Sediment washing into streams is one of the biggest water quality problems in Kentucky. Sediment muddies up the water, kills or weakens fish and other organisms, and ruins wildlife habitat. It is not difficult to reduce erosion and prevent sediment from leaving construction sites.
Basic Principles for Erosion Prevention
- Preserve existing vegetation.
- Divert upland runoff around exposed soil.
- Seed/mulch/cover bare soil immediately.
- Use sediment barriers to trap soil in runoff.
- Protect slopes and channels from gullying.
- Install sediment traps and settling basins.
- Preserve vegetation near all waterways.