Soil Erosion Control Tips

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Site Design:

Design the site to infiltrate stormwater into the ground and to 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.

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 bare and subject to erosion. The less soil exposed, the easier and cheaper it will be to control erosion.
• Vegetate disturbed areas with permanent or temporary seeding immediately upon reaching final grade.
• Permanent Seeding Specifications (PDF)
• Temporary Seeding Specifications (PDF)
• Vegetate or cover stockpiles that will not be used immediately.

Reduce the velocity of stormwater both onto and away from the project area:

• Interceptors, diversions, vegetated buffers and check dams are a few of the BMPs that can be used to slow down stormwater as it travels across and away from the project site.
• Diversion measures can also be used to direct flow away from exposed areas toward stable portions of the site.
• 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 site:

• Install a construction entrance constructed of VDOT #1 stone a minimum of 12 feet wide and 70 feet long at vehicle exits to knock dirt off tires before entering the street.

Site Maintenance:

• Regular street sweeping at the construction entrance will prevent dirt from entering storm drains. Do not hose paved areas.
• Sediment traps and basins are temporary structures and should be used in conjunction with other measures to reduce the amount of erosion.
• Maintaining all BMPs is critical to ensure their effectiveness throughout the duration of the project.
• Regularly remove collected sediment from silt fences, berms, traps and other BMPs.
• 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 BMPs.