Brush Layer POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Sediments, Nutrients and Organics, Salinity
DESCRIPTION: This technique uses bundles of willow cuttings (Salix spp.) in buried trenches along the slope of an eroding streambank.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Rooted plants protect bank from erosion. Brush layer promotes development of riparian plant and animal communities along streambank.
LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM: Organics/Nutrients Management - Nutrients and organics in water flowing across the land are taken up by plants before they reach the stream. Sediment Reduction - Dense matrix of willow roots provides cohesion for sediment, reducing erosion. Salinity Reduction – Dissolved salts are taken up by plants.
POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Stream banks ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Pole/Post Planting Vertical Bundle Willow Fascines Brush or Tree Revetment
LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Agricultural and grazing lands where nutrients and organic materials may be carried into adjacent streams
PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: As required under Sections 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act.
Urban areas where organic pollutants may be released and where impervious surfaces increase runoff
Contact county regional flood control district.
Arid Southwest BMP
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