Construction Site Erosion control Program
The Deer Lake Conservancy sponsors a free program to assist Deer Lake homeowners who are undertaking landscaping and construction projects. The Construction Site Erosion Control Program helps protect the lake through installation and maintenance of appropriate construction site erosion control practices.
Construction sites are notorious as a source of erosion and resulting sediment and nutrients carried in runoff to lakes and rivers. The main culprit is exposed soil. Without the protection of vegetation, a single one-acre lot in close proximity to a lake or storm sewer system can deliver as much sediment as 75-acres of cropland!
We understand there are many priorities during a construction project. For the sake of the lake, please make construction site erosion control a top priority when you undertake new building or remodeling. Our erosion control program provides technical and financial assistance to help you hire a landscaper or contractor to ensure lake protection throughout your construction project.
If you have a construction project underway or are planning a project, please contact us to learn more about the program which includes reimbursement for your erosion control expenses. Contact Cheryl to schedule a time to review program benefits and requirements by emailing dlcdirector@dlcwi.org. Your landscaper is welcome to participate in this initial meeting.
As the owner, you are ultimately responsible to ensure that your contractor follows construction site erosion control rules. For one and two family dwellings, these rules are enforced by Town building inspectors. The DLC has no enforcement authority, and town inspectors or Polk County Zoning may require additional erosion control measures above and beyond our program recommendations. At a minimum there should be a silt fence installed downhill from the entire construction site. However, be aware that with steep slopes and bare ground, silt fences can be over-topped causing sediment-laden water to run to the lake. As a result, more than one of row of silt fence and/or additional measures may be needed. We can help you figure out what will work for your property and protect the lake.
Erosion and sediment control basic principles to protect the lake
- Minimize disturbed areas with bare soil by phasing or sequencing construction and preserving existing vegetation where possible.
- Divert runoff water away from disturbed or exposed areas and piles of soil.
- Install best practices to control erosion and sediment and manage storm water. A simple best practice is to seed quickly germinating grasses like annual rye or oats to cover bare soil. Additional best practices include silt fences and diversions.
- Inspect the site regularly and properly maintain silt fences, diversions etc., especially after rainstorms.
- Make changes if your erosion control practices aren’t working! Re-enforce this as a priority for your contractor.