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7.2: Erosion Control Methods

  • Page ID
    42730
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    There is a high risk of sediment pollution in stormwater on construction sites due to the removal of vegetation and exposure of sediment. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for erosion control have been developed to limit sediment runoff from construction sites. BMPs can be divided into two categories:

    • Erosion Control directly protects the disturbed soil surface from erosion
    • Sediment Control aids in the removal of sediments from stormwater by using barriers or containment.

    Erosion Control Methods

    • Apply water to bare surfaces to reduce erosion from wind.
    • Add erosion mats made of straw, wood, or other fibers/materials to protect soil surfaces.
    • Use mulch to create a layer above the soil surface to protect it from rain impact and overland flow.
    • Seed to establish temporary or permanent vegetation.
    • Employ construction site diversions that are temporary berms or channels to divert runoff away from a construction site.
    Example of bare sediment compared to a straw and fiber erosion mat coverage.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Example of bare sediment compared to a straw and fiber erosion mat coverage.
    Erosion mat coverage of reseeded construction area near a stormwater pond.
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Erosion mat coverage of reseeded construction area near a stormwater pond.

    Sediment Control Methods

    • Add water-soluble substances to waterways to remove suspended solids within sediment control structures.
    • Use vegetative buffers that can trap sediment within runoff by slowing down the flow velocity.
    • Create a bale buffer made of anchored straw bales to intercept sediment-laden stormwater flow.
    • Add a silt fence. This is an entrenched geotextile fabric to intercept sediment-laden stormwater flow.
    • Employ trackout control practices to aid in removing dirt and debris from vehicles exiting the construction site.
    • Use storm drain inlet protection to temporarily block sediment with fabric.
    • Create a ditch check. This is a temporary dam made of straw bales located in ditches or swales susceptible to site runoff.
    • Employ a sediment trap/basing. This is a temporary or permanent excavated area to hold water for a sufficient time for sediment to settle out.
    Silt fence installation along the construction road and a course gravel trackout pad to control sediment
    Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): Silt fence installation along the construction road and a course gravel trackout pad to control sediment.
    Storm drain inlet protection
    Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): Storm drain inlet protection.

    7.2: Erosion Control Methods is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Erin Hansel (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College).

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