Soil Erosion and Sediment Control – Why it Matters

By John Wolski, Soil Erosion Inspector

You have all seen them: driving down the road, you catch a glimpse of the short black fabric fencing, the straw netting blankets, and rock rip-rap installed along highways and other construction sites. Well, if you ever wondered what the purpose of these things are, then keep reading. These items are all soil erosion and sediment control measures that not only serve to protect our waterways, they are required by both federal and state law (Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act - Part 91).

As a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control agent for the Berrien County Conservation District, it is my job to ensure that soil erosion is minimized on all construction sites so sediment does not transport off-site into our storm water control systems and waterways. Sediment deposition into our storm water systems can clog storm water piping and open drains, and typically results in flooding and infrastructure damage. The time associated with unclogging pipes and repairing infrastructure can be significant and can result in substantial costs. However, the biggest concern with sediment entering our storm water systems is that these systems eventually discharge to our streams, rivers, and other state waters.

It is estimated that from all sources, over 4.5 billion tons of sediment pollute the rivers of this country every year. This is the equivalent of a volume the size of 25,000 football fields, 100 feet high, or nearly one cubic mile of sediment. It costs many dollars per cubic yard to remove sediment from our waterways. It is estimated that tens of billions of dollars per year are spent in the United States to correct the effects of erosion and sedimentation.

Sediment discharge to our waterways can result in detrimental consequences, including:

• Shallower stream channels with:

  • Increased flow velocities and bank erosion

  • Higher water temperatures, which drive out more desirable fish species (trout and salmon)

• Reduction of fish spawning areas

• Increased water turbidity and decreased water quality

  • An increase in toxic pollutants (oils, grease, heavy metals, PCBs, etc.)

• Reduced recreational opportunities (fishing, boating, swimming)

So, what can you do? If you are planning a construction project at your home or place of business that will expose soils to the elements (rain, snow, ice, or wind), you should contact the Berrien County Drain Commissioners’ office to determine if your project requires a Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) permit. The SESC permit will outline Best Management Practices and erosion control measures for your construction activities in order to ensure that sediment does not leave your site.

Remember, every bit of sediment that reaches our storm water control systems and waterways can result in significant damage to both infrastructure and our natural waterways.

*Statistics from the 2010 EGLE Certified Storm Water Operator and Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspector/Comprehensive Training Manual