EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL
FIELD GUIDE
2013
NORTH CA
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This field guide belongs to:
F NORTH CA
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North Carolina
EN
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Department PO
T Oof Transportation
S
F TRAN
Roadside Environmental Unit
Table of Contents
Click subject to reach page
2 Temporary Silt Fence
3 Special Sediment Control Fence
TSD 4 Temporary Silt Ditch
TD 5 Temporary Diversion
6 Temporary Slope Drain
7 Riser Basin
8 Silt Basin, Type B
9 Temporary Rock Silt Check, Type A
10 Temporary Rock Silt Check, Type B
11 Temporary Rock Sediment Dam, Type A
12 Temporary Rock Sediment Dam, Type B
13 Rock Pipe Inlet Sediment Trap, Type A
14 Rock Pipe Inlet Sediment Trap, Type B
15 Skimmer Basin
16 Stilling Basin
A or A 17 Rock Inlet Sediment Trap, Type A
B or B 18 Rock Inlet Sediment Trap, Type B
C or C 19 Rock Inlet Sediment Trap, Type C
20 Coir Fiber Baffle
21 Gravel Construction Entrance
22 Special Stilling Basin
23 Temporary Stream Crossing
without PAM with PAM 24 Wattle with Polyacrylamide (PAM)
25 Silt Check Type A with Excelsior
Matting and Polyacrylamide (PAM)
1
2
Temporary Silt Fence
1605.01
IS
A fabric fence which reduces water flow and
retains sediment in order to prevent off-site
sediment.
USE
At the toe of a fill section where sediment runoff
can be contained and stored within project
limits. Do not install across a stream, ditch,
waterway or any area of concentrated flow.
CONSTRUCT
Metal posts to be 5 ft. in height (3 ft. above
ground) and space them 8 ft. apart with wire or
6 ft. apart without wire. Bury fabric a minimum
of 8 in. deep and 4 in. along the base of the
trench. An 18 in. overlap is required when
splicing.
Back to Table of Contents
Special Sediment Control Fence
1606.01
IS
A hardware cloth device with sediment
control stone at the base of the hardware cloth.
It reduces water flow and retains sediment.
USE
At the toe of fill sections or other areas where
silt fence will not function adequately to control
sediment. Use in environmentally sensitive
areas and in areas of inadequate right-of-way in
place of silt ditch.
CONSTRUCT
Using a 4 ft. wire mesh (24 ga., 1/4 in.)
folded 2 ft. vertical and 2 ft. along the ground
surface with sediment control stone on top to
a minimum depth of 1 ft. Posts to be 5 ft. in
height, (3 ft. above ground) spaced 3 ft. apart.
Back to Table of Contents
3
TSD 4
Temporary Silt Ditch
1630.03
IS
A small ditch or channel that intercepts water
flow from slopes and directs the runoff into a
basin, sediment dam and/or rock silt check.
USE
At the toe of a fill slope where vertical fill height
exceeds 3 ft. or along a stream bank to divert
water flow into a controlled outlet.
CONSTRUCT
The ditch to be 1 ft. min. depth with a 2:1 side
slope. Stabilize waste material/berm with seed
and mulch.
Back to Table of Contents
Temporary Diversion
1630.05
IS
An excavated channel with a berm on its lower
side that directs runoff into a basin, through a
sediment dam or through rock silt checks.
USE
At the perimeter of a project site and below
a slope during clearing and grubbing to
temporarily control water flow patterns and to
divert runoff into a sediment control structure.
Maintain structure in place until the installation
of final drainageways.
CONSTRUCT
To 1 ft. – 6 in. deep min. with 2:1 side slopes.
Stabilize waste material/berm with seed and
mulch.
Back to Table of Contents
TD 5
6
Temporary Slope Drain with
Earthen Berm
IS
1622.01
A berm with a flexible pipe that carries
concentrated runoff down a cut or fill slope
without causing erosion. The earthen berm
channels runoff into the slope drain, while a
riprap pad or silt basin at the outlet dissipates
the energy.
USE
Above cut or fill slopes where runoff flowing
over the slope would cause erosion if left
unchecked.
CONSTRUCT
With a minimum 12 in. diameter flexible pipe,
installing stakes alongside on a 10 ft. max.
spacing. A standard T-section may be installed
for multi-direction flow and elbows at inlets for
single-direction flow.
Back to Table of Contents
Riser Basin
1630.01
IS
An earthen embankment which captures runoff
leaving a drainage turnout that serves a large
project site drainage area. A riser pipe drains
the basin and an overflow spillway controls any
runoff that might exceed riser capacity.
USE
At a site with concentrated water flow where
other erosion control devices are inadequate.
Do not use in a perennial stream.
CONSTRUCT
To a sediment storage volume of at least
3600 cubic ft. per acre of disturbed area (for
drainage areas less than 100 acres).
Back to Table of Contents
7
8
Silt Basin, Type B
1630.02
IS
A defined pit or basin which collects sediment
flowing through a drainageway (often built in
conjunction with temporary rock silt checks in
order to slow water velocity).
USE
In a drainage ditch with temporary rock silt
checks or adjacent to a drainage inlet with
stone inlet protection. Maintain until vegetation
becomes established.
CONSTRUCT
Basin width variable to the size of the
drainageway, so that the basin’s length equals
twice its width, and its depth is a minimum
of 2 ft. Storage capacity is 3600 cubic ft. per
disturbed acre. Clean basin regularly.
Back to Table of Contents
Temporary Rock Silt Check,
Type A
1633.01
IS
A small dam with a weir outlet that uses a
naturally-formed storage area to trap sediment
(rather than an excavated pit).
USE
At the outlet of a temporary diversion,
temporary slope drain, temporary silt ditch,
drainage ditch or channel that outlets off
the project site.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class B stone lined with sediment control
stone. Install a weir at the center of the dam
that is approximately 2/3 of the channel width.
The weir should be at least 4 ft. long for a
drainage area of 1 acre or less.
Back to Table of Contents
9
10
Temporary Rock Silt Check,
Type B
1633.02
IS
A small dam with a centered weir that limits
erosion in a drainage ditch and helps to reduce
the water velocity.
USE
During construction in a channel, roadside
ditch outlet, temporary silt ditch or temporary
diversion ditch where grade meets and/or
exceeds 2.5%.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class B stone, with a preferred spacing so
that the elevation at the top of the lower dam is
the same as the toe elevation of the upper dam.
Back to Table of Contents
Temporary Rock Sediment Dam,
Type A
1634.01
IS
A large dam structure with a weir outlet that
traps sediment at drainage turnouts just prior to
the point where runoff leaves the project site.
USE
Along the perimeter of a construction site, at
drainage turnouts serving large areas or at
natural drainage turnouts forming small
valleys.
CONSTRUCT
With Class I riprap lined with sediment control
stone on the upstream side (minimum 2:1 side
slope upstream, 3:1 min. downstream). The
dam must not be higher than 8 ft. with the weir
1 ft. below top of dam. Apron length (below
weir) should be approximately equal to the
height of the dam. 11
Back to Table of Contents
12
Temporary Rock Sediment Dam,
Type B
IS
1634.02
A small dam with a weir outlet and built-in
sediment basin.
USE
At the outlet of a temporary diversion,
temporary slope drain, temporary silt ditch,
drainage ditch or channel to trap sediment
before runoff leaves the project site. Do not
use in a live stream.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class B stone lined with sediment control
stone. Basin should be 3600 cubic ft. per
disturbed acre, and dam weir length variable
to the drainage area (minimum 4 ft. for 1 acre
or less). Apron length should be approximately
equal to the height of the dam, with minimum
2:1 side slope.
Back to Table of Contents
Rock Pipe Inlet Sediment Trap,
Type A
IS
1635.01
A horseshoe-shaped device which prevents
sediment from entering a pipe structure.
USE
At a pipe inlet that receives flow from one or
more directions and is at least 30 ft. from a
vehicular travel lane.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class B stone lined with sediment control
stone. Surround the structure with a sediment
storage area built to 3600 cubic ft. per disturbed
acre. The dam must be a minimum 18 in. high.
Back to Table of Contents A 13
B 14
Rock Pipe Inlet Sediment Trap,
Type B
IS 1635.02
A horseshoe-shaped device that prevents
sediment from entering a pipe structure.
USE
At a pipe inlet no greater than 24 inches in
diameter that receives flow from one or more
directions, and in areas where a Rock Pipe Inlet
Sediment Trap, Type A would be unsafe due to
adjacent traffic.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class A stone lined with sediment control
stone. Surround the structure with a sediment
storage area built to 3600 cubic ft. per disturbed
acre. The dam must be a minimum 18 in. high.
Back to Table of Contents
Skimmer Basin
IS
A temporary basin with a trapezoidal spillway
lined with filter fabric and equipped with a
floating skimmer.
USE
In sensitive watershed areas and in locations
where the drainage area is too large for
standard rock weir outlet.
CONSTRUCT
Basin with a Faircloth Skimmer at the outlet, a
trapezoidal emergency spillway lined with filter
fabric, and 3 coir fiber baffles. Storage capacity
is 1800 cubic ft. per disturbed acre and surface
area must accommodate the 10-year storm
runoff. Limit the dam height to 5 ft.
Back to Table of Contents
15
16
Stilling Basin
1630.04
IS
An earthen basin that settles sediment in water
being pumped.
USE
At a construction site where there is a diverted
stream or whenever sediment-laden water must
be settled before being returned to a natural
stream. Never pump sediment-laden water
directly into a stream.
CONSTRUCT
Basin to ½ the volume of the site to be
pumped. The basin length (min.) should be 2
times the width with 3 coir fiber baffles dividing
the basin length into quarters.
Back to Table of Contents
Rock Inlet Sediment Trap,
Type A
1632.01
IS
A doughnut-shaped dam at a drop inlet which
serves a large drainage area.
USE
At a drop inlet that receives heavy water
flow and is at least 30 ft. from a vehicular
travel lane. The structure can be modified to
accommodate a drop inlet receiving water from
only one direction.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class B stone lined with sediment control
stone offset from the box 1 ft.-6 in. The
dam must be a minimum 2 ft. high. Install a
sediment storage area around the structure’s
perimeter built to 3600 cubic ft. per disturbed
acre.
Back to Table of Contents A or A 17
B or B 18
Rock Inlet Sediment Trap,
Type B
1632.02
IS
A doughnut-shaped stone dam at a drop inlet
that serves a small drainage area.
USE
At a drop inlet that receives moderate to heavy
flow, and in areas where a Rock Inlet Sediment
Trap, Type A would be unsafe due to adjacent
traffic.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class A stone lined with sediment control
stone offset from the inlet box 1 ft. 6 in.
Surround the structure with a sediment storage
area built to 3600 cubic ft. per disturbed acre.
The dam must be a minimum 18 in. high.
Back to Table of Contents
Rock Inlet Sediment Trap,
Type C
1632.03
IS
A wire-mesh hardware cloth, drop inlet
protective structure with a small doughnut-
shaped stone installation at the base of the
wire.
USE
To surround a catch basin in a curb and
gutter section or a drop inlet receiving light to
moderate flow.
CONSTRUCT
Using a 4 ft. wire mesh (24 ga., ¼ in.) folded
2 ft. vertical and 2 ft. along the ground
surface with sediment control stone on top to
a minimum depth of 1 ft. Posts to be 5 ft. in
height, (3 ft. above ground) spaced 4 ft. max.
apart, offset 1 ft. - 6 in. from box.
Back to Table of Contents C or C 19
20
Coir Fiber Baffle
IS
A porous barrier used to reduce the velocity of
runoff, within a basin or sediment trap, which
allows the settling of sediment before being
discharged off site.
USE
In all sediment dams, silt basins, and skimmer
basins at drainage outlets.
CONSTRUCT
Of coir fiber mat attached to steel T-posts to be
5 ft. in height (3 ft. above ground) in the basin
or storage area. Install 3 baffles in the erosion
control device at a spacing of ¼ the basin
length, but if basin length is less than 20 ft.,
only 2 baffles need to be installed at a spacing
of 1/3 the basin length.
Back to Table of Contents
Gravel Construction Entrance
1607.01
IS
A stone pad where vehicles enter and leave a
construction site.
USE
At all points of ingress and egress from the
work area to clean vehicle tires.
CONSTRUCT
Using Class A stone, or other coarse aggregate
approved by the Engineer to a depth of 8 in.
Minimum dimensions are 50 ft. long by 12 ft.
wide with a sufficient radius to accommodate
large trucks. For safety, pad may be moved
back 20 ft. with ABC stone placed adjacent to
public road with Engineer’s approval.
Back to Table of Contents
21
22
Special Stilling Basin
1630.06
IS
A water permeable fabric bag that traps sand,
silt, and fines as sediment laden water is
pumped from a construction site.
USE
As a portable stilling basin at sites with limited
right-of-way or where topography restricts the
installation of a conventional stilling basin.
CONSTRUCT
Using a minimum size of 10 ft. x 15 ft. bag
with a maximum 8 in. spout for receiving pump
discharge. Place on a rock pad lined with filter
fabric and 8 in. of sediment control stone.
Back to Table of Contents
Temporary Stream Crossing
IS
A temporary structure that allows construction
equipment to cross a stream without harming or
eroding the banks.
USE
At a stream where the construction
equipment must cross.
CONSTRUCT
By laying a temporary pipe in the stream in
which the pipe size is determined in the field.
Backfill with Class B rip rap to a minimum height
of 12 in. above top of pipe. Underlay temporary
pipe and rip rap with Type II filter fabric. Place
#57 stone to a minimum depth of 6 in. on top
of Class B rip rap. Construct the approaches to
the stream crossing at a 10:1 grade.
Back to Table of Contents
23
without PAM with PAM 24
Wattle with Polyacrylamide
(PAM)
IS
A tubular device that consists of excelsior or
coir (coconut) fibers encased in all natural or
synthetic netting.
USE
In temporary and permanent ditches to reduce
runoff velocity and incorporate PAM in the form
of powder into the runoff.
CONSTRUCT
Using a minimum size diameter wattle of 12
in. Install wattles using 2 ft. stakes and 12
in. staples on top of a 9 ft. section of erosion
control matting. Wattles can be used with or
without PAM.
Back to Table of Contents
Silt Check Type A with Excelsior
Matting and Polyacrylamide (PAM)
IS
A small stone dam with a centered weir and
Excelsior Matting and PAM.
USE
In temporary and permanent ditches to reduce
runoff velocity and incorporate PAM in the form
of powder into the runoff.
CONSTRUCT
Of Class B stone lined with sediment control
stone. Construct a weir at the center of the dam
that is approximately 2/3 of the channel width.
Install Excelsior Matting over sediment control
stone and anchor the corners with Class B
stone. Place PAM over top of matting at the weir
section.
Back to Table of Contents
25
North Carolina
Department of Transportation
Roadside Environmental Unit
NORTH CA
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