Every successful commercial construction project requires experienced excavation contractors in Traverse City, MI. Excavators are responsible for removing topsoil, rocks, trees, and plants to prepare the site for the building project. They need to be on top of all aspects of the building project, specifically the site size, materials, and overall scope of the final design. Every excavation company providing land preparation services also needs to follow strict guidelines set out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you’re planning on hiring excavation services, here’s what you need to know about commercial excavations and the benefits of going green.
One of the top reasons to go green with land excavation is to protect the environment and the community, particularly by minimizing soil erosion. All excavation companies need to adhere to the EPA guidelines on soil erosion at construction excavation sites. The goal is to keep pollutants out of the soil and stormwater as much as possible. After all, soil erosion happens when the top layer of soil is completely degraded or removed. This topsoil helps to maintain the natural balance in the ecosystem, and without it, the land would be more susceptible to pollution, flooding, and scouring from stormwater surges. Although every excavation job will result in some topsoil displacement, the EPA requires that this happens only on the construction site and not the land surrounding it. Excavators need to pay especially close attention when working on a sloped building site, as this topsoil is at risk of pollution and degradation when disturbed.
Another reason why excavation companies need to remain committed to eco-friendly practices is to secure the stability of displaced soil sooner rather than later. It’s no secret that soil is disturbed during excavating, but it’s crucial that the soil is stabilized right away following a dig. This is the same, no matter what the stage of the construction project. Disturbed soil needs to be stabilized right away in accordance with guidelines specific to the site. It’s essential that excavators prioritize this process because displaced soil is often unstable and wet, creating serious safety hazards to the excavators, construction workers, and anyone else near the site. Excavators can stabilize the soil by putting in primary or secondary binders like ash, cement, or lime. These materials create a reaction with the wet soil to make a binding agent. This, in turn, prevents soil shifting and landslides that could wreak havoc not only on the commercial construction site but also on the surrounding property.
Lastly, eco-friendly excavators are dedicated to keeping pollution under control as much as possible. While oil spills and leaks often happen over the course of a construction project, it’s especially important to watch for these when delicate undersoil is exposed during an excavation. The EPA also expresses concerns over soaps and other solvents used to clean construction and excavation vehicles, as the run-off can get into the soil and adversely impact plants and animals. Water from washed concrete, fuel, and other waste are also pollution concerns, so it’s crucial that excavators are conscious of their activities and the effect they may have on the environment. The best excavators will respect the EPA guidelines and take care to minimize pollution wherever and whenever possible.
If you’re ready to invest in eco-friendly landscaping and excavating in Traverse City, MI, get in touch with our trusted team at Martin Land Improvement.