Sediment and Velocity Control Practices
What is Sediment Control?
Sediment and velocity control practices attempt to slow and trap sediment-laden runoff onsite, which helps filter pollutants and minimize further erosion. Sediment controls are often considered the “last line of defense” before sediment-laden runoff is discharged into Waters of the United States. Therefore, investments in effective erosion control practices can reduce the need for sediment controls.
Examples of Best Management Practices
The Iowa Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) specification manual Chapter 9 and design manual Chapter 7 provides guidance on some of the following practices.Common best management practices in Iowa include:
- Inlet protection
- Silt fences
- Wattles or filter socks
- Sediment basins
- Check dams
- Rip rap
- Level spreaders
- and others
Selecting the appropriate sediment control BMPs for your construction site depends on soil characteristics, seasonal timing, and construction phasing. Slope, concentration of flow, and proximity to waterway can also influence the effectiveness of various sediment control BMPs.