What CAUSES SOIL EROSION? The natural process of soil erosion is part of rural landscapes. You will find small hillsides that have been eroded on a road trip. The main factor in erosion is water. The erosion process is triggered by heavy rains, which saturate and destabilize hills over time. Over time, sections will begin to fall off and become loose. It is acceptable for erosion to occur in urban areas, but it must be prevented in order to preserve the civilization's assets. The importance of erosion control is to protect what we value, buildings, roads, and waterways. We can implement measures to resist the effects of water exposure, slow down erosion, and preserve these assets. WHY SOIL EROSION COULD BE DANGEROUS Once a construction project is underway and land has been cleared, it is important that the area drains well and that erosion is minimized. Sloping is a method to ensure that water is properly diverted. This is usually done at a rate of 2-5%. Re-grading and reslope is the best way to solve problems. These measures will improve drainage and reduce erosion. HOW EROSION CONTROL PROTECTS CONSTRUCTION SITES To protect the construction site and surrounding areas, erosion control measures must be used. Temporary measures must be taken before work can begin to prevent ground disturbance. Due to the weight of heavy equipment and digging activities, the soil can become loosening, sometimes breaking away, and ultimately accelerate erosion. To keep the sediments from escaping into local water sources, silt or filter fencing must be used. The most important concern for the environment surrounding a construction site is its impact on water flow and the transport of hazardous materials into storm drains or creeks. It is important to hire a professional company that is committed to protecting our environment. TYPES OF EROSION CONTROL RETAINING WALLS Retaining walls are used in many man-made lakes and ponds. This is an erosion control measure that prevents the soil from corroding into the water. A retaining wall can also be used around residential lakes and ponds. Because they are designed with amenities such as jogging trails and parks next to them, these features often have lots of activity around them. These features will be protected for many years by keeping the banks safe. DETENTION POINTS - Detention ponds are a way to manage large amounts of rainwater. They collect runoff water from the ground and release it slowly to its source. This helps to protect areas that are unable to handle heavy rainwater or are vulnerable to flooding. The ponds have erosion prevention measures that are not available to the draining areas. These ponds can be used in large residential or commercial areas. They are part of flood control measures that move water away from high-traffic areas. DRIVEWAY CULVERTS You can make driveways that allow water to flow, rather than acting as a dam. A simple culvert can be used to allow water to flow beneath driveways that aren't being used often. For driveways with heavier traffic or loads, a more complex design is required. Large concrete culverts can be installed that can last many years and are safe. Whatever design you choose, the culvert can be an effective erosion control tool for your driveway. ROADWAY DITCHES Roadways and the surrounding areas can be subject to erosion. It is therefore important to plan the area where water will flow correctly. Many roads have ditches that allow water to flow to other places during rainy seasons. These ditches are very effective in keeping water from the roads until erosion occurs. Geo-matting is a popular method to provide a solid foundation. It has many thick, gridded sections that can be used to hold any material. You can use dirt, gravel, or seeded soil to make a slope that will last for many years. The roots' ability to strengthen the footing can help slow down or stop erosion. DRAIN DITCHES and BAYOUS Large drain ditches, bayous and other flood control measures are an important part of any development. Although they are designed to move large amounts of water downstream, their movement can often be slow and cause erosion. These larger flood control methods must be designed with a combination erosion control measures in order to be effective. Geo-netting or erosion control blankets may be combined with rip-rap and rubble on the slopes and streambed to ensure that storm water doesn't wash away soil.