Post-Construction and Site Restoration Flashcards

What is the purpose of a post-construction O&M (operations and maintenance) plan for stormwater BMPs?

Answer: To specify who is responsible for maintaining each BMP, how often, and what actions are required to keep them functioning effectively

Without a documented O&M plan and responsible party, post-construction BMPs deteriorate and lose effectiveness, resulting in increased runoff and pollution from the completed development.

Which of the following is a sign that a post-construction bioretention cell is failing or clogged?

Answer: Water ponds in the cell for more than 72–96 hours after a storm event, indicating clogged media or an outlet problem

Extended ponding in a bioretention cell indicates that the engineered soil media or underdrain has clogged, requiring sediment removal or media replacement to restore treatment function.

What is 'slope rounding' as a post-construction erosion control technique?

Answer: Transitioning cut and fill slopes from steep angles to gentler, rounded contours to reduce erosion potential and improve aesthetics

Rounding slopes at the top and bottom reduces erosion by smoothing abrupt grade changes that concentrate runoff and by creating more natural-looking, stable landforms.

What does 'impervious cover reduction' mean as a post-construction stormwater strategy?

Answer: Minimizing the amount of impervious surface in a site design through techniques like shared parking, pervious pavement, or narrower roads to reduce runoff generation

Reducing the total impervious area in a site design is one of the most effective strategies for minimizing stormwater runoff volume and peak flows from developed sites.

After completing construction, a site has 65% vegetative cover on disturbed areas. Under most state NPDES programs, what additional action is required?

Answer: The site must continue maintaining BMPs until 70% or greater vegetative cover is achieved before filing a NOT

Most state CGPs follow the EPA's 70% vegetative cover threshold for final stabilization; 65% coverage does not meet this standard and permit coverage cannot be terminated.

What is the ecological importance of re-establishing riparian buffers after construction near streams?

Answer: Riparian buffers filter runoff, stabilize stream banks with roots, provide shade to moderate water temperature, and create wildlife habitat

Riparian buffers perform multiple critical ecological functions simultaneously, making their restoration after construction near waterways a high priority for both erosion control and aquatic ecosystem health.