Project Overview

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) oversees the application and maintenance of soil erosion and sedimentation control (SESC) measures on all projects performed on the MDOT network. SESC measures applied and inspected by contractors and consultants on MDOT projects are periodically audited by MDOT to ensure compliance with permits and industry standards. To support the Metro Region office of MDOT, NTH performed review of plans, reports, and field applications on various projects in the region. NTH field staff reviewed reports and observed field controls, evaluated the site conditions, and provided recommendations to address any identified deficiencies.

Project Scope

Transportation projects often include long alignments with earthwork that necessitates proper SESC measures to control material transfer within and outside of the project boundaries. The installation and maintenance of SESC measures is the responsibility of contractors, consultants, and/or MDOT depending on the contract terms of each project. Regardless of the contract, MDOT has a minimum of an QA role regarding SESC for all MDOT projects.

To support the MDOT Metro Region, NTH performed SESC audits on various projects under construction in the Region. The projects included:

  • I-75 over Rouge River bridge deck replacement
  • I-75 Sexton-Kilfoil drain and Goddard Bridge replacement
  • M-59 from M-53 to Romeo Plank reconstruction
  • Old M-59 add CLTL and upgrade six intersections
  • I-75 Coolidge to S. Boulevard and Square Lake intersection reconstruction
  • I-75 at West Road new pedestrian bridge
  • M-10 at MLK bridge replacement and exit ramp extension to Grand River

NTH typically performed the following services for each project:

  • Review project documentation including SESC application, installation records, and weekly NPDES inspection reports;
  • Coordinate a conference call and subsequent site meeting with the involved parties from MDOT, the contractor, and the consultant;
  • Perform a site visit to inspect the SESC apparatus and ensure that the system is functioning as reported;
  • Suggest maintenance of existing or new SESC features to site staff; and
  • Prepare a report documenting the audit and any items which require action, including photographic and narrative descriptions.

Occasionally, return visits were made to confirm that corrective measures were implemented and that no new issues had arisen.

NTH’s Value Added

NTH provided SESC audit services to augment MDOT staff and ensure that all projects in the Region were properly managed to protect the projects and the environment.