Soil Erosion True Cost: How It Impacts Your Budget

​When you're planning a construction budget, it's hard to miss the costs of labor and materials, but one cost that's easy to overlook is soil erosion. While at first glance, erosion might not seem like a hefty fee, in fact, projects without erosion control can experience increased costs and delays.

Not sure how soil erosion can affect the budget of your next project? Let's discuss the costs of erosion, both in time and money, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is Soil Erosion, and Why is it a Problem?

Soil erosion is a naturally occurring event. It's the process in which wind, water, or other forces carry soil away from an area. But, once the soil is swept away, the ground underneath is exposed and vulnerable to further erosion. This process can lead to a much bigger problem over time.

Naturally occurring erosion can be a slow process. But, when construction projects occur, soil erosion can increase in frequency and intensity. For instance, when a construction crew constantly moves heavy equipment back and forth, it creates a new potential for the erosion of soil. Soil can become compacted, unable to absorb water, and lead to run-offs.

Costs of Erosion Problems

If left unchecked, soil erosion can decrease productivity as workers are forced to stop working and clean up the mess. In the most extreme circumstances, erosion can cause slope failures, landslides, disrupted drainage, and flooding. These problems can add up to a much higher cost than you initially anticipated. A few significant costly challenges from erosion include:

• Slower Work Process: Without proper management, sediment from soil degradation can cause construction sites to become unsafe and prevent workers from completing their job.
• Material Replacement: Workers may have to replace hardware such as pipes and equipment damaged by ground erosion.
• Clean Up: Removing sediment from the site can be a time-consuming process, costing you more money in labor costs.

How to Reduce Soil Erosion and Lower Project Costs

Effective erosion control can be the saving grace for a construction budget—several ways to prevent erosion on a project and protect the bottom line.

One of the most popular erosion control methods is dust control spray and similar soil stabilization products. These products can help to keep soil in place by creating a protective barrier that prevents erosion. Dust control products can also help reduce the time spent on clean-up, making them a cost-effective solution for any construction project.

Conclusion

Don't ignore the effects of soil erosion when planning your next construction job. Instead, plan to prevent and control erosion with soil stabilization products, which can protect your budget from costly delays and clean-up fees. Once you have an erosion control technique in place, you'll have a smoother project timeline and create a safer and more sustainable work environment.

Environmental Products and Applications, Inc. is a worldwide leader in soil stabilization. We offer lab-tested advanced polymer-based erosion and dust control products, which are used in numerous industries for a wide range of applications. Discover our erosion control products today.