There are several effective erosion control methods that you can use to preserve the soil around your construction site or any location where erosion has become an issue. Effective erosion control and sediment control methods are not only recommended, they are covered under environmental laws, rules, and regulations in Calgary and across Canada.
What follows are some simple, effective methods of sediment control around a construction site. You may choose one or more depending on the needs to minimize the damage.
Furrowing
This is a process where you furrow perpendicular to the slope so that runoff will be stored and slowed down. This helps prevent erosion caused when rain runs down slopes without impediment and carries sediment with the water. The furrows slow down the runoff which in turn protects the soil on the slope. It should be noted that furrowing does not stop all erosion from taking place, but it does slow down the runoff to minimize the damage.
Hydro Seeding
Sometimes called hydro-mulching, this is a planting process that combines mulch and seeds as part of a slurry which covers the soil to prevent erosion. The mulch is laid on wet so that begins the growing process quickly. Hydro seeding is not only used at construction sites, but after fires to control potential erosion situations.
Erosion Control Blanket
Put simply, these are blankets used to cover open ground so that the soil does not blow away by the wind or carried away by the water. Blankets are most often used on ground when the slope is of high percentage and just re-seeding is not practical. Blankets are Biodegradable and vegetation established through the blanket.
Turf Re-enforcement Matting
This form of matting is made from strong, synthetic materials and has numerous holes that hold soil so that grass may grow again on the ground. The mats can be laid over the ground and secured quickly, then filled with soil to restart the growing process. These are used when the flow rates and volumes are very high.
Before construction begins, it is recommended that the area be surveyed for potential erosion issues. Once problem areas have been located, such as slopes, areas where heavy traffic will take place, and land where the top soil will be removed, sediment control methods can be ordered and applied when needed. The more work performed early on to control erosion, the less the impact will be.
Effective erosion control and sediment control is not only important to comply with rules and regulations within the city of Calgary, but most importantly to protect the environment and prevent needless erosion from construction sites which damages the land. Both methods should be applied so that damage to the land remains at a minimum.
Tag: Sediment, Erosion, Calgary, Control, ESC Design, ecoplan
