Construction Practices Grading

Purpose
Water Quantity Flow attenuation Runoff volume reduction Water Quality Pollution prevention
Soil erosion Sediment control Nutrient loading

Description
Land grading is reshaping the ground surface to planned grades as determined by engineering survey evaluation and layout. Grading of lots within a subdivision so that the runoff from each one is directed to a stable outlet rather than to an adjacent lot. The purpose of grading is to provide more suitable topography for buildings, facilities and other land users; to control surface runoff; and to minimize soil erosion and sedimentation both during and after construction. The plan should define areas that must not be disrupted by grading and filling, including staking, marking and fencing required to prevent damage to these areas. These practices are applicable where grading to a planned elevation is necessary and practical for the proposed development of a site and for proper operation of sedimentation-control practices. Lot benching is the grading of lots within a subdivision so that the runoff from each lot is directed to a stable outlet rather than to an adjacent lot. This practice is most applicable in subdivision developments on hilly or rolling topography. Lot benching will reduce the slope and length of slope of disturbed areas, thereby reducing the erosion potential. This practice also establishes drainage patterns on individual lots within a subdivision at the time of rough grading. This prevents drainage problems later during home construction.

Pollutant removal
Total suspended sediment (TSS) Total phosphorus (P) Nitrogen (N) Heavy metals Floatables Oil and grease Other Fecal coliform Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

Effectiveness
Lot benching can be very effective for controlling erosion on hilly developments. By reducing slope lengths and the steepness of slopes, the potential for erosion is lowered. The amount of benefit derived from this practice depends upon the steepness of the slopes and the erodibility of soils on the site. For example, on a site with 6 percent slopes and typical slope lengths of 150 feet, lot benching can reduce erosion rates by 85 percent.

Primary design benefit Secondary design benefit Little or no design benefit

Advantages
Lot benching is very effective at reducing erosion from subdivision developments that are constructed on sites with sloping topography.
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Limitations
High cost, if extensive amounts of grading are require to properly grade site.

Planning
Fitting a proposed development to the natural configurations of an existing landscape reduces the erosion potential of the site and the cost of installing erosion- and sedimentation-control measures. It may also result in a more desirable and less costly development. Before grading begins, decisions must be made on the gradient of cut-andfill slopes, how they will be protected from runoff, how they will be stabilized and how they will be maintained. The grading plan establishes drainage areas, directs drainage patterns and affects runoff velocities. The grading plan forms the basis of the erosion-and-sedimentation-control plan. Key considerations that affect erosion and sedimentation include: Deciding which slopes are to be graded. When the grading work will start and stop. The degree and length of finished slope. Where and how excess material will be disposed of, and where borrow is needed. Refer to Sequencing Best Management Practice for the proper phasing of grading operations. Leaving undisturbed temporary and permanent buffer zones (i.e., vegetated buffer strips) in the grading operation may provide an effective and low-cost erosion-control measure that will help reduce runoff velocity and volume and off-site sedimentation. In developing the grading plan, always consider how to take advantage of undisturbed water-disposal outlets before storm drains or other constructed outlets are installed. The purpose of proper land grading and lot benching is to reduce the slope and length of slope of disturbed areas within a subdivision development, thereby reducing the erosion potential and establish drainage patterns on individual lots within a subdivision at the time of rough grading. Lot benching should be done during rough grading operations on the site. In addition to the erosion-control benefits, this allows the planner to establish drainage patterns for the development. After rough grading, the lots should be protected from erosion by temporary or permanent seeding and mulching, depending upon the length of time expected until home construction. The lots should be graded so that runoff flows towards the cut slope of the lot located on the uphill side of the lot. This prevents runoff from being directed over a steep slope to a lower lot. Runoff from each lot should be directed to the street, a road ditch or another stable outlet rather than onto an adjacent lot. The final grade of the building site should be as flat as possible.

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Requirements Design
Base the grading plan and installation upon adequate surveys and soil investigations. In the plan, show disturbed areas, cuts, fills, and finished elevations of the surface to be graded. Include in the plan all practices necessary for controlling erosion on the graded site and minimizing sedimentation downstream. Such practices may include--but are not limited to: Sediment basins Diversions Mulching Vegetation, vegetated and lined waterways Grade-stabilization structures Surface and subsurface drains The practices may be temporary or permanent, depending upon the need after construction is completed. Table 1 provides guidelines for slope breaks on site. Borrow or stockpile areas are areas cleared, graded or filled to provide borrow material or where earthen material for grading or filling is stockpiled. These areas should be considered a part of the erosion-control plan and should be stabilized on any cleared, graded or filled areas of a construciton site. Side slopes on stockpiles should be keptto 2:1 or 1.5:1 slopes with silt fence installed around the perimeter. Show all borrow and disposal areas within the project limits in the grading plan, and ensure that they are adequately identified and protected. Provide stable channels and floodways to convey all runoff from the developed area to an adequate outlet without causing increased erosion or off-site sedimentation.
Source: MPCA 2000

Table 1

Sequencing
In the grading plan, make provisions to intercept and conduct all surface runoff to stable watercourses to minimize erosion on newly graded slopes. Use slope breaks, such as diversions or benches, as appropriate to reduce the length of cut-and-fill slopes to limit sheet and rill erosion and prevent gullying. Show how environmentally sensitive areas on the grading plan and ensure that they are adequately identified and protected. Provide stable channels and floodways to convey all runoff from the developed area to an adequate outlet without causing increased erosion or off-site sedimentation.

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Stabilize all graded areas with vegetation, crushed stone, riprap or other ground cover as soon as grading is completed or work is interrupted for 21 working days or more. Use mulch, or other temporary measures, to stabilize areas temporarily where final grading must be delayed. The finished cut-and-fill slopes, which are to be vegetated with grass and legumes, should not be steeper than 2:1. Slopes that will be mowed should not be steeper than 3:1. Slopes in excess of 2:1 may warrant mechanically stabilized earth walls, reinforced soil slopes or retaining walls. `Roughen the surface of all slopes during the construction operation to retain water, increase infiltration and facilitate vegetation. Finish grade slopes vertically so that machine tracks act as check dams instead of allowing rills to develop. Do not place cuts or fill so close to property lines without adequately protecting adjoining properties from erosion, sedimentation, slippage, subsidence or other damages, especially at the toe of the slope. Provide subsurface drainage to intercept seepage in areas with high water tables that would affect slope stability or bearing strength or create undesirable wetness. Do not place fill next to a channel bank, where it can create bank failure or result in deposition of sediment Use 4:1 slopes within 100 yards of wetland edge. This aids in the establishment of vegetation.

Construction
Lot benching should be done during rough grading operations on the entire site. In addition to the erosion control benefits, this allows the planner to establish drainage patterns for the entire development.

Maintenance
Periodically check all graded areas and the supporting erosion control practices, especially after heavy rainfalls (or as required by the NPDES permit). Promptly remove all sediment from diversions and other water-disposal practices. If washouts or breaks occur, repair them immediately. Prompt maintenance of small, eroded areas before they become significant gullies is an essential part of an effective erosion-and-sedimentation-control plan. If an extended period of time passes before homes are built, maintenance of the vegetation may be required. Maintenance may include mowing or spraying to control noxious weeds.

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Figure 1: Typical Cross Section Lot Benching

Source: BWSR & MN SWCD

Figure 2: Cross Section Lot Benching

Source: BWSR & MN SWCD

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Figure 3: Cross Section Lot Bench Flow

Source: BWSR & MN SWCD

Figure 4: Lot Benching

Source: BWSR & MN SWCD

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Sources
1. Board of Water and Soil Resources and Association of Metropolitan Soil and Water Conservation Districts. 1989. Minnesota Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Planning Handbook. St. Paul. 2. Mecklenburg, D. 1996. Rainwater and Land Development. Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Columbus. 3. Minnesota Department of Transportation. 2000. Standard Specifications for Construction. St. Paul. 4. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2000. Protecting Water Quality in Urban Areas: Best Management Practices for Dealing with Storm Water Runoff from Urban, Suburban and Developing Areas of Minnesota. St. Paul. 5. Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District. 1989. Ramsey County Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook. St. Paul.

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