Controlling Soil Erosion on Construction Sites
When dirt, rocks and sediment are washed or chipped away from the ground by heavy rains or the machinery on a construction site, soil erosion occurs. This instability can cause big puddles to form on the site and it can make the ground unstable, and it also can allow pollutants from the construction site to make their way into local waterways and water sources. Ordinances are generally enacted to ensure that soil erosion is minimized in construction.
If you’re working in subsurface areas, you need to do whatever you can to prevent damage and erosion. FMI Equipment in Spokane Valley is your Washington State construction equipment dealer. Here are our top tips for controlling soil erosion on your construction site.
1. Call Diggers Hotline
Whenever you are preparing to dig on your construction site, it’s important to get in touch with Diggers Hotline, which can help you locate the public utilities that might be underground. This way, you can mark those areas off and avoid doing any damage. You’ll likely have to double-check independently for private utilities, however.
2. Mechanically Stabilized Earth
MSE, or “mechanically stabilized earth,” is used to create walls that stop soil erosion on sites. MSE walls are much easier to put up than a wall made of concrete retaining blocks, so you save time when using them. You can also adapt MSE walls to more types of construction sites, so they’re more versatile.
3. Make Use of Geotextiles
When working on a road or an embankment or any type of earth-retaining structure, geotextiles are an excellent way to prevent soil erosion. There are warp-knitted patterns, open mesh weaves and nonwoven fabric materials. The type you use depends on what types of filtration, separation, drainage, protection, sealing and reinforcement you may need.
4. Install Some French Drains
French drains are a system made from underground pipes, also known as “drain tiles,” that carry surface and groundwater out to a designated exit point. Some drain tiles are perforated so that some of the water they carry will seep back out into the site’s soil. This system helps to remove excess water from a site.
5. Use Riprap
If your site has concentrated runoff, then you may want to use riprap in order to control soil erosion. Riprap is a series of interlocked stones that are good for preventing erosion on land that slopes. Some land stewards use these tip secure the soil on a riverbed or the shore of a lake.
Searching for construction equipment for sale in eastern Washington? Stop by our location in Spokane Valley, WA, today to check out our full stock of new and used construction equipment for sale. You can also discuss financing options with our helpful staff members. FMI Equipment proudly serves Spokane, WA, and Coeur d'Alene, ID.