Land Disturbance

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  • Schedule excavation and grading work for dry weather.
  • Approach large construction projects in phases to minimize the area of land disturbed at a time.
  • Setup erosion control best management practices (BMPs) as appropriate for your site and in compliance with local and state regulatory requirements (see Erosion Control Series).
  • Minimize land disturbance and potential erosion problems by remove existing vegetation only when absolutely necessary. When removal of existing vegetation is necessary, plant temporary vegetation on slopes or in areas where construction is not immediately planned.
  • Plant permanent vegetation as soon as possible once excavation and grading activities are complete (see Vegetation and Trees).

References for Land Disturbance

Storm Water Management Manual for Western Washington, BMP Reference (2005):

Available at:  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/index.html

  • Plastic Covering – BMP C123, Volume II, Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
  • Temporary & Permanent Seeding – BMP C120, Volume II, Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention
  • Nets & Blankets – BMP C122, Volume II, Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Whatcom County Development Standards (County Code)

Available at:  http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/

  • Water Resources Special Mgmt Area (Land Clearing) – WCC 20.80.735

City of Bellingham Development Standards (Municipal Code)

Available at:  http://www.cob.org/web/bmcode.nsf/

  • Seasonal Restrictions on Clearing and Earthwork – BMC 16.80.120
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