Developers

Rock Filter DamSmall to medium size rocks are piled up to form a barrier along thebottom of the slope or across small gullies where it is anticipated thaterosion will occur. Inspection is required after each rainfall to identifyany problems that could eventually lead to failure of the dam.Accumulated sediment should be removed periodically to preventovertopping of the dam.Rock Check DamIf construction activities involve disturbing a small drainage ditch orswale, rock check dams are installed across the ditch or swale toprevent transportation of the sediment downstream. The check damalso reduces erosion by slowing down the velocity of concentratedstorm water flow. Check dams are constructed of stones piled up toform a dam across the waterway.MulchingWhere practical, disturbed areas should becovered as quickly as possible. One method is touse wood mulch to spread over the disturbedarea as a temporary measure until permanentvegetation can be established. If the desiredquantity is available, mulch can also be used inmounds to act as a silt barrier.MulchingVegetationImmediately after earth moving activities are completed, all exposedareas should be covered with a combination of grass, trees and shrubsto form a permanent protection against erosion. Grass could beestablished either with sodding or seeding using grass species that arecommon to the area. Mulching should be used as needed around treeroots to improve the supply of moisture and oxygen to the roots.MattingOn very steep slopes, erosion occurs more easily andany mulching and seeding laid down may be washedaway before the new grass can be properlyestablished. In these situations, a special mattingmaterial to provide a cover for the exposed soil isrecommended. The matting is available in rolls and islaid down over the exposed area and secured intothe ground with pegs. The matting allows grass togrow through while preventing the soil from movingas the runoff travels across the land surface.32