Valuing groundcover and vegetation as a tool from start to finish
Duration: 1 hour
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Summary
Effective management of construction stormwater and soil erosion is a critical aspect of land development projects. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are essential for mitigating the risks associated with these activities. A systematic approach that routes runoff to specific conveyances where energy-reducing BMPs can capture and treat sediment-laden water is a predominant approach adopted by many developers and contractors. Among the various BMPs, groundcover stands out as a highly effective method for reducing erosion and sedimentation, thereby improving the quality of runoff before it is discharged.
Groundcover comes in a variety of options, some when combined with seeding, can significantly reduce erosion and enhance soil stability. The North Carolina Department of Transportation recognizes the importance of groundcover and phased vegetation establishment in managing erosion risks. Contract language, financial incentives, vegetation management plan guidance, seed species selection, and inspection emphasis are all combined to provide contractors the opportunity to be successful. This comprehensive strategy provides contractors with the tools they need to effectively manage soil erosion during construction.
Join Aaron Harper and Donald Pearson as they share four decades of experience highlighting the significance of groundcover and vegetation in linear construction, particularly from the Piedmont to the Coast of North Carolina. Their insights underscore the value of groundcover and vegetation as a practical BMP that can reduce erosion and create opportunities to improve stormwater runoff from active construction projects.
Objectives:
- Prioritizing groundcover and vegetation throughout construction phases and not viewing as a regulatory hurdle to overcome in order to complete the project.
- Groundcover and vegetation disrupt the energy of rainfall and allow for reduced energy of overland flow to create potential for infiltration and reduced stormwater runoff.
- Recognize how planning and execution of a groundcover and vegetation management plan can help achieve expectations, meet requirements of the general construction permit, and satisfy inspection requirements.
- Identifying and addressing the challenges of poor soil fertility, low pH, soil compaction, and other factors in the pursuit of releasing improved stormwater quality.
Speakers
Aaron Harper
Roadside Environmental Field Operations Engineer
NCDOT
Aaron is a 2012 graduate of North Carolina State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological and Environmental Engineering with a focus in Environmental Engineering. After graduation, he began working in the Roadside Environmental Unit of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. During his career with NCDOT REU Field Operations he has served six different Divisions, covering 37 counties from the Coastal Plain to the Piedmont. In 2017, Aaron obtained licensure as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering – Transportation.
Aaron’s responsibilities with NCDOT’s Roadside Environmental Unit include oversite of numerous infrastructure projects and maintenance activities to ensure environmental compliance with the North Carolina Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act, State and Federal Water Quality requirements, and NPDES permit expectations. Aaron also serves on NCDOTs Research Steering and Implementation Committee to provide field perspective on current research partnerships between NCDOT and NC State University.
Donald Pearson - EI, CPESC, CESSWI
Assistant Resident Engineer
Summit Design and Engineering Services
After graduating from North Carolina State Universities Biological and Agricultural Department in 1990, Donald began a 30-year career with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Roadside Environmental Unit that ended with his retirement in May of 2021. Donald started a second career with Summit Design and Engineering Services in late June 2021. Donald’s responsibilities with NCDOT’s Roadside Environmental Unit included oversite of numerous infrastructure projects within the Piedmont area of the State to ensure environmental compliance with the North Carolina Sedimentation and Pollution Control Act, State and Federal Water Quality requirements, and NPDES permit expectations.
Donald obtained his Certification as an Engineering Intern in 1999, his Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Certification (CPESC) in 2004, and his Certified Erosion, Sediment and Stormwater Inspector Certification (CESSWI) in 2023. He has his Remote Pilot Certificate for operating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) and utilizes that skill to assist in a variety of operations on Highway Construction Sites within North Carolina.
Donald co-instructs the Level 1 and 2 Erosion and Sediment/Stormwater Control Certification Classes, through NC State University’s Crop and Soil Science Department, for individuals planning to work on NCDOT projects. He is currently serving his second three-year term on the NC Sedimentation Commission’s Technical Advisory Committee which offers support and guidance for the State’s Land Resources group staffed under the NC Department of Environmental Quality. He also serves on the IECA Educational Track Erosion and Sediment Control Subcommittee.
In partnership with IECA
Sponsored by:
