Excavation and Heavy Equipment
Why Care about Excavation and Heavy Equipment?
- Soil excavation and grading often contributes to runoff pollution by loosening large amounts of soil and sediment. The sediment can flow into storm drains, ditches, creeks and Lake Whatcom if not managed properly.
- Sediment from construction sites may also carry other work-site pollutants such as cleaning solvents, cement wash water, and vehicle and equipment fluids like oil, grease and fuel.
- Sediment in streams contributes to water turbidity. Turbidity impairs food-chain organisms (macro-invertebrates), clogs gill passages of fish, and reduces photosynthesis. Pollutants that adsorb to sediment and are washed into water can cause a variety of other problems for water quality and fish and wildlife habitat, depending on the pollutant and its toxicity.
What Can You Do?
There are steps you can take at construction sites that will reduce the chance of sediment and other material from reaching area streams and Lake Whatcom. Whatcom County Planning and Development Services can provide information on best management practices (BMP) for clearing and grading operations.
Questions about Regulatory Requirements?
Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Ecology have standards and regulatory requirements associated with the various phases of construction. In addition, Whatcom County has special requirements that apply in sensitive areas, which includes the Lake Whatcom Watershed.
For information on building in the County’s portion of the Lake Whatcom Watershed and for assistance in identifying BMPs appropriate for yourconstruction site, contact:
- Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, 676-6907.
