Massachusetts
Massachusetts Stabilized Construction Entrance
Over 3,000 lakes span the state of Massachusetts. The fresh water rivers cascading towards the eastern coastline supporting a rich aquatic ecosystem including protected species of Sturgeon, American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic Salmon. Massachusetts closely monitors and protect the water sources and habitat for the residents and wildlife.
Massachusetts State Standards and NPDES Permits
The Clean Water Act authorizes the federal EPA to regulate point sources that discharge pollutants into waters through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Point Sources include municipal, industrial and construction operations. The NPDES Stormwater Program, established in 1990, regulates discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, industrial activities, and those designated by EPA due to water quality impacts.
In Massachusetts, the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the permitting authority and NPDES permits are typically co-issued by EPA and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). Although the federal EPA handles most permits, Massachusetts administers stormwater standards through provisions of the Wetlands Protection regulations, 310 CMR 10.00. This work includes protection of public and private water supply, ground water supply, flood control, storm damage prevention, prevention of pollution, protection of land containing shellfish, protection of fisheries, and the protection of wildlife habitat. These measures have been put in place to ensure the protection of the Massachusetts wetlands and other water features.
2017 CGP Construction General Permit
Construction activities that disturb an area of one acre or more are requried to obtain a permit before operations commence. Most construction actives are able to apply for a Construction General Permit; the application process requires the development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The SWPPP serves as a roadmap to identify pollution sources and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to control stormwater discharges. BMPs will include, installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment controls, the implementation of pollution prevention from stormwater and spilled or leaked materials, and processes for on-site inspections on a regular basis. BMPs include many types of stabilization and control techniques to prevent contamination from each pollution source. One of the first BMPs to be installed on a construction site is a temporary stone- stabilized pad at each construction entrance.
MassDEP Stone Stabilized Pad Construction Entrance
A temporary stone stabilized pad is located at points of vehicular ingress and egress to reduce the mud and sediment displacement. This technique is effective when all vehicle traffic is restricted to stabilized entrances. The MassDEP Erosion and Sediment Control Practices Guide provides a description of a standard stone stabilized pad construction entrance.
The Guide states that the entrance should be installed with a positive grade so runoff will flow back towards the construction site and away from the paved road surface. The stone pad consist of a Geofabric topped with 6 inches of 1-3 inch size aggregate. The length of the entrance should a minimum of 50 feet in length, or 30 feet in length for residential lots, but may need to be extended if the entrance does not provide adequate containment of sediment. If the action of the vehicle traveling over the gravel pad is still not sufficient to remove most of the mud, then the tires must be washed before the vehicle enters a public road. If washing is used, a sediment trap must intercept the wash water and trap the sediment before it is carried off-site. Inadequate runoff control is a common problem that washes dirt and mud onto public road.
This type of construction entrance requires upkeep to maintain effectiveness. After the rock becomes compacted, or after a rain event, the stone pad should be redressed with additional aggregate to restore effectiveness. When the work is complete, the stone entrance must be removed and the areas prepared for final stabilization.
FODS Track Out Control System
FODS Trackout Control System is reusable solution in contrast to the proposed stone stabilized construction entrance which is disposed of after each use. The FODS system consists of HDPE mats with pyramid shaped teeth designed to manipulate and remove mud and dirt stuck in vehicle tires. The sediment collects at the bottom of the mat and can be refreshed utilizing a FODS shovel or skid steer with a broom attachment. These mats are effective at minimizing sediment track off and are up to 59% more effective than stone construction entrances. For phased projects such as highway projects, pipeline projects, or utilities, construction entrances often need to be frequently relocated. In addition, the entrances may lead directly onto high traffic roadways. The portable, rockless FODS system and be quickly relocated throughout each phase of the project and reduces the risk of tracking rocks onto active roadways.
Installation involves anchoring the mats to the substrate after installing connecting hardware. The system an be installed over dirt and hardscape such as concrete and asphalt. FODS mats can be maintained and refreshed without the requirement of heavy equipment. The durable mats are intended to withstand 10+ years of use. With FODS rockless construction entrance, contractors can ensure greater compliance at a lower cost per entrance compared to stone stabilized pads. A common configuration is the 1x5T which is commonly used to replace stone stabilized entrances up to 70 feet in length and provides a wide turning radius for exiting vehicles.
Additional Resources:
Construction Entrance Resource
EPA Construction General Permit (2017)
Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook and Stormwater Standards
Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook Vol 2, Ch 2, Stormwater Best Management Practices
Stormwater Management - MassDOT Environmental Services
EPA Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities
Submittal Package
Install Guide, Drawings and Specs.
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