Could anyone please advise, whether the project would fail to achieve the SSp1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, if approx. 10,000m3 of topsoil is removed off the site and replaced it by new topsoil (Purchased from other site and more nutrients for plants).
Or any other credit that may have impact due to replacement of topsoil?
I referred to below requirement which highlights on protection of topsoil for reuse but does not give any details in terms of above mentioned strategy.
"Prerequisite 1: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
To prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, including protecting topsoil by stockpiling for reuse"
Thanks & Regards
Tristan Roberts
RepresentativeVermont House of Representatives
LEEDuser Expert
11477 thumbs up
February 25, 2013 - 3:18 pm
Ameet, site disturbance has an effect on other credits like SSc1, and SSc5, as you know. In terms of the technical question you're asking here, start with the third FAQ posted above and see if that helps.
Ameet AA
41 thumbs up
February 26, 2013 - 9:36 am
Thank you Tristan, I received following reply from Green Building Certification Institute,
"Thank you for contacting the Green Building Certification Institute about SSp1 if removing soil and placing new
material. There is nothing preventing the project team from either removing unwanted soil from a site or purchasing
and placing new soil. The focus of SSp1 is on protecting soil on the property from being blown or washed away,
thereby causing dust or polluting nearby watercourses or sewer infrastructure"
Michael DeVuono
Regional Stormwater LeaderArcadis North America
LEEDuser Expert
187 thumbs up
April 2, 2013 - 8:40 pm
Ameet, I realize this reply may be coming a little late...but if you have not already hauled this topsoil from your site, consider doing a soil ammendment or a blend, reusing the original topsoil.
It will probably save you some money on earthwork and the hauling.
I am not a soil scientist, but I've always been taught that soils are the most cohesive when they remain "where they came from."
Of course, I am assuming there is no contamination or other reasons to haul the existing topsoil off site.
Be sure to check local regs... most have provisions for removing sols from a site.