General principles for erosion prevention and sediment control at construction sites in Minnesota Revision as of 14:17, 31 October 2016 by Mtrojan (talk | contribs) (Created page with "Soil erosion and sediment runoff to waterways are significant problems in Minnesota. According to the [https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/hows-water Minnesota Pollution Control...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) General principles for erosion prevention and sediment control at construction sites in Minnesota

Soil erosion and sediment runoff to waterways are significant problems in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA 2014), 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

1. carefully crafted sediment and erosion control plans designed to reduce polluted runoff;
2. implementation and updating of the plan;
3. operation and maintenance of runoff reduction measures until the site is stabilized; and
4. significant penalties for negligence and willful violations. The figure below provides a general timeline of the major activities associated with construction site stormwater permit compliance.

This section provides general information on the process by which sediment is eroded from the land surface from rainfall events and the basic principles of erosion prevention and sediment control. Understanding this basic information and applying these principles in the field will reduce negative environmental impacts associated with erosion and sediment loss and help ensure compliance with Minnesota requirements and avoidance of violations and fines.