New Erosion Control Methods
Erosion Control, Sediment Stabilization, and BMPs
Looking for new erosion control methods and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to add to your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)? You've come to the right place! While many sites will require BMPs and control measures to meet EPA, Clean Water Act, and NDPES Regulations, every site is also unique.
Please feel free to review the information below to learn more about the differences between various erosion and sediment control methods, including product options that can help with your specific site requirements.
Erosion Control Methods
Erosion control methods aim to protect the soil surface and prevent soil particles from being dislodged by wind or water. Often featuring biodegradable or natural materials, these methods will help facilitate a natural environment that will allow for plants to take root.
- Vegetative Cover
- Surface Roughening, Trackwalking, Scarifying, Sheepfoot Rolling, Imprinting
- Soil Bioengineering Techniques (live staking, fascines, brush wattle)
Sediment Control Methods
These methods help to remove soil particles after they've been dislodged, typically through settling, containment or filtration.
- Stormwater BMPs
- Dewatering Bags
- Geotextile Filters
- Sediment Control Barriers
(Coir Logs, Wattles, and more)
- Bulk Bags
- Compost Berm
- Rock or Brush Filters
- Baffles or Skimmers in Basins
- Lowering Soil Levels Near Streets and Sidewalks
- Level Spreaders
- Energy Dissipaters
- Check Dams
Pollution Prevention Principles for Good Housekeeping
In order to effectively prevent pollution and control materials, there are several good housekeeping measures that can be used contain pollution to your location.
- Provide for waste management
- Establish proper building materials staging areas
- Designated paint and concrete washout areas
- Establish proper equipment/vehicle fueling and maintenance practices
- Control equipment/vehicle washing and allowable non-storm water discharges
- Develop a spill prevention and response plan
Any time you are using a BMP or erosion control measure in your location, maintenance and regular inspection can help ensure that materials are working correctly and effectively on your site.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance procedures
- Remove sediment from a BMP when needed and properly dispose of the materials into a controlled area to prevent items from returning to the BMP
- Ensure that construction support activities (such as waste, contractor work, material storage, and dedicated concrete/asphalt batch plants are cleaned and maintained
- Replace damaged BMPs that are no longer operating effectively