BMP Installation & Management
• Straw bale barriers should be bound, entrenched, and securely anchored to prevent deterioration. A row of straw bales slows runoff flow and creates a pond behind the barrier where sediment can settle out. Straw bale barriers are most effective for filtering low to moderate storm flows, where structural strength is not required.
• Filter fabrics are engineering fabrics designed to retain sediment particles larger than a certain size and allow water to pass through. Filter fabrics can be used in silt fences (see below) or erosion control mats. Erosion control mats protect soil and seed from erosion and can be designed to allow vegetation to grow through the material.
• Silt fences are vertical fences of filter fabric that are stretched across and attached to support poles. The fabric retains sediment on the construction site and allows relatively sediment-free water to pass through. Silt fences are placed to protect streams and surrounding property from sediment-laden runoff.
• Sediment basins are ponds created by excavation or the construction of a dam or barrier. Sediment basins primarily serve to retain or detain runoff to allow excessive sediment to settle out during construction. Sediment basins can be converted into permanent detention ponds or wetlands after construction.
• Stabilized entrances reduce the amount of sediment carried off a construction site by vehicles when pressure-washed on-site. These entrances are designed to include stabilized pads of aggregate underlain with a filter fabric. Stabilized construction site entrances should be located at any point in the construction zone where vehicles enter and leave. Wheels and undercarriages of vehicles should be washed before leaving the site. Contact Omerta at: erosion@omertaswm.com
