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Contractors urged to prepare for spring runoff

SUMMIT DAILY STAFF REPORT

SUMMIT COUNTY – With the construction season winding to a close, Doug Trieste of the Summit Water Quality Committee wants to remind contractors to reinforce and install erosion control devices in preparation for the spring runoff.Erosion control is required to keep mud and other debris out of waterways. In the past, the most common devices used were straw bales and silt fences.But Trieste says the county is trying to phase straw bales out because they don’t work.Instead, contractors should use silt fences, rock berms and erosion control logs and blankets.He is available to discuss methods with contractors.”It always amazes me what I see out there. People think they are (complying by erosion control standards), but it’s always terrible. They just throw up a few straw bales and call it good,” Trieste said.Despite the rainy summer, Trieste said he didn’t have one complaint about construction runoff flowing into nearby streams.”I was concerned that maybe people don’t even know there’s a program,” he said. “I don’t know if people are looking the other way or don’t know who to call.”Last summer, Trieste was kept busy at The Highlands on a homesite where little erosion control efforts were put in place.”It’s in really amazing condition after last year,” Trieste said. “They’ve done a great job. They’ve turned around to set the example. Every time I drive through there I’m just amazed.”Trieste can be reached at (970) 547-3823.


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