Temporary Construction Dewatering in Utah

Construction dewatering is a regulated activity under the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES). The presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of construction dewatering practices, including permitting, project planning, installation, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and water quality sampling.
Attendees can expect to gain clarity on when a permit is required for construction dewatering activities and what constitutes permissible discharge from a site according to UPDES regulations. The presentation will cover effective BMPs for dewatering, offering insights into industry best practices.
Furthermore, the presentation will highlight common challenges encountered in construction dewatering projects, equipping attendees with knowledge to navigate these complexities effectively.
Overall, this presentation aims to benefit conference attendees by enhancing their understanding of construction dewatering practices in Utah and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Full Abstract:
Construction dewatering is a regulated activity under the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES). This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of construction dewatering practices, including project planning, permitting, installation, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and water quality sampling. By the end of this presentation, attendees will clearly understand construction dewatering in the State of Utah and its practical application in different scenarios.

Project planning is the initial phase in the construction dewatering process. This phase, often initiated with a Geo-tech report that includes groundwater data and soil information, helps determine the project's nature—foundations, utilities, hydrostatic testing, in-channel, or flood management. Planning for dewatering prior to construction will increase the probability of a successful project. If dewatering is required, the team should allocate a budget for dewatering and Best Management Practices.

Part of the planning process is determining the appropriate permit for the project. The project may fall into different categories based on site conditions. The four categories for a dewatering project are:

1.No permit required

2.Dewatering and Hydrostatic Testing General Permit UTG070000

3.Treated Groundwater General Permit UTG790000

4. Individual Permit

Each permit has conditions specific to it. They cover different lengths of time, effluent limits, and sampling requirements. This presentation will provide more detailed information about permits.

Dewatering system installation is a critical early step. Effective filtration starts at the installation phase and supports subsequent construction activities. Ineffective installation can lead to project delays and compromised water quality.

Best Management Practices (BMPs) for dewatering play a pivotal role in maintaining water quality. These practices, unique to each site, include well-point filtration, settling tanks, filtration chambers, and flocculant. Once water quality samples have been collected, BMPs may need to be modified. This presentation will provide guidance in selecting the most suitable BMPs and making necessary corrections to the filtration system.

The project will install BMPs to meet the permit discharge requirements. This presentation will focus on the BMPs used for the Dewatering and Hydrostatic Testing permit. The permit requires inspections, sampling, and reporting for Total Suspended Solids, pH, and Oil/Grease. The presentation will provide details on inspection frequency and discharge standards.
Ultimately, this presentation aims to equip attendees with a clear understanding of construction dewatering practices in Utah, bolstering their confidence in navigating these processes. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.