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Sitework & Earthworkaka: sedimentation controlaka: SWPPP

Sediment Control

In Plain English

Devices and methods that catch soil particles already washed loose by rain before they enter storm drains or streams.

Definition

Measures used to capture soil particles already mobilized by erosion before they leave the construction site or enter waterways. Sediment control works in tandem with erosion control to manage stormwater on construction sites. Common measures include sediment basins, sediment traps, fiber logs, wattles, and check dams in drainage channels.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Sediment control is mandated by the project SWPPP and stormwater permit, and inspectors can halt work or levy fines for noncompliance, so it is a hard cost an estimator cannot treat as optional. Maintenance and replacement over the full construction duration are easy to underprice, since wattles, traps, and basins need ongoing cleanout after storm events.

Example

Pricing sitework for a graded subdivision, the estimator quantifies linear feet of fiber log, a sediment basin, and inlet protection per the SWPPP, then adds a monthly maintenance allowance for cleanout because the permit requires the controls to function until final stabilization.

Related Terms

Silt FenceErosion ControlSwaleDewatering

Frequently Asked Questions

Erosion control prevents soil from detaching in the first place, using measures like seeding, mulch, and matting. Sediment control captures particles that have already washed loose before they leave the site. A compliant SWPPP relies on both, and estimators should price each separately since they use different materials and labor.
Take off quantities from the SWPPP and erosion-control plan: linear feet of perimeter logs or silt measures, count of inlet protections, and volume of sediment basins or traps. Then add installation, inspection, and a maintenance allowance tied to project duration, since storm-event cleanout and replacement are recurring costs over the build.
Most land-disturbing projects above a regulatory threshold require a stormwater permit and SWPPP that mandate sediment controls. Smaller sites may have local requirements. Because penalties and stop-work orders are real risks, confirm the permit conditions during estimating and carry the controls rather than assuming a project is exempt.

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