The United States Environmental Protection Agency has an entire list of rules and regulations that dictate industries such as mining, agriculture, and construction. According to data collected in recent years, Charlotte ranked sixth on the list of fastest-growing major cities in the United States. This means more people, more buildings, and lots more construction in the urban downtown of the Queen City.

Considering the high concentration of people, homes, and businesses in urban areas, it’s critical that construction site managers follow EPA regulations to minimize the spread of toxic materials. So, what does the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have to say about urban construction? Upon closer inspection, you’ll find that the primary focus of most documentation is on the elimination of erosion and runoff. Let’s dig in to learn more about how this is defined and what preventative measures should be taken.

First, the construction process uses many different materials, some potentially hazardous to human and environmental health if released beyond the borders of the site. These include excess sediment runoff, pesticides, petroleum products, fertilizer, solid waste, construction chemicals, and contaminated soil. If any of these substances were to leach into the soil, leak into the groundwater, or even spill into the streets, there could be disastrous effects. Hence, it’s essential that construction site managers have a plan to contain contaminants and hazardous materials through the project’s completion.

So, for those that work on an urban construction site, what can you do to manage pollution and prevent runoff due to erosion? Here are a few tips from the EPA:

• Phase Construction. Rather than coming in and clearing the entire site at one time, consider clearing only certain parts at a time. Construction occurs naturally in phases, so clearing the same way will prevent erosion due to massive swaths of exposed soil.
• Site Fingerprinting. Construction sites often unnecessarily clear vegetation that won’t be touched. Site fingerprinting refers to the practice of clearing only what is absolutely necessary for the new structure.
• Plant Grass. Planting grass on bare earth will help prevent erosion over time. As the grass grows, its roots will keep the soil firmly locked in place.
• Funnel Construction Traffic. To minimize the unnecessary trampling of beneficial vegetation, route all construction traffic across places that have already been disturbed.

It’s always good practice to keep your construction equipment and machinery clean. Then, when it leaves the site, the vehicle won’t carry contaminants beyond the borders. Manual cleaning can be difficult, inefficient, and time-consuming. Neptune Wash Solutions is here to offer a better alternative! Our customizable wash stations are the perfect addition to any work site, making your job much easier and ensuring full EPA compliance. Browse our website for our full product lineup, or contact a dealer near you to learn more!