occurred twice, once during the initial inspection and then again when the information was transcribed at the office. Along with introducing a greater potential for data errors, this process hindered the ability to generate custom reports. In short, the traditional approach included numerous inefficiencies that complicated and lengthened the reporting process, possibly delaying corrective actions onsite.
DRIVABLE GRASS®
Today, a more efficient approach is possible whereby inspectors visit a construction site and record results on hand-held computers. If desired, standard and customized reports can be printed onsite by means of a mobile printer. Furthermore, information recorded on a hand-held computer can then be uploaded remotely to a comprehensive database used to store pertinent information related to a particular site or project. This information also can be made available on a website so that project participants can view a comprehensive project history. Along with providing real-time results to clients, this approach maintains all historical data in a single, easily accessible location. To facilitate rapid sharing of information, the database can be made accessible to such entities as the project owner, the contractor’s field staff, the contractor’s headquarters staff and regulators. To simplify reporting, the website can be configured to include a reporting module that generates custom NPDES reports using realtime data.
Driveways I Pathways I RV & Boat Areas Fire Lanes I Swales I Parking Areas
Doing the right thing Municipalities, counties and other local government entities have a duty to ensure that their construction projects comply with all applicable environmental regulations, including requirements pertaining to stormwater runoff. Fortunately, the wide selection of erosion-control products and the increasingly sophisticated approaches for recording and documenting onsite performance mean that local governments have more options than ever to help them do right by the environment. Donald P. Johnson can be reached at (770) 422-1902 or DPjohnson@PBSJ.com.
-ANUFACTURING s $ISTRIBUTION s $ESIGN s )NSTALLATION
Plantable concrete systems
®
www.soilretention.com 8
0
0
-
3
4
6
-
7
9
9
5