Civil engineers play a crucial role in erosion and sediment control. Under natural conditions, soil is generally stable. With the surge of agricultural and urban developments this generally stable condition can be disrupted, resulting in the soils becoming degraded. Further stress is put onto soils with advanced earth moving practices, heavier equipment, and more intensive agricultural tillage. With increasing awareness and understanding of the causes and consequences of soil degradation, there is a need to adopt practices that reverse these trends.
We can all agree that recent economic growth has resulted in an increase in construction activities. These construction activities have altered the land, vegetation, and waterways, leading to surface runoff, soil erosion, sedimentation, and land degradation. Modern civil engineering is about more than just building- it's about building responsibly. That's why civil engineers, specifically our team at Howell Engineering, integrate various sustainability practices into our erosion and sediment control efforts.
Before a construction project begins, our professionals assess the site for potential erosion risks. We analyze the topography, soil types, and surrounding environment to determine how susceptible the area is to erosion. This step is fundamental to developing effective control strategies. A common practice employed is topsoil stripping, a method used to protect topsoil resources that involves removing topsoil from the construction site just before construction, stockpiling it in a fixed location, and reapplying it to the site when construction is complete. Topsoil application promotes the establishment of a persistent vegetative cover and improves revegetation success. During construction, our team implements sediment basins, silt fences, and additional erosion control measures, which are closely monitored by the design engineers to ensure proper functionality throughout the duration of the project. Sediment control measures are not one-size-fits-all. Our engineers choose carefully thought-out measures that are gentle on the environment while still achieving their intended purpose.
Proper engineering practices have proven to be instrumental, yet remain often unnoticed, in reversing the cycle of soil degradation. When professionally designed, a land development project will blend naturally with existing site conditions while maintaining the ecological characteristics of the pre-developed landscape. Even through ever-evolving challenges, you can continue to expect a forward-thinking approach and dedication to professional advancements from your team at Howell Engineering.
