Erosion Control Design
Erosion and Sediment
Soil erosion is a naturally occurring phenomenon where soil particles are displaced and carried away by water, wind or other agents. The rate at which erosion occurs depends upon the properties of the soil, topography, vegetative cover, climate, rainfall intensity and duration, and the volume and characteristics of the water flow. Sedimentation is the deposition of the eroded soil which may eventually end up in our lakes, reservoirs, streams, or other drainage ways. Sedimentation may restrict drainage ways, plug culverts, damage property and adversely impact stream ecological systems.
Erosion and sediment control is accomplished by:
- Slowing water’s velocity by decreasing slope and decreasing the amount of impervious areas on a site.
- Infiltration by vegetation.
- Temporary or permanent structural control practices (fabric silt fence, hay bales, inlet sediment filters, stabilized construction entrances, grade stabilization or slope protection, terrace construction, etc.)
- Retention or temporary detention basins.
