CSA W208:20

This is the first edition of CSA W208, Erosion and sediment control installation and maintenance. The purpose of this Standard is to provide requirements and recommendations for the installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures on construction sites. Compliance with this Standard will allow users to demonstrate that implementation of erosion and sediment control measures was completed using best practices and in accordance with the site-specific erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP). The Standard further supports an open dialogue between those installing and maintaining ESC measures and those who own or regulate the project, as well as the designer of the ESCP. This Standard pulls from industry expertise and best practices in Canada and internationally to help bring forward the key installation and maintenance activities that can support effective application and functionality of commonly used ESC measures.

Users of this Standard are reminded that additional and site-specific requirements might be specified by a federal, provincial/territorial, municipal, or other authority, or by a project owner. This Standard should not be considered a replacement for the requirements contained in any

a) applicable federal/territorial, or provincial statute;

b) regulation, license, or permit issued pursuant to an applicable statute; or

c) contract that an owner has with a contractor

CSA Group gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Canadian Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association (CAN-IECA) in making possible the development of this Standard.

This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.

Scope:

1.1 General

This Standard outlines installation and maintenance requirements associated with a number of commonly used ESC measures. In addition, this Standard provides general best practice guidance for installing and maintaining ESC measures in conjunction with construction activity, including standardized guidance with respect to adhering to product manufacturer instructions. This Standard further provides guidance for evaluating and selecting ESC measures based on intended functionality and site-specific applications.

1.2 Application

The requirements provided in this Standard apply to construction projects or related activities that result in disturbed ground, including vegetation removal, excavations, grading, and development related activities. This Standard also applies where ESC measures are required by contract, permit, approval, regulation, or other authorization.

The installation of ESC measures is conducted with oversight by a qualified individual according to the details contained in the erosion and sediment control plan. Once ESC measures have been installed, maintenance of the measures are performed to maintain their integrity until such time that stabilization goals have been achieved at the completion of a project phase.

This Standard applies to the installation and maintenance of ESC measures during soil disturbing activities including

a) earth works (e.g., stripping and grading, clearing and grubbing);

b) construction of structures (including but not limited to housing subdivisions and commercial centres);

c) construction of infrastructure (including but not limited to roads, bridges, utilities, sewers, and watermains); and

d) expansion or rehabilitation of any of these facilities or structures.

1.3 Structure

This Standard consists of three parts. The first part provides general requirements for installing and maintaining ESC measures. Secondly, the Standard provides a quick reference guide, arranged by functional need and appropriate application, for a number of commonly applied ESC measures and processes. Finally, for each of the measures and processes covered in the reference table (see Table 1), installation and maintenance requirements are provided.

1.4 Users

This Standard is intended for use by those with a vested interest in ESC elements of construction projects. Stakeholders might include project owners, regulatory authorities, design professionals, qualified erosion and sediment control inspectors, contractors, contract administrators, and other persons interested in the successful installation and maintenance of ESC measures.

In general, this Standard is also intended for use where applicable standards aren’t currently available.

1.5 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.