If this spring has taught us anything, it’s that weather conditions can change quickly. One week we’re experiencing heavy rainfall that saturates soils and creates runoff concerns, and the next we’re dealing with dry, dusty conditions. These weather swings can create challenges on construction sites, making it even more important to implement and maintain effective erosion and sediment control practices.
🚧 One simple but highly effective Best Management Practice (BMP) is the Temporary Construction Entrance.
A temporary construction entrance is a stabilized pad of aggregate stone installed where construction vehicles enter and exit a site. While it may seem like a small feature, it serves several important purposes that help protect water quality and neighboring properties.
🌧️ During wet weather, construction entrances help remove mud and sediment from vehicle tires before they leave the site. This reduces sediment tracking onto public roads, where it can be washed into storm drains and nearby waterways during the next rain event. Keeping sediment on-site helps prevent water quality impacts and reduces the need for costly street cleanup.
☀️ During dry periods, temporary construction entrances also help reduce dust. As soils dry out, vehicles traveling across disturbed areas can create dust that becomes airborne and is carried off-site. By stabilizing access points and minimizing the amount of loose soil tracked onto roads, construction entrances help reduce dust generation, improving conditions for nearby residents, motorists, and workers.
🛠️ Like all BMPs, temporary construction entrances require regular inspection and maintenance to remain effective throughout the project. When properly installed and maintained, they are a simple but important tool for controlling sediment, reducing dust, and helping construction sites remain in compliance.
By keeping sediment where it belongs—on the construction site—temporary construction entrances help protect our roads, storm drains, streams, and waterways.
👉 Learn more in our Water Quality of Life Manual, pages 36-37.