Tips For A Successful Dewatering Exercise At Your Construction Site

Groundwater can be a nuisance at construction sites. In order for construction to go on effectively, the water has to be taken somewhere, and here is where dewatering comes into play. Dewatering systems or techniques will always vary depending on the situation that's uncovered on the site by an engineering study prior to the start of the construction itself. Unfortunately, dewatering projects may sometimes pose a series of challenges during the construction. These challenges can be costly when it comes to project deadlines and operating costs. Therefore, for effectiveness and safety during the dewatering project, here are some tips you should consider.

Seek Permission

Before you start your project, find out if there are regulations or guidelines on environmental protection that you will require. Be aware of any other local or state permits that you need to acquire as well. Applying and having such permissions beforehand is very important. This is because it will help you avoid any delays on your start time or date.

Adopt Best Practices For Soil Erosion Control

The basis for dewatering is to lower the level of the groundwater to make it easy for construction and ensure that the foundation of the structure to be constructed has a firm base. Since you are removing water from the ground, the properties of the surrounding soil are affected in the process. Therefore, it's important to be aware of how these changes will affect the excavation as well as construction and take the necessary measures to ensure that the water is relocated safely.

Therefore, one of the major issues you should be concerned about in terms of safe relocation of water is soil erosion. Make sure that water isn't discharged onto a slope because this will erode the soil at a very fast rate.

If water is being discharged nearby, make sure the buffer areas are wooded. This is because wood has a higher ability to absorb as well as disperse the water. The dewatering area as well as the area where the water is being discharged should be monitored carefully for signs of erosion. Remember that erosion causes instability. You don't want to have an unstable ground, especially at your construction site.

Find Out If Any Treatment Procedures Are Needed

Depending on the local, state, or national regulations, you may be required to test for the quality of the groundwater. This means that you will be testing for contaminants so that the water you discharge doesn't harm the soil. Contaminants could be anything, including chemicals and oils, among other substances.


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