Project Example — Illustrative Scenario
Inlet Protection Installed Before Site Grading
This is a representative example illustrating the type of work LES performs, not documentation of a specific completed project. Real, photo-documented case studies will replace these examples as current work is completed.
Service Area
Central Florida site with downstream storm drain inlets
Site Condition
A commercial site had several storm drain inlets along its perimeter road, directly downstream of the area scheduled for mass grading.
Problem
Inlets needed protection sized to each structure's contributing drainage area before grading exposed soil to the first rain event — not retrofitted after sediment had already reached the drains.
Recommended BMPs
- • Filter fabric drop-inlet barriers sized to each inlet's drainage area
- • Gravel/stone filter rings at curb inlets with higher expected flow
Work Performed
Each inlet was assessed for type (curb, drop, or grate) and contributing drainage area, then fitted with the appropriately sized protection device ahead of the grading start date.
Outcome
No sediment reached the storm drain system during the grading phase, and inlet devices were maintained on the same inspection cycle as the site's perimeter controls.
What Could Have Failed If Ignored
An unprotected inlet downstream of disturbed soil is one of the fastest paths to a discharge violation — sediment-laden runoff entering a storm drain is effectively already off-site and unrecoverable.
Documentation Performed
Photos of each inlet protection device immediately after installation, keyed to a site map, plus inspection notes confirming devices were in place before grading began.
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