The goal of erosion and sedimentation control is to protect land and water resources by minimizing erosion and off-site sedimentation, using the best practical combination of procedures, practices,and people.
The effective control of erosion and sedimentation requires the application of the following five principles of erosion and sediment control.
Fit the Development to the particlar topography, soils, waterways, and natural vegetation at the site. Think stewardship -- a partnership with nature. When structures and grading are designed to fit the site, less soil is exposed to erosive forces. The result can be both reduced damage and savings in protection costs.
Expose the smallest practical area of land for the shortest possible time, by scheduling and staging project activities. This means that the soil surface exposed during the first phase of the project are stabilized before beginning construction on the next phase. Daily seeding and mulching of completed construction sites is recommended.
Apply soil erosion prevention practices as a first line of defense against on-site damage. Use practices that minimize erosion on a site to prevent sediment from being produced and the need for costly controls to trap and control sediment.
Example erosion control practices include: Special grading methods, Diversions, Runoff control structures, Temporary and permanent vegetation, and Mulching.
Apply sediment control practices as a perimeter protection to prevent sediment from leaving the site. Use practices that control sediment once it is produced, and prevent it from getting off-site.
Examples of sediment control are: Silt fences, Interceptor dikes and ditches, Sediment traps, Vegetative filters, and Sediment basins.
Implement a thorough inspection, maintenance and follow-up operation. Erosion and sedimentation cannot be effectively controlled without a thorough, periodic check of the site and continued maintenance of the control measures. An example of applying this principle would be a routine end-of-day check to be sure all control practices are working properly.
This page last updated on 10/10/2006.
This site is supported by the Leelanau County Board of Commissioners, participating agencies, and the community.
The Leelanau County Government Center is located at:
8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay MI 49682
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