Page 45 - GRIHA Manual Volume II - Introduction to National Rating System
P. 45
Sustainable site planning 37
Solutions
Sedimentation control is essential because it is one of the primary causes of water pollution.
Environmentally, an attempt should be made to retain as much of the soil cover and vegetation
as possible and not alter the natural settings of the site. Contours, natural catchment areas, ridges
and so on, should be retained and the building should be designed in as environmentally benign
manner as possible. This minimizes the expenditure on removing soil, felling trees and vegetation,
and retains the richness of the site till the end.
In terms of planning, there must be a sedimentation control plan, in which the run-off
water is first collected in a temporary sedimentation pond on site (at the lowest point on site).
Once the sediments in water settle down, the water can be pumped into the city storm
water drains. This ensures that the city drainage systems are not clogged up with debris and
loose soil.
Stored topsoil should be laid back properly and stabilized. Nutritive values of soil should be
enhanced if they are not adequate for vegetative growth.
GRIHA-speciic information
Objective
Conserve topsoil till after completion of construction activity.
(In accordance with NBC 2005 – Part 10 – Landscaping, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures,
Section 1 – Landscape planning and design, Subsection 5 – Soil and Water Conservation)
3.1 Commitment
3.1.1 Ensure adequate fertility of the soil to support vegetative growth.
3.1.2 Ensure adequate topsoil laying for vegetative growth.
3.1.3 Ensure stabilization of soil in the area where the topsoil is vulnerable to erosion.
3.2 Compliance
The following documents to be submitted.
3.2.1 Site contour plan (one CAD drawing) showing drainage pattern and demarcating (a)
areas where topsoil laying is done, and (b) area where vegetation cover is provided for
topsoil protection.
3.2.2 Narrative explaining the methods of soil stabilization used; wherever required,
accompanied by photographs with brief description.
3.2.3 Certificate by the landscape architect on topsoil laying, soil stabilization, and adequate
primary soil nutrient and pH [(supported by test results performed at Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR)–accredited laboratory].
3.3 Appraisal (maximum points 2)
3.3.1 Proper topsoil laying for vegetative growth, as per clauses 3.2.1 (a), 3.2.2, 3.2.3 (1 point)
3.3.2 Proper stabilization of soil, as per clauses 3.2.1 (b), 3.2.2, 3.2.3 (1 point)
non-applicability condition: For sites in which topsoil could not be stored for reasons as cited
in Criterion 2.
Solutions
Sedimentation control is essential because it is one of the primary causes of water pollution.
Environmentally, an attempt should be made to retain as much of the soil cover and vegetation
as possible and not alter the natural settings of the site. Contours, natural catchment areas, ridges
and so on, should be retained and the building should be designed in as environmentally benign
manner as possible. This minimizes the expenditure on removing soil, felling trees and vegetation,
and retains the richness of the site till the end.
In terms of planning, there must be a sedimentation control plan, in which the run-off
water is first collected in a temporary sedimentation pond on site (at the lowest point on site).
Once the sediments in water settle down, the water can be pumped into the city storm
water drains. This ensures that the city drainage systems are not clogged up with debris and
loose soil.
Stored topsoil should be laid back properly and stabilized. Nutritive values of soil should be
enhanced if they are not adequate for vegetative growth.
GRIHA-speciic information
Objective
Conserve topsoil till after completion of construction activity.
(In accordance with NBC 2005 – Part 10 – Landscaping, Signs and Outdoor Display Structures,
Section 1 – Landscape planning and design, Subsection 5 – Soil and Water Conservation)
3.1 Commitment
3.1.1 Ensure adequate fertility of the soil to support vegetative growth.
3.1.2 Ensure adequate topsoil laying for vegetative growth.
3.1.3 Ensure stabilization of soil in the area where the topsoil is vulnerable to erosion.
3.2 Compliance
The following documents to be submitted.
3.2.1 Site contour plan (one CAD drawing) showing drainage pattern and demarcating (a)
areas where topsoil laying is done, and (b) area where vegetation cover is provided for
topsoil protection.
3.2.2 Narrative explaining the methods of soil stabilization used; wherever required,
accompanied by photographs with brief description.
3.2.3 Certificate by the landscape architect on topsoil laying, soil stabilization, and adequate
primary soil nutrient and pH [(supported by test results performed at Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR)–accredited laboratory].
3.3 Appraisal (maximum points 2)
3.3.1 Proper topsoil laying for vegetative growth, as per clauses 3.2.1 (a), 3.2.2, 3.2.3 (1 point)
3.3.2 Proper stabilization of soil, as per clauses 3.2.1 (b), 3.2.2, 3.2.3 (1 point)
non-applicability condition: For sites in which topsoil could not be stored for reasons as cited
in Criterion 2.
