How often should active construction sites be inspected for erosion and sediment control during active grading, according to typical DEQ expectations?

How often should active construction sites be inspected for erosion and sediment control during active grading, according to typical DEQ expectations?

• A. Only changes in site contractors.
• B. Once a year.
• C. Only during major storms.
• D. At least once every seven calendar days and within 24 hours after a rainfall event of 0.5 inches or more (or as required by the permit).

Answer: (D)

Ongoing inspections on active grading sites are essential to keep erosion and sediment controls functioning and to catch problems before they cause off-site impacts. Regular checks should happen at least every seven calendar days and within 24 hours after any rainfall event of 0.5 inches or more (or as required by the permit). This cadence ensures that BMPs like silt fences, sediment basins, and stabilization measures are working, and it allows timely repairs if protections have failed or become overwhelmed. Inspections only when contractors change, or only during major storms, miss routine maintenance issues and smaller rain events that can still cause sediment problems. The permit-based requirement ensures the plan is followed consistently on the project.

Ongoing inspections on active grading sites are essential to keep erosion and sediment controls functioning and to catch problems before they cause off-site impacts. Regular checks should happen at least every seven calendar days and within 24 hours after any rainfall event of 0.5 inches or more (or as required by the permit). This cadence ensures that BMPs like silt fences, sediment basins, and stabilization measures are working, and it allows timely repairs if protections have failed or become overwhelmed. Inspections only when contractors change, or only during major storms, miss routine maintenance issues and smaller rain events that can still cause sediment problems. The permit-based requirement ensures the plan is followed consistently on the project.