As the construction industry continues to grow, so does the importance of collaborating with civil experts to make sure they carry out all projects in a way that minimises negative impacts. The best way to do this is through comprehensive assessments.
If you’re in the construction industry, it’s essential for you to be familiar with the different types of stormwater, wastewater and erosion and sediment control (ESC) assessments that you need to commission before your next build.
Here are four types of civil and environmental engineering assessments you’ll need to consider.
1. Site assessment
The first and most critical assessment that you need to commission is a comprehensive site assessment. This includes reviewing the site’s geology, hydrology, ecology and topography, which a team of experts such as civil engineers, geologists, hydrologists and environmental scientists will typically complete.
During a site assessment, the team of experts will begin by closely examining the potential construction site using any existing information available. This might be items like:
- Past land use
- Soil and water quality data
- Historical photographs and aerial footage.
They’ll then look for any issues or signs of current environmental hazards like soil contamination, groundwater or surface water, and they’ll consider the likelihood of soil erosion and sedimentation.
The goal of this assessment is to identify any potential environmental risks and vulnerabilities that could be impacted by the construction process.
Once it’s complete, the construction team will receive a report that might include things like recommendations and actions to take before commencing construction.
2. Stormwater assessment
When construction activity begins on a site, it can impact any existing natural or established drainage patterns and cause increased stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as sediment, debris, chemicals and oils into nearby waterways.
Effectively managing stormwater will help you avoid this pollution, and it starts with a stormwater assessment.
Qualified civil engineering experts can perform this assessment and they will look at things like:
- The topography and hydrology of the site
- Soil types and conditions
- Potential pollutants
- Measures for erosion and sediment control
- Stormwater management infrastructure like swales and detention ponds.
The assessment will identify any potential issues and risks involved with the proposed construction, as well as recommend effective strategies to avoid and mitigate those risks.
3. Wastewater assessment
Stormwater and wastewater may come with similar risks of pollution and hazards, but it’s important to understand the differences. As they’re generated from different sources, they both require individual assessments.
Where stormwater comes from natural sources like rain, wastewater comes from the industrial activities that are part of construction activities like landscaping, excavation and concrete mixing and washing.
Having a solid wastewater assessment before construction begins allows you to have a plan for treating any wastewater to remove pollutants before you arrange to dispose of the wastewater.
A civil engineering expert will be able to conduct an assessment, identify areas of concern and provide a full report, as well as management tips to help you avoid any harmful occurrences during construction.
4. Erosion and sediment control assessment
Civil engineers will normally perform an erosion and sediment control (ESC) assessment. This report aims to evaluate the soil of your proposed construction site and identify any potential areas where soil erosion and sedimentation are likely to occur.
This assessment also reviews any existing ESC measures and evaluates the site’s topography, soil types and drainage patterns. The assessor will look at any additional measures to take, such as installing sediment basins, silt fences or erosion control blankets.
The ESC assessment is a crucial step in the construction process. The overall goal is to protect and maintain the existing ecosystem on and around the construction site, but it also aims to make sure you’re remaining compliant with any local regulations and requirements.
Need help? Call the experts
Assessments like these are essential in making sure your construction project remains on schedule, avoids hiccups and stays on track. So, make sure you know which assessments you need to order for any upcoming projects.
And if you’re not sure which ones you need, contact the reliable civil engineering solutions experts at CWD Group. We’re available to help with any project – big or small.
