7 Measures for Erosion Control on Construction Sites

​Erosion can be a significant problem on a construction site and lead to environmental damage in surrounding areas. Studies show that erosion intensity in construction sites is up to 20 times higher than in agricultural areas. How do construction managers ensure erosion control on construction sites?

In this article, we'll look at seven erosion control measures you can use on your next construction project.

How Do Construction Site Causes Erosion?

In and of itself, construction involves the movement of the earth—intentional and unintentional. This continuous movement can cause erosion, damaging the site and surrounding natural areas. And wind and water erosion can also occur due to changes in the land levels through grading. That's why erosion control for construction preparation is so important.

Now let's look at several erosion control measures that construction managers can use to minimize the effects of erosion.

1) Minimize disturbed areas on the construction site
When working on your construction site, keep soil disturbance to a minimum. What does this mean? Focus only on the area required for the construction project. Leave the remaining area and vegetation as undisturbed as possible. This will help reduce potential sources of sedimentation and soil loss through erosion.

2) Slope stabilization
Consider slope stabilization to help with erosion control in construction projects. Methods of slope protection will vary depending on the shape of the land. But some of these slope stabilization techniques include:
● Terraces
● Retaining walls
● New vegetation
● Geo-textiles
● Silt fencing
● Riprap

3) Dust control products
Dust control products, such as polymer-based Envirotac, can help reduce erosion on construction sites. Dust control products are sprayed on the soil surface before disturbance and can act as a bond to hold the soil particles together. Polymer dust control products can even protect slopes and embankments from erosion without harming surrounding vegetation.

4) Divide up your project into sections
To control erosion during construction, divide the project land into sections to reduce erosion and sediment run-off. This phased approach to construction progress will help you monitor erosion on each section of the site more effectively and efficiently.     

5) Dewatering a site
Removing excess groundwater or run-off water from a work area can help reduce potential sources of sedimentation and erosion. Dewatering activities often require specific permitting and must be monitored and managed within applicable regulations. 

6) Sediment control
Sediment control structures such as silt fences, sediment control traps, or basins can help sediments settle before the water is removed from the construction site. Sediment control must also be monitored and managed by applicable regulations.

7) Stabilized site entrances
Dust and sediments can be tracked off a construction site on vehicles, leading to erosion. A helpful way to prevent this erosion is to create stabilized site entrances. Stabilized entranceways will keep dust and sediment from tracking off the construction site. A few ways you can do this is by paving the entranceways or laying down gravel.

Erosion Control With Envirotac
Environmental Products & Applications, Inc. can help save you time, money and provide peace of mind on your construction site. Contact us to find out how Envirotac can help reduce the costly problems caused by ineffective erosion control.