Posted by Nana Hinsley on Fri, Sep 16, 2011 @ 01:07 PM
Water quality can quickly be impacted when there is stormwater runoff from construction work. When a substantial rain hits a construction site, it can pick up harmful pollutants, chemicals, debris and sediment which is then transported to a nearby storm sewer system. The storm sewer system often flows directly into rivers, lakes or coastal waters. The sedimentation can destroy aquatic habitat, and high volumes of runoff can cause stream bank erosion. Most people fail to consider that soil and sediment runoff is one of the leaidng causes of water quality problems nationwide.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has published effluent limitations guildlines and a new source of performance standards to control the discharge of pollutants from construction sites. Click here to visit their site. The site goes on to explain that beginning August 1, 2011 all sites that disturb 20 or more acres of land at one time are required to comply with the turbidity limitation.
One possible solution is the creation of retention ponds. Strormwater retention ponds, and retention ponds for construction sites play a vital role in flood and pollution control. Geomembranes are a practical solution for lining the pond. There are a variety of products to chose from. Some membranes are accordion-folded and rolled with factory welded panels. This will reduce installation time. Below is an example of such a geomembrane liner.
Woven Coated Reinforced Polyethylene liners are another viable solution for the creation of a retention pond. They come in a variety of mil thicknesses, and can be exposed for as long as 10 years exposed, or 20 years buried.
These products are examples of how you can meet your obligation for a retention pond.