Residential Excavation

Eight Key Steps Needed When Preparing Your Land for Building

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

How Excavation Contractors and Environmental Firms Work Together

When you are hiring an excavation contractor, you are getting access to more than a team who will move the dirt around on your construction project. A professional excavation contractor works hand-in-hand with many other industry experts and has local connections to take care of anything that might need to be addressed on your site.

The truth is that excavation can impact the surrounding environment, which is why specific construction practices must always be followed. In the planning phases, it’s necessary to evaluate the environmental impact, and also ensure the construction process includes strategies to reduce your environmental footprint.

Because of this, excavation contractors often collaborate with environmental firms to ensure the successful completion of the project. At Mikula Contracting, we are proactive about communication and strategy, ensuring regulatory compliance every step of the way.

At Mikula, we have years of experience with excavation, soil management, and environmental protection. If you need these services, then we invite you to reach out to our knowledgeable team to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your project.

When Does an Environmental Firm Need to Get Involved?

How do you know if you need to be working with both an excavation contractor and an environmental firm? Here are a few reasons why it might make sense to have this collaboration in the construction process:

• Site assessment: An environmental firm can be a valuable resource when it’s time to do the initial impact assessments. Testing is performed to evaluate any potential contamination, ecological concerns, or regulatory requirements – which must be completed before starting the excavation.
• Monitoring: As the excavation moves forward, the environmental team can stay involved by offering ongoing monitoring of the air, water, and soil quality. If any negative environmental impacts are detected, then early intervention can be done to avoid bigger (and more costly) interventions in the future.
• Remediation: If soil testing uncovers contaminations in the soil, then the environmental firm can work with the excavation team to implement a remediation plan before construction begins.

An environmental firm can be a great resource for property owners and construction companies. These steps ensure that you are proactive about various issues that can occur, including the management of sediment control and erosion control.

Key Areas of Collaboration Between Excavation Contractors and Environmental Firms 

Excavating contractors collaborate with environmental firms starting in the planning stages. When construction plans are being developed, including excavation and building, it’s necessary to evaluate the anticipated impact on the environment. Sometimes, small changes in the construction plans can make a big difference in ensuring compliance and safety for everyone involved. Risk management is always a priority, to identify and mitigate any potential risks that might be related to soil contamination, ecological issues, or erosion.

Also, this collaboration ensures that you are maintaining all best practices, including environmentally friendly excavation services. We maintain open communication every step of the way, to ensure the ideal outcome for your project.

Benefits of Working with an Excavation Contractor with Established Partnerships

When you are preparing for your project, it can be a hassle to hire multiple contractors and coordinate communication between everyone involved. Rest assured knowing that you don’t have to be in the project management position. Instead, a better solution is to hire an excavation contractor that already has established partnerships in place. They will be able to make recommendations and provide introductions to a general contractor who can help manage all aspects of the project. 

Hiring the right excavation contractor allows you to tap into a full range of specialists and experts you might need in the construction industry. Your excavation contractor helps to streamline the processes for everything from soil testing to environmental impact assessments, sourcing building materials, and more.

Overall, you can save money when you are working with an excavation contractor that has established partnerships. The project coordination is more efficient and there are often shared resources that can help.

Finally, these established connections help to reduce the risk on site. You can avoid potential environmental violations and costly delays by detecting environmental issues in the earliest stages. This proactive approach is essential to keeping your project on track (and on budget).

Work With an Established New Jersey Excavation Contractor

When you need to hire an excavation contractor, reach out to a local team with a solid reputation. Mikula is here to help every step of the way. We bring local expertise to your project. Our team understands the specific environmental regulations and challenges here in New Jersey. 

Our proven track record speaks to the quality of services you can expect from Mikula. We collaborate with other industry experts, including environmental firms, to deliver results that you can trust. When you are ready for more information, schedule a complimentary consultation with our team. We’re here to help with both commercial and residential projects.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Top 5 Things Your Contractor Should Be Doing to Ensure a Safe Construction Site

When you hire an excavation contractor, whether for a commercial or residential job, not only does the team need to move dirt and prepare the site – but safety is also a critical factor every step of the way. Hiring an experienced team ensures that your property and people on site will be protected.

The truth is that construction site safety is non-negotiable. Construction work can be a dangerous job, but there doesn’t have to be high levels of risk if everyone is following the necessary safety rules and protocols. 

Here are five of the most important things your excavation contractor should be doing to ensure that everything goes according to plan with minimal complications along the way.

1.) Construct a Plan Before the Project Start Date

A site safety plan must be designed, taking into account the unique factors on your job site. Every project is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all safety plan isn’t sufficient. A professional excavation contractor will train their construction workers on their overall safety program. Then, additional training and steps will be followed to implement a personalized safety plan for every project.

A site-specific safety plan must consider any potential safety issues that are unique to this job site. Examples include other buildings in the area, water and utilities, hazardous materials, and more. Additionally, keeping an organized and tidy site can help prevent unnecessary safety hazards. 

This proactive approach to safety creates a culture of caution when the team is on the job site. Everyone can feel protected and know that their team members are being careful to watch out for each other. In addition to the initial safety training, it’s appropriate to have ongoing conversations about updates and reminders along the way.

Ask your excavation contractor about their approach to designing a safety plan. Make sure to learn more about site-specific safety concerns and how the team is prepared to accommodate these concerns.

2.) Have Proper Protective Wear (PPE)

In the construction industry, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. This type of equipment can be the difference between a minor or major injury. Even with the best safety plans, workplace accidents are going to happen occasionally. This PPE helps to protect against serious injuries, and could even save a person’s life.

PPE is a last line of defense against injury, and it should never be skipped. A professional excavation contractor will provide all necessary PPE to the team members – and enforce the use of this equipment.

The most common types of PPE to use on a construction site include:

• Hard hats
• Safety glasses
• High-visibility vests
• Steel-toed boots
• Gloves

Every person needs to have safety equipment that is sized right for their shape and size, ensuring that the equipment stays in place while they are working.

3.) Call in a Markout

A “markout” is the step that needs to happen before digging on a job site: it’s the process of finding and marking any underground utility lines that are located in the area. This proactive step helps to prevent complications and injury during the project. Not only does a markout help to prevent damage, but it can also minimize service disruptions and avoid accidents that could be potentially deadly.

A skilled excavation contractor will never start working until a markout has been completed. When you are hiring a contracting team, ask about their process for completing a markout before starting work. Then, find out about their processes and procedures for working around these marked utility lines.

4.) Utilize Proper Fencing for Excavation

Since there are serious site safety concerns when excavation is happening, using proper fencing can be an important step to prevent falls and pedestrian injuries. Fencing keeps out unauthorized access, not only to protect the job site but to avoid possible accidents during all times of the day.

Certain safety standards must be met when fencing is being selected and installed. Even though the fencing is temporary, it can still be sturdy and strong. This fencing should be highly visible and durable enough to make it difficult for unwanted visitors to access the site. Additionally, fencing should be placed strategically when there are holes or ditches where people could fall in.

5.) Have Great Communication

Not only does the team need to have specific safety measures in place for all their construction projects, but it’s just as important to maintain open communication every step of the way. Several elements should be included in a communication plan, such as regular safety meetings, real-time communication, and proper channels for reporting concerns or injuries. 

When an excavation contractor fosters good communication with the team, it empowers each person to speak up if they have any concerns about safety issues. This open communication also extends to the site owner or project owner, so you are always staying informed about what is happening.

Call a Local Excavation Contractor: Mikula is Here to Help

At Mikula Contracting, we offer the full-service solutions you need for your job sites. Whether you are looking for an excavation contractor, construction management, or more, our team is just a phone call away. We offer both residential and commercial services. 

Rest assured knowing that we prioritize health and safety at all times. We promise quality results from a team that you can trust.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

What You Should Know About Dumping Materials in New Jersey

Whether you are working with a New Jersey land-clearing contractor or disposing of construction materials, hauling away unwanted items is an essential part of every project. Many people plan for the construction and other significant details of the project. However, it can be easy to overlook material disposal and dumping.

The truth is that dumping materials can be more time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive than you might realize. It’s not as simple as filling up a garbage can to leave at the curb. When it comes to land clearing and construction, there is a lot of waste that needs to be removed. In fact, you’ll likely need to hire a dumpster or stockpile materials to be loaded and trucked to the proper dump sites.

Depending on the type of dumping and the materials that need to be disposed of, it can be quite expensive. The good news is that other options are available. For example, some of these waste items, such as metal and concrete, can be recycled. Recycling can save you money because you won’t have to pay the dumping fees.

The best thing you can do is talk to your New Jersey land-clearing contractor for recommendations about waste management. In addition to hauling everything away, your contractor will also be sure that you are compliant with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Works. Certain types of debris need to be dumped in a landfill. But other items, such as shrubs and tree trunks, can be taken elsewhere.

The Rising Cost of Dump Sites in New Jersey

The cost of dumping is increasing, not only in New Jersey but across the country. Most landfills and dump sites charge based on the weight of the items being dumped. Some of the factors that influence the cost of dumping include:

• Weight of the Load: Do you have a truck, trailer, or dumpster full of debris? There might be a flat fee for the load plus a predetermined amount based on the weight of the load.
• Dumping Location: Ensure you take the items to an authorized and approved waste management location. Items shouldn’t be dumped in an empty lot or on the side of a road – this is illegal dumping. There are designated locations where construction materials can be dumped, and each of these facilities has different fee structures.
• Type of Waste: What types of materials are you disposing of? Certain items, such as hazardous waste, must be taken to specific dumping locations. The cost of dumping hazardous materials is often higher than standard dumping fees for general materials (like yard waste).
• Trucking Cost: Oftentimes the cost of trucking for the materials can have an impact on the price of actually dumping the materials. For example, the distance needed to transport the materials to the proper dump site can impact the overall cost quite a bit. 

As dump site costs continue to increase, many people are looking for alternative solutions. Not only are there other ways to save money on dumping, but some of these other options also help minimize the environmental impact. For example, taking electronic waste (like laptops and cell phones) to a processing facility makes sense instead of simply dropping it in the landfill, where it can affect the soil, groundwater, and more.

Dumping Is Not Always the Only Option

When evaluating your options for dumping, don’t assume that everything needs to be taken to the landfill. Many people look at alternative possibilities for various types of solid waste, such as recycling paper bags, plastic bags, and larger materials made of the same materials.

Recycling is always a great option to consider because the materials can be reused instead of landing in a pile of waste. It feels good to know that you are protecting the environment, and recycling can also save you money on dumping costs at the same time.

Alternative options include donations or free giveaways. There is a saying: “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Sometimes, construction scraps and other types of waste can be shared in online marketplaces, and other people will come to pick up these materials. You can get rid of everything and save yourself the time and labor of taking these things to the dump sites.

Certain items can even be dropped at donation centers. For example, if you are dumping furniture or other large items that still have life or use left in them, then specific charity organizations might be willing and happy to take these items off your hands.

What Are Your Options for Dumping?

Before you load up a truck and take it to the landfill, do a bit of research so you are educated about your options. It might make sense to take several separate loads to different locations, such as a donation center, a recycling center, and a landfill.

Do you have materials that require special care? Then call the dumping site ahead of time to see if they can handle the materials you are bringing. For example, there is one specific location that specializes in asbestos materials and other places that can handle hazardous chemicals.

If you don’t have much experience with construction or waste management, then it can be hard to know where to go. You can search online to find dumping locations nearby. Or, the easiest solution is to talk to a New Jersey land clearing contractor about your project so you can get their expert advice.

Hiring a professional team is an excellent solution to save yourself time and stress. The contractor will not only bring the labor and trucks needed to clear away these items, but they also know the best locations for dumping, recycling, donations, and more. It always makes sense to let the pros handle the project. It’s important to remember that whoever you decide to hire and work with has the proper licensure to haul and/or truck the materials you are dumping.

Mikula Contracting Can Help with Your Land Clearing Project

Mikula Contracting is one of the top providers in the area. If you are looking for a New Jersey land-clearing contractor, we invite you to reach out to our experienced team to learn more about how we can assist.

Our expert team has many years of experience in the industry, offering top-notch solutions for projects of all sizes. Not only do we offer land clearing, residential excavation, commercial excavation, and more. But we can also assist with dumping and materials removal as needed. We invite you to contact us at your convenience to schedule a consultation. We are here to help!

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

Construction Sitework Best Practices

Before a site can be developed and construction can begin, construction sitework must be done as part of the preliminary part of the building plan. This process includes multiple preventive and precautionary methods that aren’t part of the structure or construction process but help to prepare the area for the upcoming work.

What Is Construction Sitework?

Construction sitework involves multiple steps to not only ensure construction site safety but also improve the overall outcome of the building project. Investing in good site work means that you are starting with the most important steps first.

Common aspects of site work include clearing debris off the site (including brush and trees), grading the soil, controlling erosion and sediment, excavating the site, installing septic tanks, putting in utilities, and more. 

Ultimately, the goal of construction sitework is to set the stage for all of the construction activities that are to come. This process improves the building process and reduces the risk of potential issues later on.

Major Components of Sitework

When starting a construction project, talk to an experienced site work contractor to learn more about the best practices and recommendations for the job site. Each project is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for site work preparation. 

Here is an overview of some of the most common practices for construction sitework.

Land Clearing

First, anything that will get in the way of construction needs to be cleared. This process often includes removing vegetation and trees, as well as any other debris that is present on the property. Removing these items makes room for the new development that is coming. 

Not only will clearing and grubbing make it easier to access the construction site, but it also reduces the risk of injury and problems later on. Usually, specific regulatory and environmental considerations need to be addressed, affecting how the debris is removed and how everything is disposed of.

Inspecting Site for Hazards

A thorough inspection must always happen before work commences. The goal is to identify anything that needs to be protected, such as water or utility lines. At the same time, this inspection can be helpful for managing potential hazards that can affect the construction process.

Shoring and Erosion Control

There is always a risk of collapse and weathering on the job site, especially if the soil isn’t stable. One aspect of construction sitework is to control the ground stability by carefully choosing the equipment, materials, and safety protocols that will be followed to protect the integrity of the site.

When determining the ideal shoring and erosion control, local environmental factors need to be considered, such as wind, rainfall, and any other weather conditions that affect the area. Additionally, it’s essential to protect natural resources and waterways in the vicinity.

Installing Guardrails, Fencing, and Ladders

One element of safety is to use the right equipment that will support workers in moving around with minimal risk of injury. The installation of ladders, guardrails, and fencing is essential, helping to reduce the risk of falling and injury on the job.

Not only does injury result in serious concerns for the affected team members, but injury can also have a negative impact on the risk of project delays. So, installing these protective elements is a win-win to protect individuals and help the team stay on track with the desired timeline. 

Additionally, it’s important to note that proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required. This includes things such as high visibility vests or shirts, hard hats, respirators, safety glasses, and so on depending on what is needed for the site to ensure property safety measures are met. 

Using Appropriate Tools and Equipment

Various types of tools and equipment can be used to ensure the successful outcome of the project. When a contractor invests in the right tools, it makes a difference in the outcome of construction sitework. At the same time, these tools and equipment matter to the safety of everyone on site.

As you are evaluating contractors in the construction industry who offer the sitework services you need, make sure to take time to ask questions about available services. In addition to learning more about their processes, you also need information about the tools and equipment they will be using.

Subgrade Shoring

These steps for construction sitework prevent issues relating to the way the ground shifts or caves. The goal is to keep the soil stable below the topsoil, which reduces the risk of soil sifting or site caving. Subgrade shoring is a critical part of the preparation for construction in order to avoid structural damage (such as foundation cracking) in the future. 

The most common approach is to use a reclaiming or stabilization agent, which is blended with lime or cement and added to the soil. The specific products are selected based on soil type because the amount and type of additives change depending on soil testing and quality. 

Preparing Drainage and Water Systems

Finally, it’s essential to manage drainage and water systems. These systems not only bring safe water to the building but also have methods for clearing stormwater from the site. Regardless of the size of the construction project (residential or commercial), every building needs potable water and a way to pump the wastewater out.

Drainage and water systems are put in place in the beginning as part of the construction sitework. Then the site will be ready for construction. At Mikula Contracting, we use multiple pumps and generators as needed to ensure drainage and water systems are managed properly. 

Safety Is Always the Most Important Goal

The most important factor on every job site is protecting the safety of workers and anyone else who sets foot on the site. Hiring an experienced contractor for construction sitework ensures optimal results by protecting the team.

Consult Mikula Contracting for Your Construction Sitework Needs

Do you need more information about construction sitework services in New Jersey? Reach out to the experts: Mikula Contracting is here to help with commercial excavation, residential excavation, site work, and more.

by Dennis Mikula Jr.

What Are Some Potential Environmental Hazards of Excavation Projects?

A variety of projects require excavation in New Jersey, including swimming pool installation, foundation digging, surface leveling, and landscaping services. Learn about potential hazards associated with excavation in NJ so that you can plan for a safe and proactive approach. 

When you are aware of some common environmental hazards of excavation, you will have the knowledge to avoid these dangers. For professional excavation services in New Jersey, look no further than Mikula Contracting. With our expertise and commitment to safety, you can carefully execute your plan for your New Jersey excavation project. 

Here are some environmental hazards of excavation to keep in mind.

Soil Erosion

Soil erosion occurs during excavation when water runoff, rain, or wind erodes the soil and turns once stable areas into dangerous areas. For example, trenches can collapse, fertile topsoil can flush away, and injuries can happen. 

During excavation, plan for soil erosion control measures. This can include control blankets to protect the soil during a downpour, soil stabilizers, or packing down the soil to protect it from natural erosion. Protect the workers and increase safety on the job site by taking these soil erosion prevention steps.

Potential Underground Hazards

You don’t always know what you’re going to uncover during excavation. Finding contaminated or hazardous soil or even an underground oil tank is something all contractors should be prepared for. Be ready to test the soil when you notice a suspicious texture, smell, or structure that makes you suspicious of a chemical spill. 

Water is commonly used during any excavation project and can spread the contaminants, further magnifying the environmental impact. The moment you find hazardous soil or contaminants, take remediation measures very seriously to avoid danger to nearby occupants and future residents of the property. When encountering soil contamination, be sure all workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE), enlist multiple instances of soil testing, and renew the soil with fertile, healthy backfill.

Trench Collapses or Cave-Ins

Excavation requires digging deep holes and trenches to build foundations or install pipes. Contractors work in the trenches, making them vulnerable to accidents if the trench collapses. Severe injuries or fatalities could be the result. 

To prevent trench collapses, a comprehensive protective system must be implemented. This includes using trench boxes, shoring, or other protective structures to support trench walls and prevent cave-ins. Inspecting the trenches, evaluating the stability of the soil, and training contractors for safety protocols are essential to maintaining safe practices during excavation in New Jersey. 

Dust or Other Airborne Particles

Excavation projects can generate dust and airborne particles, presenting environmental hazards as well as potential health risks for workers and nearby communities. When working with dry and fine-grained soil, the wind can whip it into the air, leading to workers and nearby passersby breathing in contaminants or hazardous substances. These airborne dust particles can lead to human health issues that should be avoided at all costs. 

An excavation site should employ a dust control protocol to reduce the spread of dust into the air and to surrounding people. Many contractors spray the dry dirt with water to moisten it, making it less likely to become airborne during a strong gust of wind. A ventilator can be used to collect loose dust in the air. And workers can wear masks and PPE to protect themselves from inhaling hazardous substances. 

By effectively managing dust and airborne particles, excavation projects can minimize environmental impacts and protect the health of workers and the surrounding community.

Water-Related Hazards

Any construction site can be a place of water accumulation due to storms, groundwater seepage, or nearby bodies of water. Water runoff can lead to erosion on the site, impacting the soil stability. Water can also carry pollutants into nearby water sources. 

Standing water also attracts mosquitoes and other pests, making the work site uncomfortable and posing additional environmental and health risks. Mosquitoes not only bite but also spread disease. Rats and roaches make themselves at home, creating a germ-filled breeding ground for pests during construction. 

Water management is essential for excavation. This may involve installing silt fences or sediment basins to control runoff and sedimentation. You can also install temporary drains or runoff paths that make the area safe for the duration of the excavation project. By effectively managing water-related hazards, excavation projects can minimize soil erosion, maintain water quality, and protect the surrounding ecosystem.

Hitting Underground Utilities

One hazard of excavation is the risk of fires. Especially if you are digging close to a gas line, you need to be extra careful to eliminate the risk of hitting a pipe underground. If a contractor is ready to dig without surveying the ground and calling in a markout, it is time to find a new excavation contractor. 

Safeguard against these hazards by implementing proper safety protocols and adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. This may involve using trench boxes to provide protective shielding, conducting thorough gas detection and monitoring, and establishing clear evacuation procedures in the event of a hazardous situation. Reduce the risk of fire by doing your due diligence and researching before a dig occurs.

In addition to hitting a gas line, other utility lines also pose a danger to the excavation site. Hitting a live electricity wire can lead to electrocution. Cutting into plumbing systems can lead to leak and damage that requires expensive repairs.

Every excavation contractor should mark the land with the exact location of underground utility lines to avoid any damage to existing networks. While mistakes can happen, when working with an experienced contractor you should have peace of mind that you have hired professionals that will avoid mistakes and mitigate issues if they arise.

Mikula Contracting Is Your New Jersey Excavation Solution

Mikula Contracting has the experience you need for a successful excavation project in NJ. Our dedication to safety, customer communication, and state-of-the-art equipment is evident in every project we complete. 

We provide top-quality excavation services tailored to the unique needs of each customer. Our team at Mikula Contracting follows the most modern practices, adheres to regulatory requirements, and uses advanced techniques and equipment to ensure efficient excavation operations. Contact us today to find out how we can help. 

by Dennis Mikula Jr.