Sequencing a construction project can reduce the amount and duration of soil exposed to erosion by wind, rain, runoff, and vehicle tracking. The construction sequence schedule is an orderly listing of all major land-disturbing activities together with the necessary erosion and sediment control (ESC) BMPs planned for the project. This type of schedule guides the contractor on work to be done before other work is started so that serious erosion and sedimentation problems can be avoided. Following a specified work schedule that coordinates the timing of land-disturbing activities and the installation of control measures is perhaps the most cost-effective way of controlling erosion during construction. The removal of ground cover leaves a site vulnerable to erosion. Construction sequencing that limits land clearing, provides timely installation of ESC BMPs, and restores protective cover quickly can significantly reduce the erosion potential of a site. 

*The contents of this guide are to provide a general overview only. It is the users responsibility to ensure all BMPs utilized on their project meet the requirements of their state and local jurisdictions.

Find it in the Stormwater Management Manual:

Eastern Washington          Western Washington

Best Scheduling Practices:

• Minimize construction during rainy periods. 
• Phase projects to disturb only small portions of the site at any one time.
• Complete grading as soon as possible.
• Immediately stabilize the disturbed portion before grading the next portion.
• Practice staged seeding in order to revegetate cut-and-fill slopes as the work progresses.