Construction is one of those industries that many people associate with pollution. As well as pollution in the traditional sense, the environmental damage that comes from the production of the materials needed to undertake projects and the damage and destruction to local habitats, there are other ways that construction can be damaging to the environment.
However, while the image of pristine landscapes being swept away in favor of concrete jungles is still prevalent, construction is much more ecologically friendly today than it has been in the past. Among the new technologies and techniques that have led to these improvements, erosion control is one of the most important.
What is Erosion Control?
Erosion is the process by which wind, water, or sometimes other factors, cause materials to become worn away. Construction projects that are situated on steep inclines, for example, have to contend with the fact that water will run down these inclines when it rains. Over time, this flow of water will gradually wear away at the structures’ supports, and even the landscape itself.
Why Is It So Important?
The negative effects of improper erosion and sediment control are many and varied. Naturally, the specifics of the construction project in question will determine the effects of erosion. But there are some general effects which also apply to many, if not most, construction projects.
We mentioned above that projects situated on an incline will be susceptible to erosion from the flow of rainwater. This flowing water won’t just erode hard materials like wood and concrete. It will also pick up particles of dirt and soil. If there is a river at the bottom of the incline, these particles will end up being deposited there, leading to a decrease in water quality over time, and potential damage to aquatic wildlife.
While all construction projects will have to consider the effects of erosion, it is those situated near bodies of water that are of the most concern. If erosion and sediment control techniques aren’t used, there is a good chance that any nearby bodies of water will be adversely affected. Via the process of eutrophication, this can lead to marine life being destroyed.
Eutrophication is a process whereby the excessive growth of plants and algae leads to the depletion of oxygen in a body of water. This means that there isn’t enough oxygen for the aquatic creatures that reside there. Eutrophication occurs because of an excess of nutrients and minerals in the water and is sometimes caused by the deposit of soil particles. Vibro compaction can be used to make the soil on your land denser and prevent sinkholes for cities like Florida and South Eastern United States.
Erosion and Sediment Control Options
Fortunately, we now have a variety of techniques, inland and coastal products available to us, allowing us to control erosion and sediment in any environment. Coastal products for erosion control can protect structures in a number of ways.
There are also some simple measures that can be taken. For example, applying seed and mulch to the exposed soil is perhaps the most cost-effective and ecologically friendly means of preventing sediment run-off.
Without erosion and sediment control, even a small construction project can cause problems. Our oceans and lakes are already subject to a depressing level of pollution. Anything we can do to mitigate this should be embraced.
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