There are various proven techniques available to control and reduce soil erosion. Soil erosion not only leads to the loss of fertile land, but also increased pollution in streams and rivers, deposition of sediment into waterways, and declines of fish and other wildlife due to loss of suitable habitat. These soil erosion control tips help reduce these negative impacts.
- Design the site to infiltrate stormwater into the ground and keep it out of storm drains. Eliminate or minimize the use of stormwater collection and conveyance systems while maximizing the use of stormwater infiltration and bioretention techniques.
- Reduce the velocity of stormwater both on to and away from the project area. Minimize the amount of exposed soil on site.
- To the extent possible, plan the project in stages to minimize the amount of area that is cleared, left bare, and subject to erosion. The less soil exposed to wind and rain, the easier and cheaper it will be to control erosion.
- Vegetate disturbed areas with permanent or temporary seeding within 7 days upon reaching final grade.
- Vegetate or cover stockpiles
- Structural and vegetative erosion and sediment control measures such as diversions, sediment basins or traps, storm drain inlet protections, and vegetative buffers can be used to slow down and filter stormwater as it travels across and away from the project site
- Diversion measures also can be used to direct flow away from exposed areas toward stable portions of the site or towards sediment basins or sediment traps
- Silt fences and other types of perimeter filters should never be used to reduce the velocity of runoff
- Protect defined channels immediately with measures adequate to handle the storm flows expected
- Sod, geo-textiles, natural fiber, riprap, or other stabilization measures should be used to allow the channels to carry water without causing erosion. Use softer measures like geo-textile or vegetation where possible to prevent downstream impacts.
- Keep sediment on the jobsite
- Install a construction entrance constructed of VDOT #1 stone a minimum of 12 feet wide, 70 feet long, and 6 inches deep at vehicle exits to knock dirt off tires before entering the street. A longer, wider construction entrance may be considered depending on the type and amount of construction vehicles entering the site.
- Regular street sweeping at and adjacent to the construction entrance will prevent dirt from entering storm drains. Do not hose paved areas unless the water drains via storm drains to a sediment trap or sediment basin.
- Sediment traps and basins are temporary structures and should be used in conjunction with other measures to reduce the amount of erosion
- Maintaining all erosion and sediment controls is critical to ensure their effectiveness during the duration of the project
- Regularly remove collected sediment from silt fences, berms, traps, and other controls
- Ensure that geo-textiles and mulch remain in place until vegetation is well established
- Maintain fences that protect sensitive areas, silt fences, diversion structures, and other erosion controls
