shall be in accordance with the procedures in the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service's "National Engineering Field Manual Handbook 630" which is herein incorporated by reference including subsequent amendments and editions, and may be accessed at: https: //www.nres.usda.gov/wps/portal/nres/detailfull/national/water/manage/hydrology/?cid=s tell2rdbl043063 or according to procedures adopted by any other agency of this state or the United States or any generally recognized organization or association. 7. Stormwater Conveyances Any increase in stormwater runoff velocity resulting from a land -disturbing activity shall not result in accelerated erosion of the receiving stormwater conveyance during the 10-year storm or the 25- year storm in HQW Zones. The following additional requirements apply to stormwater conveyances: (a) The velocity in the receiving stormwater conveyance shall not exceed the maximum permissible velocity per Table 1 except for sinuous channels. For sinuous channels, multiply allowable velocity in Table 1 by 0.95 for slightly sinuous, by 0.9 for moderately sinuous channels, and by 0.8 for highly sinuous channels Table 1: Maximum Permissible Velocities Stormwater conveyance in -situ material Maximum Permissible Velocity Feet per second Meters per second Fine sand (noncolloidal) 2.5 0.8 Sandy loam (noncolloidal) Silt loam (noncolloidal) 3.0 0.9 Ordinary firm loam 3.5 1.1 Alluvial silts (noncolloidal) Fine gravel 5.0 1.5 Stiff clay (very colloidal) Alluvial silts (colloidal) Graded, silt to cobbles (colloidal) 5.5 1.7 Cobbles and shingles Coarse gravel (noncolloidal) 6.0 1.8 Shale and hard pans (b) Conveyances may be stabilized by planting vegetation, enlarging cross sections, and/or providing erosion -resistant lining. Any erosion -resistant linings shall be shown on the plans. 8. Sediment Basin Outlet Structures Sediment basins and traps with drainage areas of one acre or greater shall use outlet structures that withdraw water from the surface. Page 5 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 9. Lower Portions of the Site Portions of a site that are lower in elevation than adjacent discharge locations and are not expected to discharge during construction may be exempt from the temporary ground cover requirements if identified on the approved E&SC plan or added by the E&SC plan authority. SECTION C. ADDITIONAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS IN HIGH QUALITY WATER (HQW) ZONES 1. Extent of the HQW Zone HQW Zones are those areas in the 20 Coastal Counties that are within 575 feet of High Quality Waters and for the remainder of the state, areas that are within one mile of and drain to HQWs. 2. Disturbed Area Limits in HQW Zones Disturbed areas in HQW zones shall be limited at any time to a maximum total area within the boundaries of the tract of 20 acres. Only the portion of the construction activity within a HQW zone shall be subject to the 20-acre limit. Larger disturbed areas may be allowed with the written approval of the Director upon providing adequate engineering justification with a specific construction sequence that addresses phasing, limited exposure, weekly submitted self -inspection reports and/or more conservative design than the 25-year storm. The Director may also include other conditions as necessary based on specific site conditions. 3. Additional Sediment Basin Requirements in HQW Zones Sediment basins that discharge to HQW Zones shall be designed and constructed to meet the following criteria unless the permittee demonstrates to the E&SC plan authority that meeting each of the basin design conditions below would result in design or operational hardships. Alternative control measures, such as quicker application of ground cover or use of sediment flocculants, shall be allowed as a substitute on a case -by -case basis if it can be shown that use of the alternate practices is expected to result in an equal or better sediment discharge reduction from the site. (a) Use a surface withdrawal mechanism except when the basin drainage area is less than 1.0 acre. (b) Have a minimum of 1800 cubic feet per of storage area per acre of disturbed area. (c) Have a minimum surface area of 325 square feet per cfs for the peak flow from the 25-year storm. (d) Have a minimum dewatering time of48 hours. (e) Incorporate three baffles unless the basin is less than 20 feet in length, in which case two baffles are sufficient. 4. Open Channels in HQW Zones Newly constructed open channels in HQW zones shall be designed and constructed with side slopes DO steeper than two horizontal to one vertical if a vegetative cover is used for stabilization unless soil conditions permit a steeper slope or where the slopes are stabilized by using mechanical devices, structural devices or other acceptable ditch liners. The angle for side slopes shall be sufficient to restrain accelerated erosion. Page 6 of 26 Permit No. NC6010000 SECTION D: CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY BUFFERS The requirements in Section D below shall not apply to a land -disturbing activity in connection with the construction of facilities to be located on, over, or under a lake or natural watercourse (NCGS 113A-57). 1. Buffers in Non -Trout Waters Unless wider buffers are required per NC rules or statutes, the width of the buffer shall be sufficient to confine visible sedimentation to the 25 percent of the strip closest to the land -disturbing activity. The width of a buffer adjacent to a non -trout water shall be measured from the edge of the water to the nearest edge of the disturbed area. Recommended buffer widths to achieve this standard are shown in Table 2 below. Table 2: Recommended Buffer Widths Slope of Suffer (a/o} Recommended Width of Undisturbed Vegetation Adjacent to Non -Trout Waters 0-1 15 feet 1-3 20 feet 3-5 25 feet >5 25 feet + (% of slope - 5) 2. Buffers in Trout Waters Unless wider buffers are required per NC rules or statutes, the minimum width for an undisturbed buffer adjacent to trout waters shall be 25 feet. The width of a buffer adjacent to a trout water shall be measured horizontally from the top of bank to the nearest edge of the land -disturbing activity. However, the Sedimentation Control Commission may approve plans that include land -disturbing activity along trout waters when the duration of said disturbance would be temporary and the extent of said disturbance would be minimal. (NCGS 113A-57(1)). SECTION E: GROUND STABILIZATION 1. Ground Stabilization Timelines Ground stabilization shall be achieved on any area of a site where land disturbing activities have ceased within the timeframes listed in Table 3 below. It is recommended to stabilize the ground more quickly if practicable. Extensions of time may be approved by the E&SC plan authority based on weather or other site -specific conditions that make compliance impracticable. Portions of a site that are lower in elevation and not expected to discharge during construction may be exempt from the temporary ground cover requirements if identified on the E&SC plan and approved by the E&SC plan authority. Page 7 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 Table 3: Required Ground Stabilization Timeframes Stabilize within Site Area this many calendar Timeframe Variations Description days after ceasing land disturbance (a) Perimeter dikes, 7 None swales, ditches, and perimeter slopes 7 None (b) High Quality Water (HQW) Zones N7 • If 10' less in length slopes are or and are not (c) Slopes steeper than steeper than 2:1, 14 days are allowed 3:1 • 7 days for slopes greater than 50' in length and with slopes steeper than 4:1 14 . 7 days for perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, (d) Slopes 3:1 to 4:1 perimeter slopes, and HQW Zones • 10 days for the Falls Lake Watershed • 7 days for perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, 14 perimeter slopes, and HQW Zones (e) Areas with slopes • 10 days for the Falls Lake Watershed unless flatter than 4:1 there is zero slope. 2. Permanent Ground Stabilization Timeline After the permanent cessation of construction activities, any areas with temporary ground stabilization shall be converted to permanent ground stabilization as soon as practicable but in no case longer than 90 calendar days after the last land disturbing activity. Temporary ground stabilization shall be maintained in a manner to render the surface stable against accelerated erosion until permanent ground stabilization is achieved. SECTION F: MATERIALS HANDLING Any structural controls installed to manage construction materials stored or used on site shall be included in the field copy of the E&SC plan. Requirements for handling materials on construction sites shall be as follows: 1. Polyacrylamides (PAMS) and Flocculants Polyacrylamides (PAMS) and flocculants shall be: (a) stored in leak -proof containers that are kept under storm -resistant cover or surrounded by secondary containment structures designed to protect adjacent surface waters, (b) selected from the NC DWR List ofApproved PAMS/Fioccuiants list, available at: https://files.nc.gov/nedeq/Water° 20 uali Environmentalti 2OSciences /ATU/ApprovedPAM S4 1 2017.12df, and Page 8 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 (c) used at the concentrations specified in the NC DWR List ofApproved PAMS/Flocculants and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Equipment Fluids (a) Fuels, Iubricants, coolants, and hydraulic fluids, and other petroleum products shall be handled and disposed of in a manner so as not to enter surface or ground waters and in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. Equipment used on the site must be operated and maintained properly to prevent discharge of fluids. (b) Equipment vehicle, and other wash waters shall not be treated in a sediment basin or sediment trap. Alternative controls should be provided such that there is no discharge of soaps, solvents, or detergents. 3. Waste Materials (a) Building material and land clearing waste shall be disposed of in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 130A, Article 9 - Solid Waste Management, and rules governing the disposal of solid waste (15A NCAC 1313). Areas dedicated for managing building material and land clearing waste shall be at least 50 feet away from storm drain inlets and surface waters unless it can be shown that no other alternatives are reasonably available. (b) Paint and other liquid building material waste shall not be dumped into storm drains. It is recommended to locate paint washouts at least 50 away from storm drain inlets unless there is no alternative. Other options are to install lined washouts to use portable, removable bags or bins. (c) Hazardous or toxic waste shall be managed in accordance with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and NC Hazardous Waste Rules at 15A NCAC, Subchapter 13A. (d) Litter and sanitary waste shall be managed in a manner to prevent it from entering waters and shall be disposed of offsite. 4. Herbicide, Pesticide, and Rodenticides Herbicide, pesticide, and rodenticides shall be stored and applied in accordance with the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and label restrictions. S. Concrete Materials Concrete materials onsite, including excess concrete, shall be controlled and managed to avoid contact with surface waters, wetlands or buffers. No concrete or cement slurry shall be discharged from the site. (Note that discharges from onsite concrete plants require coverage under a separate NPDES permit - NCG140000.) Any hardened concrete residue will be disposed of, or recycled on site, in accordance with local and state solid waste regulations. 6. Earthen Material Stock Piles Earthen material stock piles shall be located at least 50 feet away from storm drain inlets and surface waters unless no other alternatives are reasonably available. SECTION G: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 1. Modifications to the E&SC Plan Modifications to the approved E&SC plan that require changes to the E&SC measure designs, the drainage areas, or the disturbed areas draining to E&SC measures shall be approved by the E&SC plan authority. Deviations from the approved E&SC plan, or approved revised E&5C plan, shall constitute a violation of this permit unless the deviation is to correct an emergency situation where sediment is being discharged off the site. The E&SC plan authority may allow deviations from the F&SC plan on a case -by -case basis if the deviations are minor adjustments to Page 9 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 address minor deficiencies. A minor adjustment shall be the addition of E&SC measures (e.g., silt fence, inlet protection, check dams, rolled erosion control practices, etc.), or the relocation of E&SC measures that would improve the overall stormwater management and sediment control onsite. Minor adjustments shall be noted on the approved E&SC plan and maintained at the job site. 2. Operation and Maintenance The permittee shall install and maintain all temporary and permanent E&SC measures as required by this permit and the approved E&SC plan. 3. Corrective Actions If self -inspections required by this permit identify a need for maintenance of control measures, modifications or additions to control measures, or corrective actions to control sediment or other pollutants, these actions shall be performed as soon as possible considering adverse weather and site conditions. 4. Draw Down of Sediment Basins for Maintenance or Close Out Sediment basins and traps that receive runoff from drainage areas of one acre or more shall use outlet structures that withdraw water from the surface when these devices need to be drawn down for maintenance or close out unless this is infeasible. The circumstances in which it is not feasible to withdraw water from the surface shall be rare (for example, times with extended cold weather). Non -surface withdrawals from sediment basins shall be allowed only when all of the following criteria have been met: (a) The E&SC Plan authority has been provided with documentation of the non -surface withdrawal and the specific time periods or conditions in which it will occur. The non -surface withdrawal shall not commence until the E&SC plan authority has approved these items, (b) The non -surface withdrawal has been reported as an anticipated bypass in accordance with Part III, Section C, Item (2)(c) and (d) of this permit, (c) Dewatering discharges are treated with controls to minimize discharges of pollutants from stormwater that is removed from the sediment basin. Examples of appropriate controls include properly sited, designed and maintained dewatering tanks, weir tanks, and filtration systems, (d) Vegetated, upland areas of the sites or a properly designed stone pad is used to the extent feasible at the outlet of the dewatering treatment devices described in Item(c) above, (e) Velocity dissipation devices such as check dams, sediment traps, and riprap are provided at the discharge points of all dewatering devices, and (f) Sediment removed from dewatering treatment devices described in Item(c) above is disposed of in a manner that does not cause deposition of sediment into waters of the United States. 5. Bypass of E&SC Measures Diversions of stormwater from E&SC measures when the design storm has not been exceeded are not allowed. Bypasses of E&SC measures shall be reported in accordance with Part III, Section C, Item (2)(c) and (d) of this permit. 6. Unavoidable Bypass for Public Safety A bypass may be allowed by the Director if the Director determines that all of the following conditions were met: (a) The bypass is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury or severe property damage, (b) There were no feasible alternatives to the bypass, such as the use of auxiliary control facilities, retention of stormwater or maintenance during normal periods of equipment downtime or dry weather. This condition is not satisfied if adequate backup controls should have been installed in the exercise of reasonable engineering judgement to prevent a bypass Page 10 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 which occurred during normal periods of equipment downtime or preventative maintenance, and (c) the permittee submitted a notice of the bypass per the record -keeping requirements in Part 111, Section C, Item (2)(c) and (d) of this permit. 7. Upset of E&SC Measures Diversions of stormwater from E&SC measures may be considered as an upset if the permittee can demonstrate that all of the following conditions have been met. In any enforcement proceeding, the permittee seeking to establish the occurrence of an upset has the burden of proof. (a) The permittee submitted notice of the upset as required in this general permit and identifies the cause(s) of the upset. (b) The permittee demonstrates that the upset was not caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment or control facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation. (c) The permittee agrees to take remedial measures if necessary. Page 11 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 PART III SELF -INSPECTION, RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING SECTION A: SELF -INSPECTIONS Self -inspections are required during normal business hours in accordance with the table below. When adverse weather or site conditions would cause the safety of the inspection personnel to be in jeopardy, the inspection may be delayed until the next business day on which it is safe to perform the inspection. In addition, when a storm event of equal to or greater than 1.0 inch occurs outside of normal business hours, the self -inspection shall be performed upon the commencement of the next business day. Any time when inspections were delayed shall be noted in the Inspection Record. Table 4: Self -Inspection Requirements Frequency Inspect (during normal Inspection records must include: business hours (1) Rain gauge Daily Daily rainfall amounts. maintained in If no daily rain gauge observations are made during weekend or good working holiday periods, and no individual -day rainfall information is order available, record the cumulative rain measurement for those un- attended days (and this will determine if a site inspection is needed). Days on which no rainfall occurred shall be recorded as "zero." The permittee may use another rain -monitoring device approved by the Division. (2) E&SC At least once per 1. Identification of the measures inspected, Measures 7 calendar days 2. Date and time of the inspection, and within 24 3. Name of the person performing the inspection, hours of a rain 4. Indication of whether the measures were operating event > 1.0 inch properly, in 24 hours 5. Description of maintenance needs for the measure, 6. Description, evidence, and date of corrective actions taken. (3) Stormwater At least once per 1. Identification of the discharge outfalls inspected, discharge 7 calendar days 2. Date and time of the inspection, outfalls (SDOs) and within 24 3. Name of the person performing the inspection, hours of a rain 4. Evidence of indicators of Stormwater pollution such as oil event > 1.0 inch sheen, floating or suspended solids or discoloration, in 24 hours S. Indication of visible sediment leaving the site, 6. Description, evidence, and date of corrective actions taken. (4) Perimeter At least once per If visible sedimentation is found outside site limits, then a record of site 7 calendar days of the following shall be made: and within 24 1. Actions taken to clean up or stabilize the sediment that has left hours of a rain the site limits, event :1.0 inch 2. Description, evidence, and date of corrective actions taken, and in 24 hours 3. An explanation as to the actions taken to control future releases. (5) Streams or At least once per If the stream or wetland has increased visible sedimentation or a wetlands onsite 7 calendar days stream has visible increased turbidity from the construction or offsite and within 24 activity, then a record of the following shall be made: (where hours of a rain 1. Description, evidence and date of corrective actions taken, and accessible) event > 1.0 inch 2. Records of the required reports to the appropriate Division in 24 hours Regional Office per Part III, Section C, Item (2) (a) of this permit of this permit. Page 12 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 (6) Ground After each phase 1. The phase of grading (installation of perimeter E&SC stabilization of grading measures, clearing and grubbing, installation of storm measures drainage facilities, completion of all land -disturbing activity, construction or redevelopment, permanent ground cover). 2. Documentation that the required ground stabilization measures have been provided within the required timeframe or an assurance that they will be provided as soon as possible. NOTE; The rain inspection resets the required 7 calendar day inspection requirement. SECTION B: RECORDKEEPING 1. E&SC Plan Documentation The approved E&SC plan as well as any approved deviation shall be kept on the site. The approved E&SC plan must be kept up-to-date throughout the coverage under this permit. The items listed in Table 5 pertaining to the E&SC plan shall be kept on site and available for inspection at all times during normal business hours. Table 5: Recordkeeping Requirements Item to Document Documentation Requirements (a) Each E&SC measure has been installed and Initial and date each E&SC measure on a copy of the does not significantly deviate from the approved E&SC plan or complete, date and sign an locations, dimensions and relative elevations inspection report that lists each E&SC measure shown on the approved E&SC plan. shown on the approved E&SC plan. This documentation is required upon the initial installation of the E&SC measures or if the E&SC measures are modified after initial installation. (b) A phase of grading has been completed. Initial and date a copy of the approved E&SC plan or complete, date and sign an inspection report to indicate completion of the construction phase. (c) Ground cover is located and installed Initial and date a copy of the approved E&SC plan or in accordance with the approved E&SC complete, date and sign an inspection report to Plan. indicate compliance with approved ground cover specifications. (d) The maintenance and repair Complete, date and sign an inspection report. requirements for all E&SC measures have been performed. (e) Corrective actions have been taken to Initial and date a copy of the approved E&SC plan or E&SC measures. complete, date and sign an inspection report to indicate the completion of the corrective action. 2. Additional Documentation to he Kept on Site In addition to the E&SC plan documents above, the following items shall be kept on the site and available for inspections at all times during normal business hours, unless the Division provides a site -specific exemption based on unique site conditions that make this requirement not practical: (a) This General Permit as well as the Certificate of Coverage, after it is received. (b) Records of inspections made during the previous twelve months. The permittee shall record the required observations on the Inspection Record Form provided by the Division or a similar inspection form that includes all the required elements. Use of electronically -available records Page 13 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 in lieu of the required paper copies will be allowed if shown to provide equal access and utility as the hard -copy records 3. Documentation to be Retained for Three Years All data used to complete the e-NOI and all inspection records shall be maintained for a period of three years after project completion and made available upon request [40 CFR 122.41] SECTION C: REPORTING 1. Occurrences that Must be Reported Permittees shall report the following occurrences: (a) Visible sediment deposition in a stream or wetland. (h) Oil spills if: • They are 25 gallons or more, • They are less than 25 gallons but cannot be cleaned up within 24 hours, • They cause sheen on surface waters (regardless of volume), or • They are within 100 feet of surface waters (regardless of volume). (c) Releases of hazardous substances in excess of reportable quantities under Section 311 of the Clean Water Act Ref: 40 CFR 110.3and 40 CFR 117.3) or section 102 of CERCLA (Ref; 40 CFR 302.4) or G.S. 143-215.85. (d) Anticipated bypasses and unanticipated bypasses. (e) Noncompliance with the conditions of this permit that may endanger health or the environment. 2. Reporting Timeframes and Other Requirements After a permittee becomes aware of an occurrence that must be reported, he shall contact the appropriate Division regional office within the timeframes and in accordance with the other requirements listed in Table 6 below. Occurrences outside normal business hours may also be reported to the Department's Environmental Emergency Center personnel at (800) 858-0368. Table 6: Reporting Requirements Occurrence Reporting Timeframes After Discovery) and Other Requirements (a) Visible sediment • Within 24 hours, an oral or electronic notification. deposition in a . Within 7 calendar days, a report that contains a description of the stream or wetland sediment and actions taken to address the cause of the deposition. Division staff may waive the requirement for a written report on a case - by -case basis. • If the stream is named on the NC 303 d list as impaired for sediment -related causes, the permittee may be required to perform additional monitoring, inspections or apply more stringent practices if staff determine that additional requirements are needed to assure compliance with the federal or state impaired -waters conditions. (b) Oil spills and . Within 24 hours, an oral or electronic notification. The notification shall release of hazardous include information about the date, time, nature, volume and location of substances per Item the spill or release. 1 b c above (c) Anticipated • A report at least ten days before the date of the bypass, if possible. The bypasses [40 CFR report shall include an evaluation of the anticipated quality and effect of 122.41 m 3) the bypass. Page 14 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 (d) Unanticipated • Within 24 hours, an oral or electronic notification. bypasses [40 CFR • Within 7 calendar days, a report that includes an evaluation of the 122.41(m)(3)1 quality and effect of the bvnass. (e) Noncompliance . Within 24 hours, an oral or electronic notification. with the conditions . Within 7 calendar days, a report that contains a description of the of this permit that noncompliance, and its causes; the period of noncompliance, including may endanger health exact dates and times, and if the noncompliance has not been corrected, or the the anticipated time noncompliance is expected to continue; and steps environment[40 CFR taken or planned to reduce, eliminate, and prevent reoccurrence of the 122.41(1)(7)] noncompliance. [40 CFR 122.41(1)(6). • Division staff may waive the requirement for a written report on a case- e basis. Page 15 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 PART IV STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR NPDES STORMWATER GENERAL PERMITS SECTION A: COMPLIANCE AND LIABILITY L Continuation of Previously Permitted Projects Projects and their corresponding activities permitted under the previous version of the NC general permit for construction activities will automatically be considered covered under this general permit without the submittal of a Notice of Intent form. In addition, an annual general permit fee shall not be required for projects covered under the previous version of the NC general permit for construction activities. 2. Projects Submitted Prior to this Permit's Effective Date Complete project applications that were received prior to the effective date of this permit, but not approved by the E&SC plan authority until after approval of this NPDES permit, can rely on design and management practices effective at the time of application submittal. 3. Duty to Comply The permittee must comply with all conditions of this general permit. Any permit noncompliance constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) and is grounds for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or denial of a permit upon renewal application. [40 CFR 122.41] (a) The permittee shall comply with standards or prohibitions established under section 307(a) of the CWA for toxic pollutants within the time provided in the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions, even if the general permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement. [40 CFR 122.41] (b) The CWA provides that any person who violates section[s] 301, 302, 306, 307, 308,318 or 405 of the Act, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any such sections in a permit issued under section 402, or any requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved under sections 402(a)(3) or 402(b)(8) of the Act, is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $37,500 per day for each violation. [33 USC 1319(d) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] (c) The CWA provides that any person who negligently violates sections 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318, or 405 of the Act, or any condition or limitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of the Act, or any requirement imposed in a pretreatment program approved under section 402(a)(3) or 402(b)(8) of the Act, is subject to criminal penalties of $2,500 to $25,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment of not more than 1 year, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a negligent violation, a person shall be subject to criminal penalties of not more than $50,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 2 years, or both. (33 USC 1319(c)(1) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] (d) Any person who knowingly violates such sections, or such conditions or limitations is subject to criminal penalties of $5,000 to $50,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or both. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing violation, a person shall be subject to criminal penalties of not more than $100,000 per day of violation, or imprisonment of not more than 6 years, or both. 133 USC 1319(c)(2) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] (e) Any person who knowingly violates section 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of the Act, or any permit condition or Iimitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of the Act, and who knows at that time that he thereby places another person in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury, shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment of not more than 15 years, or both. In the Page 16 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 case of a second or subsequent conviction for a knowing endangerment violation, a person shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500,000 or by imprisonment of not more than 30 years, or both. An organization, as defined in section 309(c)(3)(B)(iii) of the CWA, shall, upon conviction of violating the imminent danger provision, be subject to a fine of not more than $1,000,000 and can be fined up to $2,000,000 for second or subsequent convictions. [40 CFR 122.41(a)(2)] (f) Under state law, a civil penalty of not more than $25,000 per violation may be assessed against any person who violates or fails to act in accordance with the terms, conditions, or requirements of a permit. [North Carolina General Statutes § 143-215.6A] (g) Any person may be assessed an administrative penalty by the Administrator for violating section 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 318 or 405 of this Act, or any permit condition or limitation implementing any of such sections in a permit issued under section 402 of this Act. Administrative penalties for Class I violations are not to exceed $20,628 per violation, with the maximum amount of any Class I penalty assessed not to exceed $51,570. Penalties for Class lI violations are not to exceed $20,628 per day for each day during which the violation continues, with the maximum amount of any Class 11 penalty not to exceed $257,848. [33 USC 1319(g)(2) and 40 CFR 122.41(a)(3)] 4. Non-Stormwater Discharges If storm event monitored in accordance with this general permit coincides with a non-stormwater discharge, the permittee shall separately monitor all parameters as required under all other applicable discharge permits and provide this information with the stormwater discharge monitoring report. S. Test Procedures Test procedures for the analysis of pollutants shall conform to the EMC regulations published pursuant to NCGS 143-215.63 et. seq, the Water and Air QualityReporting Acts, and to regulations published pursuant to Section 304(g), 33 USC 1314, of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as Amended, and Regulation 40 CFR 136. To meet the intent of the monitoring required by this general permit, all test procedures must produce minimum detection and reporting levels and all data generated must be reported down to the minimum detection or lower reporting level of the procedure. If no approved methods are determined capable of achieving minimum detection and reporting levels below general permit discharge requirements, then the most sensitive (method with the lowest possible detection and reporting level) approved method must be used. 6. Duty to Mitigate The permittee shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge in violation of this general permit which has a reasonable likelihood of adversely affecting human health or the environment. [40 CFR 122.41(d)] 7. Need to Halt or Reduce Not a Defense It shall not be a defense for a permittee in an enforcement action that it would have been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain compliance with the condition of this general permit. [40 CFR 122.41(c)] 8. Civil and Criminal Liability Except as provided in Part II, Section B of this general permit regarding bypassing of stormwater control facilities, nothing in this permit shall be construed to relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties for noncompliance pursuant to NCGS 143-215.3,143-215.6A, 143-215.613, 143-215.6C, or Section 309 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1319. Furthermore, the Page 17 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 permittee is responsible for consequential damages, such as fish kills, even though the responsibility for effective compliance may be temporarily suspended. 9. Oil and Hazardous Substance Liability Nothing in this general permit shall be construed to preclude the institution of any legal action or relieve the permittee from any responsibilities, liabilities, or penalties to which the permittee is or may be subject to under NCGS 143-215.75 et seq. or Section 311 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1321. 10. Property Rights The issuance of this general permit does not convey any property rights in either real or personal property, or any exclusive privileges, nor does it authorize any injury to private property or any invasion of personal rights, nor any infringement of Federal, State or local laws or regulations [40 CFR 122.41(g)], 11. Severability The provisions of this general permit are severable, and if any provision of this general permit, or the application of any provision of this general permit to any circumstances, is held invalid, the application of such provision to other circumstances, and the remainder of this general permit, shall not be affected thereby [NCGS 15013-23]. 12. Duty to Provide Information The permittee shall furnish to the Division, within a reasonable time, any information which the Division may request to determine whether cause exists for modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating the general permit issued pursuant to this general permit or to determine compliance with this general permit. The permittee shall also furnish to the Division upon request, copies of records required to be kept by this general permit [40 CFR 122.41(h)]. 13. Inspection and Entry The permittee shall allow the Director, an authorized representative (including an authorized contractor acting as a representative of the Director), or an authorized representative of a municipal operator or the separate storm sewer system receiving the discharge (if applicable), upon the presentation of credentials and other documents as may be required by law, to: (a) Enter upon the permittee's premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this general permit; (b) Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept under the conditions of this general permit; (c) Inspect at reasonable times any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this general permit; and (d) Sample or monitor at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the Clean Water Act, any substances or parameters at any location. [40 CFR 122.41(i)] 14. Penalties for Tampering The Clean Water Act provides that any person who falsifies, tampers with, or knowingly renders inaccurate, any monitoring device or method required to be maintained under this general permit shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both. If a conviction of a person is for a violation committed after a first conviction of such person under this paragraph, punishment is a fine of not more than $20,000 per day of violation, or by imprisonment of not more than 4 years, or both [40 CFR 122.41]. Page 18 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 15. Penalties for Falsification of Reports The Clean Water Act provides that any person who knowingly makes any false statement, representation, or certification in any record or other document submitted or required to be maintained under this general permit, including monitoring reports or reports of compliance or noncompliance shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 per violation, or by imprisonment for not more than two years per violation, or by both [40 CFR 122.41]. 16. Onshore or Offshore Construction This general permit does not authorize or approve the construction of any onshore or offshore physical structures or facilities or the undertaking of any work in any navigable waters. 17. Duty to Reapply Dischargers covered by this general permit need not submit a new Notice of Intent (NOI) or renewal request unless so directed by the Division. If the Division chooses not to renew this general permit, the permittee will be notified to submit an application for an individual permit. [15A NCAC 02H .0127(e)] 18. Planned Changes The permittee shall give notice to the Director as soon as possible of any planned changes at the permitted facility which could significantly alter the nature or quantity of pollutants discharged [40 CFR 122.41(l)]. This notification requirement includes pollutants which are not specifically listed in the general permit or subject to notification requirements under 40 CFR Part 122.42 (a). 19. Anticipated Noncompliance The permittee shall give advanced notice to the Director of any planned changes at the permitted facility which may result in noncompliance with the general permit. [40 CFR 122.41(1)(2)] SECTION B: PERMIT ADMINISTRATION 1. General Permit Expiration General permits will be effective for a term not to exceed five years, at the end of which the Division may renew them after all public notice requirements have been satisfied. If a general permit is renewed, existing permittees do not need to submit a renewal request or pay a renewal fee unless directed by the Division. New applicants seeking coverage under a renewed general permit must submit a Notice of Intent to be covered and obtain a Certificate of Coverage under the renewed general permit. [15A NCAC 02H .0127(e)] 2. Transfers This general permit is not transferable to any person without prior written notice to and approval from the Director in accordance with 40 CFR 122.61. The Director may condition approval in accordance with NCGS 143-215.1, in particular NCGS 143-215.1(b)(4) b.2., and may require modification or revocation and reissuance of the Certificate of Coverage, or a minor modification, to identify the new permittee and incorporate such other requirements as may be necessary under the CWA [40 CFR 122.41(l)(3), 122.61] or state statute. The Permittee is required to notify the Division in writing in the event the permitted facility is sold or closed. 3. When an Individual Permit May be Required The Director may require any owner/operator authorized to discharge under a certificate of coverage issued pursuant to this general permit to apply for and obtain an individual permit or an alternative general permit. Any interested person may petition the Director to take action under this paragraph. [15A NCAC 02H ,0127(i)-(j)] Cases where an individual permit may be required include, but are not limited to, the following: Page 19 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 (a) The discharger is a significant contributor of pollutants; (b) The receiving stream is of a unique duality and the standard conditions may not provide adequate protection; (c) Conditions at the permitted site change, altering the constituents and/or characteristics of the discharge such that the discharge no longer qualifies for a general permit; (d) The discharge violates the terms or conditions of this general permit; (e) A change has occurred in the availability of demonstrated technology or practices for the control or abatement of pollutants applicable to the point source; (f) Effluent limitations are promulgated for the point sources covered by this general permit; (g) A water quality management plan containing requirements applicable to such point sources is approved after the issuance of this general permit; (h) The Director determines at his or her own discretion that an individual permit is required. 4. When an Individual Permit May be Requested Any permittee operating under this general permit may request to be excluded from the coverage of this general permit by applying for an individual permit. When an individual permit is issued to an owner/operator the applicability of this general permit is automatically terminated on the effective date of the individual permit. [15A NCAC 02H .0127(h)] S. Impacts or Potential Impacts to Surface Waters or Wetlands If evidence indicates that the stormwater discharges from the site are impacting or have the potential to impact surface waters or wetlands, then the Division may take appropriate actions including any or all of the following: a) take compliance and enforcement action; b) require the permittee to include and implement appropriate control and restoration measures; c) require the permittee to develop and implement additional site -specific stormwater pollution prevention measures; d) require the permittee to obtain an individual permit. 6. Signatory Requirements All applications, reports, or information submitted to the Permitting Issuing Authority shall be signed and certified. [40 CFR 122.41(k)] (a) All Notices of Intent to be covered under this general permit shall be signed as follows: • For a corporation: by a responsible corporate officer. For the purpose of this Section, a responsible corporate officer means: (a) a president, secretary, treasurer or vice president of the corporation in charge of a principal business function, or any other person who performs similar policy or decision making functions for the corporation, or (b) the manager of one or more manufacturing, production, or operating facilities, provided, the manager is authorized to make management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment recommendations, and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to assure long term environmental compliance with environmental laws and regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit application requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures. • For a partnership or sole proprietorship: by a general partner or the proprietor, respectively; or Page 20 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 • For a municipality, State, Federal, or other public agency: by either a principal executive officer or ranking elected official. [40 CFR 122.22] (b) All reports required by the general permit and other information requested by the Director shall be signed by a person described in paragraph a. above or by a duly authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized representative only if: • The authorization is made in writing by a person described above; The authorization specified either an individual or a position having responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity, such as the position of plant manager, operator of a well or well field, superintendent, a position of equivalent responsibility, or an individual or position having overall responsibility for environmental matters for the company. (A duly authorized representative may thus be either a named individual or any individual occupying a named position.); and The written authorization is submitted to the Director. [40 CFR 122.22] (c) If an authorization under paragraph (b) of this section is no longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section must be submitted to the Director prior to or together with any reports, information, or applications to be signed by an authorized representative. [40 CFR 122.221 (d) Any person signing a document under paragraphs a. orb. of this section shall make the following certification [40 CFR 122.22]. NO OTHER STATEMENTS OF CERTIFICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED: "I certify under penalty of law that this document and all attachments were prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. 1 am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for knowing violations. " 7. General Permit Modification, Revocation and Reissuance, or Termination The issuance of this general permit does not prohibit the Division from reopening and modifying the general permit, revoking and reissuing the general permit, or terminating the general permit as allowed by the laws, rules, and regulations contained in Title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 122 and 123; Title 15A of the North Carolina Administrative Code, Subchapter 2H .0100; and North Carolina General Statute 143-215.1 et al. After public notice and opportunity for a hearing, the general permit may be terminated for cause. The filing of a request for a general permit modification, revocation and reissuance, or termination does not stay any general permit condition. The Certificate of Coverage shall expire when the general permit is terminated. 8. Certificate of Coverage Actions The general permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause. The notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance does not stay any general permit condition [40 CFR 122.41(f)]. Page 21 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 9. Annual Administering and Compliance Monitoring Fee Requirements The permittee must pay the administering and compliance monitoring fee within 30 (thirty) days after being billed by the Division. Failure to pay the fee in timely manner in accordance with 15A NCAC 2H .0105(b)(2) may cause this Division to initiate action to revoke coverage under the general permit. 10. Availability of Reports Except for data determined to be confidential under NCGS 143-215.3(a)(2) or Section 308 of the Federal Act, 33 USC 1318, all reports prepared in accordance with the terms shall be available for public inspection at the offices of the Division. As required by the Act, analytical data shall not be considered confidential. Knowingly making any false statement on any such report may result in the imposition of criminal penalties as provided for in NCGS 143-215.613 or in Section 309 of the Federal Act. 11. Omissions Where the Permittee becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a Notice of Intent to be covered under this general permit, or submitted incorrect information in that Notice of Intent application or in any report to the Director, it shall promptly submit such facts or information. [40 CFR 122.41(1)(8)] Page 22 of 26 PART V DEFINITIONS 1. Act See Clean Water Act. Permit No. NCG010000 Adverse Weather Climate conditions that are dangerous or create inaccessibility for personnel, such as local flooding, high winds, electrical storms, winter weather conditions, or situations that otherwise make inspections impractical. When adverse weather or site conditions prevent or restrict access to complete a regular or rain event inspection, this should be clearly documented on the next issued report. Documentation should include the inspector's name, the date and time, and a written narrative of the adverse weather or site condition. Adverse weather or site conditions do not exempt the permittee from having to file an inspection report in accordance with Section 11. B of this permit. 3. Allowable Non-Stormwater Discharges This general permit regulates stormwater discharges. Non-stormwater discharges which shall be allowed in the stormwater conveyance system are: (a) All other discharges that are authorized by a non-stormwater NPDES permit. (b) Uncontaminated groundwater, foundation drains, air -conditioner condensate without added chemicals, springs, discharges of uncontaminated potable water, waterline and fire hydrant flushings, water from footing drains, and irrigation waters, flows that do not result in a water quality standards violation. (c) Discharges resulting from fire -fighting or fire -fighting training, or emergency shower or eye wash as a result of use in the event of an emergency. 4. Best Management Practices (BMPs) Measures or practices used to reduce the amount of pollution entering surface waters. BMPs may take the form of a process, activity, or physical structure S. Bypass The known diversion of stormwater from any portion of stormwater control facility including the collection system, which is not a designed or established operating mode for the facility. 6. Certificate of Coverage The cover sheet that accompanies a general permit upon issuance and lists the facility name, location, receiving stream, river basin, effective date of coverage under the general permit and is signed by the Director. 7. Clean Water Act The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended, 33 USC 1251, et. seq. 8. Common Plan of Development A contiguous area where multiple separate and distinct land disturbing activities may be taking place at different times and on different schedules under one common plan. The "common plan" of development or sale is broadly defined as any announcement or piece of documentation (including a sign, public notice or hearing, sales pitch, advertisement, drawing, permit application, zoning request, computer design, etc.) or physical demarcation (including boundary signs, lot stakes, surveyor markings, etc.) indicating construction activities are planned to occur on a specific plot regardless of ownership of the parcels.. Page 23 of 26 Permit No. NCG010000 9. Concrete Washout Wastewater resulting from the washing of equipment such as trucks, chutes, hoses, mixers, hoppers, wheelbarrows, and tools that are used to produce, handle, or store concrete and other cementitious materials such as mortar, plaster, stucco, or grout. 10. Control Measure Any BMP or other structural or non-structural practice or procedure used to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants including practices to control erosion and sedimentation. 11. Division or DEMLR The Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources of the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). 12. Director The Director of the Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources of the NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). 13. EMC The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission. 14. Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) Plan A plan developed in compliance with the North Carolina Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 in G.S. 113A-50 et seq. to prevent sediment resulting from accelerated erosion from being transported off the site of the land -disturbing activity or in waters. 15. Erosion and Sedimentation Control (E&SC) Plan Authority The entity responsible for reviewing and approving the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. Within some local governments' jurisdictions, this will be a delegated program. Elsewhere, it will be the Division. 16. Erosion and Sediment Control (E&SC) Measure Temporary and permanent practices and devices to prevent sediment resulting from accelerated erosion from being transported off the site of the land -disturbing activity or in waters of the State of North Carolina. E&5C measures, include, but are not limited to, sedimentation traps, sedimentation ponds, rock dams, temporary diversions, temporary slope drains, rock check dams, sediment fence or barriers, all forms of inlet protection, storm drainage facilities, energy dissipaters and stabilization methods of open channels. 17. Ground Cover Any vegetative growth or other material which, when applied to the soil surface, renders the soil surface stable against accelerated erosion. 18. Hazardous Substance Any substance designated under 40 CFR Part 116 pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act. 19. Landfill A disposal facility or part of a disposal facility where waste is placed in or on land and which is not a land treatment facility, a surface impoundment, an injection well, a hazardous waste long-term storage facility or a surface storage facility. 20. Normal Business Hours These are generally considered to be between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., or when workers are normally present on the construction site. Weekends, state and federal holidays are not considered normal business hours unless construction activities are taking place on the site during those times. Page 24 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 21. Notice of Intent The state application form which, when submitted to the Division, officially indicates the facility's notice of intent to seek coverage under a general permit. 22. Permanent Stabilization When all soil disturbing activity is completed and exposed soils have been stabilized with a vegetative cover with a density of at least 80% or covered with a structural stabilization method. Permanent perennial vegetation may include the use of sod, shrubs and ground cover plants mixed with mulching, aggregate or other landscaping techniques. Structural methods include concrete, asphalt, retaining wall or other stabilization techniques. 23. Permittee The person, firm or organizational entity that signed as the financially responsible party on the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan. 24. Point Source Discharge of Stormwater Any discernible, confined and discrete conveyance including, but not specifically limited to, any pipe, ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, or discrete fissure from which stormwater associated with industrial activity is or may be discharged to waters of the state. 2 S. Secondary Containment Spill containment for the contents of the single largest tank within the containment structure plus sufficient freeboard to allow for the 25-year, 24-hour storm event. 26. Section 313 Water Priority Chemical A chemical or chemical category which: (a) Is listed in 40 CFR 372.65 pursuant to Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986, also titled the Emergency Planning and Community Right -to -Know Act of 1986; (b) Is present at or above threshold levels at a facility subject to SARA title III, Section 313 reporting requirements; and (c) Meets at least one of the following criteria: Is listed in appendix D of 40 CFR part 122 on Table I1 (organic priority pollutants), Table III (certain metals, cyanides, and phenols) or Table IV (certain toxic pollutants and hazardous substances); Is listed as a hazardous substance pursuant to section 311(b)(2)(A) of the CWA at 40 CFR 116.4; or Is a pollutant for which EPA has published acute or chronic water quality criteria. 27. Soil Stabilization The use of vegetative, physical or chemical coverage techniques that will restrain accelerated erosion on disturbed soils for temporary or permanent control needs. 28. Stormwater Discharge Outfall (SDO) The point of departure of Stormwater from a discernible, confined, or discrete conveyance, including but not limited to, storm sewer pipes, drainage ditches, channels, spillways, or channelized collection areas, from which stormwater flows directly or indirectly into waters. 29. Stormwater Runoff The flow of water which results from precipitation and which occurs immediately following rainfall or as a result of snowmelt. Page 25 of 26 Permit No. NCGO10000 30. Stormwater Associated with Industrial Activity The discharge from any point source which is used for collecting and conveying stormwater and which is directly related to manufacturing, processing or raw material storage areas at an industrial site. Facilities considered to be engaged in "industrial activities" include those activities defined in 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14). The term does not include discharges from facilities or activities excluded from the NPDES program. 31. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) The elements of the States stormwater pollution prevention program that provide the technology - based requirements designed to protect the state's waters from the adverse impacts of sediments. In North Carolina, the SWPPP for construction activities includes the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, Ground Stabilization, Materials Handling, and Disturbed Area Limit for Special and Threatened Waters. 32. Temporary Stabilization When the establishment of ground cover over all disturbed areas (such as mulching, rolled erosion control products, vegetation, or other material) renders the surface stable against accelerated erosion. Stabilization shall be achieved with the establishment of a uniform and evenly -distributed (i.e., without large bare areas) ground cover with a cover density of at least 80%. 33. Toxic Pollutant Any pollutant listed as toxic under Section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Act. 34. Upset An exceptional incident in which there is unintentional and temporary noncompliance with technology -based permit effluent limitations because of factors beyond the reasonable control of the permittee. An upset does not include noncompliance to the extent caused by operational error, improperly designed treatment or control facilities, inadequate treatment or control facilities, lack of preventive maintenance, or careless or improper operation. 35. Visible Sedimentation Solid particulate matter, both mineral and organic, that has been or is being transported by water, air, gravity, or ice from its site of origin that can be seen with the unaided eye. 36. 25-year, 24-hour Storm Event The maximum 24-hour precipitation event expected to be equaled or exceeded, on the average, once in 25 years. Page 26 of 26 Appendix B Self -Inspection Program The North Carolina erosion control program Responsibilities of Local Erosion & Sedimentation Control Programs Local governments (a.k.a. "Local Programs") with authority delegated to them by the Sedimentation Control Commission for administering and enforcing the state Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 ("Sediment Act") must adhere to the mandatory standards and other provisions of this law, including its exemptions and exclusions of power. Below are some common responsibilities under which Local Programs are expected to adhere to satisfy this state law and effectively manage their programs. WTI ►■ ilk] ikyIIiMAM 1. Plans are to be reviewed and a decision rendered to the applicant within 30 calendar days of receipt of a complete plan. Unlike with other permits, there is no pausing this "review clock". A complete plan is defined as follows: a. An erosion and sediment control plan b. Calculations in support of the design, if applicable c. An authorized statement of financial responsibility d. A letter of consent or permission letter from the landowner for the land - disturbance, if the landowner and the Financially Responsible Person/Party are not the same entity e. Documentation of property ownership (e.g., deed) f. Fees paid in full 2. Plans are to be reviewed and a decision rendered to the applicant within 15 calendar days of receipt of a revised plan. There is no pausing this "review clock" once it has started. Reference: G.S. 113A-61(b) Page 1 of 5 The North Carolina erosion control program 3. Local Programs must require homebuilders to apply for an erosion and sediment control plan approval once their cumulative land -disturbance in a subdivision is planned to exceed one acre (or the Local Program's threshold for requiring a plan, whichever is less*). Each homebuilder within a subdivision must have their own erosion and sediment control plan once their land disturbance exceeds or is reasonably expected to exceed one (1) acre within the subdivision. This is a per subdivision requirement, and not a per lot requirement. This is regardless of whether those lots are contiguous. The Sediment Act refers to the land -disturbing activity as that occurring on a tract of land. By definition, a "Tract" means all contiguous land and bodies of water being disturbed or to be disturbed as a unit, regardless of ownership. Thus, the subdivision is the Tract of land which is to be permitted. Individual lots are not tracts if they are within a subdivision. *Local Programs can require a plan when this exceedance equals something less than one acre. Reference: G.S. 113A-52 & 113A-57(4) 4. Local Programs are not to accept erosion control plans from publicly -funded projects Local Programs are excluded from administering the Sediment Act (i.e., reviewing and monitoring projects) on the following types of land -disturbing activities: a. Those conducted by the state of North Carolina (e.g., NCDOT, public schools) b. Those conducted by the federal government (e.g., DOD) c. Those conducted by themselves or another Local Program (e.g., public schools) d. Those conducted by parties having the power of eminent domain (e.g., pipelines, railroads, public works projects) e. Those conducted for oil and gas exploration and development on a well pad site Broadly stated, this exclusion would apply to all publicly -funded projects, whether funded in whole or in part. Reference: G.S. 113A-56(a) and MOA Part II.D. Page 2 of 5 The North Carolina erosion control program 5. Local Programs shall only approve a plan upon determining that it complies with all applicable state and local regulations for erosion and sediment control. Projects that call for work within a jurisdictional waterbody or a riparian buffer may require a USACE 404 permit or a 401 Water Quality Certification from DEQ's Division of Water Resources (DWR). These permits or certifications should be sought when reviewing plans. These waterbodies and buffers should be clearly delineated on the plans, and the terms of the permit or certification should be considered when reviewing the plans. Because these permits and certifications may take longer than 30 days to be issued, Local Programs shall condition approval of plans upon compliance with these permits and certifications or with any federal or state water quality laws or rules. A Local Program shall disapprove an erosion and sediment control plan if implementation of the plan would result in a violation of the riparian buffer rules. Reference: G.S. 113A-61(b) & (b1) 6. Waivers must be sought for desired land disturbances greater than 20 acres when in a High Quality Water Zone Projects located within sensitive watersheds known as High Quality Waters (HQW), have more restrictive design standards. Uncovered areas involved with the land - disturbing activity inside HQW zones shall be limited to 20 acres within the boundaries of the tract. Larger areas may be uncovered within the boundaries of the tract with written approval of the DEQ-DEMLR Director upon providing engineering justification with a construction sequence that considers phasing, limiting exposure, weekly submitted self -inspection reports, a more conservative design than the 25-year storm, and other site -specific conditions as stipulated by the Director. The plans may have to be disapproved in the interim, if larger areas have been submitted for approval within the 15 or 30 day review period with no waiver granted. Reference: 15A NCAC 048.0124 Page 3 of 5 The North Carolina erosion control program SITE MONITORING & COMPLIANCE 7. Local Programs are to review documents provided on the project site. Before construction begins, certificates or letters of plan approvals shall be posted at the primary entrance of the job site or other location that is observable to the public or inspectors. Local Program staff are to verify these postings with each visit. Contractors, developers, homebuilders, financially responsible parties, or their consultants are to conduct their own inspections after each phase of the plan (and weekly or within 24 hours of a precipitation event equal to or greater than 1 inch for projects covered under the NPDES NCG01 permit). The name, address, organization affiliation, telephone number, signature of the person conducting the inspection, and the date of the inspection shall be included, whether on a copy of the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan or an inspection report. If documentation of inspections occurs on a copy of the approved erosion and sedimentation control plan, then that plan shall be kept onsite. (NPDES inspection reports must be made available during normal business hours.) Local Program staff are to review self-inspection/self- monitoring records and ensure that inspections are being conducted, properly documented, and are accessible. Reference: 15A NCAC 048.0127 & .0131 8. Local Programs are to provide for inspections of land -disturbing activities at a frequency sufficient to ensure compliance with the Sediment Act and the local ordinance, and to determine whether the measures required in an erosion and sedimentation control plan are effective in controlling erosion and sedimentation resulting from the land -disturbing activity. If it is determined that the party engaged in the land -disturbing activity has failed to comply with the Sediment Act or with the local government, the Program will immediately service a notice of violation upon the responsible party. The notice may be served by any means authorized under G.S. 1A-1, Rule 4. Reference: G.S. 113A-61.1(a) & (c) and MOA Part III.D.1. Page 4 of 5 The North Carolina erosion control program FTI11 A I101NIIWI1[*101 9. Local Programs are to report on their activities Local Programs are to provide monthly activity reports to the DEQ, Division of Energy, Mineral & Land Resources (DEMLR), Land Quality Section on behalf of the Sedimentation Control Commission. Reference: MOA Part/H. B.1. 10. Local Programs are to notify the DEQ regional office of issuance of NOVs Local Programs are to notify the appropriate DEQ regional office of issuance of Notices of Violation at the time the violator is notified. Reference: MOA Part 111.8.2. 11. Local Programs are to maintain current contact information on file with the Land Quality Section. Local Programs are to notify the State Sedimentation Program Specialist or their assistant of at least one Program administrator. The name, address, phone number, and email address for a main contact is to be kept current with the state program. A list of all local program administrators will be maintained on the DEQ website. Reference: MOA Part 111.8.3. 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RECAP secrcrary LINDA CULPEPPER hrrerfm &lrffror North Carolina DWR List of Approved PAMS/Flocculants Current as of 08/30/2018 Company Product Maximum Recommended Concentration Applied Polymer System APS 712 59.3 ppm Applied Polymer System APS 730 5.6 ppm Applied Polymer System APS 740 5.2 ppm Applied Polymer System APS 703d ** Applied Polymer System APS 703d#3 ** Applied Polymer System APS 706b ** Applied Polymer System APS 705 27.7 ppm Aquamark, Inc AQ100 Land surface application only at 39.7 ppm Aquamark, Inc AQ109 Land surface application only at 0.180g/I Ashland Hercules Water Tech Ashland Charge Pac 55 10 mg/L Ashland Hercules Water Tech Ashland Zalta MC 9500 10 mg/L Cape Fear Consulting PAX-CFC39A 5 ppm Cape Fear Consulting CFC-4330 4.5 ppm Carolina Hydrologics HYDROLOC PAM Land surface application only at 3.0 mg/I Carolina Hydrologics Floc Roll/Line/Flat 50 mg/L Chemical Solutions, Inc. CS-1234 and/or CS-1234D 500 mg/L per 18% solids *(see below)* Chemical Solutions, Inc MK7154DP 10 mg/L Green Techniques Soil Defender Land surface application only at 0.008% HaloSource, Inc. GelFloc 2.56 mg/L HaloSource, Inc. LBP-2101 500 mg/L Hanes Geo Components TerraGuard Granular PAM 3.25mg/L Innovative Turf Solutions EnviroPam 200 mg/L Innovative Turf Solutions Erosion Guard Powder, Erosion Guard Logs/Erosion Guard Flats 200 mg/L Innovative Turf Solutions FLOC 650 mg/L Leaner Meaner Greener, Inc L.M.G. Dust Magnet 281 Solution 0.05% Leaner Meaner Greener, Inc L.M.G. Dust Magnet 163 powder 0.5 mg/L Leaner Meaner Greener, Inc DBP-2100 28.125 mg/L Nalco Nalco 8187 100 ppm NTU GeoScrub 10, 13, 20, 23, 34 10 mg/L NTU GeoScrub Bubbles 1 mg/L Paschal Associates Sales PFR P251 25 ppm Southeastern Laboratories SEL FLOC 6026 7.5 ppm Storm Klear 3% Liqui-Floc 9.4 mg/L Terra Novo EarthGuard .000625 mL/L All these products should be used per the manufacturer's instruction and with Best Management Practices. See next page for additional information. , 9 A-S: 45 North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality I Division of Water Resources/ Water Sciences Section 4401 Reedy Creek Road 11621 Mail Service Center I Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1621 919-743-8400 Additional information for specific products: • For use and toxicity guidance regarding CS-1234 and/or CS-1234D and about toxicity testing requirements, please contact Cindy Moore with the DWR Aquatic Toxicology Branch at (919) 743-8442 or atcindy.a.moorea-ncdenr.gov. A list of laboratories that have been approved by the DWR to perform toxicity testing can be found at: httgs://files.nc.gov/ncdeg/Water%20Quality/Environmental%2OSciences/ATU/4 18CertList.pdf. Appendix D Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector's Guide May,1992 A cooperative effort between the Nortli Carolina Department of Environment, and Natural Resources, and the Nortli Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, supported by the Nortli Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector's Guide Disclaimer The contents of this publication were prepared by the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the policies or recommendations of other referenced agencies or organizations. Additional information is available in the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual, and the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Field Manual. The mention of trade names, products, or companies does not constitute an endorsement. This manual is intended for periodic update. Section may be changed as practices for erosion and sedimentation control evolve. Project Director and Editor Jon A. Arnold Ph.D., PE Water Quality Group, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University Engineering/Technical Consultants Robert G. Jessup, PE SCS State Conservation Engineer, Retired Joseph A. Phillips, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Department of Soil Science, Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University Acknowledgments This manual was prepared by the NCSU Water Quality Group in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (DEHNR). The project was made possible by funding from the North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission. We wish to acknowledge the roles of Charles Gardner, PE, Francis M. Nevils, Jr., PE, S. Craig Deal, PE, Stephen T. Reid, and Randy Cotten of the DEHNR, who guided the planning, development, and review of this manual. We especially acknowledge the regional engineers and the inspector -technicians from the regional offices for their very important input, ideas and reviews of this guide. The authors express their gratitude to the numerous reviewers in state and local government, federal agencies, and the private sector whose generous help improved the content and appearance of this manual. We would like to acknowledge Karl E. Larson, of the NCSU Department of Agricultural Communications, for design and page layout. Sandy Sullivan, graphic artist for the Water Quality Group, illustrated the manual and provided assistance in production. Table of Contents 1 The Inspector and the Law Overview of the Law and Rules, program structure and the inspector's duties under the Law and to the public. 2 Erosion and Sediment Control Principles Scheduling, protecting the land surface, keeping runoff velocities low, capturing sediment near the source, inspection and maintenance. 3 Inspecting Sites How to prepare for an inspection, preconstruction conferences, methods for inspecting sites, causes of noncompliance. 4 Inspecting Vegetation Used for Erosion Control Proper selection, preparation and use of vegetation. 5 Inspecting Erosion and Sediment Control Practices GroundCovers............................................................................................ 5.2 Entrances and Exits.............................................................................. 5.4 Runoff Control — Diversions............................................................... 5.5 Runoff Conveyances — Channels, Drains and Chutes ......................... 5.6 OutletProtection................................................................................... 5.7 InletProtection..................................................................................... 5.8 Sediment Traps and Barriers.............................................................. 5.10 Stream Crossings................................................................................ 5.12 BufferZones........................................................................................ 5.13 Maintenance....................................................................................... 5.14 6 Appendices A. Human Relations............................................................................. 6.1 Dealing with Angry People.............................................................. 6.1 Being the Bearer of Bad News ......................................................... 6.3 B. Soil and Vegetation.......................................................................... 6.6 C. Water and Runoff Management....................................................... 6.9 Concrete and Corrugated Metal Pipe Full Flow Values ................. 6.9 Problems with Improperly Installed Channels .............................. 6.10 D. Erosion and Sedimentation............................................................ 6.11 Damages from Erosion and Sedimentation ................................... 6.11 Estimating and Measuring Erosion and Sediment Volumes .......... 6.12 E. Tools of the Inspector..................................................................... 6.13 F. Conversions, Tables and Reference Information ........................... 6.14 Slope Measurement........................................................................ 6.15 Soil Textural Classification............................................................ 6.16 Crushed Stone Reference............................................................... 6.17 Riprap and Erosion Control Stone, NC DOT Sizes ....................... 6.19 Crushed Stone Sizes and Uses, NC DOT Sizes .............................. 6.20 Notes About Crushed Stone Used for Erosion and Sediment Control ................................................. 6.21 G. Construction Plan and Aerial Photos ............................................ 6.22 e The Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 authorized the program and set the standards for erosion and sediment control in North Carolina. This chapter discusses the program structure and how the law is carried out. Refer to the Act and the Rules governing Sedimentation Control, Title 1 SA NCAC Chapter 4, for more details. rin The Inspector and the Law The Sedimentation The North Carolina Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program was created Pollution Control Act by the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973. This legislation authorizes the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources to provide staff to the Sedimentation Control Commission to operate a program to limit erosion and sediment from land -disturbing activities. It allows local governments, state agencies and federal agencies to conduct their own erosion and sedimentation control programs with the approval of the state. The Act does not apply to forestry using Best Management Practices, agriculture or mining activities. The Act is performance -oriented; that is, the measures used at a construction site must be effective in controlling erosion and preventing off -site sedimentation for the site to be in compliance. Following an approved plan and installing the control measures may not be enough. If erosion and sediment damage occurs, the person responsible must install additional measures to correct the problem. The law is flexible, allowing the responsible parties to determine the most economical, effective means for erosion control. This encourages the use of innovative techniques and specifically designed erosion control systems. The law emphasizes that the system must control accelerated erosion and prevent off -site sedimentation. 1.1 n The Act contains four mandatory standards to control erosion and sedimentation. GS 113A-54(d)(4), 113A-54.1(a), 1. Prior to beginning any land -disturbing activity, a plan must be approved for 113A-57(4) sites on which more than one acre on a tract will be disturbed. This plan must be submitted 30 days before the land -disturbing activity is to begin. If the Land Quality Section has not acted on plan by the end of the 30 day period, the plan is automatically considered to be approved under the law. GS 113A-57(1) 2. Buffer zones must be provided along all natural watercourses and lakes. These buffer zones must retain all visible sediment within the first 25 percent of the buffer zone nearest the disturbed area. Along trout streams, the buffer zone must be a minimum of 25 feet in width or of sufficient width to retain all visible sediment within the first 25 percent, whichever is greater. GS 113A-57(2) 3. All disturbed areas must be able to be stabilized by vegetation or other suitable erosion control methods. These areas must be stabilized within 30 working days after completing any phase of grading. GS 113A-57(3) 4. All land -disturbing activities on a tract comprising more than one acre, when more than one acre on a tract is disturbed, must retain all sediment on -site. In addition, the responsibile party must provide permanent ground covers within 30 working days or 120 calendar days, whichever is shorter, after completion of construction. Program Authority The North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission is the final authority for the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program. The commission consists of volunteers, appointed by the Governor, who represent a wide range of interests in erosion and sedimentation. The commission meets every 90 days to conduct business and review the overall program. Figure 1.1 Erosion and Sediment Control Program Structure Regional Office North Carolina Sedimentation Control Commission Land Quality Section (Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources) Local Programs State Agency Programs 1.2 The Inspector and the Law The Land Quality Section, Division of Land Resources, Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, administers the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program. The Land Quality Section operates a central office in Raleigh and seven regional offices across the state. Work in the field is administered by the regional offices and by approved local and state agencies. Local and state agencies have their own staff for the implementation of the programs, including inspections. Sedimentation The Program operates by Rules given in Section 15A of the North Carolina Control Rules Administrative Code.' These Rules, commonly called regulations, specify the requirements and standards on construction sites that must be met. The Rules are usually developed by the commission through its Technical Advisory Committee with support from the Land Quality Section staff. Public hearing are held on all proposed Rules, which are then presented to the Sedimentation Control Commission for approval. Once approved by the Commission, the Rules become law. The Rules interpret and define the intent of the act and therefore are performance oriented. The intent of the Rules is to prevent accelerated erosion and to control sedimentation through the following procedures: ■ Identifying critical areas; ■ Limiting exposed areas; ■ Limiting time of exposure; ■ Controlling surface water; ■ Controlling sedimentation; and ■ Managing storm water runoff. The use of these procedures to achieve compliance with the Rules is discussed in Chapters 2-5. The inspector should be familiar with the definitions of the terms used in the Rules and in the laws governing erosion and sedimentation.2 Remember that the Act and the Rules are performance -based. If the measures used at a site are not controlling erosion and sedimentation, the person responsible for the site must install additional measures. The inspector is the key in making this kind of performance -based law work because he is the first person to recognize performance failures and report the problems. The Inspector and The inspector's job is to: the Public ■ Determine that an erosion and sediment control plan for the site has been approved; ■ Determine that all specified practices have been installed and are being maintained according to the plan ■ Determine that off -site sedimentation is being prevented. 115A NCAC 04A—E.500 2The definitions are listed in the Rules under 15A NCAC NCAC 04A.0005 and in the Act. 1.3 n If the inspector finds deficiencies, appropriate action must be taken to attain compliance. The inspector must have technical expertise in erosion control. In addition, in order to achieve full compliance, the inspector must be able to deal effectively with people. For example, disputes sometimes arise about a site violation. The person responsible for the site may disagree with your assessment of the site. Neighboring landowners may be upset and demand that corrective action be taken immediately. At times like these, it is easy to become overly emotional. No matter what the situation, inspectors need to carry out their responsibilities in a professional manner and in accordance with the rules. Inspectors must maintain their integrity if they are to do the job well and be respected as professionals. Inspectors need to know how to deal with people. See Appendix A for guidelines in interacting with people who are angry or upset. The guidelines can be a big help in your job. In dealing with the public it is most important to follow proper legal procedures and to remain courteous and fair. If you fail to follow proper legal procedures you may not be able to prosecute a violator. By showing courtesy and fairness, you encourage mutual respect among all persons involved. Parties responsible for construction sites are less likely to violate the act if they see the inspector as a competent professional. Remember that the goal of the program is to prevent accelerated erosion and off -site damage from sediment. As the inspector, you are the first person to determine if the performance standards and intent of the act are met. You are the key person ensuring that construction sites are evaluated fairly and consistently and that the responsible party keeps the site in compliance. Sites Subject to Law Any activity that disturbs land, except agriculture, mining and forestry using Best Management Procedures, is subject to the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act and may require inspection. Even a private homeowner installing a driveway must comply with the law. However, most small projects cause few problems and do not normally require the attention of an inspector. Examples of sites that are usually inspected include: ■ all sizes of commercial and industrial developments; ■ housing subdivisions; ■ shopping centers; ■ public buildings; ■ utility construction; ■ highway construction and maintenance; and ■ recreational facilities. Before construction begins, an approved plan must be developed for any site where more than one acre of land on a tract is to be disturbed. You can find help in determining the size of a project from the tax assessor's office, topographic maps, and survey plats of the site. 1.4 The Inspector and the Law Some construction sites require extra care to ensure that they are in compliance, especially those near or crossing watercourses, trout waters or high -quality waters. These sites must meet more stringent requirements for the user of buffer zones and for the general protection of water. High -quality water zones in coastal counties mean those areas within 575 feet of the High Quality Water. For the rest of the state, High Quality Water zones include those areas within one mile that drain to the High Quality Water. (See definitions 24, 25 and 27 of the rules, 15A NCAC 04A.0005.) Handling Violations As the inspector on the site, you play a central role in providing details of violations and subsequent corrections. The policy for handling violations depends on whether the state or a local government has jurisdiction. The policy for state programs may be obtained from the Sedimentation Control Commission. Violation policies for local programs or state agencies may be obtained from the appropriate office. These policies outline the actions that are required under each program to bring the site into compliance. We recommend that you insert a copy of the proper policy for your program into this guide for quick and easy reference. The inspection records that you write are the basis for hearings and assessing fines, You are the first person to determine whether the measures on the site are preforming properly; thus you are the first link in enforcing the erosion and sedimentation Rules. Inspectors are often called to appear at hearings as witnesses to document a violation. For information on hearing procedures and on how to conduct yourself as a witness, refer to the Enforcement Manual, available from the Land Quality Section. You should write a report for every inspection of a site. When writing your inspection report, remember that it is a legal document. Your report must be written accurately, consistently and in clear and concise language. Report all violations observed each time you visit a site even if you have reported some of them on previous visits, Always write inspection reports while you are on the site so that you will not forget items and can recheck conditions if you have doubts. Field notes are very effective in hearings. They should be organized, thorough, concise and legible. Make a habit of taking organized, well -written notes. It will pay off the next time you are in court. 1.5 1.6 a Accelerated erosion and sedimentation can be controlled by following five basic principles. Erosion control practices are simple, effective and inexpensive if implemented before a problem occurs. The key is to install a system that makes all erosion and sediment control practices work together. Erosion and Sediment Control Principles Controlling Erosion Accelerated erosion takes place when wind, rainfall and runoff act upon disturbed and Sedimentation soil. Normal construction activities, such as clearing and grading, leave the soil bare and compacted. With no protective cover, soil particles are easily washed or blown away. Grading smooths and usually compacts the soil, reducing the amount of rainfall that infiltrates into the ground. Because less rainfall is absorbed, the volume of runoff is increased. The smooth, compacted surface further increases the velocity of the runoff. These conditions lead to accelerated erosion on the construction site and may cause off -site sedimentation, streambank sloughing and flooding problems. It is much less expensive and less damaging to the environment to prevent erosion and sedimentation than to clean up after it has happened. Carefully following these principles of erosion and sediment control will help in preventing environmental damage: ■ Coordinate sediment control with construction activities; ■ Protect the land surface from erosion; ■ Manage runoff and keep velocities low; 2.1 n ■ Capture sediment near the source; and ■ Inspect and maintain the erosion and sediment control system. As an erosion and sediment control inspector, you should be familiar with these principles and know how to apply them on construction sites. Scheduling The key to efficient and cost-effective erosion control is to plan construction activities in phases to reduce the erosion potential of the site. Each phase exposes only small areas of land, making it much easier to control erosion than if the entire site were exposed at once. Erosion and sedimentation can be controlled most effectively by coordinating the construction schedule with the installation of erosion control measures. Before any site disturbance occurs, sediment traps, basins and diversions should be in place to control runoff and catch sediment. Graded areas should be seeded and mulched immediately, according to the schedule, rather than waiting until all the grading has been completed. A well -planned construction entrance with stabilized construction roads can prevent major erosion and sediment problems, complaints from neighbors and future aggravations. Protecting the Land Erosion can be greatly reduced by simply covering the soil to protect it from Surface the effects of rainfall, runoff and wind. By paying attention to the following principles, erosion can be limited and the cost of maintaining sediment control devices reduced. ■ Construction activities should be scheduled to reduce the duration of exposure of bare soil. ■ The size of the disturbed area should be kept as small as practical. The construction schedule should be planned to limit the area graded at any one time. Buffers should be left around all working areas. No areas outside the designated work area should be disturbed. ■ Runoff should be diverted away from slopes to be graded. ■ Construction roads, parking areas and the construction entrance should be stabilized immediately. Equipment operators should use the designated routes to limit ruts, erosion and tracking of sediment and debris from the site. ■ All streams, lakes and natural watercourses should be protected by buffers. All drainage channels should be stabilized as soon as they are constructed. ■ Graded surfaces should be covered with temporary vegetation and mulch when work is interrupted for extended period. Measures to protect the soil surface are described in the following sections of the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual: ■ Temporary Seeding, 6.10; ■ Permanent Seeding, 6.11; ■ Mulching, 6.14; ■ Riprap, 6.15; ■ Temporary Gravel Construction Entrance/Exit, 6.06; 2.2 Erosion and Sediment Control Principles ■ Construction Road Stabilization, 6.80; ■ Sodding, 6.12; ■ Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Ground Covers, 6.13; ■ Temporary Diversions, 6.20; ■ Grass -lined Channels, 6.30; ■ Dust Control, 6.84; ■ Runoff Control Measures, 6.20-6.23; ■ Runoff Conveyance Measures, 6.30-6.33; and ■ Stream Protection Measure, 6.70-6.73 Keeping Runoff Erosion is greatly increased if runoff is allowed to flow at high velocities. Velocities Low Control measures, installed properly and at the proper times, keep runoff velocities low and prevent erosion. Where practical, measures should be taken to divert water from flowing onto the site from outside the area. Energy dissipators should be used to reduce the flow velocity of water leaving the site. Certain areas, such as constructed fill slopes and newly cut channels, need special attention. The following practices will help control runoff velocities. ■ The work area should be protected from off -site water with perimeter dikes or temporary diversions. ■ Runoff water should be diverted into stabilized channels with stable outlets. ■ Runoff from disturbed areas should be diverted to sediment traps or basins. ■ Where practical, runoff from undisturbed areas should be diverted around sediment basins and traps to stable areas and protected outlets. This reduces the volume of water that flows into the sediment basins and traps, increasing their efficiency and reducing their costs ■ Long slopes must be broken up with temporary or permanent diversions to prevent the buildup of runoff and reduce runoff velocity. ■ The permanent storm water drainage system should be installed during early stages of construction and used to manage runoff. All inlets should be protected with appropriate measures to prevent sediment from entering the storm drains. ■ Critical construction areas should be protected from unexpected rain by installing temporary diversions at the end of each work day. Practices for controlling runoff velocities are discussed in the following sections of the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual: ■ Temporary Diversions, 6.20; ■ Diversion Dike (Perimeter Protection), 6.22; ■ Permanent Diversions, 6.21; ■ Right -of -Way Diversions (Water Bars), 6.23; ■ Level Spreader, 6.40; ■ Outlet Stabilization Structure, 6.41; 2.3 n ■ Temporary Slope Drains, 6.32; ■ Riprap, 6.15 ■ Grass -lined Channels, 6.30; and ■ Riprap-lined Channels, 6.31; Capturing Sediment Generally it is easier, safer and more practical to capture sediment near the Near the Source source than to install a single large sedimentation basin and try to capture the sediment from an entire site. A few small, well -maintained sediment traps or barriers properly located at the edges of the graded area will control sediment better and take up less space than a single large sediment basin farther away. Also, large sediment basins present a greater hazard if they fail. Remember that sediment traps, sediment basins and barriers such as silt fences remove sediment by pooling water and allowing the sediment to settle out. Silt fences and rock structures do not filter the water effectively because they clog too easily. These fences and structures are used to form a pool where the water velocity is slowed, allowing the sediment to settle. The other key to capturing sediment is to inspect and maintain the devices frequently. The pools created by these devices will fill with sediment. This sediment must be removed so the device will have adequate capacity for the next rainfall. Occasionally the overflow structure will need to be repaired or rebuilt. The devices should be inspected frequently to ensure they are functioning properly. Adequate access to the sediment control devices may not be provided for in the plans or may be blocked by construction. If the contractor cannot get in to clean out the trapped sediment and make repairs, violations may occur. All sediment control devices must be accessible so that cleaning, inspections and maintenance can be performed. Inspection and Erosion and sediment control measures, practices and devices should work as Maintenance a system —all the components should work together to prevent erosion and off - site sediment damage. Regular inspections and maintenance of all devices are necessary for the system to work effectively. Lack of maintenance is the most common reason for failures. Contractors and the responsible parties cannot know that a device needs maintenance unless they inspect it regularly. A low point in a dike or diversion can lead to the formation of a major gully after the next rain. A collapsed sediment fence or inadequate inlet protection device and allow large amounts of sediment to move off -site. The failure of a large sediment basin could have severe consequences. The erosion control inspector must insist that contractors and the responsible parties regularly inspect erosion and sediment control measures. The owners are responsible for ensuring that all erosion and sediment control measures are frequently inspected and repaired. 2.4 a Inspections don't "just happen;" A lot of planning and preparation go into a proper and thorough inspection. Inspectors need to review construction plans, attend preconstruction conferences and be knowledgeable of the law and standards. Knowing why a site is or is not in compliance is a key part of the inspector's duty. Inspecting Sites The Inspection An erosion control plan is designed to control erosion; however, components of the plan may fail or the responsible party may not adhere to the plan. For these reasons, the Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 includes provisions for the inspection of sites where land -disturbing activities are taking place. As the inspector of these sites, your job is; ■ to be certain that all erosion and sediment control measures in the approved plan have been properly installed and maintained; ■ the erosion is being controlled; and ■ that off -site sedimentation is being prevented. It takes time to learn how to inspect a construction site properly. Project sites are often large and can have many land -disturbing activities occurring at any one time, which can be confusing. Also, there are many considerations to keep in mind while conducting the inspection. You must be familiar with the law, the rules and many erosion and sedimentation control practices. With some experience, 3.1 n however, you will soon feel comfortable about making an official erosion control inspection. This guide will help by providing some ideas on how to make a thorough inspection. A proper inspection requires planning and a systematic approach. With careful preparation, you can carry out your duty and work cooperatively with the responsible parties and the contractors so that all those involved can do their jobs efficiently. Preparing for an The first step in inspecting a project is to review plans when first submitted. Inspection This review will alert you to potential problems at the site and weaknesses in the erosion and sedimentation control system design. Make a list of comments for the engineer who will approve the plan so that he can benefit from your review. By working together, you and the engineer will complement one another's skills, making for a sound review and approval process. While at your office, look for the following items in the plan. (There are other items that you may want to include as you gain more experience.) ■ Check contour maps and available aerial photos to see how the water flows through the site. Note where water enters and leaves the site. Determine the direction of flow in the general area and in the watershed where the project is located. ■ Note if the site borders a sensitive area such as a stream or high quality water body. The perimeter should be especially well protected against off -site sedimentation. ■ Pay particular attention to critical areas such as steep cut -and -fill slopes, stream crossings, channels, outlets of pipes and diversions, construction access routes and highly erodible soils. ■ Look for adequate access to and space to maintain erosion and sediment control measures. 3.2 Inspecting Sites ■ Make sure that the plan provides an installation sequence for measures to control erosion and sediment, with measures for one phase being installed before grading of the next phase begins. ■ Study the construction schedule to determine whether long periods of time exist between phases of construction. If so, temporary seeding or other temporary soil stabilization may be required. ■ Check to make sure that the plan requires all surfaces to be stabilized as soon as possible after completion of the project and within the mandatory 30 working days or 120 calendar days (15 days and 60 days if in a High Quality Waters Zone). Temporary and permanent seeding should also be specified. ■ Remember that when the contractor is finished, the entire site should be stabilized —no accelerated erosion and no off -site sedimentation should occur. ■ Note if the measures are designed for the 10-year storm. Some measures should provide for safe bypass of flows greater than the 10-year storm. High Quality Waters Zones require design and safe bypass for the 25-year storm. ■ Be sure that the perimeter of the site is protected to prevent off -site sedimentation and keep off -site runoff from flowing across highly erodible areas during construction. ■ Make sure that maintenance plans are adequate and the contractor's procedure in monitoring the performance of control measures is specified. For example, it should be clear whether the contractor or someone else is to do the inspection and maintenance. ■ Note any proposed borrow or waste areas and proposed measures for controlling erosion and sedimentation there. ■ Watch for existing areas that may not be in compliance, such as old highways and abandoned railroad rights -of -way. Those parties responsible for the land disturbance are responsible for erosion control even if ownership of the property has changed. ■ Check tree -cutting operations to ensure compliance with Forest Practice Guidelines Related to Water Quality (Best Management Practices, or BMP's). ■ Make a list of the specific items of the plan that you want to inspect closely when you get to the site. This list can speed your inspection and remind you to check certain important points. ■ Determine the owner(s) of the site itself and of the adjoining property. Though this sometimes may be difficult to determine, you can get useful information from the county register of deeds or tax records. Reviewing the erosion and sedimentation control plan should provide you with a solid grasp of the proposed project. From the review you can identify parts of the erosion control system that may need to be strengthened and parts that should be watched carefully to see if the performance requirement is met. Your experience in the field and in the geographical area will provide valuable assistance in the approval or revision of the submitted plan. Inspectors must also be familiar with the construction plans. In Appendix G you will find two views of a highway project. The upper view is an aerial photo of a construction site. Below the aerial phoyo is the corresponding construction plan of the site. Compare the two views to find out if the measures called for on the plans have been installed at the site and if they are in the proper locations. The 3.3 n captions will help you see the control measures. Study these plans, paying attention to the highlighted items, so that you become better able to read construction plans. The ability to read aerial photos is important because many construction projects now use aerial photos on which to draw the construction plans. It will take some practice to be able to recognize ordinary objects from the air. Many experienced people have found that aerial photos and topographic maps can help greatly in determining the effects of a project on the surrounding area. Aerial photos can be obtained from the local ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) office or the state Department of Transportation (DOT). The 1:660 scale is usually used. The USGS (United States Geological Survey) is a good source for topographic maps. These maps are drawn on a scale of 1:24,000. Reviewing the construction plan provides information needed for the next step of the inspection process, the preconstruction conference. Use the suggestions below to ensure that you are fully prepared for the conference. P R E CO N ST R U CTI O N A preconstruction conference is one of the most valuable vehicles by which CONFERENCES you can address and divert many potential erosion and sedimentation problems before they become catastrophes. For complex projects, a preconstruction conference should be mandatory. This conference provides an opportunity for you to meet face-to-face with the responsible party and the contractor. In this way, you establish the expectations for the project and start a good working relationship with the job superintendent. While holding the conference, keep the following suggestions in mind: ■ Clarify the objectives of erosion and sediment control and inform all parties about the specific requirements for compliance in this project. Also, discuss the inspection procedures and establish communications and scheduling so that everyone knows what will be happening during the project. ■ Designate a contact person for communicating concerns about erosion control. This will make future contacts much easier. 3.4 Inspecting Sites ■ Be sure that all parties review a copy of the approved erosion and sediment control plan so that they know what is expected and are prepared to initiate the plan. An approved copy of the plan must be available on the site at all times. ■ Inform the responsible party and the contractor that the program is performance oriented and that the plan may need to be changed during the course of construction. Inform all parties about procedures for changing the plans. Remember that all revisions to erosion and sediment control plans must be approved before they are put into effect. ■ Try to hold the conference on the site. There, the group can walk the site and compare the plans to see if the measures are appropriate, are located properly, and can be maintained once installed. Note areas where sediment from the sediment traps and basins can be placed and stabilized when the devices are cleaned. The site is also the best place to determine if adequate access will be available to maintain the erosion control measures. ■ Discuss the scheduling of clearing and grading. Emphasize that sediment control measures should be installed before the actual grading begins in order to capture sediment as it is generated. Be sure that the schedule allows for stabilizing surfaces with temporary and permanent measures during and between phases of grading and construction. ■ Discuss the maintenance requirements so that the responsible party and the contractor know who is responsible for inspecting, cleaning and repairing the measures. Regular inspection and maintenance may need to be supplemented with extra work if there is a large storm. ■ Establish open communications at the preconstruction conference; this pro- vides a good foundation for your relationship with the responsible parties during the project. Before you Leave ■ Take the time to review the plans thoroughly before you go to the site, even if the Office you have already reviewed them when they were first submitted. ■ Outline your approach for each inspection. It is necessary to know in detail the erosion control system and why each measure is specified. ■ Always take a copy of the approved plans with you to the site for quick referral. ■ Always bring the project file and necessary reporting forms. 3.5 n Inspecting the Site At the construction site, ask yourself the following four questions: (1) Is the erosion and sediment control system installed as shown on the approved plans? (2) Is erosion being controlled on the site? and (3) Is sediment being contained on the site? (4) Are the four mandatory requirements of the Sedimentation Control Act being met? If the answer to all of these questions if YES, then the site is in compliance. File an inspection report stating that the site is in compliance and take field notes to support the inspection report. It is a good idea to keep track of the sites where the erosion and sedimentation control plan works well so that you can show others an example of a good site. If the answer to any of the above questions is NO, then the site is not in compliance. File an inspection report listing the items that are not in compliance. Your field notes should describe precisely the noncompliance and its location. Remember that others may need to use your field notes, so make them readable and understandable. The following points will help you in checking for compliance. ■ Carry a set of the approved plans to the site for your reference. They are necessary to determine what measures make up the erosion control system and how they are to be installed and maintained. ■ Take detailed, orderly field notes as you do the inspection. In the long run, this procedure will save you time and possibly a second trip to the site. Be sure that your notes are neat, concise and complete. (Remember, your notes may be needed as evidence in court.) ■ Check in with the job superintendent when you arrive so that the contractor knows who you are and what you are doing. When possible, schedule appointments so that the contractor and responsible party know when to expect you. ■ Walk the perimeter of the site on your first inspection. This procedure will give you a good idea of the terrain and will alert you to any problems occurring from off -site water and off -site sedimentation 3.6 Inspecting Sites ■ You may want to start your inspection from the lowest point at the perimeter and work your way upstream. This helps to make you aware of the amount of sediment leaving the site and can help you in locating its source. ■ If sediment is flowing off the site, go far enough downstream to see the extent of the damage. In these situations, it is very important to document the damage. Make an estimate of the sediment volume. Photos and videotapes make very good evidence. Be sure to write the time, date and other items in your notes and on the inspection report. ■ Bring necessary tools to measure the devices and disturbed areas in the field. Be sure that basins and traps are fixed according to the plans, channels and diversions have the proper grade, and contributing areas for the control devices are no larger than those used in the design. ■ Pay particular attention to the maintenance of erosion and sediment control measures. All measures require regular maintenance and may require special attention after severe storms. ■ Keep in mind that when certain structural measures fail from improper installation or maintenance, more off -site sediment damage may occur than if the device had not been installed. ■ Always fill out an inspection report for each trip to a site while you are still at the site. The pertinent inspection points are still fresh in your mind and you can easily re -check items that may be in question. Causes of when you find a site that is not in compliance, it is important to determine why. Noncompliance By determining the cause(s), solutions become more apparent. Problems of erosion and sediment control on sites fall into three categories: 1. The responsible party has not made efforts to comply with the law; 2. There are design errors in the erosion control system or the site conditions have changed; or 3. The installation or maintenance of a measure is faulty or inadequate. Little or No Effort Noncompliance in the first category is easy to spot. The responsible party may to Comply believe that the project does not come under the jurisdiction of the law or may 3.7 n intentionally disregard the provisions of the law. Quite often these sites are found by inspectors while driving by. Therefore, be observant in your territory. Once you have found a noncomplying site, inform the responsible party that compliance is mandatory by law. On the inspection report, note that the responsible party has been informed of the law and list the items that are not in compliance. These are some of the causes of noncompliance within this category: ■ not submitting a plan; ■ starting work without an approved plan; or ■ failing to follow the approved plan. Inadequate Design or Violations and failures may occur because the design was inadequate or the Changes in Site site conditions have changed since the plan was prepared. In this case, the plan Conditions needs to be revised and approved. The inspection report should note all items of non-compliance and the need for a revised plan. Faulty Installation and/or Poor Maintenance Compare the original design in the plan to conditions in the field. Look for changes in the site, conditions and construction plan. Ask yourself the following questions when checking for violations caused by design errors and changes. ■ Are the planned measures retaining the sediment on the site? ■ Are there modifications to the plan? Have they been approved? ■ Are ground covers adequate for the slope and orientation of the areas to be protected? Is the slope too steep for the ground cover chosen? ■ Is the perimeter protected, given the conditions at the site? ■ Do the measures with impoundments have a safe bypass installed for storms larger than the 10-year storm? ■ Have the contributing drainage areas changed significantly, thereby potentially overloading the control measures? Are additional control measures needed? ■ Is dust control needed? ■ Is the planned and ongoing maintenance adequate for the existing conditions? Most noncompliance occurs because measures were not installed correctly or maintained properly, or both. Determining the reasons why the measures are failing requires technical knowledge about the devices and how to construct them properly. In the following two chapters, you will find ideas on how to inspect erosion control devices and what to look for in their construction. Chapter 4 presents information on inspecting vegetation used for erosion control and Chapter 5 presents information on inspecting erosion control practices. These practices are listed in the same order as they appear in the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual and the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Field Manual. The references in the sidebars direct you to specific sections of the Design Manual and the Field Manual for more detailed information. 3.8 Co] More area is protected from erosion with vegeta- tion than with any other erosion control means. Knowing how to choose and establish the prop- er vegetation can prevent soil loss and sediment problems. Inspecting Vegetation Used for Erosion Control Vegetation for Vegetation cover is the principal means used to stabilize soil surfaces. With Erosion Control the selection of the proper species and appropriate maintenance, vegetative cover provides inexpensive, long-term protection with moderate maintenance. Construction projects present a wide range of conditions for vegetation. This chapter describes what to look for when vegetation is used for short and long-term erosion control. A vegetative plan is one of the keys to a well -executed project. An effective plan specifies the appropriate plants for each disturbed area, describes proper soil preparation methods and indicates when to plant. Vegetation should be established as soon as possible after grading. Planting should be coordinated with construction so that areas do not remain uncovered, thus producing unnecessary amounts of runoff and sediment. Consider the Site and Vegetation works well only if the plant species selected suits the climate, soil, Its Intended Uses and the intended use for the area. Remember that at certain times of the year or under special conditions it may be necessary to use temporary vegetation before establishing permanent vegetation. Ask these questions when you inspect sites using vegetation for erosion control. Is the plant type appropriate for the soil and the slope? ■ Plants must have fertile, well -prepared soils to grow properly, a requirement rarely met on a graded slope. 4.1 0 ■ Heavy, dense subsoils may be too infertile to support certain plants. ■ Graded slopes may be too steep or too rocky to prepare adequate seedbeds. ■ Steep slopes may need to be sodded or covered with riprap or concrete. Is the plant properly chosen, given the climate and orientation for the area? You may want to review the following sections in the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual: ■ Temporary Seeding, (6.10); ■ Permanent Seeding, (6.11); ■ Sodding, (6.12); and ■ Trees, Shrubs, Vines and Ground Covers, (6.13). Is the vegetated area being maintained? ■ Frequently the degree of maintenance required to keep a certain type of plant growing is overlooked. The responsible party must provide higher maintenance for some ornamental shrubs and grasses. ■ Also, see if the maintenance crews can reach the planted area to provide the necessary care. ■ Is the area subject to high velocity flow? Some areas such as channels and steep slopes may require sod, riprap or concrete linings to prevent erosion. Check Seedbed Graded areas are usually compacted and have little topsoil left when planting Preparation is started. Lime and fertilizer must be properly incorporated into the soil to establish an adequate seedbed for vegetative cover. If practical, the soil should be tested so that the proper amounts of lime and fertilizer can be added. Check the following points to determine if the vegetation will be adequate. ■ Slopes that have been graded are too compacted and smooth to establish plants. It is necessary to apply fertilizer and lime, prepare a proper seedbed and roughen the surface to provide required nutrients and adequate rooting depth. ■ Keep in mind the essentials for plant growth; an adequate supply of nutrients, water and air in the root zone. These conditions are frequently lacking in graded soils. Therefore, fertilizer and lime must be added and incorporated to a depth of 4 or more inches by chiseling, plowing or roto-tilling. This preparation also enhances water and air infiltration to the root zone. Check for Proper Seeded areas should be mulched to protect and help establish erosion control Mulching vegetation. Mulching holds the seed and fertilizer in place, protects the soil, and conserves moisture. Mulching also encourages rapid seed germination by preventing soil crusting and insulates the soil against rapid temperature changes. The following points will help you determine if mulching is adequate. ■ Look for a proper thickness for thick mulch. Few areas can develop a strong growth of vegetation without mulching, and mulches are often too thin to be of much help. See the Planning and Design Manual section on mulching (6.14) for more information. 4.2 Blade W Inspecting Vegetation Used for Erosion Control ■ Mulch needs to be well -anchored to work properly. This requirement is often overlooked, causing many failures and much added expense for re -seeding. On flatter slopes, mulches can be tacked by spraying on tacking agents that bind the mulch, preventing it from being washed or blown away. Crimping also works well on flatter slopes and level areas. ■ For steeper slopes mulches should be overlaid with netting. Mats can also be used. Netting and mats should be anchored with long staples at the proper spacing to provide the best resistance to washing. Thicker and more durable mats should be used on steep slopes, areas that are exposed to high -velocity flows, and areas where vegetation needs more help to become established. Ensure Maintenance of The key to an adequate vegetative cover that will result in good erosion control Vegetative Cover is maintenance. For vegetation, seeding, and the early stages of plant growth are especially critical. The inspector must ensure that the vegetation is protected to allow the best germination and strongest growth. Even after the vegetation has emerged, mulches and mats must be maintained to prevent washing during the next rain. Watch for areas where the mulch is too light —the mulch can blow away or wash away in the next rain. The owner/developer must have new mulch applied and Seedhead Spikelet must anchor it to prevent washing. /l Damage to seeded areas usually happens where the mulch is improperly anchored. These areas will require immediate repair. The responsible party should fill the eroded area if needed, apply new seed, lime, and fertilizer, and apply an adequate layer of mulch that is well -anchored. If the area is in a zone where the erosion potential is high or if the practice called for in the plans is inadequate, the responsible person may need to use a heavier mat to provide more protection for Auricles --fir. the vegetation. Look for a means of access to the vegetated areas. The responsible party cannot provide maintenance if crews cannot get to the area. This is especially important for Node areas while ornamental shrubs and turf grasses, which require high -maintenance, have been planted. 1 For more information on temporary and permanent vegetating, see Appendix B. Sheath ll I .. ♦�l O ` Leaf Bud Figure 4.1 Typical Grass Plant 4.3 0 4.4 0 In this chapter you will find advice on what to look for when inspecting various erosion and sediment control practices. The topics are presented in the same order as they appear in the Planning and Design Manual and the Field Manual. Check the appropriate sections of those manuals for more detailed information as you encounter practices installed in the field. Inspecting Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Inspecting Individual The effectiveness of an erosion and sediment control system depends on the Practices design, installation and maintenance of the individual practices. It is only when all three efforts have been done properly that the system will function to prevent accelerated erosion and off -site sedimentation. Each practice has specific requirements to function properly. Inspectors must be familiar with these requirements to ensure that each practice has been designed, installed and maintained properly. When you are inspecting a practice in the field, first check that the practice has been installed according to the design specifications on the approved plan. If the practice has been installed as shown on the plan, then check the appropriate section in this chapter for items that should be given special attention for each practice group. 5.1 n RIPRAP Ground Covers Types of ground cover can be divided into three groups —(1) hard surfaces, (2) (Surface Stabilization) semi -hard surfaces and (3) soft (vegetative) covers. This section provides some ideas on what to look for when you are inspecting a site using ground cover for erosion control. Hard Surfaces Hard surfaces are those that include pavement, concrete and revetment. Some of these surfaces can be cast in place using wooden or fabric forms or they can be installed in large mats. See sections 6.10-6.16 of the ■ Look for proper hydrostatic pressure relief for solid slabs or liners. Planning and Design Manual, and Make sure that liners on channel slopes extend far enough up or away sections 6.10-6.16 of the Field from the water to prevent water from cutting under, around or overtopping the Manual for more information and common trouble points. liners. ■ Be certain that proper vegetation is planted in the hollows of the surface. Also, the soil filling the hollows should be well -prepared to provide the best growing conditions for the plants. ■ Watch for accelerated erosion and high water velocities at the toe and top of hard -surfaced slopes and at the outlets from hard surfaces. Semi -hard Surfaces Semi -hard surfaces consist of layers of large stone, crushed aggregate or gravel. These surfaces are often used to line channels and cover slopes. ■ Semi -hard surfaces can be washed away by high water velocities; therefore, be certain that the water velocity is within the limits for the D50 aggregate size See section 6.84 of the Planning and gradation. and Design Manual for more on Stone should be placed to blend with surrounding land surface to ensure dust control. that water will flow into the channel without erosion, not along the side of the lining. ■ Check to see if the riprap is installed according to the plan and is performing properly. ■ Ensure that adequate flow area has been provided. ■ Semi -hard surfaces should have geotextile fabric or a crushed stone filter underneath to prevent washing of the fine soil particles. ■ Make sure that dust control is being practiced for areas covered with stone aggregates or gravel. 5.2 Inspecting Erosion Control Practices Points most vulnerable to erosion T thickness of riprap layer T minimum Smooth foundation under filter 1=76i 1.5Tminimurn Geotextile fa•ic Figure 5.1 Semi -hard Surface Keyway at toe of slope Soft Ground CoverS Soft ground covers (such as vegetative ground covers) are the most common and are used on moderate slopes not exposed to high water velocities. Mulches are See Chapter 4 and section 6. 10- sometimes used alone as ground cover but require frequent maintenance. Address 6.16 of the Planning and Design the following questions as you inspect sites where soft ground covers are used. Manual and the Field Manual for 0 Are the plants appropriate for the site conditions? more information on vegetation 0 Has the soil been properly amended and prepared for planting? and soft ground covers. 0 Does the area have adequate mulch and is the mulch well anchored? 0 Are the stands of vegetation adequate? 0 Have vegetative specifications been followed (appropriate seeding rates and mixtures)? 0 Are the established ground covers being maintained? Have provisions been made to maintain the ground covers indefinitely? Mulch with netting to protect vegetation and soil T until vegetation is established. kLL;L� Grass growing on slope Soil prepared for seedbed; 4" minimum Figure 5.2 Vegetative Ground Cover 5.3 n Entrances and Exits See sections 6.06 and 6.80 of the Planning and Design Manual for more information on entrances/ exits and construction roads, respectively. See the Field Manual, section 6.06, for other common trouble points. Figure 5.3 Typical Entrance i Erosion can be a special problem around all entrances and exits, access roads and construction roads. Erosion in these places can cause mudholes, gullies, muddy pavement, sediment being tracked offsite, dust and complaints from neighboring landowners. Construction roads, even temporary roads, need to be stabilized to prevent erosion. Look for the following while conducting your inspection. ■ Entrance and exit pads should be built with coarse gravel and stone that are sufficient to prevent tracking of sediment onto streets or other public rights -of - way and prevent the pad from sinking into the soil. ■ Sites with heavy clay soils may require the installation of a wash rack in order to control tracking of sediment onto roads. ■ On unstable or wet soil, the stone should be spread over a layer of geotextile fabric to keep the stone from being pressed into the soil. ■ Pads may need to be extended to be effective. ■ All runoff from construction roads should be diverted to sedimentation traps retain sediment on the site. ■ Pads and roads must be maintained (adding more clean stone) to ensure proper functioning. Geotextile fabric to stabilize " foundation (especially needed where soils are wet 5.4 Inspecting Erosion Control Practices Runoff Control — Diversions (dikes and channels) should be constructed as shown on the approved Diversions Plans or failure of these measures is likely to occur. The most important factors in installing a diversion are its size, the grade, the elevation of the dike above the channel, compaction of the dike and stabilization of the channel. To help assure compliance, the following should be evaluated: ■ A dike and its channel must be on the proper grade to ensure that the water flows in the desired direction. Watch for abrupt changes or reversal of grade on diversions — overflows and failures occur at these places. See sections 6.20-6.23 of the ■ Dikes must be large enough to meet the design water flow with 6 inches of Planning and Design Manual and freeboard. Be sure that they are sufficiently wide at the top (a minimum of 2 feet) the same section in the Field and the side slopes are 2:1 of flatter. Manual for more information. ■ Dikes must always be compacted or the loose soil will wash out. ■ Channels must have a large enough flow area to carry the expected volume of water. ■ Channels on steep grades must be lined to withstand the expected water velocity. ■ Diversions should generally parallel the site contours. ■ Diversions must be maintained routinely for proper performance, with special attention after severe storms. Figure 5.4 Typical Diversion Channel: 18" min below top of dike Dike: 2' wide at top, min; with 6" of freeboard at design flow stabilized with vegetation �yll.lt'„��rit'Yi .�yl�...�1"4'�Artlt�it ............w..u...r ^r.... .. .. �����R tli.- 1t7/. r�l �l,� V•���"Y' �."art .....,..,.�•,".• � ^.. *::= }z :x;,�`` f, ♦ Channel lining for high velocities IIII-.�Illll=1111�-�,�-.-,,,,,__--r,ll-,1�111-�I�11=f1(II_-11111=11I Compacted soil6'wide=l�111��1111-11!(�IIIE- I1!!1 =III►I-=1II11=(IIII=I�III=(I11= at bottom, min 5.5 n Runoff Conveyance — Runoff must be controlled to ensure that it will not cause accelerated erosion or Channels, Drains off -site sedimentation. Channels, drains, and chutes must carefully follow the design specifications. Check these key points as you conduct your inspection. and Chutes Vegetated channels require protection until the vegetation is fully established. Well -anchored mulch, mats or netting should be used. ■ Make sure that the flow cross-section is not reduced when riprap is used to line a channel. The channel excavation must be increased (or overcut) to compensate for the thickness of the riprap ■ Look to see that channels lined with riprap have a layer of geotextile fabric (filter cloth) under the riprap. Also, the riprap should be inlaid into the channel See sections 6.30-6.33 of the bank to a depth of 1.5 times the D.- size of the riprap and set into the soil Planning and Design Manual and surface to prevent undercutting. the same section in the Field Manual for more information. ■ Inspect outlets of all runoff conveyances to ensure proper outlet protection. ■ Be sure that the slope drains have watertight joints in the pipe and that the pipe is well anchored to prevent movement. ■ Slope drains frequently fail because the water "pipes" around the inlet to the pipe. Check to see that the soil at the inlet is compacted to prevent piping. ■ Chutes have steep slopes and carry water at very high velocities. Check that the outlets are stabilized to prevent erosion and that the inlets are designed to prevent water from washing around or under the chute. ■ Determine if the chutes have subdrains, necessary to prevent hydrostatic uplift. ■ Bends in chutes are difficult to design and build and should be avoided if possible. Check any bends in a chute for signs of overtopping or erosion. Problem Assessment 0 Gullies in the channel bottom mean that the velocities are too high. In this case, the channel must be redesigned by either lining the channel to withstand the flow velocities, changing the grade or altering the channel cross-section to lower the velocity. ■ Sloughing from the channel sides indicates stability problems. Causes of sloughing include a high water table, unstable soils, channel banks that are too steep or water velocities that are too high. ■ Overbank erosion, or flooding, may result from debris and sediment accumulation. The damaged areas should be rebuilt and the channel restabilized according to plan specifications. ■ Sediment below the channel outlet indicates that erosion is occurring either in the channel or its watershed. The problem should be located and corrected. 5.6 Inspecting Erosion Control Practices Outlet Protection Outet protection is used to reduce high velocity flows from channels, culverts, pipes and other high velocity structures. Concrete stilling basins may be required for outlets that have overfills or where a riprap apron would be too long. Check the following points of outlet protection practices. ■ The installation of riprap is often problematic for outlet stabilization structures. The riprap should be inlaid into the soil to a depth of 1• times the D.- size and See sections 6.40-6.41 of the have a layer of geotextile fabric under the stone. Planning and Design Manual and section 6.41 in the Field Manual The finished structure should be large enough to handle the full volume that for more information. the outlet was designed to carry. The cross -sectional flow area can be seriously reduced if no compensation is made for the thickness of the riprap. Figure 5.5 Riprap Outlet Protector ■ The riprap should extend far enough downstream to reach a stable section of the stream. The purpose of the stabilization structure is to dissipate the energy of the water and slow water movement to keep the channel from eroding. ■ The apron of the outlet structure must be level to prevent the water from undercuttting the downstream edge of the apron. ■ Level spreaders must be constructed on undisturbed soil; no fill is allowed (the fill will settle and the lip no longer will be level). Also, the lip must be level if the spreader is to work. ■ The natural discharge area of the level spreader should handle the flow without eroding and not reconcentrate the flow (which will cause rills or gullies). Length of apron to achieve non -erosive velocity 07. III IIIdIII-�_IiII1� Geotextile fabric or aggregate filter blanket Riprap level with ground surface to prevent overfall '00X 5.7 n Inlet Protection Inlet protection prevents sediment from entering the storm drains and leaving the construction site. By using inlet protectors (excavated, fabric, gravel or block and gravel), the designers can make use of the storm drains to discharge storm waters during construction. Look for problem areas within each of these practices. Excavated Drop -inlet Protectors Fabric Drop -inlet Protectors Figure 5.6 Excavated and Fabric Drop -inlet Protectors ■ If sediment has filled the excavated pool around the inlet, the contributing area for the inlet may be too large or the inlet protection structure may not have been maintained properly. ■ The capacity of the excavation around the drop -inlet protectors must be adequate for the contributing area. Also, the excavated area should be frequently cleaned and maintained. ■ These structures frequently fail because the posts are not set against the inlet and the tops of the posts are not supported or braced to on another. ■ Water should fall directly into the inlet opening, not onto the unprotected soil around the inlet box. ■ The fabric must always be buried at the bottom to prevent undercutting and to provide structural strength. The fabric should be set a minimum of 12 inches in the soil, and the trench backfilled with compacted earth or crushed stone. f �// Main flow Flow Flow Flow 1.5' max Drop inlet with height: grate Fabric reinforced with wire mesh backing and set 12" into ground — compact backfill against fabric 2x4 posts set against inlet and braced at top — use 3 foot posts Nith minimum 1.5' in ground 5.8 Inspecting Erosion Control Practices ■ Drop -inlet protectors should be set low (no more than 1.5 feet high) to allow water to flow over them without collapsing. ■ Also, drop -inlet protectors should be set low (less than 1.5 feet) to prevent water from overflowing the pool behind the fabric, thus bypassing the storm inlet. In some cases a dike may be required to prevent bypassing. Gravel and 0 Gravel and block and gravel inlet protectors should be set low (no more than 2 Block and Gravel feet high) to prevent water from overflowing the pool and bypassing the structures. The blocks must be set against the base of the inlet for support and to prevent Inlet Protectors erosion between the blocks and the inlet. A few blocks must be set on their sides to allow the pool to drain. ■ The stone used for the gravel inlet protector should be large enough that it will not wash into the inlet. The slope of the inside face of the gravel must not be too steep or the gravel will fall into the inlet. A few blocks must be set on their sides See sections 6.50-6.53 of the to allow the pool to drain. Planning and Design Manual and sections 6.50-6.52 in the Field ■ The fine, "washed stone" must be on the outside face of the gravel inlet Manual for more information. protector in order to slow the flow of the water through the larger stone. (The fine stone does not filter the sediment from the water. Sediment drops out of the water because the water is pooled behind the inlet protector.) ■ Gravel and block and gravel inlet protectors require flat approaches with adequate storage to allow sediment to settle. ■ A dike may be required on the low side of the pool to prevent runoff bypassing the protector. Figure 5.7 Block and Gravel Inlet Protector Compacted dike to prevent Holes set for by-pass flow, 6" higher dewatering than top of blocks —�_ Slope 2:1 slope, gravel blanket' of washed stone ��- 5.9 n Sediment Traps and Sediment traps, basins and barriers are used to retain sediment on the site to Barriers protect streams, lakes, drainage systems and adjacent property. These devices are used at the outlets of channels, diversions and other runoff conveyance measures to allow sediment -filled water to pool and sediment to settle. These measures are often used as the last line of defense to stop sediment from leaving the site; therefore, inspect them closely. Sediment Traps ■ The drainage area must be limited to 5 acres or less. ■ The size of the sediment pool must be adequate for the disturbed area. ■ The spillway of sediment traps must be large enough to carry the design flow. The crest of the spillway should be level to distribute the flow evenly. See sections 6.60-6.63 of the 0 Geotexitle fabric (filter cloth) must be installed under the outlet section to Planning and Design Manual and prevent undercutting. the same sections in the Field ■ The slopes of the inside and outside faces of the outlet section must not be Manual for more information. greater than 2:1 to prevent the stone from washing away. ■ The earth dike forming the basin must be compacted to prevent it from failing when the pool is full. The height and top width must be adequate to hold the water in the pool. ■ The dike must be higher than the outlet weir section or the water will wash Figure 5.8 Sediment Trap out the dike at its the lowest point. ■ Sediment traps should be cleaned when the sediment is one-half the design depth to maintain adequate storage volume. SEDIMENT TRAP CROSS SECTION 5' minimum 1.5' Flood pool Set stake at — — — — Apron — 5' min cleanout level must be level Washed stone `L 2.j facing 5' max Size: 1800 cubic feet/acre SEDIMENT TRAP 1'thickfacing * 1111= OUTLET Geotextile fabric Design elevation of top after 21 „ min Overfill 6" settling r for settlement Emergency bypass 6" below top of settled dam I11) I 1 5' A iUl— l 4' min i R 21 slope (Illlli—Illl=Itl� -«l _ =111 Geotextile 1:1 slope max 1=P�' fabric max I I 5' max fill .c s Undisturbed 5.10 T min soil Inspecting Erosion Control Practices Sediment basins 0 The size of the sediment pool must be adequate for the disturbed area. Limit the drainage area to 100 acres. ■ Sediment basins require special attention because their large size makes them very hazardous if they fail. Thus, it is important that sediment basins carefully follow the dimensions, grades, elevations, pipe sizes, emergency spillway sections and other specifications as shown on the approved plans. ■ The conduit must be installed and function properly. The conduit joints must be watertight and must have antiseep collars or drainage diaphragms to prevent piping along the conduit. ■ Anti -flotation weights must be used to prevent conduit movement. ■ The soil in the embankment and particularly around the conduit must be compacted to prevent piping along the conduit. Hand tamping is necessary around the conduit. ■ Trash racks can cause failures if they are improperly designed. They should catch large debris to prevent the conduit from being clogged but should not have such fine openings that they become clogged with leaves and cause water to overtop the embankment. ■ There should be at least 1 foot of freeboard above the emergency spillway flow depth to prevent overtopping the embankment. ■ The emergency spillway should be large enough to carry the 10-year storm flow (25-year storm flow in High Quality Water Zones) safely without eroding. It should be constructed in undisturbed soil and properly stabilized. ■ Large basins must be accessible to allow frequent cleaning. The sediment removed from the basins should be placed where it will not be lost off -site. Sediment fences 0 Sediment fences fail because they are improperly designed, installed or maintained. Silt fences must be buried at least 12 inches and backfilled with compacted soil or stone to prevent undercutting. These fences must be adequately supported to prevent collapse from the pressure of the water and accumulated Figure 5.9 Sediment Fence sediment. ■ Silt fences should never be placed across streams, drainage channels or areas of concen- trated flow. The flowing water will collapse or Wire mesh reinforcement undermine the fence. 11 Fabric buried 12 inches and backfilled with compacted soil or crushed stone ■ Silt fences cannot withstand flows from large areas or steep slopes. The size of the con- tributing area must be limited to • acre per 100 feet of fence. ■ Sediment fences require frequent mainte- nance. The accumulated sediment should be removed often. 5.11 n STREAM CULVERTS CROSSINGS BRIDGES FORDS Stream Crossing Inspect stream crossing carefully because any sediment will enter the stream directly. ■ Culverts (or the overflow area) must be large enough to carry the storm flow. ■ The soil around culverts or conduit pipes must be compacted to prevent water from piping along the length of the culvert or pipe. The fill over the pipe should be higher than the stream banks. (This is called "island type" construction for culverts.) Inlets and outlets should be well armored. See sections 6.70 and 6.73 of the 0 Debris and construction material should be removed from the stream to Planning and Design Manual and prevent water cutting around culverts and bridge abutments. section 6.70 in the Field Manual for more information. ■ Culverts cause additional soil disturbance when they are installed or removed. Provisions should be made to reduce sedimentation in the stream during installation and removal of the culvert. ■ Fords should be used only for shallow or intermittent streams. Use geotextile fabric covered with properly sized stone to prevent the stone from being carried downstream. ■ Bridges cause the least disturbance to the stream and should be used where practical. ■ Banks should not be filled to shorten the length of bridge required. Fills Figure 5.10 restrict the stream channel and can easily wash out. Typical Stream Crossing 0Approaches to stream crossing should be stabilized and should have diversions to prevent runoff from entering the stream. Bank height 5' maximum •�.1 `4�. r1r �. iY. V �� lll,fw �( Stream channel 01 04 .err q,+u � •� + -• � Approach covered with crushed stone, 5:1 slope maximum PA �J Crushed stone over geotextile fabric A( "+ Surface flaw —diversion 5.12 IF Inspecting Erosion Control Practices Buffer Zones The law requires the use of buffer zones to protect streams, lakes and other bodies of water. Check for the following points when buffer zones are required on a site. (See GS 113A-57(1) 1 for the legal requirements.) See the Sedimentation Control 0 Buffer zones along water bodies with no special classification must be wide Rules. 15A NCAC 04B.0025, for enough to stop all visible sediment in the first one-fourth of the buffer nearest the the required buffer zone widths construction work. along various waters. ■ Buffer zones along designated trout waters must be a t least 25 feet wide (measured from the top of the stream bank) or wide enough so that all visible sediment is stopped in the first one-fourth of the buffer nearest the construction, whichever dimension is greater. m ILIL "n^ All sediment stopped in first 25% of width. Minimum width along trout waters is 25 feet. ■ Avoid the use of in -stream controls such as check dams, weirs and the like. /V, Figure 5.11 Buffer Zone Along Stream 5.13 n Maintenance Maintenance of erosion control devices is frequently overlooked on many construction sites. It is one of the most critical points in preventing accelerated erosion and off -site sedimentation. ■ The responsible party should provide for continued inspection and maintenance of erosion control practices. Maintenance for a disturbed site should be planned to continue through the life of the project. ■ All devices in the erosion and sediment control system should be inspected regularly (especially after storms). The erosion control plan should specify regular inspections and proper maintenance, such as cleaning and repairs, for each practice. ■ Sediment traps and basins should be cleaned when the settling pools are half full. ■ Contractors frequently run over diversions with heavy equipment, breaking down the dike and allowing overtopping. If the contractor must drive over the diversion, it should be stabilized with gravel and built up to the design elevation above the channel. ■ Silt fences should be repaired immediately if they are damaged. More Information and For further information regarding proper erosion control practices, refer to the References Planning and Design Manual and Field Manual. Also the Rules governing sediment control can be helpful for many practices. Remember that the Sedimentation pollution Control Act is performance - oriented. Even if practices are installed on a site in accordance with the approved plan, the site is only in compliance where erosion and sediment are effectively controlled. 5.14 0 Appendices APPENDIX A HUMAN RELATIONS Human Relations The hardest part of an inspector's job is dealing with people. You will be working with contractors, developers, neighbors and concerned citizens. All have rights as citizens and as human beings. To deal effectively with people, you must be fair and consistent. You must follow the rules governing erosion and sediment control, and you must apply them fairly. Fairness means treating all people with courtesy and respect. If you show respect for the other person, that person is more likely to show respect for you. It is important to be as consistent as possible. If you apply the rules consistently to every situation, the people you deal with will know what to expect. Perhaps the most challenging part of being an inspector is carrying out your responsibilities in a professional manner. Sometimes you may feel pressured not to cite violations, but it is your job to make sure all rules are followed. The objective is to prevent accelerated erosion and off -site damage from sediment. To do this job well and be respected as a professional, you must maintain your integrity. You will visit many construction sites, offices and organizations. For these visits, prepare a short introduction explaining who you are, what your job is and why you are there. Give a business card to those you meet to help them remember your name and the role of your organization. Dealing With Angry or Individuals who have complaints frequently come to the inspector. Consequently, Difficult People it is the inspector who has to handle heated confrontations. When a person voices a complaint, you will not have time to prepare a response. Therefore, you must resolve the situation spontaneously. You can be prepared, however, by developing skills for dealing with conflict situations. The general guidelines in the following section will help in handling angry people. 6.1 0 Key Steps A situation with an angry person should be handled in a manner that is satisfactory to the person, yourself and the organization you represent. Your organization relies on you to handle these situations effectively. Use these steps as a guide for developing your skills in dealing with angry people. You can tailor these skills to fit your own personality and style. Step 1 Maintain a friendly and professional manner. You are likely to be the first person an angry individual confronts. Be careful not to argue because it will only make the person become defensive and even more difficult. ■ Show an interest in the person's problem and communicate your desire to solve it. ■ Do not let the person's anger arouse your desire to retaliate. Handling a conflict situation diplomatically is your professional responsibility and can be rewarding. ■ Do not take what the individual says personally. Though the anger may be directed at you, the person is actually angry with the organization. The individual probably feels that your organization has treated him or her unfairly. Step 2 Acknowledge that a difficult situation exists. Show that you take the complaint seriously. It is important that you help the person maintain self-esteem. The complaint must not be viewed as unimportant. The person would not be complaining if he or she did not consider the problem important. ■ Choose words and use a tone of voice that show sensitivity to the parry's situation. The person wants to know that you understand the situation. An angry person does not want to hear (and probably is unable to hear) that he is wrong. ■ Express empathy by responding to what the person says and feels. Expressing empathy does not mean you agree with the individual. It means simply that you recognize and respond to what the person is experiencing. ■ If an apology is in order, apologize for the specific incident and no more. Step 3 Calm the individual by questioning and verifying. By asking questions, you can verify your understanding of the situation and also demonstrate that you are willing to work with the person. This also helps the person to work with you. ■ Ask questions to get specific information about the problem. Never assume that you understand. ■ Give the person feedback to show that you understand the problem. ■ Be sure that you and the person fully understand the problem. Step 4 Involve the person in solving the problem. The next step is to get the person to cooperate in exploring alternative solutions. Show thatyou are interestedin solving the problem. By discussing all alternatives and the consequences of each solution, you can keep the party focused on the problem and avoid side issues. 6.2 Appendix A ■ Ask the person to help you solve the problem. Request suggestions for solving the problem, and offer your assistance to help correct the situation. Your knowledge of erosion and sediment control can guide the party to a reasonable and legal solution. ■ Continue to ask questions in order to keep the person focused on solving the problem. If the individual is still angry, continue to empathize, showing that you understand the problem. Step 5 Handle the problem. Having explored the possible solutions, focus on the most feasible and satisfying solution. Be positive with the person. Explain what you are going to do in a way that the person understands. ■ If he resists, go on to another alternative. Be as helpful as you can. Satisfying the person's desire for service and special attention can sometimes turn an opponent into an advocate. ■ Decide upon a follow-up action to ensure that the problem has been resolved satisfactorily. Being The Bearer of There will be times when you will have to be the bearer of bad news. You may Bad News have to tell a person that you cannot solve a complaint to his or her satisfaction, or you may have to inform a responsible party of a violation. These situations can be very stressful for both you and the other person. The following section lists key steps that will help prepare you to deliver bad news. Key Steps Step 1 Present the situation. Explain the situation to the person with as few words as possible. When your discussion is concise, direct, and to the point, the person is spared the anxiety of wondering how bad the news is. ■ Prepare the person for the negative information. It maybe necessary to provide a short background about the events leading up to the present situation. ■ Provide reasons why the situation has occurred. Your maybe able to show that the person's actions were not responsible for the situation. ■ Don't try to give the person good news first and then the bad news —this can appear patronizing. ■ Do not make the bad news seem insignificant; it probably isn't insignificant to the person involved. Step 2 Allow the person time to adjust. Most people need a little time to collect their thoughts and react emotionally to the bad news. Allow the person some time, but try not to leave long periods of silence. Some people perceive silence as pressure to react and therefore may react inappropriately. 6.3 0 ■ Try discussing the positive aspects of the situation. The person may or may not hear you, but positive comments can help keep the conversation constructive and the outlook optimistic. Step 3 Accept the person's reaction Allow the person to express his or her feelings and opinions. It is normal to react emotionally to bad news. Allowing people to ventilate their emotions shows that you accept their feelings and helps to reduce the negative aspects of the situation. ■ If the person does not offer a reaction, try talking about how you have felt or would feel in a similar situation. Then ask for the person's reaction. Use this technique to stress that you are empathetic to the other person's dilemma. However, do not get caught up in discussing your own troubles. Step 4 Demonstrate acceptance of the person's reaction. A person may react emotionally in many different ways and may not clearly express his or her feelings. By accepting their emotions you reaffirm them as valuable and important. Most of us find it hard to talk about emotions in the workplace, and we have trouble accurately identifying the emotions of others. You must observe and listen carefully to determine if the person's true feelings are being expressed ■ When receiving bad news, the person may feel a wide range of emotions, such as anger, dissatisfaction, embarrassment or confusion. Respond to these emotions by remaining calm, expressing empathy, offering reassurance, or providing further explanation. ■ Try to mentally identify or name the emotion that the person is feeling. Identifying the person's reaction allows you to accept the reaction for what it is —that is, not a personal affront to you. Understanding how the other party feels also helps you anticipate upcoming statements and remain in control of your own emotions. ■ People often react by blaming another person, a group, or the system. The person is simply reacting from his anger —try not to take it personally. ■ Avoid being caught in answering questions that are really meant as statements. For instance, "Don't you think this is unfair?" really means "I think this is unfair." Restate the question as "I understand that you think this is unfair." ■ Sometimes you may be able to use self -disclosure to diffuse the situation. In other words, state how you have felt in similar situations. Statements such as, "I know just how you feel," can be taken as patronizing. Rather, say, "I know how I've felt in situations like this." Step 5 Restate position points. Once the initial emotional reaction has passed, help the person put the situation into perspective. ■ You can help the person see the situation more positively by expressing confidence in his or her ability to meet the challenge and by providing genuine praise for efforts put forth. 6.4 Appendix A ■ Reemphasize the basic facts about the situation and discuss any steps that can be taken to address the problem. Step 6 Offer assistance. If appropriate, you can offer to assist the person in future actions or planning. ■ Do not offer to do something that you are not authorized to do. ■ Inform the person that it may be necessary to submit revised plans or seek legal help. Step 7 Clearly express that violations must be corrected. An emotionally upset person may not be able to fully understand the situation or may intentionally misunderstand the conversation. Be sure that the person understands the information you have provided and knows what is expected to correct or address the situation. ■ Repeat the actions that must be taken and the required time frames. ■ Discuss the required action. if you cannot change the requirements or time frames, tell the person that you regret that you cannot change them. ■ A good way to ensure that the person understands the information you have discussed is to ask the person to repeat the details of your discussion in his or her own words. For example, "I want to be sure I haven't said something that might be misunderstood. Would you tell me, in your own words, your understanding of this discussion?" Step 8 Allow for future contact and follow-up. Give the person a chance to contact you for further discussion. You may need to schedule a future meeting. You should always give the person your business card and phone numbers where you can be reached. ■ Confirm, in writing, the conclusions reached so that all parties have a similar basis for their understanding of the situation. These lessons were adapted from material written by the North Carolina Office of State Personnel, Division of Employee and Management Development, Personnel Development Center. This center has additional information on human relations and also offers workshops in dealing with angry people and other human relations topics. 6.5 0 APPENDIX B SOIL AND VEGETATION Plants Recommended for Revegetating Disturbed Soils in North Carolina Annuals Perennials Cool -season Winter rye (grain) Tall fescue grasses Kentucky bluegrass Redtop Warm -season German millet Bermudagrass grasses Sudangrass Bahiagrass Centipedegrass Legumes Annual lespedeza Crownvetch Sericea lespedeza Marsh plants Smooth cordgrass Saltmeadow cordgrass Giant cordgrass Dune plants American beachgrass Sea oats Bitter panicum Saltmeadow cordgrass Temporary Seeding recommendations for Late Winter and Early Spring Seeding mixture Species Rate (Ib/acre) Rye (grain) 120 Annual lespedeza (Kobe in Piedmont and Coastal Plain, Korean in Mountains) 50 Omit annual lespedeza when duration of temporary cover is not to extend beyond June. Seeding dates Mountains — Above 2500 ft: Feb. 15 - May 15 Below 2500 ft: Feb. 1 - May 1 Piedmont — Jan. 1 - May 1 Coastal Plain — Dec. 1 - Apr. 15 Soil amendments Follow recommendations of soil tests or apply 2,000 lb/acre ground agricultural limestone and 750 lb/acre 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mulch Apply 4,000 lb/acre straw. Anchor straw by tacking with asphalt, netting, or a mulch anchoring tool. A disk with blades set nearly straight can be used as a mulch anchoring tool. Maintenance Refertilize if growth is not fully adequate. Reseed, refertilize and mulch immediately following erosion or other damage. 6.6 Appendix B Temporary Seeding Recommendations for Summer Seeding mixture Species Rate (Ib/acre) German millet 40 In the Piedmont and Mountains, a small -stemmed Sudangrass may be substituted at a rate of 50 lb/acre. Seeding dates Mountains — May 15 - Aug. 15 Piedmont — May 1 - Aug. 15 Coastal Plain — Apr. 15 - Aug. 15 Soil amendments Follow recommendations of soil tests or apply 2,000 lb/acre ground agricultural limestone and 750 lb/acre 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mulch Apply 4,000 lb/acre straw. Anchor straw by tacking with asphalt, netting, or a mulch anchoring tool. A disk with blades set nearly straight can be used as a mulch anchoring tool. Maintenance Refertilize if growth is not fully adequate. Reseed, refertilize and mulch immediately following erosion or other damage. Temporary Seeding Recommendations for Fall Seeding mixture Species Rate (Ib/acre) Rye 120 Seeding dates Mountains —Aug. 15 - Dec. 15 Coastal Plain and Piedmont -- Aug. 15 - Dec. 30 Soil amendments Follow soil tests or apply 2,000 lb/acre ground agricultural limestone and 1000 lb/acre 10-10-10 fertilizer. Mulch Apply 4,000 lb/acre straw. Anchor straw by tacking with asphalt, netting, or a mulch anchoring tool. A disk with blades set nearly straight can be used as a mulch anchoring tool. Maintenance Repair and refertilize damaged areas immediately. Topdress with 50 lb/acre of nitrogen in March. If it is necessary to extend temporary cover beyond June 15, overseed with 50 lb/acre Kobe (Piedmont and Coastal Plain) or Korean (Mountains) lespedeza in late February or early March. Permanent Seeding You can find recommended permanent seeding mixtures in the North Carolina Mixtures Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual in Tables 6.1lc-v on pages 6.11-31. Make copies of the seeding tables you use and insert them in this appendix 6.7 0 Seeding Table Use this blank seeding chart for your own seeding mixtures. Copy this page and write in the information about your mixtures on the copy. Seedling No. for: Seeding mixture Species Rate (lb/acre) Seeding notes Nurse plants Seeding dates Best Possible Soil amendments Mulch Maintenance Notes 6.8 Appendix C APPENDIX C WATER AND RUNOFF MANAGEMENT The following two tables list the flowrate of water in circular concrete and circular corrugated metal pipes for given slopes. The values listed are for pipes with no entrance or exit restrictions or controls. Pipes with either restrictions or controls will not carry the flowrates listed here. Concrete Pipe Full Flow Values in cubic feet per second where n (roughness coefficient) = 0.012 Slope (ft/ft) Pipe 0.001 0.005 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.1 Diameter (0.1%) (0.5%) (1.0%) (2.0%) (5.0%) (10%) 8 inches 0.4 cfs 0.9 cfs 1.3 cfs 1.8 cfs 2.9 cfs 4.1 cfs 12 1.2 2.7 3.9 5.4 8.6 12 15 2.2 5.0 7.0 10 16 22 18 3.6 8.1 11.4 16 25 36 24 7.7 17.3 24.5 35 55 77 30 14 31 44 63 99 140 36 23 51 72 102 161 228 1 cubic foot per second = 450 gallons per minute Corrugated Metal Pipe Full Flow Values - Circular Cross-section in cubic feet per second where n (roughness coefficient) = 0.025 Slope (ft/ft) Pipe 0.001 0.005 0.01 0.02 0.05 0.1 Diameter (0.1%) (0.5%) (1.0%) (2.0%) (5.0%) (10%) 8 inches 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.9 1.4 2.0 12 0.6 1.3 1.9 2.6 4.1 5.8 15 1.0 2.4 3.4 4.8 7.7 10.6 18 1.7 3.9 5.5 7.7 12 17 24 3.7 8.3 11.8 17 26 37 30 6.7 14.9 21 30 47 67 36 11 24 34 49 77 109 6.9 0 Problems with Many riprap-lined channels are not installed as the engineer designed them on R i p ra p- I i n ed Channels the approved plans. Too often, these channels are greatly undersized in the field because the contractor did not inlay the riprap. The riprap was simply dumped on the surface of the excavated channel, thus reducing the cross sectional area and restricting the flow in the channel. Flow Restrictions vs The riprap must be inlayed to prevent undercutting and loss of soil around the Extra Excavation stone. Proper installation of riprap requires the stone to be set one and one-half times its maximum diameter (or Dm_) size into the soil. Setting the riprap into the soil means that the channel must be excavated to a larger size to accommodate the thickness of the riprap and not restrict flow in the channel. Remember, riprap must always be inlayed a minimum of one and one-half times its maximum diameter (D._) into the surrounding soil when it is installed and it must have a geotextile fabric or a stone filter layer under it. Figure 6.1 — 22' 1.0 16' 1 2:1 side slope Geotextile fabric 4' No 118" depth of 8" (D50) riprap In the illustration above, the approved plans call for a channel 3 feet deep, with a 4-foot-wide bottom, 2:1 side slopes, and a top width of 16 feet which requires excavating 1.1 cubic yards of soil per foot of channel. If the channel is lined with 8-inch (D50) riprap using a geotextile fabric under the stone, then the contractor must increase the excavation size to 4.5 feet deep, and a top width of 22 feet, which requires removing 2.2 cubic yards of soil per foot of channel. Looking at it from the point of flow restriction, say the approved plans called for a depth of 4.5 feet, a bottom width of 4 feet, 2:1 side slopes, a top width of 22 feet, and an 18-inch lining of 8 inch (D50) riprap. If the riprap is dumped on the surface of the excavated soil, then the channel has only one-half the cross - sectional flow area that was called for in the approved plans. This channel will not carry the flow rate of water that it should carry. 6.10 Appendix D APPENDIX D EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION Damages from Erosion Most of the general public is unaware of the types, severity, and extent of damage and Sediment that results from erosion and sediment. This section briefly explains how erosion and sediment from construction activities damage the construction site, streams, lakes, and public and private property. Erosion on Construction More than a million acres of land in the United States are converted from Sites agricultural use to urban use each year. What were once fields become the sites for new houses, shopping centers, schools, industrial parks, highways and airports. Construction sites are a significant source of the sediment that pollutes streams and fills lakes. Studies show that erosion on land disturbed for construction is much higher than on land in cultivated row crops and very much higher than on land in pasture or timber. The amount of erosion that occurs is determined by the kind of soil, the slope of the terrain, the intensity of rainfall and construction methods. Much of the erosion occurs during the construction period, but areas below a construction site may erode after construction is completed because of increased runoff from compacted soil, impervious pavement and parking lots. Damage to the land does not come from erosion alone. Increased runoff from an eroding site erodes stream banks and channels, and causes flooding downstream. Sediment from the erosion pollutes streams, fills lakes, and damages the area where it is deposited. Damage to the Erosion damage to the construction site includes rilled and gullied slopes, gullies Construction Site in waterways and channels, washed-out roads and streets, undercut pavements and pipelines, clogged storm sewers, flooded basements and debris -laden work areas. Damage of this kind must be repaired. It increases the cost of construction and causes delays in work schedules. Also, fertile topsoil is lost through erosion. This loss means that lawns and gardens will be difficult to establish and landscaping costs will be higher. Damage to Stream Streams in a stable environment have banks covered with vegetation, and clean, Channels stable bottoms. They rarely flood. In contrast, stream channels below a construction site can flood or become filled with sediment due to increased runoff and erosion from the construction site. Larger flowrates of runoff erode streambanks, cause sloughing of large parts of the streambank, and can force the stream to meander. Streams that are stressed by increased runoff cut larger channels by widening or deepening the channel, depending on the erodibilities of the soil layers. Active erosion or sloughing of the streambanks is visible. The bottoms are covered with sediment, either from the eroding construction site or the streambanks. The aesthetic value of the stream is seriously reduced. Land owners along such streams may find their property washing away or damaged by thick deposits of sediment. 6.11 0 Damage to Water Sediment is the greatest single pollutant of streams, lakes, ponds and reservoirs. It lowers the quality of water for municipal and industrial uses and for boating, fishing, swimming and other water -based recreation. Suspended sediment increases the costs of water treatment and causes increased wear on equipment such as turbines, pumps and sprinkler irrigation systems. Sediment can destroy the habitat for fish and other aquatic animals and plants. If the sediment loads are heavy, fish and shellfish can suffocate due to sediment clogging their gills. Many pollutants such as pesticides, phosphates, and other chemicals are adsorbed on the sediment particles and carried with the sediment. Damage to Public and Sediment damages the areas where it is deposited. It can bury lawns, fill Private Property ditches, and clog storm sewers, culverts and drains. Thick deposits can make an area unsuitable for use as a park or playground. Sediment reduces the storage capacity or reservoirs and may fill small ponds and lakes. If sediment reaches major waterways, it can block navigation channels, or fill harbors and estuaries with silt. Estimating and Estimating erosion or measuring sediment volumes can be difficult tasks. This Measuring Erosion and section outlines two methods that have been used to estimate soil losses and find Sediment Vo I u m e s sediment volumes —there is no widely accepted or standard method. Accuracy of the methods is variable. Measuring Soil Losses Soil loss from a field can be measured with surveying equipment. To find from a Field how muck soil has been lost, the field is surveyed and contours of elevation established. The present contours of the field are then compared with the original contours. The volume of soil is calculated from the differences in elevation of the soil surface and the areas over which the soil loss occurred. The following points can help when using this method. ■ Sometimes it is difficult to obtain contoured site plans of a project. You can check with the U.S. Geological Survey, Soil Conservation Service, the Agricultural Conservation and Stabilization Service, the Forest Service or other such organizations for topographic maps or site plans with elevation contours. ■ Roughness of the field soil surface greatly influences the measured volume of soil loss. Be sure to measure the soil surface in a consistent manner so that the soil loss volume is accurate. ■ All soil lost from a field may not flow off -site. Mush soil can be redeposited in the same field, changing the shape of the field slope, but not violating the law by losing sediment off -site. ■ If sediment is not being lost off -site, the site may still not be in compliance with the provisions of the law requiring slopes to be stable and all surfaces covered. Measuring Sediment Measured sediment volume is usually used in legal proceedings to prove Volumes damages and non-compliance with the law. Surveying instruments can be used to find the total volume of sediment. A grid pattern of transects, or straight lines, is established across each sediment deposit 6.12 Appendix D and the sediment depth is measured at the points of the grid. The average depth of sediment is multiplied by the area of the grid section to arrive at a sediment volume lost. The following points can help you in measuring sediment volume. ■ Sediment can be carried long distances; therefore, you may have to make measurements far from the originating site to get an accurate measurement. ■ The total volume of sediment actually lost maybe much larger than the amount you can measure. The sediment can be deposited in layers too thin to measure or swept too far away to be found. For further assistance, consult state regulatory agencies, the Soil Conservation Service, the Cooperative Extension Service, and state university departments of soil science, civil and agricultural engineering. Appendix E APPENDIX E TOOLS OF THE INSPECTOR This section will help you in properly equipping your office and your vehicle to do a thorough inspection. The items listed are suggested only; please add to the list as necessary. For Your Vehicle ■ Hand level —to measure slopes and elevations. ■ Measuring wheel. ■ Measuring tape, 100 feet. ■ One-man surveyor's rod and rod holders. ■ Surveying level or transit. ■ Surveying flags or stakes. ■ Camera. ■ Calculator. ■ Inspection reports. For Your Office ■ Aerial photographs of your region of responsibility. ■ Topographic maps of your region of responsibility. ■ Engineering scales for appropriate scales of maps and photos. ■ Planimeters and other drafting tools to properly measure sites from plans, topographic maps, and aerial photos. ■ Soils surveys or soils maps of your region of responsibility. ■ Calculator. ■ Video Camera. 6.13 APPENDIX F CONVERSIONS, TABLES, REFERENCE INFORMATION Slope Measurements and Conversions Ratio Run: Rise Percentage (%) Degrees (°) Sine of Slope 1:1 100% 45° 0.707 1.251 80 38.7 0.625 1.501 66.7 33.7 0.555 1.751 57 29.7 0.495 2:1 50 26.6 0.448 2.251 44.4 24.0 0.407 2.501 40 21.8 0.371 2.751 36.4 20.0 0.342 3:1 33.3 18.4 0.316 3.501 28.6 15.9 0.274 4:1 25 14.0 0.242 5:1 20 11.3 0.196 6.14 Appendix F Slope Measurment Use this slope measuring aid in the field. Hold the dashed line horizontal and match the slope of the embankment to one of the slopes here. A trans- parent version of this aid, that can be lined up directly on the slope, can be made by copying this page onto clear transparency film. 51� 18.4 7 33% 250/0 4.1 100 10 0 0 14.0 11.3 6.15 Soil Textural Classification � 712 -0 4 z 0 0 C: V 4) N tE 0 E C: E E '5 Z5 5 E (D CU 0.8 0 E '� 2 It E c E 0 C; 8 0 U ca Cc 8 0 M — E Or < '0 0 C -N 0 CO to 0 -B 8, U) LU w U 0 < N LU mUi = 0 Z m D m .0 X -0 CL 0 z CL -0 ca 0. -0 (D > E ra .5 'D w t C, U) 0 w w X S >I'D � LU EL G 5S z z o z LLJ > W Z cc< 0 X: z w 0>- z ir LU m Ui z C'. C 0 z z Cl) LIJ t-- 01. (D mU E A2 cm IN a 0 30: Z O <00 U) cc w z 0 z z m Ui F- O'� < z U) mmmc z V) < to w 3: V5 F- ,j z z 0 LU F- Uj z 3: 0 W go, a z 6.16 Appendix F Crushed Stone The following pages contain certain information about crushed stone, standard References sizes and its use in erosion control. The first table lists National Stone Association (NSA) sizes and the following tables list standard North Carolina Department of Transportation sizes Quarried Stone for Erosion and Sediment Control GRADED RIPRAP STONE Size Inches (sq. openings) Wave Height3 Velocity4 Filter Stone NSA No. Max. Avg.' Min .2 (ft.) (ft./sec.) NSA Size No. R-1 1.5 3/4 (No.8) - 2.5 FS-1 R-2 3 1.5 1 0.3 4.5 FS-1 R-3 6 3 2 0.5 6.5 FS-2 R-4 12 6 3 1.0 9.0 FS-2 R-5 18 9 5 1.5 11.5 FS-2 R-6 24 12 7 2.0 13.0 FS-3 R-7 30 15 12 2.5 14.5 FS-3 R-8 48 24 15 4.0 - FS-3 ARMOR STONE* Wt. in Short Tons NSA No. Max. Avg. Min .2 Wave Height (ft.)5 Filter Stone A-1 4.0 3.0 2.0 8.0 (See Supplemental A-2 6.0 4.5 3.0 10.0 Engineering Notes) A-3 8.0 6.5 5.0 12.0 *Due to the large size of armor stone, one or more underlayers may be required in addition to stone filter. FILTER STONE Size Inches (sq. openings) NSA No. Maximum Average Min.(2) FS-1 3/8 No. 30 No. 100 FS-2 2 No. 4 No. 100 FS-3 6.5 2.5 No. 16 The above tables assume a stone dry density of 165 pounds per cu.ft. "`Average" is that size exceeded by at least 50 percent of the total weight of the tonnage shipped; i.e., 50 percent of the tonnage shall consist of pieces larger than the "average" size (normally half the specified nominal top size). 2Pieces smaller than the minimum size shown shall not exceed 15 percent of the tonnage shipped. 'Wave height is the vertical distance from wave crest to wave trough. The wave height given in the table is the average height of the one-third highest waves in the incident wave train. 'The stream velocity is the velocity at mid -stream or at a point 10 feet from the bank, whichever is closest to the bank. 'The stone industry generally is unable to economically produce armor stone in sizes to fit the 6-ft. wave height category. Therefore, the reader should use NSA No. A-1. 6.17 0 Supplemental The National Stone Association (NSA) has devised the above Tables to define Engineering N oteS a number of standard sizes from which the reader may select the one most appropriate to the anticipated service situation. Designations R-1 through R-8 describe "graded" riprap or revetment stone —grading designed to produce a well bonded mass heavy enough to resist the forces of waves or stream flows of the magnitude shown. The larger armor stones designated A-1 through A-3 are more closely sized, usually "hand-picked" at the quarry and individually placed, piece by piece, by well-equipped heavy construction contractors. The proper size of filter stone for the underlayer or "filter pack" for revetment stone depends upon the type of underlying soil as well as the size of protective riprap or armor stone above. In brief, the filter layer must be fine enough to prevent the underlying soil material from being washed up through it and yet coarse enough to prevent its own finer particles from being washed out through the voids in the protective cover layer above. In case the underlying soil is very fine and the riprap or armor stone quite large, it may be necessary to place two layers of filter stone —a finer layer at the bottom (FS-1 or FS-2, say) and a coarser bedding layer immediately below the riprap (perhaps FS-3). A more complete guide to stone sizes for filter layers may be found in the Army Corps of Engineers' "Shore Protection Manual," Volume II, paragraph 7.377h, Reference No. 15, page 32, as well as in various soil mechanics texts and other sources. Adapted from, Quarried Stone for Erosion and Sediment Control. National Stone Association, 1-91 SEC 5, Washington D.C., 1991. 6.18 Appendix F Riprap and Erosion Control Stone Sizes North Carolina Department of Transportation Specifications Stone density is assumed to be 165 pounds per cubic foot. Stone shape is assumed to be spherical. Percentages indicate amount passing given screen size Approx. Riprap Riprap Weight of Class Class Approx. Class Class Slope spheres 1 2 Size A B Protection (pounds) (inches) Stone 290 250 200 170 140 110 86 66 50 36 26 21 17 15 11 6.2 5 3.2 1.5 0.8 0.4 0.05 0.02 100% 100% 0 - 40% 0-70% 0 - 5% 0% 0-10% 0% 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7.5 7 6.5 6 5 4.5 4 3 2.5 2 1 0.75 Equally distributed Equally distributed i 90-100% 30 - 70% 10-35% 0-5% Or use Class A Riprap Notes: 1) Slope Protection stone is to be used for control of splash erosion and surface erosion only, it is not to be used to line channels or where water flows are concentrated. 2) Class 1 and Class 2 riprap are specified by weight of the individual pieces of stone. 3) Class A and Class B riprap are specified by sizes of the individual pieces of stone. 4) Class 1 and Class B riprap are equivalent for practical purposes. Adapted from the North Carolina Aggregates Association 6.19 0 Crushed Stone Sizes and Uses North Carolina Dept. of Transportation Sizes Coarse Aggregate Size in inches, or Standard Size # Sieve Size (square openings) Maximum Average* Minimum Best Uses 4 2 1 3/4 Bituminous Plant Mix Pavement 467M 2 3/4 #4 Bituminous Plant Mix Pavement 5 11/2 3/4 1/2 Bituminous Surface Treatment Mat Coat 57 11/2 1/2 #4 Structural Concrete Shoulder Drain, Subsurface Drains 57M 11/2 3/4-1/2 #4 Portland Cement Concrete Pavement, Subsurface Drains 6 1 1/2 3/8 Bituminous Surface Treatment 67 1 3/8 #4 Structural Concrete, Bituminous Plant Mix Pavement 78M 3/4 #4 #8 Bituminous Plant Mix Pavement, Bituminous Surface Treatment, Weep Hole Drains, Structural Concrete 14 3/8 #4 $8 Bituminous Structural Treatment All standard sizes of stone listed above are free of fines (washed stone); therefore they will resist clogging. Stone sizes SA, ABC and ABC(M) contain significant amounts of fines. These standard sizes should not be used for subsurface drains or facing stone for rock dams or outlets for sediment traps. SA 2 #4 #50 Stabilizer Aggregate, Pothole Filler, Soil Stabilizer, Sub -base Course ABC 11/2 3/8 350 Aggregate Base Course, Bituminous Plant Mix Pavement ABC(M) 11/2 1/2 #40 Maintenance Stabilization, Pothole Filler, Soil Stabilizer Fine Aggregate is 3/8 #16 #50 Blotting Sand, Bituminous Pavement Retreatment 2S 3/8 #30 #50 Structural Concrete, Subsurface Drainage, Blotting Sand 21VIS 3/8 #30 #100 Structural Concrete 4S #4 #40 #80 Mortar Sand *Average size represents the approximate 50% size for the standard size gradation. NOTE: See the North Carolina Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Roads and Struc tures, Section 1005 for technical specifications for coarse and fine aggregate gradations. 6.20 Appendix F Notes About Crushed Sizes #4 and #467M Stone Used for Erosion Sizes #4 and #467M can be used to control splash or sheet erosion. Do not use Control these sizes to line channels or where concentrated flows occur. This stone provides excellent stabilization for construction roads and construction entrances and exits in dry soils. If the soils are too wet, larger sizes may be needed. These sizes make excellent sub -base courses for parking lots and permanent roads, providing better drainage and greater support for the final pavement. These sizes are between NSA R-1 and R-2. Sizes #5, #57 and #57M Roughly equivalent to NSA size R-1, these sizes are excellent for use in subsurface drains and as facing stone for rock dams, sediment trap outlets, and block and gravel inlet protectors. There are no fines in these sizes; thus, they will resist plugging. Sizes SA, ABC and ABC(M) These sizes are best used as the base course for permanent paving and to stabilize wet soils. They closely approximate NSA FS-2. Parking Areas For sites that plan large permanent parking areas, much erosion can be prevented by installing a base course of crushed stone just after the site is graded. This prevents construction equipment from creating large areas of ruts and puddles. Acceptable stone to use is ABC, ABC(M), SA, #467M, or #4, depending on the soil and site conditions. Class A Riprap Class A riprap is the same as NSA R-3. Class B and Class 1 Riprap These sizes are approximately the same as NSA R-5. Class 2 Riprap This stone closely approximates NSA R-6. Slope Protection Stone Slope protection stone is between NSA R-3 and R-4. Sizes 2S and 2MS Fine aggregates #2S and #2MS are equal to NSA FS-1. Size #2S can be used in subsurface drains. 6.21 0 APPENDIX G CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND AERIAL PHOTOS On the following pages, you will find two views of a highway construction project. The lower portion of the pages are the construction plans, and the upper portion of the pages are aerial photos of the same project. These plans and photos are included here to allow you to gain experience in reading construction plans and aerial photos. The construction plan shows the "clearing and grubbing" phase for a new highway. The aerial photos show the site at an interim stage of construction. This project was chosen because the construction plans and aerial photos are relatively clear and uncluttered. Except for its simplicity, this project is typical of many other projects you will encounter as an inspector. When you are studying these plans and photos, please note that the light gray contour lines show the original topography of the site. The roadway has been well -fitted to the original topography, requiring minimal fills and excavations; however, the constructed roadway has changed the flow patterns significantly from those originally at the site. Also the contours and the plans were taken from two sources; thus there are a number of places where the flow paths of the streams do not fit the contours exactly. Problems such as these are common when the topographic and the construction plans are done at different times or by different groups. Study the plans to find the erosion and sediment control measures. The following points can help your review. ■ Check the contours of the site to determine the higher and lower areas, and the direction of flow of the runoff. The contours shown are for the undisturbed site, before construction. The graded site will have only gradual slopes. ■ Note the perimeter protection, especially near the streams crossing the project. Is it adequate? ■ Pay attention to critical areas, such as steep cut and fill slopes, stream crossings, channels, outlets of pipes and diversions and construction access routes. ■ Are the devices and measures properly placed? ■ Look for adequate access and space for constructing and maintaining the erosion and sediment control measures. ■ The aerial photo can help you determine if the measures are adequate and/ or working. What would you look for to find out if an area is not adequately protected? ■ The captions point out certain measures on the plans and on the aerial photo. Can you find other measures not pointed out by the captions? ■ Have all the measures listed on the plans been is stalled (check the photo)? ■ What additional or alternative measures would you recommend? 6.22 G Appendix E Post Construction BMP C-1. Infiltration System An infiltration system captures stormwater runoff and allows it to infiltrate into the soil. This SCM (along with permeable pavement) is typically the work horse of a runoff volume match site because it helps the site to mimic pre -development hydrology and therefore helps to protect the structure of the receiving stream. Infiltration systems work best when their drainage areas are mostly impervious, as pervious surfaces can contribute fines that clog the soil. This section discusses two types of infiltration devices: infiltration trenches (Figure 1) and infiltration basins: • Infiltration Trenches are filled with stone or other media to store stormwater in the voids between. Some infiltration trenches use precast concrete vaults with open bottoms to provide a large storage volume to hold stormwater for infiltration into the soil. Infiltration trenches are usually used to manage the runoff from parking lots and buildings. • Infiltration Basins are depressions that capture, store and allow stormwater to infiltrate into the soils. The design volume for an infiltration device is equivalent to the volume that is completely draw down to the bottom of the infiltration system within 72 hours. Rule 15A NCAC 2H .1051. MDC for Infiltration SCM Credit Document, C-1. Credit for Infiltration Systems NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quality Underground Infection Wells Guidance on the MDC MDC 1: Soil Investigation MDC 2: Separation from the SHWT MDC 3: Soil Subgrade Surface MDC 4: Pretreatment MDC 5: Drawdown Time MDC 6: Observation Port Recommendations Recommendation 1: Trench Media Recommendation 2: Trench Geotextiles Recommendation 3: Pumoed Infiltration Construction Maintenance Operation and Maintenance for Infiltration Trenches Operation and Maintenance for Infiltration Basins Old Versus New Desian Standards C-1. Infiltration System 2 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual N-C, Environmental Quality Figure 1: Infiltration Trench: Example Section View CLEANOUT TRENCH TOP CAP SOIL INVESTIGATION PERFORM A SOIL INVESTIGATION TO ESTABLISH HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES OF SOIL nPAW nNAIN TRAP: (a) WITHIN 72 HOURS OR LESS. (b) IN -SITU SOILS MAY BE REPLACED WITH INFILTRATION MEDIA OR INFILTRATION MEDIA MAY BE PLACED ON TOP OF IN -SITU SOILS IF MODIFIED SOIL ALLOWS FOR INFILTRATION WITHIN 72 HOURS ` EX. GRADE OUTLET STRUCTURE l OUTLETINVERT OVERFLOW PIPE LENGTH VARIES SEPARATION FROM THE SHWT (a) PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 2' OF SEPARATION FROM SHWT. (b) SEPARATION MAY BE REDUCED TO NO LESS THAN T IF HYDROGEOLOGIC WATER TABLE WILL SUBSIDE TO PRE -STORM ELEVATION WITHIN 5 DAYS PERFORATED UNDERDRAIN SOIL SUBGRADE SURFACE (a) SLOPES LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 2% (b) TERRACES AND BAFFLES MAY BE INSTALLED TO ACHIEVE LEVEL SUBGRADE • PROVIDE PRE-TREATMENT DEVICES TO PREVENT CLOGGING (E.G. SUMPS IN CATCH BASINS, GRAVEL VERGES, SCREENS ON ROOF AND PATIO DRAINS, FILTER STRIPS, GRASSED SWALES, AND FOREBAYS). ROOFTOP RUNOFF DISCHARGED TO THE SURFACE OF AN INFILTRATION SYSTEM DOES NOT REQUIRE PRETREATMENT • FOR INFILTRATION DEVICES LOCATED UNDER THE GROUND SURFACE. PROVIDE A MINIMUM OF 1 INSPECTION PORT Class V Stormwater Drainage Well Requirements Class V stormwater drainage wells are defined in EPA's Underground Injection Control regulations (40 CFR144.3) as: A bored, drilled, or driven shaft whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or, dug hole whose depth is greater than the largest surface dimension; or, an improved sinkhole; or, a subsurface fluid distribution system. Class V wells are a specific type of well that are used to inject non -hazardous fluids, including stormwater, underground. Infiltration systems can sometimes meet the definition of Class V wells, in which case they are referred to as stormwater drainage wells. Per the requirements of 15A NCAC 02C .0227, the owner of a stormwater C-1. Infiltration System 3 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quafity infiltration system that meets the definition of a Class V Stormwater Drainage Well must submit a notification form to the NC Division of Water Resources' Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program in order to comply with federal injection well inventory reporting requirements. The Stormwater Drainage Well Notification Form can be found on DWR's Stormwater Iniectio page. The paragraphs below describe which types of infiltration systems do not require notification, which ones are not allowed and which ones do require notification. Infiltration Systems that do not Require Notification Infiltration basins without any pipes to convey stormwater into the ground do not require notification. In addition, infiltration trenches designed in accordance with Figure 1 above are not stormwater drainage wells because the purpose of the underdrain pipe system is for collecting overflow rather than for distributing stormwater. Infiltration Systems that are not Allowed Under NC rules, untreated stormwater is not allowed to be injected directly into any aquifer. This includes injecting stormwater into an improved sinkhole or into a vertical well into the ground as depicted in Figure 2 below. Figure 2: An Example of a Class V Drainage Well (EPA) CowrfGrate - 004or - lT�TJ'/117�nZ l.Li Urbris r A --- Shield l Oil Absorbent .. Dii Absorbent _ Cometc Chamber PVC Pipe PVC Pipe .1� 1 .75'ta 3.5' �� _ ,J5' to 1,5' Washed Rack I a Washed Rock Infiltration Systems Requiring Notification to DWR's Stormwater Injection Program DEQ considers infiltration systems to be stormwater drainage wells if they meet one of the following criteria: An infiltration trench or subsurface infiltration system whose depth is larger than its smallest surface dimension. C-1. Infiltration System 4 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quafity 2. The separation from the bottom of the infiltration system to the seasonal high water table (SHWT) is less than 2 feet (note that additional requirements must also be met to reduce the separation from the SHWT per MDC 2: Separation from the SHWT). 3. The groundwater table is artificially lowered to create sufficient separation from the SHWT for infiltration to occur. 4. A stormwater infiltration system that uses pipes to distribute stormwater (rather than collect and bypass stormwater overflow), such as the one shown in Figure 3 below. Figure 3: An Example of an Infiltration System with Piped Stormwater Distribution (Storm Tech) AMP AW Stormwater infiltration systems that fall into one of the four criteria listed above do not need a separate permit from the DWR Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program; however, a notification form must be submitted to the UIC Program in order to comply with federal injection well inventory reporting requirements. The Stormwater Drainage Well Notification Form can be found on DWR's Stormwater Infection page. Guidance on the MDC INFILTRATION MDC 1: SOIL INVESTIGATION. A site -specific soil investigation shall be performed to establish the hydraulic properties and characteristics of the soil within the proposed footprint and at the proposed elevation of the infiltration system. See Part A-2 for guidance on soil investigation. It is recommended to provide a minimum of one soil test hole per 5,000 square feet of infiltration surface area. C-1. Infiltration System 5 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual K ' C, Environmental Quality INFILTRATION MDC 2: SEPARATION FROM THE SHWT. The lowest point of the infiltration system shall be a minimum of two feet above the SHWT. However, the separation may be reduced to no less than one foot if the applicant provides a hydrogeologic evaluation that demonstrates that the water table will subside to its pre -storm elevation within five days or less. There are two primary reasons for the two -foot separation requirement; the first is the inherent uncertainty in pinpointing the exact location of the SHWT in the field, and the second is the potential for mounding of the groundwater table in the vicinity of the infiltration system. If the mounding becomes severe enough, the infiltration will not function as designed. See Part A-2 for guidance on what should be provided in a hydrogeologic evaluation. INFITRATION MDC 3: SOIL SUBGRADE SURFACE. The surface of the soil subgrade shall have a slope of less than or equal to two percent. Terraces and baffles may be installed to achieve a level subgrade. A nearly level soil subgrade slope is necessary to ensure that stormwater will be evenly infiltrated into the soil subgrade. INFILTRATION MDC 4: PRETREATMENT. Pretreatment devices shall be provided to prevent clogging. Pretreatment devices may include measures such as sumps in catch basins, gravel verges, screens on roof and patio drains, filters, filter strips, grassed swales, and forebays. Rooftop runoff that is discharged to the surface of an infiltration system shall not require pretreatment. In selecting a pretreatment device, the designer should consider the slope, land cover, and size of the drainage area. Drainage areas with high slopes, a significant amount of pervious surfaces, or that are larger than an acre should have a more robust pretreatment device like a forebay or sump. Smaller drainage areas with a high percentage of built -upon area can typically have simpler pretreatment systems like filter strips, swales or gravel verges. INFILTRATION MDC 5: DRAWDOWN TIME. Infiltration systems shall be designed to dewater the design volume to the bottom of the infiltration device within 72 hours or less. In -situ soils may be removed and replaced with infiltration media or infiltration media may be placed on top of in -situ C-1. Infiltration System 6 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual IT Environmental Quality soils if the applicant provides a soils report that demonstrates that the modified soil profile allows for infiltration of the design volume within 72 hours or less. The drawdown time requirement, in combination with the field -determined soil infiltration rate, determines the minimum surface area for an infiltration system. See Equation 1 below. rion z: minimum surrace Area ror an inrnrrarion s SA = FS * DV *12 K * T where: SA = required minimum surface area of infiltration system (ft2) FS = factor of safety (minimum of 2 is recommended) DV = design volume (ft3) K = hydraulic conductivity of soil (in/hr) T = maximum dewatering time (72 hours) Although some infiltration will likely occur from the sides of an infiltration system, the DEQ recommends sizing the infiltration system's bottom surface area per this equation and considering infiltration from the sides as a factor of safety. A factor of safety is crucial in infiltration system design due to the following: • The inherent uncertainty in soil testing; • The likelihood that the soil will be compacted during construction, which can reduce soil infiltration rates by more than an order of magnitude; and • The likelihood that sediment will enter the infiltration system after it is constructed and diminish the infiltration rate. If the system does not drain within 72 hours throughout its operational life, then it will be out of compliance with this MDC. INFILTRATION MDC 6: OBSERVATION PORT. For infiltration devices located under the ground surface, a minimum of one inspection port shall be provided. In order to monitor performance of the infiltration device, observations should be conducted to determine how long it takes retained water to infiltrate into the soil after a storm event Recommendations INFILTRATION RECOMMENDATION 1: TRENCH MEDIA. C-1. Infiltration System 7 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual IT Environmental Quality For infiltration trenches, medium or coarse sand, or crushed stone (i.e., uniformity coefficient of 2 or smaller) is preferable as a drainage medium. Trench media should be hard, durable, inert particles, free from slate, shale, clay, silt, and organic matter. Uniform materials have higher porosity (which provides a larger storage capacity), which can reduce the amount of space and materials required to construct an infiltration trench. The porosity of the material should be determined by laboratory tests and certified by the supplier. The trench media should be washed, or preferably, double -washed. To increase the runoff capture storage volume of trenches, plastic, aluminum or concrete gallery frames can be inserted. The gallery frames introduce open space inside the trench and help distribute flow. Adequate maintenance access must be provided to the gallery frames. INFILTRATION RECOMMENDATION 2: TRENCH GEOTEXTILES. For infiltration trenches, drainage media should be enclosed on all sides by a geotextile filter. Proper specification of the geotextile prevents two problems: accumulation of soil into the device and clogging at the soil interface. The top surface of the geotextile should be 6-12 inches below the upper surface of the drainage media. The other surfaces of the geotextile should be in contact with the in -situ soil. The fabric, together with the overlying material, can be removed and disposed of when excessive sediments accumulate on the filter and begin to retard flow into the device. INFILTRATION RECOMMENDATION 3: PUMPED INFILTRATION. If a project has soils with high infiltration rates, but there is not adequate separation from the SHWT at the discharge point, the designer has the option of using "pumped infiltration." Pumped infiltration can be a good option for some projects, particularly where SA waters requirements apply. It is typically accomplished by providing a storage pond at the low point of the drainage area and a pump to convey the stormwater to a higher elevation. DEQ recommends that the following information be considered in the design and provided in the submittal: 1. Pump elevation: Set the pump inlet piping at or above sediment cleanout level of the storage pond to avoid clogging the pump. The cleanout C-1. Infiltration System 8 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual NCI Environmental Quality elevation typically corresponds to 0.75 times the design depth of the storage pond. 2. Routing calculations: Provide routing calculations that demonstrate that the design volume can be adequately conveyed from the storage pond to the infiltration system during the storm event. The pump should be sized such that the operating point is less than the drawdown rate for the basin. 3. Gate valve and discharge line size: Insure that these are provided to adjust and convey flow at system operation point. 4. Pump system details: Pump system details should be provided on the plans, calculations, and specifications and should include: a. Sealed TDH calculations with piping and fitting count, operating point, entry and exit losses. b. Pump specification sheet with model number and impeller size. c. Pump curve with operating point. d. The pump "on" elevation at a minimum of four inches above pump "off' elevation identified on the plans (six inches recommended). e. Check valve provided on pump discharge line to prevent backflow when pump is "off." Construction Care should be used during installation to minimize compaction of soil on the bottom and walls of infiltration devices since this will reduce the permeability at the soil interface. To avoid compacting the drainage media, light equipment and construction techniques that minimize compaction should be used. Runoff shall not be directed into an infiltration device until the drainage area is stabilized. A construction sequence must be followed that reflects the need to protect the functioning of the infiltration device. The longevity of infiltration devices is strongly influenced by the care taken during construction. Infiltration trenches should not be covered by an impermeable surface unless there is suitable maintenance access, the design specifies a H-20 loading capacity, and the permit application includes a cross-section of the H-20 design. Direct access must be provided to all infiltration devices for maintenance and rehabilitation. OSHA safety standards should be consulted for trench excavation. A minimum of one observation well shall be included in the design of an infiltration system to periodically verify that the drainage media is fully draining. The monitoring well shall consist of a 4- to 6-inch-diameter, perforated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe with a locking cap. The well should be placed near the center of the facility or in the general location of the lowest point within the facility, with the invert at the excavated bottom of the facility. C-1. Infiltration System 9 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quality Maintenance For the first year of operation, installations should be inspected monthly and after each major storm. After the first year, quarterly inspections, preferably conducted after a storm, are recommended. In order to monitor performance of the infiltration device, observations should be conducted to determine how long it takes retained water to infiltrate into the soil after a storm event. The determination can be made in two ways. The most informative way is to read the water level several times over a period of days after a large storm. The alternative is a "one -stop" method, where a single reading is taken and compared with the local rainfall record. Although less accurate than the multiple reading method, the one -stop method will still allow significant deterioration in performance to be recognized. Maintenance is very important for infiltration devices. Property owners should be educated in the function and maintenance requirements of infiltration devices. Especially important is the maintenance of vegetated areas that drain to the infiltration system. Areas that are allowed to become bare and unvegetated will contribute excess sediment to the infiltration system and hasten its failure. Any sediment deposits in pretreatment devices should be removed at least annually. The surface of infiltration systems must be kept in good condition. In many instances, it is convenient to cover infiltration trenches with concrete grid pavers or similar permeable paving systems that can be removed easily and replaced as necessary to service the trench. The top several inches of drainage media and the filter cloth along the top of the drainage media should be replaced annually or at least when the dewatering time is longer than 5 days. If after replacing the top media the infiltration rate is still not in the acceptable range, the entire facility must be dismantled and reconstructed. Proper disposal of the materials removed is necessary; the aggregate and cloth should be appropriately packaged and delivered to the local landfill, provided the operating authority approves the disposal. Since infiltration trenches and infiltration basins have different configurations and maintenance needs, an appropriate sample operation and maintenance table is offered for each one. Sample Operation and Maintenance Provisions for Infiltration Trenches Important operation and maintenance procedures: The drainage area of the infiltration trench will be carefully managed to reduce the sediment load to the sand filter. C-1. Infiltration System 10 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual NCI Environmental Quality 2. The water level in the monitoring wells will be recorded once a month and after every storm event greater than 1.0 inches (or 1.5 inches if in a Coastal County). The infiltration trench will be inspected quarterly and within 24 hours after every storm event greater than 1.0 inches (or 1.5 inches if in a Coastal County). Records of operation and maintenance will be kept in a known set location and will be available upon request. Inspection activities shall be performed as follows. Any problems that are found shall be repaired immediately. Table 1: Sample Operation and Maintenance Provisions for Infiltration Trenches The entire infiltration Trash/debris is present. Remove the trash/debris. trench Regrade the soil if necessary to remove Areas of bare soil and/or the gully, plant ground cover and water erosive gullies have formed. until established. Provide lime and a one-time fertilizer application The grass filter strip or other pretreatment area Search for the source of the sediment Sediment has accumulated to and remedy the problem if possible. a depth greater than three Remove the sediment and dispose of it inches. in a location where it will not cause impacts to streams or the SCM. Unclog the conveyance and dispose of The structure is clogged. any sediment in a location where it will The flow diversion not cause impacts to streams or the structure (if applicable) SCM. The structure is damaged. Make any necessary repairs or replace if damage is too much for repair. Water is pond ing on the Remove the accumulated sediment from surface for more than 24 the top of the infiltration trench and hours after a storm. dispose of it in a location that will not impact a stream or the SCM. Do not pull the weeds (may pull out The trench Grass or other plants are media as well). Wipe them with a growing on the surface of the systemic herbicide such as glyphosate trench. and then return within the week to remove them by hand. (Another option is to pour boiling water on them or steam them.) C-1. Infiltration System 11 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quality Observation well The emergency overflow berm The receiving water Water present more than Clean out any clogged underdrain pipes. three days after a storm event Consult an appropriate professional for clogged soil subgrade. Erosion or other signs of damage have occurred at the outlet. Erosion or other signs of damage have occurred at the outlet. Discharges from the infiltration trench are causing erosion or sedimentation in the receiving water. Repair or replace the berm. Repair the damage and improve the flow dissipation structure. Contact the local NCDEQ Regional Office. Sample Operation and Maintenance Provisions for Infiltration Basins Important operation and maintenance procedures: The drainage area will be carefully managed to reduce the sediment load to the infiltration basin. 2. No portion of the infiltration basin will be fertilized after the initial fertilization that is required to establish the vegetation. Lime may be allowed if vegetation is planted on the surface of the infiltration system and a soil test shows that it is needed. 3. The vegetation in and around the basin will be maintained at a height of four to six inches. After the infiltration basin is established, it will be inspected quarterly and within 24 hours after every storm event greater than 1.0 inches (or 1.5 inches if in a Coastal County). Records of operation and maintenance will be kept in a known set location and will be available upon request. Inspection activities shall be performed as follows. Any problems that are found shall be repaired immediately. Table 2: Sample Operation and Maintenance Provisions for Infiltration Basins The entire infiltration Trash/debris is present. Remove the trash/debris. basin C-1. Infiltration System 12 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quality Regrade the soil if necessary to remove Areas of bare soil and/or the gully, plant ground cover and water erosive gullies have formed. until established. Provide lime and a one-time fertilizer application The grass filter strip or other pretreatment area Search for the source of the sediment Sediment has accumulated to and remedy the problem if possible. a depth greater than three Remove the sediment and dispose of it inches. in a location where it will not cause impacts to streams or the SCM. Unclog the conveyance and dispose of The structure is clogged. any sediment in a location where it will The flow diversion not cause impacts to streams or the structure (if applicable) SCM. The structure is damaged. Make any necessary repairs or replace if damage is too much for repair. The inlet pipe is clogged (if Unclog the pipe and dispose of any applicable) sediment in a location where it will not cause impacts to streams or the SCM. The inlet pipe is cracked or otherwise damaged (if Repair or replace the pipe. applicable). The inlet device Regrade the swale if necessary and Erosion is occurring in the provide erosion control devices such as swale (if applicable). reinforced turf matting or riprap to avoid future erosion problems. Stone verge is clogged or Remove sediment and clogged stone covered in sediment (if and replace with clean stone. applicable). Search for the source of the sediment More than four inches of and remedy the problem if possible. sediment has accumulated. Remove the sediment and dispose of it in a location where it will not cause impacts to streams or the SCM. Erosion of the basin surface Provide additional erosion protection The basin has occurred or riprap is such as reinforced turf matting or riprap displaced. if needed to prevent future erosion problems. Water is standing more than Replace the top few inches of soil to see three days after a storm if this corrects the standing water event. problem. If not, consult an appropriate professional for a more extensive repair. The embankment Shrubs or trees are growing Remove trees and shrubs immediately. on the embankment. C-1. Infiltration System 13 Revised: 11-20-2020 NCDEQ Stormwater BMP Manual Environmental Quality The outlet device The receiving water An annual inspection by an appropriate professional shows that the embankment needs repair. Clogging has occurred Make needed repairs immediately. Clean out the outlet device and dispose of sediment in a location where it will not cause impacts to streams or the SCM. The outlet device is damaged. Repair or replace the outlet device. Erosion or other signs of damage have occurred at the outlet. Discharges from the infiltration trench are causing erosion or sedimentation in the receiving water. Old Versus New Design Standards Repair the damage and improve the flow dissipation structure. Contact the local NCDEQ Regional Office. The following is a summary of some of the changes in infiltration system design standards between the archived version of the BMP Manual and the current MDC for infiltration systems. It is intended to capture the highlights only; any infiltration system MDC that are not captured in this table are still required per 15A NCAC 02H .1051. Soil permeability Infiltration systems only allowed Infiltration systems shall be designed requirements if the in -situ soil has an to dewater in 72 hours or less based infiltration rate of at least 0.52 on the soil infiltration rate. (Lower inch/hour. infiltration rate soils will require a larger surface area.) Flow splitting device Required; only the runoff from Not required. Infiltration systems can the design storm is allowed to be designed with an outlet device be directed to the infiltration that attenuates peak flow above the system. ponding depth for the design storm. Level spreader for the Required Not required; outlet must be overflow designed so that erosion does not occur. Maximum depth of media Specified. Not specified; however, the invert of for infiltration trenches the infiltration system must meet the SHWT requirements in the MDC. C-1. Infiltration System 14 Revised: 11-20-2020 Appendix F Erosion and Sedimentation Control Permit