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In construction, it can often be hard to balance growth and opportunity with the environment. While new developments bring significant economic value, clearing large areas of land can also pose challenges such as runoff and sediment buildup. In Georgia, heavy rainfall, clay-heavy soils, and sensitive ecosystems mean that erosion control measures aren’t just recommended; they’re essential.
In this guide, we’ll explain why erosion control measures such as hydroseeding and silt fences are so important in Georgia, and the options available to developers and property owners seeking to mitigate erosion risks.
Why Exposed Soil is Such a Big Problem
There is no way to get around exposed soil during a construction project in Georgia. However, when large areas of land are cleared and graded, often with the help of professional skid steer services, the soil is left vulnerable to wind and rain. Because of the heavy storms and rainfall Georgia is known for, that soil can wash away before vegetation has a chance to take root.
If that happens, the soil can join stormwater runoff and enter streets, drainage systems, and waterways. Before long, cities and developers can be dealing with clogged storm drains, boggy construction areas, and huge maintenance costs.
Then there’s the environmental cost. Sediment runoff can carry nutrients and pollutants that negatively impact surrounding areas.
Runoff and Sediment Pollution
Sediment pollution refers to excessive amounts of sand, oil, and other mineral particles that wash into waterways. Out of all causes, construction is the main one. Rainwater flows over exposed soil, picks up fine particles, and carries them into nearby bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
The damage doesn’t end there. Once those pollutants enter the water, they degrade water quality, harm aquatic habitats, and disrupt local ecosystems. The additional sediment can even block sunlight from reaching underwater plants and affect fish health. It’s devastating consequences like this that make it crucial for construction sites to have strict erosion control measures in place.
Erosion Control Regulations for Construction Projects
Construction project managers in Georgia must follow strict erosion control regulations and stormwater management plans to protect communities and waterways. This involves implementing a range of practices to prevent sediment from leaving their sites.
While there are many erosion control methods available, two are among the most common: hydroseeding and silt fences.
Hydroseeding
Hydroseeding is one of the most widely used erosion control techniques for large developments and construction projects alike. It involves spraying a slurry of seeds, water, mulch, and soil amendments onto prepared soil surfaces. Once sprayed, the seeds germinate quickly while protecting the soil from rain and wind.
Hydroseeding is a far more efficient and faster way to establish grass cover than traditional seeding methods. This is because the mulch layer retains moisture and stops the seeds from washing away. As a result, grass and ground cover are more likely to grow evenly across a large area.
As vegetation grows, the roots of grasses and plants bind the soil together, creating a strong natural barrier against erosion. By investing in hydroseeding, site managers can stabilize their slopes, reduce sediment runoff, and improve landscape durability.
Compatibility with Large Construction Site Projects
Because hydroseeding helps establish vegetation quickly, it’s widely preferred for large construction site projects. Companies request it for residential developments, commercial sites, utility corridors, roadways, and more.
Due to its rapid establishment, hydroseeding helps construction sites meet their environmental compliance requirements sooner and reduces the risk of erosion damage during heavy rain while construction is still underway.
Environmental and Long-Term Benefits
There’s more to hydroseeding than construction site protection. The environmental benefits are also profound! When soil is stabilized with root structures, the risk of sediment entering waterways is reduced, improving stormwater management and protecting nearby habitats.
The vegetation also enhances the development’s appearance, contributing to a far healthier landscape upon completion of the construction project.
Silt Fences
Hydroseeding is a long-term erosion control measure, but silt fences can be a much-needed short-term measure while vegetation is still establishing. Silt fences are permeable fabric fences installed along a construction site’s perimeter or at the base of a slope.
They capture sediment and slow stormwater runoff before it leaves the site. While water can flow through the fence, the fabric prevents soil particles from being carried along with it. This stops sediment from entering nearby roads, waterways, and storm drains.
Discuss Erosion Control with Sandy Creek Hydroseeding in Monroe, GA
Erosion control is a crucial part of responsible construction projects in Georgia. Whether you wish to learn more about short-term silt fences or long-term hydroseeding, Sandy Creek Hydroseeding is the team to call.
We help residential and commercial property owners maintain compliance with environmental regulations, prevent runoff, and protect water quality. Ask us about our erosion control options today.