Northeast Engineers | Blog

RI Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook Revised

October 2nd, 2014

Soil ErosionAfter 25 years, the Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook has finally been revised.  When the first handbook was published in 1989 “Field of Dreams” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” were in theaters, Milli Vanilli was on the radio, George H.W. Bush was elected president, and only birds could “tweet”.  A lot has changed since then including available technology, best management practices, and regulatory policy associated with soil erosion and sediment control.  Therefore, in 2012 a Technical Review Committee was formed to update the outdated handbook.  The revised handbook, which has nearly doubled in length, is much more comprehensive and relevant to today’s standards.

You will be directly affected by the revisions if you are planning just about any kind of development.  Most development projects require the preparation of a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to reduce soil erosion and prevent sediment from washing into water bodies and clogging storm drains.  Some of the changes include:

  • A site constraint map illustrating storm drains, water bodies, wetlands, soil types, steep slopes, and more is now required.
  • A map of existing soil resources must be prepared.  Map preparation will require the excavation of four foot deep test holes throughout the property and documentation by a soil scientist.
  • Stormwater runoff flow rates and volume must be controlled during construction with temporary measures.
  • New measures such as straw wattles, compost tubes, and compost berms are included.  Hay bales are discouraged.
  • Temporary structural control measures may be required to divert run-on.

Contact us if you are planning to develop or regrade a property.  We’re happy to answer any questions.


Blog post written by Jason Gold, P.E.

photo credit: bertknot via photopin cc

Flood Insurance Refunds Expected in October

September 24th, 2014
FEMA Flood Insurance Refunds

Insurance companies will begin issuing refunds in October.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is in the process of implementing Congressionally mandated reforms required by the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014. The new law offers relief to some policyholders who experienced steep flood insurance premium increases in 2013 and early 2014 and calls for refunds of the difference between the subsidized rates and the higher full-risk rates that policyholders were required to pay as a result of Biggert-Waters. Insurance companies will begin issuing refunds in October 2014.  Increased premiums for policies effective on or after October 1, 2013 will be refunded to eligible policy holders.

You may be entitled to a refund if:

  • You have a new or reinstated policy for a Pre-FIRM Building; or
  • Your premium increase was greater than 18%.

The following policies may not be eligible for refunds:

  • Policies for Pre-FIRM Secondary Homes in effect before July 6, 2012;
  • Policies for certain Severely or Repetitively Flooded Buildings; and
  • Policies That Increased Because of a Coverage Change.

Refer to this fact sheet for additional details or contact your insurance agent.

NE&C offers several services to property owners located within a Special Flood Hazard Area that could save thousands of dollars in flood insurance premiums. Contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

 


Blog post by Jason Gold, P.E..

photo credit: stevendepolo via photopin cc