The Importance of Erosion Control in Construction

From highway expansions to new subdivisions, construction happens every day across Alabama. While these projects often better our communities, they consist of clearing the land of vegetation, moving large amounts of dirt, and operating large pieces of construction equipment that encourage the natural occurrence of damaging erosion. 

If you are a construction company in Alabama seeking to protect the integrity of either a small or large project, here is the importance of erosion control and a few tactics from the hydroseeding experts at Burns Environmental. 

The Effects of Erosion

Even though construction erosion only impacts the surrounding areas, the effects can be highly detrimental. 

Reduced Soil Quality

One of the major causes of erosion in construction sites is the loss of vegetation. Grasses, trees, and other foliage provide complex root systems for topsoil. This layer of soil has the highest biological activity, organic matter, and plant nutrients—all key components of healthy soil. The loss of this upper layer nearly eliminates the soil’s natural ability to provide nutrients, regulate water flow, and even combat pests or diseases.

Thus, once the soil becomes loose, rain has the ability to completely destroy the construction site–losing you valuable time and money.

Water Pollution

Although construction is typically in a localized area, it can hurt the area around it as well, especially through water pollution. Ultimately, erosion leads to two main water pollution issues: extra sediment and extra nutrients (known as eutrophication). 

Eutrophication is the process in which any body of water becomes overly saturated with nutrients, leading to an increase in the production of algae and other aquatic plants. This over-saturation deteriorates the water quality causing critical damage to any Alabama ecosystem. 

Extra sediment in the water makes it cloudy– which is more commonly called turbidity. These clouds of extra sediment not only block sunlight but in turn reduce photosynthesis. Lessened photosynthesis causes a reduction of oxygen levels, impacting fish and other life. 

Erosion Control Tactics in Alabama

Thankfully, while the effects of erosion are damaging, there are high-quality and effective tactics that control it. 

Hydroseeding

Perhaps one of the most effective ways to control erosion, hydroseeding as it is today describes a process by which professionals apply a “slurry” mixture of seed, soil amendments, fertilizer, and mulch to an area of exposed soil in order to more effectively grow perennial grasses that improve soil health and prevent erosion.

Shortly after the mixture is applied to the exposed piece of land, the seeds begin to sprout deep roots that not only protect but improve the quality of the ever-important topsoil. 

Known for both its commercial and residential use, hydroseeding has quickly become a popular and more effective alternative to the traditional ways to plant grass (such as laying sod or seed). For more information on the benefits of hydroseeding in controlling erosion, talk to the experts at Burns Environmental!

Silt Fence Installation 

Silt fences help developers retain dirt run-off caused by erosion so that the surrounding soil will stay within the construction site and not get transported outside of the site.

These fences may seem weak but they are extremely effective. By placing a barrier, many of the effects of erosion become localized, allowing for easier and more efficient control.