For those engaged in stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) setup or maintenance for any construction site, it's important to note that processes here may be utilized before, during and after a given job. One of the approaches that's often used post-construction, as a way of limiting any environmental impact and negative effects on the surrounding areas, is known as hydroseeding.
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we're here to help with a wide range of SWPPP needs around Utah, from SWPPP documentation and permit acquisition to inspections, dewatering services and more. Here are some basics on what hydroseeding is, why it's often performed at the end of a construction process as part of SWPPP, and what some of its key benefits are.
It's important to know the differences between temporary seeding and hydroseeding, which is a more permanent solution. Hydroseeding involves the application of a mix of slow-release fertilizers, mulch, water and grass seed sprayed over an area in order to promote fast growth.
Within construction sites in particular, this process is often accelerated. Seeds will be planted, mulch and fertilizer applied, and then watering takes place. This helps to kickstart the growth process in order to ensure that a healthy lawn or grassy area develops as quickly as possible.
During many construction projects, the ground in the area will often be significantly disturbed via a number of activities, from excavation and grading to demolition and more. This can lead to the land in question often being left exposed or lacking vegetation, which can result in dust and erosion issues.
Hydroseeding is often performed directly after a construction job as part of SWPPP maintenance in order to help reduce the risk of any potential dust or erosion issues. This also helps to promote the development of an attractive lawn or other vegetative area quickly and efficiently.
Our next several sections will go over the specific benefits offered by hydroseeding in the SWPPP setting.
One of the chief benefits offered by hydroseeding is its ability to help promote strong surface erosion protection. This helps reduce the chances of pollutants being carried offsite and into rivers, lakes, streams and more downstream.
The mixture used in a hydroseeding process often includes mulch, which helps to help create a protective barrier between the soil and environment that's both durable and efficient. This helps to keep soil in a specific place, ensuring it can’t be carried off elsewhere by wind or water.
For SWPPP, this helps to promote the goal of keeping areas free from pollutants and sediment runoff.
Another key benefit offered by hydroseeding is its ability to retain moisture within the soil. This helps with encouraging faster growth and promoting an increased germination rate of seeds in the process.
The mixture used in a hydroseeding process often includes mulch, which helps it protect against drought conditions and keep soil moisture consistent—helping to promote better seed germination and growth.
Also involved in erosion control is the ability of hydroseeding to conform with any kind of soil surface. The mixture used in the process is able to help create a uniform spread over areas, ensuring that it fits perfectly on top of any given terrain—no matter how uneven or jagged it might be.
This proves beneficial for those working on a SWPPP, as it helps to ensure no areas of exposed soil or sediment run-off are left untouched.
Hydroseeding isn't just beneficial in the short-term for those working on a SWPPP. This process also helps to ensure long-term erosion control as well. Thanks to its ability to help promote strong plant growth, vegetation can be established quickly and efficiently in order to protect soil from wind and water erosion over an extended period of time.
When combined with other strategies, such as the use of silt fencing or stormwater structures, hydroseeding can be an effective way to ensure long-term erosion control within SWPPP.
Finally, the use of hydroseeding is often very cost-effective. It can be a much cheaper alternative to other methods, such as plastic sheeting or sod installation. Additionally, it helps reduce labor costs by allowing for quicker and more efficient application than many manual methods.
Given its cost effectiveness and environmental benefits, hydroseeding may be an ideal solution for those looking to implement SWPPP maintenance and strategies.
Utilizing hydroseeding as part of a SWPPP maintenance plan can be an ideal solution for protecting soil from surface erosion, conserving soil moisture, conforming to any given terrain and providing long-term erosion control. Additionally, it's often extremely cost effective—making it a viable choice for many. With this information, those engaged with SWPPP setup and maintenance can be aware of hydroseeding's potential benefits and use it appropriately.
At Silver Leaf SWPPP, we specialize in SWPPP setup and maintenance, including the use of hydroseeding as part of our strategies. Contact us today to learn more about how your Utah construction site can benefit from hydroseeding's many advantages.
