photo of erosion
Example of a site where significant erosion is occurring, impacting an adjacent wetland.
photo of mulch application
Application of mulch at a construction site is an example of an erosion prevention practice.
image of inlet protection
Example of proper inlet protection is an example of a sediment control practice.

Soil erosion and sediment runoff to waterways are significant problems in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA 2016), approximately 30 percent of the state’s rivers and streams are impaired by sediment. Poorly managed construction sites can be substantial sediment sources to these surface waters. Up to 100 tons of sediment per acre can be lost annually from unmanaged construction sites (EPA 1999). Regulations administered by the State of Minnesota through the construction stormwater permit program (MPCA 2013) seek to address these impacts by requiring

  • carefully crafted sediment and erosion control plans designed to reduce polluted runoff;
  • implementation and updating of the plan;
  • operation and maintenance of runoff reduction measures until the site is stabilized; and
  • significant penalties for negligence and willful violations.

This page (Category) provides links to tables that provide information on construction stormwater.

This page was last edited on 17 November 2022, at 19:17.