Erosion & Sediment Control Services
Construction site erosion control and stormwater compliance
SWPPP and NPDES permit compliance
Prevent erosion and sediment runoff
Avoid violations and fines
Protect waterways and environment
Typical Price Range
$500-$5000
per project
Popular Erosion Control Searches
Complete Erosion Control Solutions
Professional erosion and sediment control for construction and development:
Silt Fence Installation - Install perimeter silt fencing to contain sediment and prevent offsite migration.
Inlet Protection - Protect storm drain inlets with filters, bags, or barriers to prevent sediment entry.
Stabilized Construction Entrance - Rock aggregate pads to reduce tracking of mud and sediment onto public roads.
Temporary Seeding & Mulching - Stabilize disturbed areas with quick-grow seed and mulch to prevent erosion.
Erosion Control Blankets - Install biodegradable or synthetic blankets on slopes to hold soil and promote vegetation.
Check Dams - Install rock or fiber check dams in drainage swales to slow water flow and capture sediment.
Sediment Traps & Basins - Construct temporary sediment containment areas to settle out particles before discharge.
Slope Stabilization - Terracing, retaining walls, or biotechnical solutions to stabilize steep slopes.
Hydroseeding - Spray application of seed, mulch, and tackifier for quick vegetation establishment.
SWPPP Development - Create Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans required for NPDES permits.
Inspection & Maintenance - Regular inspection of Best Management Practices (BMPs) with repairs and documentation.
Regulatory Requirements & Compliance
Construction sites must comply with federal, state, and local erosion control regulations:
Federal Requirements:
NPDES Construction General Permit (CGP) Required for construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more (including support activity).
Key Requirements: - Obtain NPDES permit (filed with EPA or state) - Develop Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) - Install erosion and sediment controls (BMPs) - Conduct regular inspections (weekly + after storms) - Maintain records and documentation - Achieve final stabilization before termination
Clean Water Act Section 402 Prohibits discharge of pollutants including sediment into waters of the U.S. without permit.
State Programs: Most states have assumed NPDES authority and issue permits under state programs:
California - SWRCB Construction General Permit - Risk-based permitting (Risk Level 1, 2, or 3) - Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) required - Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) for implementation - Numeric Action Levels (NALs) and Numeric Effluent Limits (NELs)
Texas - TCEQ TPDES Construction General Permit - SWPPP preparation by certified individual - Weekly and post-storm inspections - Training requirements for personnel - Notice of Termination (NOT) after stabilization
Florida - DEP Generic Environmental Resource Permit - Stormwater management design - Erosion and sediment control plan - Notice of Intent (NOI) before construction - Regular inspections and maintenance
New York - DEC SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges - SWPPP prepared by qualified professional - Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Professional - Inspection requirements and reporting - Post-construction stormwater management
Local Requirements: Many municipalities have additional requirements: - Grading permits - Erosion control plans - Inspections by local authorities - More stringent BMP requirements - Bonding or financial assurance
Violations & Penalties: - EPA fines up to $55,000 per day per violation - State enforcement actions and fines - Stop-work orders - Criminal charges for knowing violations - Third-party citizen lawsuits - Liability for downstream damage
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP)
A SWPPP is the foundation of construction site erosion control:
SWPPP Contents:
Site Description: - Nature of construction activity - Sequence of major activities - Estimates of total area - Existing data on soil and receiving waters - Summary of potential pollution sources
Site Map: - Construction site boundaries - Areas of soil disturbance - Drainage patterns and slopes - Locations of BMPs - Storm water discharge points - Locations of support activities - Areas of final stabilization
Best Management Practices (BMPs): - Erosion control measures - Sediment control measures - Good housekeeping practices - Waste management procedures - Off-site tracking prevention
Inspection & Maintenance: - Inspection frequency and procedures - Maintenance schedules - Documentation requirements - Responsible personnel
SWPPP Development Process:
Step 1: Site Assessment Walk the site, evaluate topography, identify sensitive areas, and assess erosion potential.
Step 2: BMP Selection Choose appropriate erosion and sediment controls based on site conditions, soil type, slope, and construction sequence.
Step 3: Design Details Create detailed drawings showing BMP locations, specifications, and installation requirements.
Step 4: Schedule Development Sequence BMPs with construction activities to provide protection at each phase.
Step 5: Maintenance Plan Define inspection frequency, maintenance procedures, and responsible parties.
Step 6: Documentation Compile SWPPP document with all required elements, maps, and supporting information.
Step 7: Regulatory Submission File Notice of Intent (NOI) with EPA or state agency along with SWPPP as required.
SWPPP Qualifications: Many states require SWPPPs to be prepared by qualified professionals: - California: Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) - Texas: Licensed Professional Engineer - Other certifications: CPESC, CESSWI
SWPPP Updates: Must be amended when: - Changes to design or construction - BMPs prove ineffective - New areas of disturbance - Change in project sequencing - Regulatory or permit changes
SWPPP Availability: Must be available at construction site at all times for review by inspectors and regulatory agencies.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Guide
Effective erosion control uses multiple BMPs working together:
Erosion Control BMPs: (Prevent soil from moving)
Temporary Seeding: - Quick-growing grass for temporary stabilization - Apply within 7-14 days of disturbance - Cover with straw or erosion blanket
Erosion Control Blankets: - Biodegradable mats (jute, coir, straw) - Synthetic mats for steep slopes - Hold soil and promote vegetation growth
Mulching: - Straw, wood chips, or compost - Protects soil from raindrop impact - Retains moisture for seed germination
Hydroseeding: - Sprayed mixture of seed, mulch, fertilizer, and tackifier - Covers large areas quickly - Good for slopes and hard-to-reach areas
Dust Control: - Water truck applications - Soil stabilizers and tackifiers - Limit vehicle speed
Sediment Control BMPs: (Capture soil that moves)
Silt Fence: - Most common sediment barrier - Install on contour or slight arc - Bury fabric 6" into soil - Maximum slope drainage: 1/2 acre per 100 feet
Inlet Protection: - Filter fabric bags or barriers around storm drain inlets - Prevents sediment from entering storm system - Maintain and clean regularly
Sediment Traps: - Small temporary ponding areas - Settle out sediment before discharge - Size based on drainage area
Check Dams: - Rock or fiber barriers in channels or swales - Slow water velocity - Reduce channel erosion
Stabilized Construction Entrance: - 6-12" crushed stone pad at entrance - Minimum 50' long - Reduces tracking onto public roads - Maintain and replenish as needed
Perimeter Controls: - Combination of BMPs around site perimeter - Prevent offsite sediment migration - First line of defense
Installation Best Practices: - Install BMPs before clearing and grading - Inspect after installation - Maintain throughout construction - Remove only after final stabilization - Match BMPs to site conditions and construction phase
Inspection & Maintenance Requirements
Regular inspection and maintenance are critical for effective erosion control:
Inspection Frequency:
Weekly Inspections: Required by most permits at minimum once every 7 days
Post-Storm Inspections: Within 24-48 hours after any storm event producing 0.25" or more rainfall
Additional Inspections: Before forecast storms, after significant soil disturbance, following BMP repairs
Inspection Scope:
Visual Assessment: - Check all erosion and sediment control BMPs - Identify areas of active erosion - Look for sediment leaving site - Examine discharge points - Review housekeeping practices
BMP Evaluation: - Are BMPs installed correctly? - Are BMPs functioning as intended? - Do BMPs need maintenance or repair? - Are additional BMPs needed? - Should BMPs be relocated or redesigned?
Documentation: - Date and time of inspection - Weather conditions and recent rainfall - Observations and findings - Photos of key areas and issues - Maintenance performed or needed - BMP modifications - Inspector name and signature
Common Maintenance Needs:
Silt Fence: - Remove accumulated sediment (when 1/3 full) - Repair tears or separations - Re-bury edges that have pulled out - Replace damaged fabric
Inlet Protection: - Clean out sediment regularly - Repair or replace damaged filters - Ensure proper fit and sealing
Stabilized Entrance: - Add rock as it gets tracked away - Remove accumulated mud - Sweep adjacent roads - Pressure wash if necessary
Erosion Control: - Reseed bare areas - Add mulch where needed - Repair damaged blankets - Apply additional stabilization
Sediment Traps/Basins: - Remove accumulated sediment (when half full) - Repair outlet structures - Restore original capacity - Stabilize side slopes
Inspection Records: Maintain inspection reports on-site for entire construction period plus 3 years. Must be available for regulatory review.
Training: Ensure site personnel understand: - BMP purpose and function - Inspection requirements - Maintenance procedures - Spill prevention and response - Contact information for concerns
Erosion Control Costs & Budgeting
Erosion control represents 1-3% of total construction costs but avoids expensive violations:
Typical Costs by BMP:
Silt Fence: - $2-$5 per linear foot installed - Maintenance: $0.50-$1.50 per LF per service - Removal: $1-$2 per linear foot
Inlet Protection: - Filter bags: $15-$50 per inlet - Block & gravel: $50-$150 per inlet - Fabric wrap: $25-$75 per inlet
Stabilized Construction Entrance: - Small entrance: $1,500-$3,000 - Large entrance: $3,000-$6,000 - Maintenance: $200-$500 per month
Erosion Control Blankets: - Straw blanket: $0.75-$1.50 per SY - Coir blanket: $1.50-$3.00 per SY - Synthetic mat: $2.00-$5.00 per SY - Installation: $0.50-$1.50 per SY
Seeding & Mulching: - Hydroseeding: $0.05-$0.15 per SF - Conventional seeding: $0.03-$0.10 per SF - Straw mulch: $500-$1,000 per acre
Check Dams: - Rock check dam: $150-$400 each - Fiber check dam: $75-$200 each
SWPPP Development: - Small site (<5 acres): $1,500-$3,000 - Medium site (5-20 acres): $3,000-$8,000 - Large site (>20 acres): $8,000-$20,000+
Inspection Services: - Weekly inspections: $150-$300 per visit - Monthly contract: $800-$2,000 per month - Full-time inspector: $4,000-$8,000 per month
Maintenance Services: - Basic maintenance: $500-$1,500 per visit - Sediment removal: $100-$300 per hour - BMP repairs: $75-$150 per hour
Total Project Costs: - Small site (<5 acres): $5,000-$20,000 - Medium site (5-20 acres): $20,000-$75,000 - Large site (>20 acres): $75,000-$300,000+
Cost of Non-Compliance:
Regulatory Penalties: - EPA fines: Up to $55,000 per day per violation - State fines: $5,000-$25,000 per violation - Stop-work orders: Thousands per day in delays
Cleanup Costs: - Offsite sediment cleanup: $5,000-$50,000+ - Stream restoration: $50,000-$500,000+ - Property damage claims: Variable
Indirect Costs: - Project delays and schedule impacts - Damaged reputation - Difficulty obtaining future permits - Increased regulatory scrutiny - Potential criminal charges
Cost-Saving Strategies: - Install BMPs before disturbance - Minimize area of disturbance - Sequence grading to reduce exposed soil - Stabilize quickly after grading - Maintain BMPs proactively - Use qualified inspection services - Document everything thoroughly
Proper erosion control is far less expensive than violations, cleanups, and delays!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for erosion control?
Construction disturbing 1 acre or more requires an NPDES permit and SWPPP. Smaller sites may need local erosion control permits. Always check federal, state, and local requirements before starting.
Who can prepare a SWPPP?
Some states require specific qualifications (California QSD, Texas PE). Even without state requirements, use experienced erosion control professionals to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
How often must BMPs be inspected?
Most permits require weekly inspections plus within 24-48 hours after any rain event of 0.25" or more. Some jurisdictions require more frequent inspections.
What happens if sediment leaves my site?
You may face EPA or state violations ($5,000-$55,000 per day), cleanup costs, stop-work orders, and potential liability for downstream damage. Immediate action is required to prevent further discharge.
When can I remove erosion control BMPs?
Only after final stabilization is achieved - typically when vegetation covers 70% of disturbed areas or permanent BMPs are in place. File Notice of Termination (NOT) with regulatory agency.
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