Road Stabilization POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Salinity, Sediments
DESCRIPTION: This management practices requires the use of rock, vegetation, and/or geotextiles to enhance the stabilization of roads and other embankments. Traditional stabilization relies on the use of expensive rock treatments. Other options are available that include the use of erosion control fabric, toe rock, and revegetation to stabilize banks. LOAD REDUCTION MECHANISM: Nutrients/Organics Management- Stabilizing embankments reduces sediment inputs while preventing excessive stormwater from entering the adjacent stream, thus reducing inputs of nutrients and organic pollutants. Salinity Reduction- The same process will also reduce inputs of salts. Sediment Reduction – Embankment stabilization reduces erosion and the input of sediments to adjacent waterways. . LAND USE CLASSIFICATION: Agricultural lands Grazing lands Rural areas
Urban areas ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: Stabilizing embankments protects roads and other infrastructure. POTENTIAL TREATMENT AREAS: Agricultural lands Developed lands Streamside ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT MEASURES: Brush Mattress Brush Revetment Brush Trench Erosion Control Fabric Rock Riprap Toe Rock PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS: Permits under Section 404 and 401 of the Clean Water Act are required if the bank is adjacent to a stream or wetland. A grading will be required from local county agency. Contact county regional flood control district.
Arid Southwest BMP
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Road Stabilization POLLUTANTS ADDRESSED: Nutrients and Organics, Salinity, Sediments
Level 400: MODERATE ENGINEERING
LOAD REDUCTION POTENTIAL: LOW
MEDIUM
Riparian Planting Zone: Upland Zone and Flood flows.
HIGH
ESTIMATED TIME FOR LOAD REDUCTION: IMMEDIATE
MONTHS2 YEARS
> 2 YEARS
EXPECTED MAINTENANCE: LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
ESTIMATED COST: LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH Photo courtesy of ADEQ Streambank Stabilization Plan
PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION: Planning considerations include the height and slope of the bank, the climate, and the value of the road or infrastructure. In general, hardening the bank with rock riprap is the most costly approach. Often the installation of native plant materials can reduce erosion runoff and stabilize the soils. Erosion control cloth can be used to temporarily stabilize the bank until vegetation is established.
Photo courtesy of ADEQ Streambank Stabilization Plan
Arid Southwest BMP
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