Erosion & Sediment Control Program
Policy Guide Introduction Sediment is a leading pollutant of urban streams. A good erosion and sediment control program can reduce the amount of sediment polluting urban streams. This document provides community leaders with information regarding the importance of a good erosion and sediment control program.
Why is Sediment & Erosion Control So Important?
Water Quality Grading is the most destructive stage of the development cycle. Eroded soil and silt degrade water quality and aquatic habitats for fish and other species.
Long-Term Costs A proactive erosion and sediment control program can save local governments a considerable amount of money in the long-term. Sediment causes increased costs for storm sewer maintenance and dredging lakes. Sediment in the storm drainage system reduces capacity and can contribute to flooding.
Aesthetics Citizens often contact public officials with concerns about mud on streets and eroded soils on construction sites.
Regulatory
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According to the Clean Water Act, it is against the law to cause pollution to streams, place pollutants in a location likely to reach a stream, exceed general or specific water quality criteria or exceed permit limits. Cities and counties fall under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and have to comply with Phase I or Phase II regulations.
Public Support
The County spends a tremendous
amount of money on siltation and debris issues. Implementing sediment control and erosion prevention measures will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in long-term maintenance costs . Willis C. Staller Assistant Director/Supt.| of Natural Resources
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Citizens care about clean water. In a survey administered to a random sample of citizen in the region for MARC by ETC Institute, local citizens voiced strong support for water quality protection: Local citizens ranked the protection of water quality in streams as the second most important item (49 percent) after education (57 percent), but before safety and crime (44 percent).
Good Neighbors Care About Clean Water
86 percent of residents were very or somewhat concerned with pollution in area waterways. Local ordinances that require developers to protect natural areas would be supported by 84 percent of respondents.