Erosion is one of our lake’s worst enemy. Here’s some valuable information to prevent and control erosion on your property. Ref: Indiana
The slope erosion process is very subtle, occurring over time. The signs of erosion would include exposed roots or gutted out areas in the ground. While slope erosion is not attractive, the main problem is that it can be potentially dangerous. What happens is that the topsoil, which is where the microorganisms and nutrients are found are washed away. Instead, you want the top soil to remain in tact. Soil erosion and sedimentation increase dramatically when land is disturbed at a construction site.
Natural drainage. Natural drainage patterns exist on the land and include overland flow swales and depressions and natural watercourses. Identify those critical areas where water flow may concentrate. Where possible, use natural drainage ways to convey runoff from the site. Man-made ditches and waterways will contribute to erosion problems if not properly stabilized. Take care to ensure that increased runoff from the site will not erode or flood the existing natural drainage system. Sites for storm water detention should be determined at this point in the planning process.
Ground cover. Ground cover is the most important factor in terms of preventing erosion; therefore, save any existing cover, if possible. Trees and other vegetation protect the soil. If the existing vegetation cannot be saved, consider staging construction or mulching and temporary seeding. Staging of construction involves stabilizing one part of the site before disturbing another, which minimizes the time soil is exposed. Mulching and temporary seeding involve mulching and seeding areas that would otherwise lie exposed for long periods of time, thus reducing the erosion hazard.
Adjacent areas. An analysis of adjacent properties should focus on areas down slope from the construction project. Of major concern should be watercourses and water bodies that will receive direct runoff from the site. You must consider their potential for sediment pollution and for downstream channel erosion due to increased volume, velocity, and storm water flow from the site. Also analyze the potential for sediment deposition due to sheet and rill erosion so that appropriate sediment trapping can be planned.
Select the appropriate erosion and sediment control practices. These can be divided into three broad categories - vegetative controls, structural controls, and management measures. Vegetative controls are the first line of defense against erosion. The best way to protect the soil surface is to preserve the existing ground cover. Where land disturbance is necessary, seeding and mulching can be used to stabilize the area. Structural controls, although generally more costly, are often necessary on disturbed areas that cannot be protected with vegetation. They are usually the second or third line of defense to capture sediment before leaving the site. Management measures include: (1) staging construction on large projects so that one area can be stabilized before another is disturbed; (2) delegating responsibility for implementing the E/SCP to one individual; (3) ensuring that workers understand the major provisions of the E/SCP; (4) physically marking off limits of land disturbance on the site with tape, signs, etc. so workers can see areas to be protected; and (5) developing and carrying out a regular maintenance schedule for erosion and sediment control practices.
Plan for storm water management. Where increased runoff will cause the carrying capacity of a receiving channel to be exceeded, select appropriate storm water management measures.
Office of Water Management
100 North Senate Avenue, P.O. Box 6015 Indianapolis , Indiana 46206-6015 Attention: Permits Section, Storm Water Group
Questions regarding Soil Erosion Control Plan development or implementation may be directed to your local SWCD or Department of Natural Resources office.
