Controlling water flow and preventing sediment runoff are critical components of successful erosion control, especially in channels, swales, and roadside ditches. Whether you’re managing a short-term construction site or designing long-term stormwater infrastructure, the choice between temporary and permanent check dams can significantly impact project outcomes.
At MKB Company, we offer a full line of check dam solutions—from biodegradable wattles to heavy-duty sediment barriers—to support a wide range of project scopes and environmental conditions. Let’s break down the differences and help you choose the right fit.
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What Is a Check Dam?
A check dam, also known as a ditch check, is a small, engineered structure placed across a ditch, channel, or swale to slow down water velocity, reduce erosion, and capture sediment. Often used in series, check dams help stabilize grades, protect downstream infrastructure, and support vegetation regrowth.Ch
ck dams fall into two main categories:
- Temporary Check Dams: Designed for short-term use during construction or land disturbance
- Permanent Check Dams: Engineered for long-term sediment control in established drainage systems
Temporary Check Dams: Fast, Flexible, and Field-Tested
Temporary check dams play a vital role during active construction and land disturbance. These short-term solutions are designed to slow runoff, trap sediment, and protect downstream areas without the need for permanent structures. At MKB Company, we offer high-performance check dam products that are easy to deploy, environmentally conscious, and effective in a wide range of site conditions.
Our temporary check dam solutions include:
- SiltSoxx – A trusted industry standard, SiltSoxx is a compost filter sock that delivers superior sediment control in ditches, swales, and slope interruptions. Its mesh exterior and organic filter media reduce runoff velocity while capturing fine sediment and debris. Ideal for linear installations and stormwater BMP compliance.
- SiltSoxxRH – Designed with an alternative organic fill, SiltSoxx RH uses 100% rice hull media, making it a sustainable, lightweight solution for temporary check dams. The rice hulls provide excellent filtration and rapid flow-through, ideal for low-to-moderate flow conditions. Easy to deploy and available in a biodegradable format, SiltSoxx RH can be configured to meet jobsite needs without leaving behind long-term waste.
- Straw Wattles – These cost-effective rolls provide sediment control and are commonly used in series along slopes or across small drainage areas. Straw wattles are lightweight, easy to stake in place, and come in biodegradable configurations that naturally decompose over time.
- RockSoxx – For sites that require more rugged protection, RockSoxx combines a heavy-duty mesh containment system with rock or gravel fill to form a highly stable check dam. RockSoxx are reusable, durable, and perfect for stabilizing drainage channels or protecting culvert inlets during peak flow events.
- EnviroSoxx – Combining erosion control and pollutant filtration, EnviroSoxx incorporates specialized media to target hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and nutrients. It’s the ideal choice for environmentally sensitive areas or projects needing advanced stormwater treatment alongside sediment reduction
From high-flow job sites to environmentally sensitive zones, MKB’s temporary check dam products help you stay compliant, protect your project, and control sediment, without compromising speed or sustainability.
Permanent Check Dams: Durable, Long-Term Control
When long-term site stability is the goal, permanent check dams offer the durability and structural integrity required for high-flow channels, stormwater systems, and critical infrastructure. These systems are typically specified by engineers and installed as part of a larger erosion control or drainage plan.
Here are the most common permanent check dam options:
- Rock or Riprap Structures: Constructed from large, angular stone, rock or riprap check dams are a time-tested solution for managing high-velocity water flows in ditches, swales, and outfall channels. Their weight and interlocking shape provide superior resistance to undercutting, washout, and scour. Ideal for areas with steep grades or significant water volume, rock check dams also promote sediment deposition and energy dissipation. While they require heavy equipment to install, their longevity and low maintenance needs make them a preferred choice for DOTs and long-term erosion control applications.
- Concrete or Precast Elements: In high-traffic or highly engineered environments, concrete check dams—either cast-in-place or precast—offer unmatched strength and consistency. These are commonly used in permanent drainage ditches, stormwater conveyance channels, and urban infrastructure where structural uniformity is essential. Precast units can speed installation and ensure design compliance, while cast-in-place versions allow for customization in the field. Both options provide excellent flow control, reduced erosion risk, and long-lasting performance.
- Vegetated Berms: For projects prioritizing aesthetics and ecological integration, vegetated berms stabilized with erosion control matting offer an effective and natural-looking solution. These check dams are built by shaping compacted soil berms across ditches or swales, then reinforcing them with erosion control blankets (e.g., straw matting or coconut fiber netting). Once seeded, vegetation takes root and works in tandem with the matting to slow flow, trap sediment, and strengthen the berm over time. This method is ideal for parks, greenways, subdivision drainage, and other areas where visual appeal and function must coexist.
Choosing the Right Check Dam Starts Here
Whether you need a fast-deploying solution for active construction or a long-lasting structure for sediment control, selecting the right check dam is critical to protecting your site, meeting regulatory requirements, and maximizing long-term performance. At MKB Company, we’re here to help you find the right fit—backed by field-tested products, expert guidance, and fast turnaround.
Contact us today to request a quote, speak with a product specialist, or schedule a Lunch & Learn with your team. Let’s build smarter, safer, and more sustainable sites—together.
Register for Our Lunch and Learn Session
Ready to deepen your understanding of inlet protection and explore the latest trends and innovations in the field? Register for a virtual Lunch and Learn session, where industry experts will share valuable insights, practical tips, and real-world case studies. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, earn professional development hours, and connect with peers in the industry. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards mastering the art of inlet protection.
