Sustainable Land Development Today - February 2008 - (Page 13) site specific planning should be utilized on every project to ensure that problem areas are avoided or dealt with appropriately. Erosion control, development and maintenance costs can be reduced if a site is selected and engineered for an activity that fits the site, rather than making the site conform to an activity. • Be aware of your surroundings at all times - At all stages of development, pay attention to where the water is going. Is it going into a stream? Is it going onto an adjoining property? If so, what kind of erosion and sedimentation impacts is this runoff causing on that property? Are there any environmentally sensitive areas on the development property or downstream that you may impact? Excessive stormwater and sediment created by development should be retained onsite to the maximum extent practicable. • What is your development footprint - The disturbed area and the duration of exposure should be minimized. Existing natural vegetation should be retained whenever possible to cut down on the potential for erosion. Major land clearing and grading should be scheduled for times of low potential runoff and disturbed areas should be stabilized immediately even if it has to be done more than once. • Be a good neighbor - Avoid the temptation to use your neighbor’s downstream lake as a de-facto detention pond. Be aware of where the water is going not just on the design plans but on the ground. Imagine the headaches suffered by a developer who markets a nature-friendly community next to a large state park, only to find he can be sued under the Clean Water Act for allegedly decimating the park with eroded soil and sediment discharges. • Don’t go in the water! - Avoid encroachments upon watercourses on the site. Water features such as small streams should be used as an enhancement and not filled in and paved over. There is a reason for where the water is flowing, and messing with Mother Nature often leads to more expense. Circle 142 • or www.SLDTonline.com/webcard www.SLDTonline.com 13 http://www.env21.com http://www.SLDTonline.com/webcard http://www.SLDTonline.com
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