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Generally standard practice, anyway
In general, complying with this prerequisite is standard practice in most urban and suburban areas, where most or all of the EPA Construction General PermitEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. (CGPEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.) requirements have been adopted and implemented at the state or county level. Regulators at those levels often threaten heavy fines for not complying with CGP requirements, so most projects do so without the added incentive of the LEED prerequisite.
Early on in project planning, compare your local code requirements to the CGP to determine which is more stringent. If your local code is more stringent, then you will meet the prerequisite just by following that. If it is less stringent, follow the CGP to achieve the prerequisite.
Create an ESC plan
The CGP extends compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDESThe National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permit program that controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.) stormwater regulations to construction activities. It has three main categories that need to be addressed as you create an erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) plan:
- Prevent the loss of topsoil during construction. Proper staging of earth-moving activities and the preservation of mature vegetation can aid in preventing topsoil loss and controlling stormwater pollutant discharge. Stabilization methods such as seeding, mulching, and the use of geo-textiles should also be included in your plan.
- Prevent the sedimentation of receiving streams. Your plan should outline the placement of planned structural control measures such as silt fences, drainage swales, and storm drain inlet protection.
- Prevent air pollution by particulate matter. Your plan should describe measures to prevent the tracking of soil onto paved surfaces off-site and the generation of dust from construction vehicles—for example, gravel skirts at drive entries and exits, transit ways for heavy vehicles, and wash stations for trucks.
Simply put, your ESC plan implements good housekeeping on a site-wide basis, minimizing the impact of construction on local environmental resources and surrounding properties.
As written, the CGP applies to sites of one acre or larger. However, all projects pursuing LEED certification must meet the requirements of the CGP, regardless of size.
Often the civil engineer is responsible for creating the ESC plan, which is then implemented by the general contractor. Smaller projects may find the contractor is the one providing the plan, often one that is standard for their company.
Documenting your plan
The ESC plan may be submitted as documentation, in the form of a site plan or a narrative report.
Inlet protectionTo demonstrate that your ESC plan was implemented, your projects will also be required to provide one of the following: - An inspection check list―signed, and dated periodically.
- Date-stamped photos of the following:
- measures to prevent topsoil loss including staging of earth-moving activities and stabilization techniques;
- measures to prevent sedimentation of nearby streams including structural controls and inlet protection;
- measures to prevent air pollution including tracking control at entrances and exits.
- Description of corrective actions taken in response to problems with the performance of ESC measures.
Zero lot lines
Many urban projects have zero lot lines and, therefore, no associated “site.” If your project is like this, you are not exept from developing and implementing an ESC plan. However, strategies and BMPs will differ from those implemented on projects with site area. Inlet protection will still be required, even if storm drains are not immediately on site and within your LEED boundary. Tenting work areas and using temporary enclosures can prevent dust and airborne particulatesTotal suspended particulate matter found in the atmosphere as solid particles or liquid droplets. Chemical composition of particulates varies widely, depending on location and time of year. Sources of airborne particulates include: dust, emissions from industrial processes, combustion products from the burning of wood and coal, combustion products associated with motor vehicle or non-road engine exhausts, and reactions to gases in the atmosphere. (EPA) from leaving the project site. Vehicle tracking and concrete washout will also need to be addressed, and washout will likely have to be managed onsite somehow. Don't forget to include staging areas.
Concrete washoutDocument the plan with a narrative report explaining which CGP requirements don’t apply to your project conditions, which do, and how you plan to implement them.FAQs for SSp1
Am I exempt from this prerequisite if I have a zero-lot-line building? What if the site work is minimal due to the scope? What about a renovation? What if the excavation and foundation work is minimal due to the construction materials I am using?
No. You must always do an ESC plan according to the credit requirements. We have yet to hear of a project that didn't have some issues to address. See the above section titled "Zero lot lines."
What are BMPs for steep slopes?
BMPs for steep slopes should address soil retention, but not water retention. These could include silt fencing and straw wattles, hydro seeding and stabilized mulching, geotextiles and mats, and most importantly, preservation of natural vegetation.
I have a technical question about a specific control measure and whether LEED requires it. What guidance is available?
LEED does not offer specific requirements on ESC control measures, beyond the standards that it references, and the documentation requirements. LEEDuser recommends working with a civil engineer who understands the LEED and EPA requirements, and relying on the professional judgment of the engineer for specific technical questions. LEEDuser has not heard that LEED reviewers are deeply scrutinizing ESC plans and coming back with highly technical questions.
Is there a preferred method for documentation?
This prerequisite offers several options for documentation, including date-stamped photographs, a narrative describing the ESC plan implementation, or a builder declaration of periodic inspection and documentation of ESC implementation. You can rely on project specifics to choose the best option for you—LEED has no preference.
What suffices as far as a date-stamped photo?
Ideally, use your cameras to imprint a visible date on a corner of the image. Most cameras offer this option. Digital files also typically encode a date when the file was created, or encode that date in the file name, and while these methods aren't ideal, some project teams have reported success submitting this type of documentation.
Can I still earn the prerequisite if the project started considering LEED after work began?
As long as the project has been actively implementing an ESC plan during the current development of the project site, you should be okay. If that's not the case, then the outcome will depend on project specifics, and you will likely need official guidance from GBCI.
LEEDuser has advised teams that in multi-phase projects, it's okay to focus documentation of the ESC plan only on the current phase, when LEED became part of the project scope. In general, if there is some question about whether controls were in place during the LEED project, you may not be able to earn the prerequisite.
How do I know if my local code is more or less stringent than the EPA CGP?
USGBC has not identified specific standards for judging this, or defined certain codes as compliant with the credit, or not. The stringency of other codes relative to EPA's Construction General Permit is judged on a case-by-case basis.
Legend
- Best Practices
- Gotcha
- Action Steps
- Cost Tip
USGBC
Excerpted from LEED 2009 for Core and Shell Development
SS Prerequisite 1: Construction activity pollution prevention
Required
Intent
To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation.
Requirements
Create and implement an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all construction activities associated with the project. The plan must conform to the erosion and sedimentation requirements of the 2003 EPA Construction General PermitEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. OR local standards and codes, whichever is more stringent. The plan must describe the measures implemented to accomplish the following objectives:
- To prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, including protecting topsoil by stockpiling for reuse.
- To prevent sedimentation of storm sewers or receiving streams.
- To prevent pollution of the air with dust and particulate matter.
The EPA’s construction general permit outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDESThe National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permit program that controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.) program. While the permit only applies to construction sites greater than 1 acre, the requirements are applied to all projects for the purposes of this prerequisite. Information on the EPA construction general permit is available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/ npdes/stormwater/cgpEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program..cfm.
Potential Technologies & Strategies
Create an erosion and sedimentation control plan during the design phase of the project. Consider employing strategies such as temporary and permanent seeding, mulching, earthen dikes, silt fencing, sediment traps and sediment basins.
Organizations
CIBSE Applications Manual 10-2005
Located in London, this organization publishes a series of guides on ventilation, including natural ventilation.
International Erosion Control Association
Connect with worldwide member based erosion and sediment control community.
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Provides certification programs a list of qualified professionals.
Publications
EPA – Construction General Permit
Referenced Standard.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for Construction Activities
Resources here include Developing Your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites, SWPPP Templates, Sample Inspection Form, Example SWPPPs, Key Resources, and Selected State BMPBest Management Practice/Guidance Manuals.
BMP Manual
BMPBest Management Practice Manual.
Technical Guides
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
A variety of Canadian resources on stormwater management and BMPs.
Photos
Take photos like these to document proper implementation of your ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation plan.
Construction Submittal
Documentation for this credit is part of the Construction Phase submittal.
LEED Online Forms: CS-2009 SS
The following links take you to the public, informational versions of the dynamic LEED Online forms for each CS-2009 SS credit. You'll need to fill out the live versions of these forms on LEED Online for each credit you hope to earn.
Version 4 forms (newest):
- SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
- SSc1: Site Selection
- SSc2: Dev. Density & Community Connectivity
- SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
- SSc4.1: Alt. Trans.—Public Trans. Access
- SSc5.2: Site Dev.: Maximize Open Space
- SSc6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control
- SSc6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control
- SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect—Non-Roof
- SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect—Roof
- SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
Version 3 forms:
- SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
- SSc1: Site Selection
- SSc2: Dev. Density & Community Connectivity
- SSc3: Brownfield Redevelopment
- SSc4.1: Alt. Trans.—Public Trans. Access
- SSc4.2: Alt. Trans.—Bicycle Storage
- SSc4.3: Alt. Trans.—Low-Emitting Vehicles
- SSc4.4: Alt. Trans.—Parking Capacity
- SSc5.1: Site Dev.—Protect or Restore Habitat
- SSc5.2: Site Dev.: Maximize Open Space
- SSc6.1: Stormwater Design—Quantity Control
- SSc6.2: Stormwater Design—Quality Control
- SSc7.1: Heat Island Effect—Non-Roof
- SSc7.2: Heat Island Effect—Roof
- SSc8: Light Pollution Reduction
- SSc9: Tenant Guidelines
These links are posted by LEEDuser with USGBC's permission. USGBC has certain usage restrictions on these forms; for more information, visit LEED Online and click "Sample Forms Download."
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Drawings
Posted here are sample drawings for erosion and sedimentation control (ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation) plans from a LEED project.
LEED-NC Platinum Senior Housing Sample Documentation
Samples from this LEED Platinum project demonstrate how to document SSp1. This 8-story, 100-unit public senior housing development will use 50% less energy than a comparable code compliant building. Although on a tight urban site, the project also features innovative stormwater management plans, and a pilot graywaterGraywater is untreated household waste water which has not come into contact with toilet waste. Graywater typically includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs, though definitions may vary. Some states and local authorities also allow kitchen sink wastewater to be included in graywater. Project teams should comply with the graywater definition established by the authority having jurisdiction in the project area. reuse system—all on a tight budget under a major urban housing authority.
LEEDuser is produced by BuildingGreen, Inc., with YR&G authoring most of the original content. LEEDuser enjoys ongoing collaboration with USGBC.
47 Comments
Storm Water Pollution Plan for Construction Management
How should we implement the ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation/Storm Water Pollution Plan in case that the client does not have one GC but various suppliers for various construction phases. In the phase of excavation and groundworks there was only one company with which we prepared the plan. Now during the upper construction works there are about 5 to 18 various companies in one moment on site. I thought I would prepare the plan and all following Revisions and representatives of each of these companies would accept it in writing - is this ok? Which other procedure would you suggest? Is it possible that every supplier has its own waste bins, spill kit etc. for which he is responsible? Do you have any experience with such procedure? Thanks
We usually keep track of compliance through the construction management company. They make sure all contractor onsite stick to the SWPPP plan and each and everyone take their own photos and provide enough documentation.
At the end the construction management will concentrate all information (reports, pictures, letters, etc) and will create the final report that will be provided to GBCI through LEED Online.
When you have several contractors at the same time it becomes a bit messy, that's why there has to be a "head" which is the constructin management agency, or the general contractor.
We have projects where the construction management and the general contractor are the same figure and some other where they are split.
In your case I would, by means of a contract, make all subcontractors to stick to the SWPPP plan that need to be provided by the LEED-AP or the LEED consultant, and this plan would be comprehensive which means all BMPBest Management Practice need to be there. Depending on the contractors some BMPs will apply to some and some BMP will not apply to all, but we truly recomend to create one single SWPPP.
Sprayed concrete as a temporary stabilization measure
Our project has around 10 levels of undergrouns parking. A huge ramp for earth-movement vehicles is being created as construction evolves.
The slopes at the sides of the ramp go for more than 40 feet tall so it is a little bit difficult to put something like a plastic or a not-woven geotextile, the contractor sprayed concrete for the first 10 feet and then for the rest a mixture of cement and water (in Mexico is some sort of grout) is poured over the rest of the slope. As excavation goes deeper this mixture is poured over the new slope.
This mixture contains no additive, like I mentioned is only cement and water.
I just wanted to make sure that this is not considered some sort of soil contamination.
Michael, although I am not, as someone who is not a civil engineer, in the position to comment as an expert on this approach, my common-sense answer is that it sounds reasonable and not like soil contamination.
I will also note that I have not heard of LEED reviewers getting really nit-picky about speciic ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation strategies under this credit. LEED seems to defer to your civil engineer.
Thank you Tristan, we also thought no soil contamination is present when you put only cement mixed with wáter (otherwise any slab on ground when demolished would be considered contaminated soil or contaminated debris, it makes no sense).
Thank you for your comments, we really apreciate it.
Licensed Professional Exemption - Outside the US
The template for SSp1 allows for "Streamlined Path" in which a "Registered Civil Engineer" signs to accept responsibility that a proper ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation Plan has been created that is equal to or more stringent than the 2003 EPA CGPEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. requirements.
The project in consideration here is in China.
In short, does the USGBC accept China's certification of "registered civil engineers" as equivalent to the US, and thus accept the streamlined documentation path with their electronic signature?
Obviously the same ESC requirements still need to be met, but we do need clarity on what registration is applicable.
Are there other considerations that then result from the signature exemption... IE that the "contractor declaration and documentation" or " project team date-stamped photos" options are preferred as more reliable verification of the plan implementation, instead of the simple "narrative description"? Or is that not the case, the three options are still all available (as seems true because the form does not grey it out)?
Last I knew only US certification was valid for the LPE.
The Licensed Professional designation is linked under your account with USGBC and currently states: "the LP must have a U.S. license but it does not have to be issued from the state of the project. LPE is currently not available to users with international licenses".
Thank you Lisa and Eric.
Lisa, can you tell me where you found that (IE, what you mean by "linked under your account with USGBC")... ie, at usgbc.org, leedonline.com, or ?
Here - LEED Online-Home > Welcome to LOv3 Help > Your Account > Personal Information
Personal Information
The information provided in this section of LEED Online v3 should be kept updated as it is used as a source of communication between that person and CBs, USGBC, and GBCI. Also, LOv3 uses account information to automatically populate fields when registering a project or completing forms.
Personal profile features:
Allows users to provide Licensed Professional, LEED Accredited Professional, and USGBC Member information (see image)
LEED pursuing after building the basement level
Hi there,
We have an office building in Egypt, that its developer wants to pursue LEED, after he had built-up its first basement level.
We do have local code which is less stringent than EPA.
Could we still be able to register the building?
Thank you
Do you have documentation (pictures, design/ construction managements narratives and plans) that can show the project followed erosion and sedimentation control practices that were as stringent as the 2003 EPA Construction General PermitEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. requirements? You might have a problem documenting the project meets the requirements to the satisfaction of the reviewers. Of course, I saw one CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide from long ago that said something along the lines of "since it doesn't rain in Egypt we didn't implement a erosion and sedimentation control plan". (That was pre-2009)
Thank you Eric,
unfortunately we do not have such documents, and our local codes are less stringent than 2003 EPA.
We are welling to follow any modification needed by the reviewer, though I am still concerned about eligibility purposes.
In other LEED projects here in Egypt, we do some precautions for rain ( ponds in the lower points of the site)....and I guess this point is still achievable.
I am concerned about the time arrangement and precautions for the site work during excavation and construction, that we have already missed.
Is it still eligible to pursue LEED?
I would guess you don't have much of a chance, but you could always submit a CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide and see what happens. Others have asked similar questions on the site and I believe the answer hasn't been very positive.
Thank you Eric,I will try the CIRCredit Interpretation Ruling. Used by design team members experiencing difficulties in the application of a LEED prerequisite or credit to a project. Typically, difficulties arise when specific issues are not directly addressed by LEED information/guide path.
Radwa, the short answer to your question is that having a local code that is less stringent than EPA does not preclude you from earning this prerequisite. You just need to follow your local code, and modify your practices to also comply with EPA requirements. I'm not saying that will be easy, but it's an option for you.
ESC PLAN Language
Dear all,
I think this question will be useful for people doing LEED outside the US..
Is it posible to upload the ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation plan in SPANISH? or I have to translate the whole document to English?? I mean, is a really extensive document, and the actual implementation is in spanish.
Anyone with some experience on this?
Same question goes to all the Plans or extensive text documents required for other credits along the LEED process...
Thanks a lot.
Regards!
Use Google Translate.
Eric, I would.. but it works terrible.
tenemos el documento en español, y las concordancias con la normas oficiales.
we have the document in Spanish, and the concordance with official standards, so i hope you live in Mexico.
Hi Milton,
I just sent you an internal message but let me thank you here for your generosity. We are working from Chile but would love to exchange experiences and info with Mexico. I´m sure we share more commonalities than differences when it comes to LEED in Latin America.
Saludos cordiales,
Esteban
Saludos, Milton Muñiz, he tenido tambien algunas complicaciones para corroborar el EPA fuera de USA, si fueras tan amable de mostrarnos este documento en español y las concordancias que mencionas.
Agradezco de antemano.
Scaffolding (release agent)
People use this liquid on scaffolding so when concrete is cured scaffolding can be removed.
I don't know the exact translation of this (desmoldante we say in spanish), but I think the idea is clear.
Can this liquid be somehow considered as a soil pollutant?
If instead of scaffolding, we use wood, is this wood considered a contaminated waste?
Any comments will be really appreciated. Regards
Hola David, me permito escribirte en español, ya que te conozco, y de acuerdo a tu pregunta, Si, el desmoldante deberá ser considerado como contaminante, salvo sea de bajo COV´s (Voc´s in english), o bien inocuo al ambiente, (la verdad no conozco uno que sea inocuo), puedes checar si es inocuo al ambiente bajo sus especificaciones, (elementos quimicos que estan compuestos), si me das el nombre te podemos ayudar a investigar esto.
la madera por otro lado no es considerado un contaminante ni por la EPA, ni por la normatividad de ecologia y SEMARNAT, en MÉXICO, ya que esta es materia organica inerte. Cualquier residuo vegetal o animal es materia orgánica, y su descomposición lo transforma en materiales importantes en la composición del suelo y en la producción de plantas. por lo que aporta nutrientes, ver EPA MULCHING. http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm?action=factsh...
SALUDOS¡¡¡
Hola Milton!!
Muchas gracias por tus comentarios!!
Water filtration
How much filtration is required when discharging rainwater that contains suspended solids?
We have some rainwater acumulation and we would like to know if a simple screening will be enough. For example will a piece of a not woven geotextile at the end of the piping retaining solids be enough?, or do we need to do something else?
Any suggestion will be appreciated.
Exposed slopes
If the construction site is really "active", that is to say there is earth movement everyday and the slopes are changing every couple of days, do we need to protect them everysingle day?
According to the CGPEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. point 2.13 management practices letter D:
"...stabilization measures must be initiated as soon as practicable in portions of the site where construction activities have temporarily or permanently ceased, but in no case more than 14 days after the construction activity in that portion of the site has temporarily or permanently ceased."
Does this mean we can leave the slopes exposed where construction is taking place and protect them when construction has stop at a particular spot?
Thank you.
David, I read the CGPEPA's Construction General Permit. Outlines the provisions necessary to comply with Phase I and Phase II of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. point you quote as saying that slopes must not be protected if they are active to the extent you describe.
How much can the LEED AP or GA do?
In order to operate effectively, can our LEED professional prepare the documentation for credits and prerequisites? For example, our team, developer, architects, and engineers meet and create a verbal plan to handle erosion and sedimentation (SSP1). The LEED AP, who is doing, many project management activities, then prepares the drawings and accompanying narrative and uploads this to the LEED system. During Construction, our LEED profession regularly visits the site and in our case documents that the controls have been implemented through photos, narrative, and a sign-off by the contractor. Is this a valid path to implementation of SSP1? Can we operate similarly for other credits and prerequisites?
Jennifer, every team is different and will find what works for it. With LEED, it's often important to have someone who is championing the LEED documentation piece and making sure stuff gets done—and this person can do a lot.
On the negative side of your plan, most successful LEED and green projects report that a key element of success is having everyone committed to the goals and working as teammates. Green should not be delegated to one person. Some credits also require some technical expertise or on-the-spot knowledge and someone without specific know-how wouldn't be able to document them.
Does this perspective help?
Yes your comments are a big help! Our team is super committed to our green initiatives, and it is good to know that our structure will work. Thanks.
Undeveloped site
Does this Credit have to be applied to works during the "site enabling stage" for an undeveloped site?
Site investigation
Site Formation
Infrastructure and Roads (inc utility, drainage...etc)
Regards,
Julian
Yes, it should be, particularly if your LEED project is registered.
Final stabilization for zero-lot line projects
For projects that use all site for construction, how does the NPDESThe National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permit program that controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. General Permit consider final stabilization?
Can I consider it when the lower level has been completed? The permit talks about vegetation only.
Thank you.
David, I don't totally follow the question. What do you mean by the lower level?
I would like to know what "final stabilization of soil" means when you have a zero-lot line project.
All site surface will be used for construction, no vegetation will be present at ground level.
Hope this is clearer.
I think in this situation, you would simply indicate what's going on in your ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation plan—that final stabilization basically means that the area is built upon. Make sense?
Yes, it makes all sense, I just wanted to double check.
For a project that has already built its slurry wall in its entirety, up to what extend does the ESCAn Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan is a collection of measures designed to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation plan need to be documented?
My question is because the soil final stabilisation has already been reached by building the slurry wall.
We think we should still document what happens with rainwater since it is going down to the last basement level, being filtered and then pump out of the site. Shall we still keep on documenting the plan just because of the rainwater?
Tire's cleanning
We are implementing several things in a project to comply with this prerrequisite, regarding the cleaning of the vehicle's tires leaving the site we are washing them and then the vehicles go on a bed of rock before they leave the site. However some dirt is still stick to the tires leaving the streets a little bit dirty. We have some workers wipping the dirt but still there are traces of it on the road.
How "clean" does the street need to be in order to comply with this part of the plan?
We have used tire cleaning station in our projects, which was sufficient for the reviewers. I think you will have to do your best to prevent erosion and dirt traveling from your site, but of course you can't entirely prevent it from happening. I have 4 projects just recently certified or finished preliminary review incl. this prerequisite. Al of these projects used tire wash station, which still left some dirt traveling into the street. The streets were regularly cleaned by the contractor. This was approved, so I think yours will be too.
Good luck
Compliance with SS Prerequisite 1 for international projects
The procedure, references and the documents to be submitted to GBCI pertaining to this prerequisite are specific for those projects in the U.S. How would an international project pursuing LEED comply with this prerequisite? So far LEED has been adapted only for Italy. How would all other countries demonstrate compliance with SS P1?
There is a good discussion on this topic in the NC SSp1 forum. I would recommend you review that and post back with any additional thoughts/questions.
In additon to what's posted there, I do know that USGBC is actively working on this issue; however, there is no official guidance available at this moment.
Licensed Professional Exemptions
My project is looking to pursue the LPE streamlined path for this credit, but the template on LEED Online is not populating properly. What documentation do I need to upload if I am pursuing this path? Just the site plan showing all on-site natural areas contributing to credit achievement and highlighting areas of native/adaptive vegetation or other ecologically appropriate features as well as the erosion and sedimentation control measures implemented on site? Or do I need to include additional documentation? Please clarify.
Hi Heather: Typically the contractor is the professional who would sign off on this credit. As the Civil engineer is the professional who sets up the erosion and sediment BMPBest Management Practice's and the contractor must follow these BMP's. Typically you would upload the civil drawings showing the erosion and sediment control measures and as construction is being done, the contractor takes photographs to prove the procedures were followed. The photographs are uploaded as proof. This credit is one of the easier credits to document, so I would recommend against the LPE route. The following is a post from Tristan Roberts regarding LPE in general that's posted elsewhere on the forum:
The Licensed Professional Exemption is basically a streamlined documentation path that is available for certain credits, particularly design-oriented credits where a licensed professional such as a Landscape Architect or a P.E. would be in a position to judge whether the project is compliance. In most credits this option is not available due to the nature of the credit, e.g. an MR credit that requires actual tracking of purchases.
It basically involves substituting the signature of a professional for some portion of the usual documentation. This is shown in LEED Online in the relevant credits.
Unfortunately, USGBC or GBCI have not released much information on the LPE path, such as a list of the credits where it's an option, and general guidance on using the exemption. There is a small amount of info on it in the LEED Reference Guide.
The benefit of the LPE path is obvious—efficiency. The downside is that in order to feel confidence signing off on a credit, the professional may need to develop all the documentation that LEED would require, anyway, and instead of putting their professional authority on the line, they might as well simply submit the documentation.
SSp1 - New Jersey 5G3 Stormwater Discharge General Permit
The State of New Jersey is the NPDESThe National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a permit program that controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters. permitting authority for all regulated stormwater discharges (not EPA). We received authorization to discharge under a Stormwater Discharge General Permit (5G3) and we received certification from the local soil conservation district for a commercial project. There will be general construction activities including clearing, grading, and excavation. The 5G3 Permit states that the "soil erosion and sediment control plan or requirements constitute the erosion and sediment control component of the facility's SPPP". If we submit the Permit and copies of the approved soil erosion and sediment control plan, do we achieve credit SSp1? Is a separate SPPP document required? Thank you.
Hi Tom: I would include a copy of the SPPP in your uploaded docs area, but you should also have an project specific erosion control plan that highlights those items in the SPPP you are implementing. Also the Civil drawings should show these BMPBest Management Practice's, I would upload these plans and some pictures of these measures being implemented.
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