Georgia Construction Exit (Co)

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has been delegated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue NPDES permits. State-issued permits can be found through Georgia’s Division of Environmental Protection Watershed Branch. This branch issues permits to local governments and industry to manage wastewater, erosion and sedimentation, drinking water, stormwater, water withdrawal, and other water related problems.

Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD)

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is a state agency charged with protecting Georgia's air, land, and water resources through the authority of state and federal programs. The Watershed Protection Branch protects, restores, and monitors Georgia’s water resources to ensure that a sustainable environment is maintained. The EPD protect the many rivers, lakes, swamps, and waterfalls native to Georgia and even have volunteer programs such as Rivers Alive and Adopt-a-Stream. The coasts of Georgia contain many different wetlands ranging from non-tidal wetlands to salt marshes. Under the Georgia Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970, the State recognized that “the coastal marshlands of Georgia comprise a vital natural resource system. The estuarine area…is the habitat of many species of marine life and wildlife and, without the food supplied by the marshlands, such marine life and wildlife cannot survive.” This remains an important feature under the protection of the EPD.

Georgia Construction Stormwater Permit (GAR100001)

The Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) prohibited the discharge of any pollutant to the waters without the authorization of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. There are three construction permits that regulate construction activities that disturb one or more acres. NPDES Permit No. GAR100001 for stand-alone construction sites, NPDES Permit No. GAR100002 for infrastructure construction sites, and NPDES Permit No. GAR100003 which is for common development construction sites. Permit coverage must be obtained by submitting a fully completed Notice of Intent (NOI) along with a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A SWPPP includes a list of each pollution source as well as the measures which will be taken to mitigate or contain the contaminants. Each practice outlined in the SWPPP is called a Best Management Practice or BMP. The NOI must be submitted through the EPD’s electronic submittal portal at least fourteen days prior to beginning construction activities. The permit will then be valid for a term of five years.

Georgia Crushed Stone Construction Exit (Co) Details

One of the first Best Management Practices (BMPs) that is installed at a new construction site is the Construction Exit (Co) or stabilized construction entrance. The purpose of the stabilized entrance points is to prevent or reduce the tracking of soil from vehicle tires onto roadways. The Georgia manual for Erosion and Sediment Control section on Crushed Stone Construction Exit (Co) calls for a stone stabilized pad to be located where traffic will be leaving a construction site to a public street, sidewalk, parking area, or where bare soil transitions to a paved area. Geotextile underliners are required throughout the full length and width of the entrance to support and stabilize. Geotextile selection shall be based on AASHTO M288-98 Specification. Gravel pads must be a minimum of 20 feet wide, 6 inches thick, and 50 feet long. When the construction is less than 50 feet from the paved access, the length shall be from the edge pavement to the building being constructed. Stone will be in accordance with National Stone Association R-2 (1.5 to 3.5 inch stone). Exits will need to be maintained to prevent tracking mud. This may require periodic top dressing with 1.5-3.5 inch stone and cleanout of rocks in structure or roadway. All materials that are washed, spilled, dropped, or tracked from vehicles onto roadways or storm drains must be removed immediately.

Alternate Option Wheel Wash

If the action of the vehicle traveling over the construction exit does not sufficiently remove the mud, then the tires should be washed prior to entrance. Washing should be done on an area stabilized with crushed stone and provisions that collect the sediment runoff into an approved sediment trap or basin. All materials that are washed, spilled, dropped, or tracked from vehicles onto roadways or storm drains must be removed immediately.

FODS Trackout Control Mats

FODS Trackout Control System is a GSWCC approved BMP for construction entrances. simpler and more cost effective alternative to the proposed crushed stone construction exit. The mats are made of high density composite material and specifically designed to remove sediment from vehicle tires. The mat’s unique design manipulates the vehicle tires as they drive over to remove mud and dirt, even from inside the tire treads. As the debris is removed it is collected at the bottom of the mat for easy clean up. When it rains or the sediment fills up, the mat can easily be cleaned and restored to full functionality using the FODS shovel. These durable mats are designed to withstand 10+ years of service.

A standard layout that commonly replaces crushed stone construction exits is a 1x5T which provides a wide turning radius and a 35’ of length. FODS can be installed without excavation and over the top of many different surfaces including soil, asphalt, and concrete. These mats can be easily relocated and maintained without the need for heavy equipment or constant maintenance. A common problem with crushed stone exits is that dual tire vehicles often misplace and launch rocks into the roadway and construction site. With FODs rockless design, it provides a safer and more manageable way to remove sediment from construction vehicles. The effectiveness of these mats will also prevent the need for an additional wheel wash station and sediment trap. FODS can help you effectively cut costs and save time.