Arkansas Stabilized Construction Entrance
The Department of Environmental Quality administers the Clean Water Act in the state of Arkansas. Construction sites that disturb an area of 5 acres or greater are requried to obtain a NPDES stormwater permit to operate. Contractors, MS4s and Industrial sites each must obtain a permit from the DEQ. A Notice of Intent (NOI) is submitted before constrution or operation begins. Most General NPDES Permits may be completed and submitted online through the DEQ ePortal site.
Arkansas ARR150000 NPDES Stormwater Permits
To obtain a Construction Stormwater Permit, ARR150000, contractors will submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevension Plan (SWPPP), NOI and fee to the DEQ. The SWPPP contains a site wide plan which details Best Management Practices that will be used to mitigate stormwater pollution. One BMP that is required is the use of a Stabilized Construction Exit. These entrances are designed to minimze the polluted sediment that is tracked out of the jobsite onto impermiable surfaces like asphalt. Polluted sediment on roadways will wash down stormdrains and enter protected rivers and streams.
ArDOT Stabilized Construction Exit Details
Appendix A.11 of the Erosion & Sediment Control Design & Construction Manual from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) provides design criterial for stabilized entrances. The manual references Section 110 of the Standard Specifications for Highway Construction and the General NPDES Construction Permit which both require off-site tracking of sediment be minimized. Contractors are instructed build a stabilized construction exit wherever traffic will be leaving the work zone directly onto a public road or other paved area. In addition to the construction of stabilized exits, contractors just ensure that sediment tracked from the construction site is swept to prevent the soil from entering storm drains. The frequency of sweeping must be sufficient to minimize off-site impact of water bodies.
An of a traditional aggregate construction exit is provided in the manual. The example is a 12’ wide and 50’ long gravel tracking pad that employs course aggregate (3” or larger.) Filter cloth is placed under the aggregate, and the entrance is periodically inspected to review if the stone tracking pad is performing. The entrance requires maintenance when dirt builds up on the rock or the tracking pad becomes compacted. Maintaining a rock tracking pad involves mixing or scraping the top layer of rock, or top dressing with additional crushed rock to refresh the entrance. Rain events can accelerate the frequency of required maintenance.
FODS Trackout Control System
FODS Trackout Control System is composed of a single layer of reusable, composite construction exit mats which are specifically designed to remove sediment from vehicle tires. FODS is a modern construction entrance which is modualar and easy to install and maintain. The unique design of the mats traps more sediment and continues to be effective after rain events.
A standard layout is a 1x5T which provides a wide turning radius and 35’ of length. FODS are more effective than aggreagte construction entrances so this layout is used to replace a 70’ traditional rock entrance.
A unique advantage of using FODS is that it can be easily reused & relocated throughout various phases of a construction project. Engineered to be extremely durable, FODS mats are designed to last for over 10 years.
The pre-fabricated FODS trackout control mats can be installed without excavation and over a variety of substrates. Maintenance is needed after sediment builds up to 2.5" between the pyramids. Instead of refreshing with additional rock, the system can be restored by cleaning with a street sweeper or FODS shovel.
Reusable Construction Entrances on Projects
This system has been used throughout the country on various projects including the ALDOT 5920 Bridge Project, I-294 Tollway Widening, and the Harris County Green Bayou Project. See More Case Studies.
Located in central Colorado, FODS LLC is proud to play a role in the protection of our shared natural resources. FODS recyclable mats provide an environmentally friendly solution to trackout control with a service life of over 10 years. Our success in the market is a demonstration of the shift away from one-time use aggregate construction entrances towards reusable and sustainable alternatives. Protecting the environment is an effort that requires continuous innovation, and we are proud to bring these novel solutions to the table.
Please reach out to us for references or information about using FODS as your construction entrance in Colorado.
Additional Resources:
ADOT Erosion & Sediment Control Design & Construction Manual
