Construction sites are often noisy, dusty, and congested places that require a lot of coordination and careful planning. However, one aspect of construction that is often overlooked is the importance of keeping the site clean and free of debris. Not only is cleanliness essential for the safety of workers and visitors, but it is also necessary to comply with federal regulations.
The Clean Water Act of 1972 established regulations to protect the nation’s waterways and prevent pollution. Under this act, construction sites are required to have a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) in place to prevent erosion and minimize the discharge of pollutants into nearby waterways. One of the best management practices (BMP) for controlling the amount of dirt and debris that leave the construction site is regular pavement and street sweeping.
Track Out Control
Track out occurs when dirt, gravel, or other construction materials are transported from a construction site to nearby streets, sidewalks, and storm drains by construction vehicles, equipment, and workers’ feet. This track out can cause a range of issues from air quality concerns to potential water pollution if these materials enter storm drains, which ultimately leads to water bodies such as rivers and streams.
Track out control is critical to prevent erosion, reduce airborne dust, and prevent pollutants from entering nearby waterways. Sweeping is a proven BMP that helps control track out by removing dirt, dust, and debris from the surface of paved areas before it is transported off the construction site.
Pavement Sweeping for Erosion Control
During construction, the ground surface is often disturbed, which can lead to soil erosion. The displacement of soil is caused by wind, water, or gravity. The soil is then carried away, causing potential environmental and property damage. Soil erosion can also lead to sedimentation of nearby waterways, which can be detrimental to aquatic life.
Pavement sweeping is an effective way to control erosion by removing soil and debris from paved areas, which can help reduce the amount of sedimentation in nearby waterways. Sweeping also helps to prevent dust from blowing off the site, which can be a health hazard for workers and the surrounding community.
SWPPP Compliance
A SWPPP is a document that outlines the measures a construction site will take to prevent stormwater pollution. The plan includes details on the potential sources of pollution, the BMPs that will be implemented, and the procedures for maintaining and inspecting the site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires construction sites to have an updated SWPPP on site, available for inspection at any time.
Pavement and street sweeping are considered a best management practice (BMP) that can help construction sites comply with SWPPP regulations. Sweeping helps remove sediment and pollutants from the site before they can be transported off the property and into nearby waterways. By reducing the amount of dirt and debris that leaves the construction site, sweeping can also help construction companies avoid costly fines and legal action from regulatory agencies.
Additional Benefits of Regular Sweeping
In addition to SWPPP compliance and track out control, regular pavement and street sweeping can provide additional benefits to construction sites. These benefits include:
Improved Air Quality
Airborne dust can be a health hazard for workers and surrounding communities. Sweeping helps reduce dust levels by removing dirt and debris from paved surfaces, which helps improve air quality on and around the construction site.
Better Site Appearance
A clean construction site looks more professional and can help create a positive image for the construction company. A well-maintained site can also help with community relations by reducing the impact of the construction project on nearby residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a clean construction site is critical to complying with federal regulations and preventing pollution of nearby waterways. Sweeping is an essential BMP for controlling track out and ensuring SWPPP compliance. Regular pavement and street sweeping also provide additional benefits, including improved air quality, increased safety, and a better site appearance.
At All Care Sweeping, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean construction site. Our team of experts can provide comprehensive pavement and street sweeping services that meet your site’s specific needs. We use state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques to ensure that your construction site remains clean, safe, and compliant with all federal regulations.
Contact us today to learn more about how our sweeping services can benefit your construction site and help you meet your regulatory obligations.