When building a new home, contractors will often encounter various types of ground disturbances that require different precautions. The type of ground that your property sits on will dictate what precautions must be followed during construction. The presence of utilities and other utilities nearby will also affect how you should approach your project. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has set these requirements to be followed when working with Native American tribes. Here is a breakdown of the different types of ground disturbances and what precautions need to be taken for each one:
Grading
When grading site, you are creating a sloped area that may change the flow or level of water runoff in the surrounding environment. Grading can be done to level out a site, create a new slope, or reshape an existing one. The type of grading you need for your project will depend on the soil type on your site and its ability to support the structure that is planned. If you are building a house on a sloped site, you will also need to take into consideration the amount of material that can be removed from the site.
Excavation
Excavation is the process of removing material from the ground, such as in the construction of a basement, foundation, or sewage system. Excavation is generally done by a machine such as a backhoe or digger. When excavating, you will need to follow the local soil regulations for the type of soil you are working with. These regulations may vary from one region to another, or even from one city to another. If you are building a house and have to excavate to install your sewage system, you will need to check with your local government to find out specific regulations for the type of soil you are working with.
Wetlands
Wetlands are areas that are naturally flooded at least part of the year. They can include swamps, marshes, and flood plains. If you are working on a project that involves construction near a wetland, you will need to determine whether the project requires a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. If it does, you will need to apply for the permit and comply with all its rules and regulations.
Streambanks and Littoral Zones
Streambanks are the area beside a river where the water is usually shallow. Littoral Zones are shallow waters that occur beside lakes and coastlines. You may need to comply with regulations to protect these areas during construction. This can include fences or other physical barriers to keep people out of the area, or even the closing of a portion of a river or lake. The type of construction that is planned will determine if you need to follow these regulations.
Landslide Area and Hazard Zones
Landslide areas are areas that are subject to frequent earth movement. When you are working on a project in an area that has been determined to be a landslide hazard, you will need to follow the rules and regulations specific to that hazard. If the area is subject to flooding, you will also need to comply with flood plain regulations.
Conclusion
When building a new house, it is important to know the type of ground you are working with and follow the appropriate precautions. If you aren’t sure what type of ground you have, you can take a sample to the local government office to find out.