Sediment & Erosion Control

Do's

Don'ts

Erosion Control Matting Do

Erosion Control Matting (ECM) provides erosion control and quicker establishment of vegetation. ECM is normally installed in swales, on steep slopes and on erosive soils.

Erosion Control Matting Don't

Extending the Erosion Control Matting (ECM) two to three feet above the channel side prohibits the formation of gullies along the ECM. Properly secured and stapled matting eliminates the need for straw bales.

Inlet Protection Do

Inlet of catch basin protection comes in many forms. Inlet protections allows runoff water to enter the basin, while trapping sediment on the outside.

Inlet Protection Don't

Inlet protection not provided for the catch basin window.

Sediment Trap Do

The sediment trap provides a permanent pool of water for settling sediment during construction. The gravel/riprap sediment trap outlet is simpler to construct than the sediment basin outlet.

Sediment Trap Don't

A sediment trap with no outlet (like the one shown above) will allow sediment to settle out in the inlet pipe (background), cause erosion downslope and jeopardize the integrity of the embankment when the pond overflows.

Silt Fence Do

Silt Fence Don't

A silt fence is designed to collect sediment from sheet flow and has a capacity to accept runoff from a prescribed area, depending on the slope. If the area is too large and/or the flow is concentrated, a sediment trap is the right choice.

Construction Entrance Do

Construction Entrance Don't

A stabilized construction site entrance is a point of entrance/exit to a site that's stabilized to reduce tracking mud and dirt onto public roads.