Tag Archive: salt lake valley

Streambed Stabilization Work – Salt Lake Valley, Utah

January 22, 2025 0 Comments

Streambed Stabilization Work - Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Streambed stabilization work being performed on an intermittent creek in the Salt Lake Valley of Northern Utah, part of the Wasatch Front. Riprap is being utilized to slow the flow of water and impede erosion. A sediment fence also known as a silt fence surrounds the construction site to prevent loose disturbed soil from washing downstream. While unseen at this stage in the work, vegetative cover, including temporary erosion control blankets were likely added after initial work was completed, to stabilizing the stream bank.

Erosion control measures are essential at construction sites to prevent soil erosion, sediment displacement, and environmental damage. Common erosion control features include:

  1. Silt Fences: Temporary barriers made of geotextile fabric that trap sediment while allowing water to flow through. Installed along site perimeters or downslope areas.
  2. Sediment Basins and Traps: Structures designed to collect and settle sediment-laden runoff, preventing it from entering waterways.
  3. Erosion Control Blankets: Biodegradable mats or nets that stabilize disturbed soil and protect against water and wind erosion.
  4. Straw Wattles (Fiber Rolls): Cylindrical rolls of straw, coconut fiber, or similar material placed on slopes to slow water flow and trap sediment.
  5. Check Dams: Small, temporary barriers placed in drainage channels to slow water flow and reduce erosion.
  6. Vegetative Cover: Planting grasses or other vegetation to stabilize soil and minimize erosion. Often used for long-term control.
  7. Riprap: Layers of large stones or rocks placed in areas of high water flow to reduce erosion and stabilize slopes.
  8. Diversion Channels: Trenches or channels that redirect stormwater away from vulnerable areas to minimize erosion.
  9. Dust Control Measures: Spraying water, using mulch, or applying soil binders to reduce wind erosion.
  10. Gravel Construction Entrances: Stabilized entry points for vehicles to reduce the tracking of sediment onto nearby roads.

These measures are often used in combination to create a comprehensive erosion and sediment control plan for construction sites.

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A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain – Utah

January 20, 2025 0 Comments

A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain - Utah

A bioswale and rain garden system located along a housing development in West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City in northern Utah, part of the urban corridor known as the Wasatch Front.

A storm drain integrated within a bioswale and rain garden is a hybrid stormwater management system designed to handle excess runoff while enhancing filtration and environmental benefits. In such a setup, the bioswale and rain garden are the primary features for capturing, slowing, and filtering stormwater from nearby impervious surfaces. They are designed with vegetation, permeable soil, and sometimes rock channels to allow water to percolate naturally into the ground.

The storm drain serves as a secondary or overflow mechanism within this system. When heavy rains or extreme runoff exceed the capacity of the bioswale and rain garden, the excess water is directed into the storm drain to prevent flooding. The storm drain is strategically placed, often at the lowest point of the bioswale or rain garden, to capture overflow only when necessary. This combined approach not only reduces the burden on traditional stormwater infrastructure but also improves water quality and reduces localized flooding by using natural filtration as the first line of defense.

Such systems are commonly found in urban or suburban settings where sustainable green infrastructure is prioritized, blending engineered solutions with natural processes for maximum efficiency and ecological benefit.

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A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain in West Jordan, Utah

January 20, 2025 0 Comments

A Bioswale and Rain Garden with Storm Drain in West Jordan, Utah

A bioswale and rain garden system located along a housing development in West Jordan, a suburb of Salt Lake City in northern Utah, part of the urban corridor known as the Wasatch Front.

A storm drain integrated within a bioswale and rain garden is a hybrid stormwater management system designed to handle excess runoff while enhancing filtration and environmental benefits. In such a setup, the bioswale and rain garden are the primary features for capturing, slowing, and filtering stormwater from nearby impervious surfaces. They are designed with vegetation, permeable soil, and sometimes rock channels to allow water to percolate naturally into the ground.

The storm drain serves as a secondary or overflow mechanism within this system. When heavy rains or extreme runoff exceed the capacity of the bioswale and rain garden, the excess water is directed into the storm drain to prevent flooding. The storm drain is strategically placed, often at the lowest point of the bioswale or rain garden, to capture overflow only when necessary. This combined approach not only reduces the burden on traditional stormwater infrastructure but also improves water quality and reduces localized flooding by using natural filtration as the first line of defense.

Such systems are commonly found in urban or suburban settings where sustainable green infrastructure is prioritized, blending engineered solutions with natural processes for maximum efficiency and ecological benefit.

Uncategorized

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