Sediment runoff is a significant environmental issue that can have devastating effects on water quality, aquatic habitats, and overall ecosystem health. When soil is disturbed through construction, agriculture, or other land-altering activities, it can easily be washed away by rainwater, carrying with it pollutants, nutrients, and other harmful substances into nearby rivers, lakes, and oceans. This sedimentation can lead to the degradation of water bodies, harming fish and wildlife, clogging waterways, and contributing to problems like algal blooms and hypoxia.
Effective sediment control is crucial for protecting our natural resources, ensuring compliance with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and promoting sustainable development practices. Without proper sediment control measures, the environmental damage can be extensive, leading to legal penalties, costly remediation efforts, and long-term impacts on both local communities and the environment.
In this article we will address the critical importance of sediment control and provide a comprehensive overview of the most effective Best Management Practices (BMPs). By understanding and implementing these BMPs, landowners, contractors, and project managers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their activities, stay compliant with regulations, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Understanding Sediment Control
Sediment control refers to the practices and measures implemented to prevent sediment from leaving a site and entering nearby water bodies during land disturbance activities, such as construction or agriculture. Unlike erosion control, which focuses on preventing soil from being displaced in the first place, sediment control specifically targets the containment and management of sediment after it has been dislodged. While erosion control aims to stabilize the soil, sediment control ensures that any sediment that does become mobilized is captured before it can cause harm to the environment.
The consequences of poor sediment control can be severe and far-reaching. Environmentally, uncontrolled sediment runoff can lead to significant degradation of water quality, as sediment carries pollutants, nutrients, and debris into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This influx can smother aquatic habitats, reduce oxygen levels in the water, and disrupt ecosystems, ultimately leading to the decline of fish populations and other wildlife. In addition to environmental harm, poor sediment control can also result in serious regulatory and legal risks. Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding sediment control, and failure to comply can lead to hefty fines, project delays, and even legal action. These consequences not only damage a company’s reputation but can also have substantial financial implications. Economically, inadequate sediment control can inflate project costs due to the need for remediation, can negatively impact property values by degrading surrounding environments, and limit the long-term usability of the land, making it less viable for future development.
The Importance of Sediment Control in Construction and Land Disturbance
Sediment control is particularly critical in high-risk areas where land is frequently disturbed and exposed to the elements. Construction sites are one of the most common locations where sediment control measures are necessary. The extensive soil disruption caused by grading, excavation, and other activities makes these sites highly susceptible to erosion and sediment runoff, especially during rain events. Similarly, agricultural fields, where the soil is often tilled and left exposed, are at high risk for sediment loss, which can lead to the degradation of surrounding water bodies and farmlands. Other high-risk areas include mining sites, road construction projects, and any location undergoing significant land alteration.
In response to the environmental impact of sediment runoff, many local, state, and federal regulations mandate strict sediment control measures. These regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction but generally require the implementation of BMPs to minimize sediment discharge from disturbed sites. Compliance with these regulations is not only essential for avoiding fines and legal repercussions but also for ensuring that development projects do not cause undue harm to the environment.
Effective sediment control is also a cornerstone of sustainable development. By preventing sediment from polluting water bodies and degrading land, sediment control measures contribute to the long-term health of ecosystems and communities. Sustainable development seeks to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, and proper sediment control plays a vital role in achieving this balance. It helps maintain the viability of natural resources, supports biodiversity, and ensures that land remains productive and valuable for future generations. In this way, sediment control is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental practice for those committed to sustainable and responsible development.
BMPs for Sediment Control
Structural BMPs
Structural BMPs for sediment control are physical measures implemented on sites to prevent sediment from leaving the area and entering nearby water bodies. These BMPs are essential in managing sediment runoff, particularly in areas where land disturbance is significant, such as construction sites, agricultural fields, and areas undergoing excavation. Below we will explore some of the most commonly used structural BMPs for sediment control. As you’ll see, MKB Company provides a diverse range of sediment control products designed to suit a wide array of applications.
Check Dam
Check dams are small, temporary barriers constructed across swales or ditches to slow down water flow and reduce erosion. By reducing the velocity of water flow, check dams help sediment to settle out before the water continues downstream. Check dams are best used in small drainage channels or swales with low water flow, where they can effectively slow runoff without causing significant water back-up. These BMPs are highly effective, relatively simple to construct, and require minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice for sediment control in areas with concentrated water flow.
MKB Company offers an extensive selection of products tailored for check dam applications, ensuring effective sediment control and environmental protection across diverse site conditions. Our lineup includes the SiltSoxx compost filter sock, a versatile and reliable option for sediment filtration, as well as the SiltSoxx RH rice hull filter sock, which provides a lightweight alternative with enhanced durability. Both filter socks are available with biodegradable netting, providing an eco-friendly solution for your sediment control needs. We also offer a selection of Straw Wattles, ranging from traditional options to more durable varieties, as well as a biodegradable alternative ideal for environmentally friendly projects. Additionally, our durable RockSoxx is recognized for its exceptional performance in high-flow situations, ensuring long-lasting protection.
For projects requiring advanced pollutant remediation capabilities, MKB’s EnviroSoxx pollutant filter sock stands out. This specialized product effectively targets and removes specific environmental contaminants. Whether you’re managing a standard check dam installation or a site with heightened pollutant concerns, MKB’s comprehensive product offerings deliver the tailored solutions you need to safeguard your project and the surrounding environment.
Concrete Washout
Concrete washouts are an essential BMP for managing and controlling sediment and pollutants on construction sites where concrete work is performed. When concrete trucks, pumps, or tools need to be cleaned, the wash water—containing harmful chemicals like cement, slurry, and other debris—can pose a significant risk to the environment if not properly managed. Uncontrolled concrete washout can lead to the contamination of soil, water bodies, and stormwater systems, making it crucial to implement effective BMPs to manage this waste.
To prevent the contamination of soil, water bodies, and stormwater systems, concrete washout BMPs utilize specially designed containment structures, such as portable, watertight containers, lined pits, or advanced solutions like the customizable SiltSoxx, which excels in separating solids and managing industrial wastewater. Another cost-effective option is the FryeFlow washout pit and water silt separator, which can be tailored to fit projects of any size. Both of these BMPs can be an essential part of any construction site’s sediment control plan.
Inlet Protection
Inlet protection BMPs are crucial in the overall strategy for sediment control on construction sites and other areas where land disturbance occurs. These practices specifically target stormwater inlets, which are often the first point of entry for runoff into the drainage system. Inlet protection BMPs act as the last line of defense, capturing and filtering sediment before it can enter the stormwater system. By slowing down the flow of water and trapping debris, these BMPs prevent sediment from traveling offsite, thereby reducing the environmental impact of construction activities.
Types of Inlet Protection BMPs
Inlet filter bags and inlet filter mats are specifically designed to be placed inside or over storm drain inlets, providing a barrier that captures sediment, debris, and other contaminants before they can enter the drainage network. Inlet filter bags, such as the FryeFlow, are made of high flow geotextile fabric secured under the grate by a metal frame that allows water to pass through. Conversely, inlet filter mats, such as the Blackhawk, are positioned above the grate and tout a much higher sediment storage capacity along with reduced installation and maintenance costs. Another under the grate solution that could be deployed when pollutant removal is a concern, is the StormExx catch basin filter.
As with check dams and concrete washouts, silt socks are highly effective when used as an inlet protection BMP. These tubular sediment control devices are filled with filtering media specifically designed to capture sediment, debris, and contaminants at storm drain inlets. MKB Company offers a range of silt sock solutions ideal for inlet protection, including the traditional SiltSoxx (and DiamondSock), the lighter SiltSoxx RH, biodegradable formats for both solutions, as well as the Stormcatcher, which is a more robust option that affords greater maneuverability than its rubber-filled counterpart. When pollution management is required, EnviroSoxx can be deployed. For additional information on implementing silt socks as an inlet protection measure, please click here.
RockSoxx is an excellent choice for inlet protection, particularly in high-traffic areas and during active construction. These socks effectively trap sediment and larger debris, preventing them from entering and clogging the stormwater system. The rocks within the sock create a natural filtration barrier, allowing cleaner water to flow through while capturing harmful particles. This ensures the drainage system remains functional and free from sediment buildup.
Straw wattles can also effectively filter sediment when placed around storm drain inlets. The natural fibers within the wattles trap particles while still allowing water to flow through, making them an efficient and eco-friendly choice for protecting stormwater systems during construction activities. For additional information on deploying straw wattles as inlet protection, please click here.
Perimeter Control
Perimeter control is a fundamental BMP used to prevent sediment from leaving a construction site or other disturbed area and entering adjacent properties or water bodies. This BMP involves the strategic placement of physical barriers around the perimeter of a site to intercept and capture sediment-laden runoff before it can leave the work area. Perimeter control is essential for minimizing environmental impact, maintaining compliance with regulations, and protecting natural resources from sediment pollution.
Types of Perimeter Control BMPs
Silt fences, like Siltron, are among the most widely used perimeter control measures. Constructed from permeable geotextile fabric secured between stakes, these barriers effectively allow water to flow through while capturing and retaining sediment. Silt fences are especially effective on slopes and along the perimeters of construction sites, where they provide reliable protection against sediment runoff.
As mentioned within the previous sediment control BMPs, silt socks also excel as perimeter control solutions, designed to effectively trap sediment while allowing water to pass through. Featuring various types of netting and filled with compost or organic material, these socks are exceptionally versatile and can be easily placed along contours or around the boundaries of a site, adapting to various terrain conditions. For standard sediment control, SiltSoxx or SiltSoxx RH are excellent options, along with their biodegradable equivalents. However, for larger projects, SwitchSoxx offers significant advantages. It enables faster installation, covering more ground each day, and serves as a lightweight alternative with similar sediment removal efficiency compared to traditional compost filter socks. For scenarios demanding high flow capacity and superior sediment retention, the robust StormCatcher is the optimal choice. When pollutant removal is a priority, EnviroSoxx provides an excellent solution.
Sediment control wattles are tubular barriers crafted from materials such as straw that are strategically placed along the site perimeter to manage runoff. These wattles are particularly effective at slowing down water flow and capturing sediment, making them ideal for use on slopes and in areas with lower water flow concentration. For projects requiring portability, the RoadWattle, filled with chopped switchgrass or pine straw, offers a lightweight solution that can be easily deployed across access roads, during rainouts, and near stream crossings on large-scale projects.
The RockSoxx stormwater filter is a highly effective perimeter control BMP designed to trap sediment from stormwater runoff, particularly in areas where construction activities cause sediment to flow onto roadways. Weighted, durable, and reusable, RockSoxx stays securely in place even in concentrated flows, without the need for trenching, stakes, or anchors. Its high-strength netting and double hog rings ensure it can withstand being repeatedly run over and moved, making it resilient enough to last the entire duration of the job.
Runoff Diversion
Runoff diversion is a crucial sediment control BMP designed to redirect stormwater runoff away from vulnerable areas prone to flooding or erosion, channeling it instead toward stabilized zones, storm inlets, conveyance systems, containment areas, or stormwater treatment systems. By controlling the flow of stormwater, runoff diversion BMPs help prevent the excessive accumulation of water in vulnerable areas, reducing the potential for soil erosion and the transport of sediment into waterways. These BMPs are especially useful in protecting steep slopes, long gradients, and other erosion-prone areas by limiting the volume and velocity of water that might otherwise cause significant environmental damage.
DiversionSoxx is a tubular sock specifically engineered for this purpose. It is particularly effective upslope of disturbed areas where excavating a traditional fresh water diversion ditch isn’t feasible. DiversionSoxx efficiently diverts excess surface water to designated areas for safe use or disposal, minimizing the risk of erosion and sediment deposition.
Sediment Trap
Sediment traps are an essential sediment control BMP, typically employed at the outlets of stormwater diversion structures, slope drains, construction site entrances, channels, and other runoff-prone areas. These traps are designed to capture sediment and allow suspended solids to settle out of stormwater runoff before it exits the site, making them particularly effective in areas where sediment particle sizes are generally greater than 0.002 mm (clay), but are also extremely effective for larger sediment particles such as silt and sand. Sediment traps are versatile; they can be converted or modified into permanent stormwater detention systems as needed.
Yet again, SiltSoxx is an excellent choice for building sediment traps, particularly in situations where space is limited or constructing a traditional sediment pond isn’t feasible. Whether deployed in temporary installations or incorporated into permanent stormwater management systems, sediment traps built with SiltSoxx excel at capturing and settling suspended solids, ensuring effective sediment control. SiltSoxx can create individual sediment detention or containment zones, making it a flexible solution for managing sediment in various site conditions.
Non-Structural BMPs
Non-structural BMPs play a crucial role in sediment control by focusing on natural and preventive measures. Vegetative cover is particularly important, as the roots of plants help stabilize soil, reducing the risk of erosion and minimizing runoff. By establishing vegetation on exposed areas, soil is better anchored, which significantly reduces the amount of sediment that can be displaced during rain events. Mulching and the use of geotextiles further protect exposed soil surfaces by providing a protective layer that reduces erosion, retains moisture, and encourages vegetation growth. These materials are especially effective in shielding soil from direct rainfall and preventing sediment from becoming mobilized. Additionally, construction phasing—staggering activities so that only a small portion of the site is exposed at any given time—helps minimize the amount of bare soil susceptible to erosion. By carefully planning the sequence of construction activities, the risk of sediment runoff is greatly reduced, contributing to a more effective and environmentally responsible sediment control strategy.
Implementing and Maintaining Structural BMPs
Importance of Proper Installation
The effectiveness of sediment control BMPs hinges on their proper installation, as even the most well-designed measures can fail if not correctly implemented. Common pitfalls include improper placement, insufficient anchoring, and neglecting manufacturer guidelines, all of which can compromise the BMPs’ ability to prevent sediment runoff. For example, silt fences must be installed with the fabric buried securely in the ground to prevent water from flowing underneath, and straw wattles need to be trenched in and staked firmly to remain in place during heavy rains. To ensure BMPs are installed correctly, it’s crucial to follow best practices, including precise placement based on site topography, thorough preparation of the installation area, and the use of appropriate tools and materials. Proper installation not only maximizes the BMPs’ effectiveness but also helps avoid costly rework and potential environmental damage.
Adapting to Site Conditions
Sediment control BMPs must be adaptable to changing site conditions, weather patterns, and different phases of a project. As construction progresses, the landscape can change, altering water flow patterns and exposing new areas to potential erosion. Additionally, weather events such as heavy rain or snowmelt can increase the volume of runoff and the load on BMPs. It’s important to regularly assess the site and adjust BMPs as needed, whether that means repositioning barriers, adding new controls, or scaling up measures to handle increased sediment flow. Adapting BMPs to current site conditions ensures continued effectiveness and helps mitigate the risk of sediment runoff throughout the various stages of a project. This proactive approach not only protects the environment but also supports compliance with regulatory requirements and the overall success of the construction project.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
Going hand in hand with adapting to site conditions is the importance of regular inspection and maintenance to ensure your BMPs continue functioning as intended. Sediment control measures are subject to wear and tear from weather conditions, construction activities, and natural degradation, which can reduce their effectiveness over time. Regular inspections, particularly after storm events, help identify issues such as breaches in silt fences, sediment accumulation around inlet protection devices, or displacement of straw wattles. Promptly addressing these issues through necessary repairs or adjustments is critical to maintaining the integrity of the BMPs. Maintenance activities might include clearing debris, reinforcing structures, or replacing worn materials. By implementing a routine inspection and maintenance schedule, sediment control BMPs can remain effective throughout the duration of a project.
Conclusion
Sediment control is a critical component of any construction or land disturbance project, playing a vital role in protecting the environment, maintaining compliance with regulations, and ensuring the long-term success of the project. By implementing effective sediment control measures, project managers can significantly reduce the risk of erosion, prevent sediment from polluting nearby water bodies, and avoid costly fines or project delays. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and adaptability to changing site conditions are all essential to the effectiveness of these BMPs, the long term success of which will safeguard both the environment and the project’s integrity.
As you consider the sediment control needs of your next project, it’s crucial to assess the specific parameters and environmental challenges you may face. Implementing the right BMPs tailored to your site conditions can make all the difference in achieving compliance and protecting the surrounding ecosystem. To ensure the success of your project, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our experts are ready to discuss your project specifications and help you choose the most effective sediment control solutions. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your project and the environment.
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