An Effective Erosion Control Plan

The following points can help guide the development of an erosion control plan that takes a
comprehensive approach to addressing construction site runoff. It is recommended to hire a qualified
professional to design a plan for your site.

Minimize Clearing & Grading
Avoid clearing/grading any soils not absolutely required to be cleared. Map and flag all areas to be
protected on site, sharing this information with site crews.

Protect Waterways
Clearing and grading activities near streams should be minimal, and appropriate BMPs installed to prevent
any sediment from moving into the stream.

Phase Construction to Limit Soil Exposure
Ideally, construction site soils would not be exposed during the rainiest seasons, but activities can at least
be broken into phases. Construction scheduling should allow for installation of erosion BMPs prior to start
of construction; soil stabilization after grading and BMP maintenance.

Immediately Stabilize Exposed Soils
Exposed soils should be stabilized as soon as possible, and any stockpiles covered when not being worked.

Protect Steep Slopes & Cuts
Cutting and grading of steep slopes (>15 percent) should be avoided. If a steep slope exists, any water
flowing onto it should be redirected with appropriate BMPs. Further techniques will be needed to protect
the slope from erosion, stormwater, and slippage.

Install Perimeter Controls to Filter Sediments
Specialized BMPs should be properly installed around the perimeter of the construction site. Catch basins
receiving stormwater flows from the construction site must be also protected with adequate BMPs.

Employ Advanced Sediment Settling Controls
BMPs, such as sediment basins, should be created on site to allow for settling out of sediments from any
stormwater.

Train Contractors on Erosion Control Plan Implementation
Site crews should be trained in erosion control practices or an environmental consultant hired to oversee
all aspects of the BMP installation and maintenance.

Control Construction Waste
A plan should describe the type of waste anticipated for the site (such as discarded building materials,
concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste) and how that waste will be managed to
prevent impacts to water quality.

Inspect & Maintain BMPs
Erosion Control BMPs will not work unless properly & regularly maintained, especially before and after
rainfalls. Always assign inspection responsibility to a specific crew member(s).