BEsT MANAGEMENT PRACTICEs HANDbooK - Tahoe BMP

• Rocks, debris, or inadequate anchoring can lift blankets from the soilsurface and allow erosion to occur beneath.• Birds and small animals can become entangled in the blanket.DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS• Use erosion control blanket systems that are made of clean, weed-freematerials.• Erosion control blanket systems exist in a variety of materials and styles fordifferent applications. Materials can be natural or synthetic, woven, netted,or bonded to a matrix. Blankets may include features such as being fire andultraviolet light resistant or may contain seed and fertilizer.Consider the following factors when selecting the right system for yourconditions:• Purpose (hill slope vs. channel lining)• Expected precipitation and/or velocity of flow• Strength• Functional longevity• Use biodegradable erosion control blanket systems in situations whereblankets are exposed or remain in place until vegetation becomesestablished. Biodegradable erosion control blanket systems may not beappropriate for engineering purposes such as beneath rock slope protection.INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS• Keep erosion control blanket systems rolled within their protective coveringand stored until needed for use to prevent damage from stormwater, mud,dirt, dust, animals, and debris.• Blankets may be installed in phases as the project progresses.• Prior to blanket placement, prepare soils according to manufacturer’sspecification by physically loosening top soil and adding amendments andseed as needed.• To promote direct contact with soil, fill and compact any rills and gulliesand remove rocks and debris from the site to create a relatively smoothsurface.• Unroll the blanket down the slope ensuring continuous contact with theground. Do not stretch or twist the blanket or walk on the blanket once inplace.• Place erosion-control blankets horizontally following the contour of gentleslopes less than 20 feet long and/or where one width of the blanket roll willcover the entire length of the slope.• Extend blankets beyond the edge of mulched or seeded areas at least 1 footon the sides and 3 feet upslope and downslope. If existing vegetation orChapter 4: BMP ToolkitTRPA BMP Handbook4.5.2.5-Erosion Control Blanket System 2012Page 2