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SmartDitch®

On-site dewatering

A Smart and Easy DeWatering Solution

Dewatering System

Use SmartDitch to Dewater Sites Before Discharging Back into the Environment

Municipalities and government agencies are requiring more construction companies to dewater sites before discharging the water back into the environment . In environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), as a rule of thumb, water used on the site must be clarified to local standards before placing it back into the environment. These regulations have been put in place to help protect the nearby water bodies from toxins, pollutants and excess sediment. SmartDitch System is an excellent channel for a site dewatering system or water clarification channel. SmartDitch can easily be assembled above ground and placed onto saddles. Depending on local regulations, flock logs and jute matting is then put in place to filter the site water before releasing it. Since SmartDitch is reusable, construction companies simply disassemble the SmartDitch system when the job is done, then transport it to the next site.

Dewatering Process

How the SmartDitch Water Clarification Channel System & Program Works

  • Once it is determined that the SmartDitch Water Clarification system is the best solution for the construction site owner, he or she will meet with local authorities to determine minimum effluent requirements for the immediate area.
  • Construction site owner sends water sample to a Penda approved water testing facility company to determine current water quality and establish a base level. The results of this water test will also help the owner match the right floc log formulation to the water condition.
  • The Contractor meets with the site owner and engineers to determine the length of SmartDitch channel, the number floc logs required, and proper amount of jute matting needed to keep the discharged water within acceptable ELGs.
  • The SmartDitch Sales Representative will coordinate the project through the SmartDitch Manufacturer (Penda Corporation) to determine final components and cost of complete water clarification system. A recommended plan for floc log and jute mat replenishment will be provided, as well.
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Documentation

Why Construction Site Dewatering and Clarification is Necessary

Construction activities like clearing, excavating, and grading significantly disturb the land. The disturbed soil, if not managed properly, can easily be washed off of the construction site during storms and enter water bodies. Stormwater discharges from construction activities can cause an array of physical, chemical and biological impacts. Below are some details of the “Final Rule” from the EPA:

  • The final rule requires permittees (owners) at certain construction sites to collect samples of stormwater discharges and to comply with a numeric turbidity limitation.
  • Sites that disturb 20 or more acres of land at one time are required to conduct sampling of discharges and comply with the numeric limitation for turbidity beginning on August 1, 2011.
  • In the fall of 2011 the 18 month window for compliance closes, and construction site owners will be required to implement erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges — including dewatering, concrete washout, and soil stabilization..
  • Initially, construction site owners that disturb 20 acres, or more, will be required to conduct monitoring of the discharges which meet minimum effluent limitation guidelines (ELGs). By 2014, the disturbance area will be reduced to 10 acres or more.
  • This regulation is projected to reduce the amount of sediment discharged from construction sites by about 4 billion pounds each year.