Eroding construction sites are a leading cause of water quality problems in Clinton County. For every acre under construction, about a dump truck and a half of soil washes into a nearby lake or county drain unless the builder uses erosion controls. The result of unchecked sedimentation includes:
Higher Taxes
Cleaning up sediment in streets, sewers, and ditches adds extra costs to local government budgets.
Poor Fishing
Muddy water diminishes quality fishery.
Nuisance Growth of Weeds and Algae
Sediment carries fertilizers that fuel algae and weed growth in our streams, ponds, and lakes.
Dredging
Taxpayers pay for the expense of dredging sediment from lakes, rivers, and drains.
Controlling Erosion is Easy
Erosion control is important even for home sites of an acre or less. Only a few controls are needed on most sites:
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Preserve existing trees and grasses where possible to prevent erosion;
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Re-vegetate the site as soon as possible;
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Install silt fence to trap sediment on the down slope sides of the lot;
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Locate soil piles away from any roads or waterways
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Limit access to a properly prepared drive to limit tracking of mud onto streets;