There are several key considerations when it comes to stormwater management for any construction site, and erosion control services are definitely among these. Did you know that several different types of erosion are possible on construction sites, and each will have its own impact on the site and your stormwater management needs?
At Cearley SWPPP, we're proud to offer the very best SWPPP solutions around Utah, including vital BMPs (best management practices) like erosion control services - and several sub-categories like stormwater drainage systems, slope erosion control and more. Here's a primer on the main erosion types found on construction sites today, plus how each impacts your site and how construction projects can contribute to these issues if they aren't managed correctly.
While some do not consider this to be its own category of erosion, we believe that raindrop erosion is significant enough to warrant its own mention. Essentially, raindrop erosion occurs when heavy rainfall results in the displacement of soil particles on your construction site. This can be especially problematic if you have not yet put any permanent structures in place or if your site is particularly hilly.
One way to prevent raindrop erosion is through proper soil stabilization techniques, including using mulch or hydroseeding to protect newly exposed areas and promote vegetation growth.
Sheet erosion happens when rainfall causes water to flow over a large area of exposed land, picking up and carrying away loose sediment as it goes. One important characteristic of sheet erosion is the fact that it uniformly removes soil without developing visible water channels - this can make it difficult to detect until significant damage has been done.
Sheet erosion is a major concern for construction sites with large, flat surfaces like parking lots or clear-cut areas. It can be best prevented or managed by implementing proper grading and stormwater drainage systems, as well as installing sediment barriers and other BMPs to divert water flow away from vulnerable areas.
Rill erosion is similar to sheet erosion in that it also involves the removal of soil through water flow. However, rill erosion is more concentrated and occurs when small channels or "rills" are formed on the surface of the construction site. These can quickly grow into larger gullies if not addressed promptly.
Rill erosion is most commonly found on sites with steep slopes or uneven terrain. Properly constructed diversion channels and reinforced vegetation can help prevent rill erosion, along with regular maintenance and inspections to identify any early signs of erosion.
Gully erosion occurs when rill erosion is left unchecked and deep channels are formed on the site. It leads to highly concentrated runoff situations. These can be extremely damaging and difficult to repair, often requiring costly solutions like riprap or reinforced concrete structures.
Gully erosion is most common on sites with poor drainage and a lack of proper erosion control measures in place. It can be best prevented by implementing proper grading and stormwater management systems from the beginning of the construction project, as well as regularly monitoring for signs of erosion throughout the duration of the project.
Finally, streambank erosion refers to flowing water that begins to erode and undercut the streambank, potentially leading to landslides or other hazardous situations. This type of erosion is most commonly found along streams or rivers that are adjacent to construction sites.
To prevent streambank erosion, it's important to maintain a buffer zone between construction activities and any nearby waterways. Additionally, implementing BMPs like sediment barriers and proper stormwater management can help control the flow of water and prevent excessive erosion.
Within many construction sites, there are several practices that can contribute to increased erosion. These include clearing large areas of vegetation, creating steep slopes or uneven surfaces, and not properly diverting or managing stormwater runoff.
To prevent these issues from exacerbating erosion on your site, it's important to implement proper BMPs from the beginning and regularly monitor and maintain them throughout the duration of the project.
Understanding the different types of erosion and how they can impact your construction site is crucial for effective stormwater management. By implementing proper BMPs and regularly monitoring for signs of erosion, you can mitigate potential damage and improve the overall sustainability of your construction project.
Contact Cearley SWPPP today to learn more about our erosion control services and other SWPPP solutions in Utah. With our expertise and commitment to environmentally responsible practices, we can help you ensure compliance with regulations while protecting the health of your construction site and surrounding environment.
