Minimize soil erosion from construction activities
Soil disturbed during construction is susceptible to both wind and water erosion.
This removes topsoil and can cause flooding and siltation of natural waterways. Basic anti-erosion measures include controlling or stabilizing eroding soils with a silt fence or through seeding and mulching.
Federal, state, and local regulations usually require anti-erosion measures. Check with your building department about what regulations apply to your job site. Exceeding minimum requirements helps protect soil quality and prevent siltation of surface waters. Erosion control is especially important near ecologically sensitive bodies of water.
Green points
LEED for HomesLeadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED for Homes is the residential green building program from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). While this program is primarily designed for and applicable to new home projects, major gut rehabs can qualify. :Under Site Stewardship – 1pt. for erosion control measures, which include: protecting topsoil; protecting stream and lake inlets with straw bales, silt fencing; swales to divert water; erosion blankets to stabilize soil
NGBSNational Green Building Standard Based on the NAHB Model Green Home Building Guidelines and passed through ANSI. This standard can be applied to both new homes, remodeling projects, and additions. /ICC-700:Under Site Development and Construction – 5 pts for installing and maintaining erosion controls (404.3.3)
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia:
LANDSCAPE: NATIVE PLANTS AND SOIL
Further Resources
Federal regulations are listed in "Storm Water Management for Construction Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA 833-R-92-001), October 1992.
