How to Stop Erosion on a Hill: Engineered Control

​For project managers and environmental directors overseeing large-scale operations, such as mining or commercial construction projects, erosion on steep slopes is a critical failure point. Uncontrolled soil runoff leads directly to fines from air quality agencies, affects structural integrity, and dramatically increases maintenance costs. So, the major question isn’t “if” erosion will occur on slopes, but how to stop erosion on a hill permanently. 

How can you achieve long-lasting soil stabilization on slop construction? Your approach requires moving beyond temporary fixes to permanent soil-binding solutions.

Basic Strategies for Erosion Control on Slopes

Stopping erosion starts with understanding two main things: how fast water moves and how well the soil sticks together.

1. Slow down and move the rain runoff

A few ways you can slow down the water and divert it include:

• Engineered Features: Special structures like swales (shallow ditches) and French drains (underground trenches) can guide water away from areas prone to erosion.
• Good Drainage is Key: Water must drain off the ground quickly. If it pools or runs too fast, it will pull the surface soil with it.

2. Use walls and plants to stop slope erosion

You can also stabilize the ground using physical objects or natural growth.

• Plants and Walls: Non-critical areas can benefit from planted grasses, shrubs, or trees, or retaining walls to hold the soil in place.
• Limitations for Large-Scale Projects: For huge projects like mines or large construction sites, using plants or building lots of walls takes too much time, costs too much money, and is simply too challenging to organize.

3. Temporary fixes are not enough

Many common, temporary products can have limitations for long-term dirt erosion control on slopes.

• Erosion ControlBlankets (ECBs): These cloth covers often fail on steep, moving hillsides. They're just a short-term fix.
• Plastic Netting: This material doesn't break down naturally, so it can tangle up small animals and leave behind bits of plastic that pollute the environment.
• Chloride Chemicals: These salts are bad for two reasons: they rust or corrode heavy machinery, and if they wash into streams, they can cause your company to get hit with expensive environmental fines.

The Evolution to Engineered Control: Polymer Technology

For important projects, temporary fixes won't work. The best way to stop erosion on a hill is a combined solution involving polymer soil stabilization. This advanced method uses specialized acrylic polymers that penetrate the soil and bind soil particles together, preventing runoff. 

This engineered fix dramatically increases the soil's load-bearing capacity (CBR) by over 650%, ensuring the slope can handle heavy traffic. As an innovative leader, EP&A's Envirotac II line provides a solution that is non-hazardous and environmentally compliant.

How to Stop Erosion on a Hill? Try A Combined Approach

The most effective and long-lasting soil stabilization solution is a strategic, combined effort that utilizes polymer products alongside other vegetation planning methods. With the right erosion control plan, you can create a combination that ensures enhanced strength, long-term stability, and minimal ecological impact. 

Before selecting a slope stabilization strategy, it’s essential to evaluate the site conditions, project requirements, and budget constraints

Environmental Products & Applications Inc has been in the slope stabilization and dust control solutions business for over 33 years. Learn more about our erosion control products for your next construction project.