Erosion and Sediment Control Tip #44

 


Concentrated flow areas across the landscape can be everything from a roadside ditch all the way to a river. The land adjacent to these concentrated flow areas need vegetative cover.  These areas are often referred to as a riparian zone for streams, creeks, and rivers.  Riparian areas provide the last line of defense against non-point source pollution from entering our Waters of the State.  Why people spray roadside ditches or stream banks with herbicide or worse yet diesel fuel to kill the vegetation is beyond me.  I hope it is just a case of not understanding.  Make it a point in your daily routine to help others understand the importance of the natural “living filter” around concentrated flow areas.

 

(Thanks to Eve Brantley and Skip Ragsdale for the excellent photography work.)

 

Perry L Oakes, PE

Erosion and Sediment Control Program Coordinator

AL Soil and Water Conservation Committee

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