Straw Wattle – Erosion Control – Construction Site – Fairbanks, Alaska
Straw wattle placed around street storm drain in Fairbanks, Alaska, to prevent soil erosion, adjacent to a construction site with loose disturbed sediment.
Erosion control measures are essential at construction sites to prevent soil erosion, sediment displacement, and environmental damage. Common erosion control features include:
- Silt Fences: Temporary barriers made of geotextile fabric that trap sediment while allowing water to flow through. Installed along site perimeters or downslope areas.
- Sediment Basins and Traps: Structures designed to collect and settle sediment-laden runoff, preventing it from entering waterways.
- Erosion Control Blankets: Biodegradable mats or nets that stabilize disturbed soil and protect against water and wind erosion.
- Straw Wattles (Fiber Rolls): Cylindrical rolls of straw, coconut fiber, or similar material placed on slopes to slow water flow and trap sediment.
- Check Dams: Small, temporary barriers placed in drainage channels to slow water flow and reduce erosion.
- Vegetative Cover: Planting grasses or other vegetation to stabilize soil and minimize erosion. Often used for long-term control.
- Riprap: Layers of large stones or rocks placed in areas of high water flow to reduce erosion and stabilize slopes.
- Diversion Channels: Trenches or channels that redirect stormwater away from vulnerable areas to minimize erosion.
- Dust Control Measures: Spraying water, using mulch, or applying soil binders to reduce wind erosion.
- 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.