The E&S controls program for both ongoing operations and construction activities should be adopted in its entirety. The incremental improvements that are applicable landscape waste and fertilizer use are not applicable to this component of the SSc3 plan.
The landscape architect should begin researching native and adapted species for your region. Most cities have local gardens, conservancies, universities or regional organizations that provide a list of native and adapted species. For example, FloridaYards.org is a collaborative effort to provide listings of Florida-friendly and native plant species.
If you have a zero-lot-line or dense urban site, carefully consider whether attempting the credit is realistic. Many such sites don’t have enough site area. To create more area, consider stacking the building footprint, incorporating a green roof, or minimizing parking (which would also contribute to SSc4.4: Alternative Transportation—Parking Capacity). You can also donate off-site land to earn the credit (see below).
Unless following the "budget method" discussed above, check to make sure that the buildingfootprint will allow the construction team to stay within the site disturbance parameters set forth in the credit language. You need to limit site disturbance to:
Determine whether you will restore or protect portions of your site. You may find that it takes a combination of the two to meet the area requirements.
For construction-related E&S controls, review your local stormwater management code for construction codes and standards and the EPA’s Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans for Construction Activities. Use these documents as guides for planning and implementing E&S control best practices during construction activities. Look to them for guidance about communicating the process for planning and carrying out E&S controls with contractors.
