I. Procedure for Reduction of Erosion and Sediment on Site
Whenever there is a construction work in progress, there is always high likelihood that the erosion rate will be exaggerated. Also, due to the excesses of materials and other by-products of the construction work, it is no wonder that there may be accumulation of sediments. It is therefore necessary for the contractor, the business owner and the work foreman to practice their roles with precision; otherwise the site may become messy and environmentally unfavorable. Besides the regulations, there are other steps that can be taken by the mentioned individuals, which can help to preserve the environment as well as keep the site clean, following these guidelines:
i. Minimize ground disturbances when excavating - The builder has a greater responsibility in conserving the environment and the surroundings of the construction site. At the beginning of the construction work, the contractor can start fulfilling his obligations by instructing the excavator to ensure that there is little disturbance of the soil. This can be implemented during the time of the excavation, where most of the area under grass cover should be retained, only modifying the areas that absolutely need to be altered so as to ease operations. For effectiveness, the excavator should further ensure that the top soil is not thrown so far away as it can be used later for landscaping. The excavator should therefore separate the excavated material and have the top soil in its place.
ii. Identify and gravel a single entry-exit - When construction work is on-going, movement within the site is guaranteed and there is a possibility that the incoming and outgoing vehicles and other delivery services can have detrimental effects on the soil especially if the soil is loose. Therefore, immediately after the site identification, clearing and preparation is done, the construction foreman should identify the point at which the vehicles will be entering and exiting (Back to Basics, 48). Restricting the movement of vehicles all over the site can further the erosion of the soil by carrying soil off site. The gravel path further forms the base for the driveway.
iii. Construct catch drains and perimeter banks - Once the ground has been disturbed, it is more prone to erosion. With this understanding, the construction foreman can oversee the construction of perimeter banks and catch drains, which help to change the course of upslope water so that it does not pass by the construction site, taking sediments and loose soil with it. The same effect can be obtained by constructing a sediment barrier around the site. This ensures that any sediment from the site is trapped within, and sediments from outside are not allowed into the site so as to effectively reduce the rate of sediment accumulation, besides reducing the rate of erosion.
iv. Install a sediment barrier - It is the responsibility of the builder to ensure that there is a control measure to ensure that these sediments do not flow into the streets or the gutters. Therefore, the builder should ensure that there is a proper disposal procedure. This control should be observed and maintained for as long as the construction work is on (Back to Basics, 48).
v. Construct a wall around sand and soil stockpiles – Before the construction work starts, the builder should construct a concrete wall. This wall acts as a barrier and should be about 0.8m high by 1.2 meters.
vi. Facilitate concrete waste and washing – After construction starts, there are paints and other concrete wastes that accumulate on the site. The builder should ensure that this is observed all along.
vii. Install early storm water drainage connection – there is the possibility that once the roof is constructed, the storm water can easily carry loose soil away. A temporary or permanent connection can be constructed before the roofing is done to avoid erosion around the site. The pipe laid down can be temporarily removed when the wall is being constructed. This is the responsibility of the builder, to be done before roofing.
With the above procedures, the construction site can be made environmental friendly, ensuring that it does not become a source of pollution. However, it can only help if the relevant individuals take their responsibilities seriously, and follow the set out guidelines.
II. Procedures to Reduce and Dispose of Waste on Site
It is common knowledge that waste accumulation and improper management are responsible for the increased rates of waste accumulation on construction sites, leading to degradation of the land. It is therefore both a regulation and ethical consideration that any construction workers should aim at reducing the waste at the working site. There are a few roles that can be played by different individuals to ensure this:
i. Deliver materials with fewer packages, and collect residue materials – this is a responsibility of the suppliers. They should always ensure that they deliver materials in their simplest form. This is a practice that should be observed through out the construction period. It can help to effectively reduce the amount of waste that accumulates at the construction site (Back to Basics, 60)
ii. Recycle, re-use or sell some materials – this is the responsibility of the owner and the contractor. The owner commissions the work and empowers the contractor to do what is deemed necessary to ensure the integrity of the environment. The materials in this category include things such as bricks and tiles made of concrete, plastics, glass and fills, metals, carpets and other similar materials as well as wood and timber boards. This practice can help in cutting down on the amount of wastes that accumulate on the site. The contractor identifies the materials that can be recycled while the owner has the authority to commission the sale of some waste products. This practice not only conserves the environment, but it also helps in ensuring that the operation costs are kept at a minimum, thus saving on the work.
iii. Compact wastes - Another effective way of reducing waste is by compacting it. This is where the waste products are crushed or exposed to pressure which leads to disintegration of the waste. It is the responsibility of the construction foreman to ensure that the materials that can be compacted are identified, such as concrete blocks. Disintegrating them reduces their size. The foreman is also responsible for the sorting of the materials. This is where he identifies the materials that can be recycled, those that can be reused and the ones that would either be resold or otherwise disposed. This would help to hasten the work at the construction site and avoid confusion (Back to Basics, 55).
iv. Order and deliver goods with appropriate timing – This is done by the owner in collaboration with the suppliers. It involves the delivery of goods is organized such that they are received at the right time. As such, the goods received go directly to use, hence can be easily controlled. There should be a proper method of ensuring that all materials brought in are accounted for.
v. Account for any missing items – this helps in tracking down all items that may be potential waste products. Under the same arrangement, the supplier can always take away the goods that are rejected or unwanted, instead of leaving them lying idle at the site (Back to Basics, 53).
vi. Collect any litter around - There are other traders that are attracted by the construction work such as vendors. These people should always ensure that they take away any materials emanating from their trade that may count as contributors to waste accumulation.
vii. Follow the environmental management guidelines - For materials that must be disposed off, there should be the proper mechanisms of disposal, as described by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act of 1979, the Environmental Offences and Penalties Act of 1989 and other regulations as explained by Back to Basics (57). If all these regulations and guidelines are observed, then there can be the sustainable utilization of the environment, and safety at the construction sites.
Work Cited
Back to Basics, Back to Basics Business Training. 2011
