Tag Archive: wasatch front

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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Beverly Taylor Sorenson Building – University of Utah

January 21, 2025 0 Comments

Beverly Taylor Sorenson Building - University of Utah

The Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex at the University of Utah is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing arts education and interdisciplinary collaboration. Named after philanthropist Beverly Taylor Sorenson, the building houses programs that integrate arts into teaching and learning, aiming to enhance education through creativity and innovation. The complex features modern classrooms, performance spaces, and research facilities designed to support educators, students, and community engagement. Its design fosters collaboration among the arts, education, and health disciplines, reflecting a commitment to improving learning outcomes and enriching lives through the power of the arts.

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Xeriscaping in Utah’s Arid Drought Prone Climate – Salt Lake City

January 20, 2025 0 Comments

Xeriscaping in Utah's Arid Drought Prone Climate - Salt Lake City

An example of xeriscaping in Salt Lake City, Utah’s capital and the state’s largest city along the Wasatch Front, and urban corridor that stretches from Ogden to Payson.

Xeriscaping is a popular landscaping approach in Utah, where water conservation is a critical concern due to the state’s arid climate and ongoing drought conditions. This landscaping method involves designing outdoor spaces with water-efficient plants, native species, and strategic hardscaping to reduce water usage while maintaining visual appeal. Instead of traditional water-intensive lawns, xeriscaped yards often feature drought-tolerant plants such as sagebrush, yucca, and juniper, as well as ornamental grasses and flowering perennials like penstemon and lavender. Mulch, gravel, and rocks are also commonly used to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation.

Xeriscaping is increasingly embraced by homeowners, businesses, and municipalities across Utah due to its ability to lower water consumption and reduce maintenance costs. It aligns with the state’s water-saving initiatives, including rebates and incentives for replacing traditional lawns with water-wise landscaping. Beyond conserving water, xeriscaping also supports local ecosystems by providing habitat for pollinators and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This sustainable approach to landscaping is helping Utah adapt to its water challenges while promoting beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.

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