One of the many unfortunate effects of the burst in the housing bubble is an overabundance of partially completed subdivisions and erosion control issues due to lack of maintenance.  In many cases, these subdivisions have been graded and have been left void of any vegetation.  In some cases, they have been partially developed with a brand new landscaped residence abutting a vacant lot with erosion.  The lack of vegetation at these properties allows rain and storm water drainage to erode surface soil.  This leads to various erosion control issues such as; clogged storm sewers and silted waterways.  This causes the new landscaping on the abutting property to be all but destroyed.  In addition to the hundreds of thousands of dollars lost in destroyed site work, several states are imposing penalties and fines to the property owners (often the bank) for lack of proper maintenance of erosion control issues. 

Recently, we have offered erosion inspections as a value added service to our clients.  These erosion inspections are conducted as part of the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment or can be offered as an independent inspection and letter report.  This brief evaluation will give an indication of site conditions and determines the need for additional evaluation.   Partner Engineering and Science offers a full range of erosion control products ranging from site inspection to erosion control plan design and implementation of mitigation measures.

During the housing boom, clearing large parcels of land for development became routine.  After the market downturn in late 2008, construction projects throughout the country halted midstream.  On many sites, construction equipment was left to rust and utilities and roadways were partially installed.   The stormwater management and erosion control systems that were installed as a temporary measure to prevent sediment laden-stormwater from leaving the sites during construction are failing, due to a lack of maintenance or poor construction practices.    Nearby waterways are becoming overloaded with sediment from these failed developments.

All too often, large areas of denuded land have become the responsibility of mortgage holders and local governments.   Many local governments are experiencing budget shortfalls and are looking to mortgage holders to fund necessary repairs to stabilize sites.  Lenders are not exempt from liability under the Clean Water Act, and could be held liable for runoff at abandoned developments.  In order to quantify potential liabilities, it is important to make sure that erosion/stormwater inspections are completed as part of the collateral analysis process.

Partner Engineering & Science is experienced with design, construction, evaluation and maintenance of erosion stabilizations projects.