When construction sites disturb the soil, they become more vulnerable to erosion. Rain and storms can wash away soil and send sediment into nearby waterways. This is a significant environmental concern, and while construction companies are required to have erosion control plans, implementing these can be challenging.
In response, industry leaders in Nova Scotia provided valuable feedback that shaped the new guidelines to help protect the environment and prevent erosion during construction. These guidelines were officially introduced in a planning guide on January 31.
“Nova Scotians want more homes and economic growth, but not at the cost of our lakes and rivers,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “We understand that people care about water quality. We’ve also heard from developers who need straightforward tools to meet environmental standards.”
The newly released Guide to Developing Erosion and Sediment Control Plans aims to clarify regulations surrounding erosion and sediment management. This makes it simpler for construction sites to follow Nova Scotia’s environmental rules.
Grant Feltmate, from the Nova Scotia Road Builders Association, expressed approval of the guide, stating, “This document provides clear requirements for our industry, making our planning much easier.”
The provincial government is committed to continuously review and improve its regulations to minimize confusion and red tape. Each year, the Department conducts around 1,500 inspections to ensure compliance with environmental guidelines.
For more information, you can read the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Handbook for Construction Sites and the Erosion and Sediment Control Information Sheet.
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construction,environment,Environment Journal,excess soils,Government of Nova Scotia,Timothy Halman
