Washington

Washington Stabilized Construction Entrance / Exit (C105)

The northwestern corner of the state of Washington borders the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Salish Sea on the north. The network of bays and canals extends inland towards the cities of Seattle and Olympia. The coastal climate provides plenteous rainfall which replenishes the rivers and lakes in the mountainous regions towards the east. These water features support a lively ecosystem including the salmon which make their annual return to their upstream spawning grounds. The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulates water quality and ensures that the residents and wildlife have access to clean water.

Washington NPDES Stormwater Permits

Washington’s Department of Ecology, administers the NPDES program. Operators request a stormwater permit under the NPDES program by submitting an application along with a Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (TESCP) or Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) which identifies potential pollution sources and specifies mitigation techniques that will be implemented to minimize pollution.

The department creates Stormwater manuals to assist operators as they develop SWPPPs and advises about Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can be used to minimize pollution. Manuals are created for both the western and eastern parts of the state and requirements will vary depending on where the site is located.

Construction operators who are conducting activities that disturb an area of one acre or greater are required to obtain a construction stormwater permit. Many construction operators can apply for coverage under the Construction Stormwater General Permit.

C105 Stabilized Construction Entrance / Exit

Diagram of traditional Stabilized Construction Entrance from Washington Stormwater Manual.

One of the first BMPs that is established on a site is the Stabilized Construction Access or Stabilized Construction Entrance/Exit. This BMP is designed to contain sediment and contaminants that would be tracked out on vehicle tires. The manual describes a traditional approach to establishing a Stabilized Construction Access which includes a geotextile fabric underneath a 12” thick layer of quarry spalls; crushed concrete, cement, or calcium chloride are not permitted because they will affect the stormwater pH level. The rock entrances are constructed 15’ wide and 100’ in length and must be established at each entrance/exit location. As larger sites progress through each phase, additional entrances may need to be established. The manual recommends that contractors prepare for additional entrances than were originally included in the TESCP (or SWPPP) because “it is difficult to determine exactly where access to these project will take place.”

As vehicles travel over the rock entrances, the rocks become compacted with soil and sediment. The entrances are maintained by adding more quarry spalls to the entrance or by increasing the length of the entrance. Any stone or sediment that is tracked onto the roadway must be immediately removed by sweeping or with a shovel. If sediment is not sufficiently contained within the site, additional must be added to the entrance or a wheel wash must be installed.

After construction is finished, the entrance must be permanently stabilized. Permanent stabilization requires removal of all temporary control measures including the quarry spalls and geotextile fabric, replacing topsoil, and reseeding grass or other natural features.

For more Washington State Approved C-105 entrances check out the Washington Storm Water: Construction BMP Guide.

C106 Wheel Wash

When rock construction entrances are not adequately preventing tracking, wheel wash stations can be installed. Wheel wash stations with pressure washers can effectively clean tires of vehicles when they are placed adjacent to paved roadways. The sediment laden water must be contained or diverted to a sediment basin within the site.

Some wheel wash systems are manufactured while others are built as concrete structures on the job site. The wheel wash systems provide an effective solution to trackout, but may pose challenges to contractors requiring more flexibility for the construction access locations.

FODS Reusable Construction Entrances

FODS is an approved alternative Stabilized Construction Entrance/Exit technique in the State of Washington. These mats effectively contain sediment on the job site and can be easily maintained and reused.

FODS Reusable Construction Entrance/Exit System is a durable and effective alternative to the traditional Stabilized Construction Access techniques. The system is comprised of HDPE mats which have a pattern of pyramid shapes on the top surface. The pyramids deform the tires of vehicles as they drive over the mats and dislodge soil and sediment trapped in the tire tread. Roadway tracking is reduced more effectively with FODS mats compared to traditional Stabilized Construction Entrances which can result in as much as 59% reduction in street sweeping.

FODS Mats can be relocated throughout the project allowing contractors to have more flexibility when planning their construction operations. In addition the system is designed be used on multiple projects throughout their 10+ year lifespan making them very cost effective for both contractors or industrial operators.

When sediment becomes compacted on the mats, they must be maintained to continue preventing trackout. The mats can be cleaned using a street sweeper with an adjustable head, a skid steer with broom attachment, or manually with a shovel. Because there is no rocks used in the system, remediation is often significantly reduced compared to traditional construction access techniques.

FODS Approved For Use By Washington Department of Ecology

The FODS Trackout Control System has been reviewed by the Washington Department of Ecology and has been approved for use throughout the state. Contractors in the state may benefit from the use of the FODS Construction Entrance without seeking any additional approval by the department.

The FODS System is an effective and environmentally responsible BMP which enables contractors to minimize sedimentation and stay compliant with NPDES requirements. Compared to traditional rock entrances the FODS system can reduce waste and transportation emissions and can be fully recyclables at the end of the product’s 10+ year service life.

Additional Resources:

FODS: Recommended Layout: 1x5T

Stormwater Permittee Guidance & Resources

Stormwater Manuals

Stormwater General Permits

Equivalent Stormwater Manuals for Municipal Stormwater Permits

WSDOT Stormwater Manual

WSDOT Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control Manual

WSDOT Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction

WSDOT Standard Specifications for Road, Bridge, and Municipal Construction - Division 8

WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual (HRM)

EPA Washington NPDES Permits

Blog - Reusable Rockless Construction Entrance in the Field

Titan America Implements FODS To Minimize Vehicle Track-Out

Titan America, a leading construction material supplier, is using FODS on multiple locations throughout Florida to mitigate vehicle track-out, increase safety, and reduce costs. The system has proved effective on varied site conditions and demonstrates Titan America’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Landfill Sites Implementing FODS Trackout Control System

Landfills across the country are turning to FODS to reduce sediment tracking. FODS is a portable, reusable vehicle track-out control solution which can be permanently installed as a complete solution or used in conjunction with wheel wash systems or other Vehicle Trackout Control BMPs to improve performance. Learn more about landfills that have integrated the FODS Trackout Control system to reduce costs and increase compliance and safety.

DEN Gate Expansion Program

As one of the nation’s most traveled airports, Denver International Airport (DEN) continues to add gates to increase capacity for over 60 million annual travellers. In 2022, DIA’s Gate Expansion Program completed the addition of 39 gates which increased the airports capacity by 30%. FODS Trackout Control System was deployed throughout the project to safely mitigate construction vehicle track out and reduce FOD on access roads. The FODS system is becoming the preferred solution for mitigating construction track out and preventing vehicle related Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on airports around the globe.

Miami Signature Bridge Project

Miami’s I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project which includes the arched Signature Bridge encompasses over 5 miles of highway and state roadways. Archer Western & de Moya Group Joint Venture have deployed FODS Soil Tracking Prevention Device as a Vehicle Tracking Control Measure throughout the project. The reusable system can be relocated through each phase of the project.

SAN Airport - New T1 Project

The San Diego International Airport is undergoing a major renovation of Terminal 1 which will create and additional 11 gates along with new seating areas and restaurants. The New T1 Project will also include a two level drop-off/pick-up area which will provide pedestrian access to Terminal 2, a new administration building, and a three lane road to the terminal which will streamline traffic and reduce congestion on nearby roadways.

Erie North Water Reclamation Facility Expansion

Erie’s North Water Reclamation Facility is undergoing major improvement to increase capacity for the growing town. The improvements will continue until 2028 as the plant is upgraded to a Class A facility which can provide safe water for additional applications. Archer Western is contracted to perform the work and is using FODS Trackout Control Mats to as the Stabilized Construction Entrance BMP to minimize vehicle sediment tracking.

I-10 & I-12 College Flyover Ramp Project

The I-10 Flyover Ramp Project aims to reduce congestion from westbound I-10 traffic exiting onto the College Drive exit. The Flyover redirects traffic over the I-12 to eliminate the need to merge past multiple lanes of traffic. FODS Trackout Control System was deployed to reduce construction site sediment tracking.

Catbird: A New Concept Hybrid Hotel

The Catbird Hotel is constructed on the corner of Marion and Walnut in Denver’s RiNo Arts District. Using innovative building materials, construction crews would assemble each floor in under three weeks as the pre-manufactured structural and exterior panels were delivered to the site. Construction in urban environments requires contractors to deploy effective and safe BMPs to prevent sedimentation and water pollution from exiting vehicles. The FODS Trackout Control Mats were to used on all three site entrances to provide access to the frequent delivery trucks and construction vehicles.

1919 At Mile High Apartments

In response to rapid urban expansion, The Opus Group (Opus) began construction of its third multi-family development in Denver’s Jefferson Park neighborhood. The experienced building and engineering teams found solutions to the unique challenges posed by the varied topography and space constraints of the project. Opus installed FODS Reusable Construction Entrance System on the three entrances to minimize vehicle sediment tracking onto the active roads.

FODS Deployed on I-25 South Gap Project

Interstate 25 is a major north-south interstate which connects Denver and cities and communities along the Front Range to the National Highway System. The growing population prompted expansions both north and south of the Denver Metro area. FODS Reusable Construction Entrance System enables contractors to quickly establish stabilized access points during each phase of the project.

Cumberland County Landfill

The Cumberland County Landfill was opened in the 1970s and is a municipal solid waste landfill that contracts with residual waste generators in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. To minimize trackout, the FODS Stabilized Construction Entrance was installed near the site’s weigh station. The system provides an effective solution to vehicle sediment tracking enabling increased compliance at reducing operating costs.

Big Dry Creek Sewer Improvements Project

The Big Dry Creek Sewer Improvements Project involves the renovation of 14 miles of sewer pipeline in the city of Westminster, CO. The renovation will increase capacity and prepare the city’s infrastructure for future developments. The frequent relocation of construction zones throughout the project prompted the contractor to choose a reusable and portable construction entrance to stay compliant and mobile.

HealthONE Swedish Medical Center New Patient Tower

The HealthONE operated Swedish Medical Center undergoes a fourth major renovation to increase capacity with the development of a six-story new patient tower. The construction will be conducted while the hospital remains open presenting challenges which are met by innovative solutions.

LAX LAMP Project

Los Angeles Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) is under development by a Fluor JV. The project requires a construction entrance solution that can mitigate sedimentation, dust, and foreign objects (FOD) near airport access roads. FODS Trackout Control Mats were deployed in multiple locations throughout the project.

Ball Aerospace Expansion

Ball Aerospace Expansion Project in Broomfield near the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport continues to operate a clean working area to reduce FOD and sedimentation from construction site exits. To provide the best possible performance, the contractor has installed FODS Trackout Control Mat System to clean vehicle tires as they exit the site.

New York Industrial Recycling Plant Replaces Wheel Wash

Faztec Industries Saves $4,500/mo By Replacing Wheel Wash BMP With FODS Mats. Recycling Plant and Transfer Station Construction Entrance Application.

CalTrans I-10 Tune Up Project Uses FODS TC-1 BMP

CalTrans I-10 Tune Up Project employs FODS Portable Construction Entrance/Exit for their TC-1 Erosion and Sediment Control BMP. The rockless construction entrance/exit system is safer on highway projects near active lanes of travel and avoid introducing rocks and debris into active roadways. In addition, highway projects like the CalTrans I-10 Rehabilitation are able to reduce costs by reusing the entrance on multiple phases.

FODS Combats Contaminants on Red Cedar Development Project

To combat construction trackout and cross contamination during the Red Cedar Development Project, FODS distributor interfaceh2o, provided Hoffman Brothers with a 1 x 8 mat FODS Reusable Construction Entrance configuration.

Marcellus Formation Fracking

Marcellus Formation Fracking requires high volumes of vehicles entering and exiting the site through the stabilized construction entrance. The operator of this site needed a heavy-duty, effective trackout control solution, so they installed the FODS Trackout Control Mats. Learn More.

FODS Deployed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center

NASA uses FODS at Kennedy Space Center as a soil tracking prevention device on the Crawlerway improvement project.

FODS Gains Traction In Texas

Industries across Texas are using FODS to provide cost-effective, and environmentally friendly construction entrances that reduce trackout and maintenance.

Squaw Valley Project

Nashville Projects

FODS is used on multiple projects throughout Tennessee. TDOT approval opens doors for Kiewit to use FODS on I-440 project. The town of Gallatin welcomes a large datacenter with high-volume clean energy demands. New Nashville Fairgrounds Stadium project uses FODS to stop the mud.

Central 70 Project

At over 30 years beyond the expected lifespan of the bridge, Central I-70 was showing signs of age in terms of both deterioration and traffic congestion. The Central 70 Project addressed future growth needs by renovating a 10 mile stretch of I-70.

Southmoor Park

O'Hare International Airport

FH Paschen reduces aviation FOD with FODS Reusable Construction Entrance on $8.5 Billion O’Hare 21 Project.

Central Tri-State Tollway I-294 Project

Old Veterans Construction deploys FODS on massive central Tri-State tollway I-294 Widening and reconstruction project.

Solar Farm

MaxGen Energy Services, a nationwide service provider for clean energy infrastructure, provides preventative and corrective maintenance for solar farms, as well as immediate responses during emergencies. Learn how MaxGen Energy Services uses FODS to tackle critical solar farm service jobs and remain compliant with Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans.

27th Street Storm Drain Project

During excavation, shoring, and construction of the drainage pipeline, FODS Reusable Construction Entrance is currently doing a tough job of stopping soil from tracking out into public streets and onto sidewalks, and mitigating dust to nearby residences.

ALDOT 5920 Bridge Project

The I-59/20 junction in the Birmingham Central Business District provides service to over 165,000 travelers every day. These bridges were showing signs of age in terms of both structural damages and traffic congestion earning the colloquial name “The Malfunction Junction.” The major phase of the project involving the I-59/20 junction was completed in record time a full two months earlier than projected.