Alabama Soil and Water Blog Spot

  Check Dams are a temporary practice used to help stabilize a concentrated flow area during construction.  This one picture captures most all the criteria for a Wattle Check Dam. It was located so that the water surface of the downstream check dam backs water up to the downstream toe of this dam, it has a geotextile underlayment to minimize scour and undermining, T-Pee staking was used to hold the wattle in-place, the wattle was pinned to the ground surface with sod staples to prevent floatation, and each end of the wattle was high enough in elevation to make sure the flow goes over the dam and not around. Whether manufactured or man-made, make sure the Check Dam has runoff go over and not around or under, and that there is proper spacing between dams.  Also, remember that check dams are temporary practices and are to be removed when the concentrated flow surface is stabilized.   Perry L Oakes, PE Program Coordinator AL Erosion and Sediment Control Program

  This picture clearly shows the difference between adequate mulch (left) and too little mulch (right).  Adequate mulch when used alone for soil protection should have 100% ground cover. Inadequate mulch cover results in splash erosion which often initiates the erosion process.   Perry L Oakes, PE Program Coordinator AL Erosion and Sediment Control Program

  This type of Inlet Protection should not be used. Inlet protection devices are to be structurally sound to withstand sediment and hydrostatic loads without failure due to buckling, fabric sagging, or undermining.  Whether man-made or manufactured, the device should pond water to the designed depth to allow the heavier soil particles to settle without going into the storm sewer.   Perry L Oakes, PE Program Coordinator AL Erosion and Sediment Control Program

  New seeds covered with erosion control blanket will germinate and penetrate the blanket.  When a blanket is placed on existing vegetation, the result is “tenting”.  So, when using erosion control blanket, have a clean newly seeded surface with the blanket secured to the soil surface.   Perry L Oakes, PE Program Coordinator AL Erosion and Sediment Control Program

  If you “do it right the first time”, you shouldn’t have to repair a site.  Here is one example from the 2010 Clear Water Alabama event where the project is now over 14 years old.  Riprap outlet protection was installed at the pipe outlet to dissipate the energy of the flowing water.  The eroded channel was shaped to design dimensions, covered in TRM, infilled with topsoil, and sodded.  Other than a little vegetation management needed at the riprap outlet, the site is still pristine.     Perry L Oakes, PE Program Coordinator AL Erosion and Sediment Control Program

  Project Sites need proper planning for Construction Sequencing, Erosion and Sediment Control, and Stormwater Management.  I kind of wonder about the planning on this site?   Perry L Oakes, PE Program Coordinator AL Erosion and Sediment Control Program