What do more flooding, higher maintenance costs, property damage, algae blooms, damage to fisheries and aquatic habitat have in common?
They can all be directly related to soil erosion.
What is Erosion?
Erosion is the movement of soil particles by the action of water, wind, and gravity.
Problems develop when disturbed soils are left exposed to the elements:
- Clearing, grubbing, grading
- Forces of nature, landslides
- Contractors, builders, materials suppliers, landscapers, gardeners, home owners
The biggest problem is stormwater runoff.
Impacts are costly!
Sediment deposits:
- Increase the risk of flooding from stream and stormwater facilities because of reduced capacity
- Damages fish spawning gravel and impairs the feeding ability of aquatic animals
- Damages adjacent properties
- Promotes increased nutrients in lakes causing algae blooms and oxygen depletion
Sediments removal and restoration of our lakes, streams, and stormwater facilities cost the taxpayer.
Clean water and fish issues are making erosion prevention/control a priority.
Pieces of the county's Erosion Prevention program
- Ordinance amendments
- Community outreach and education
- Research other programs
- Program development and communication
- Technical assistance
- Inspection and enforcement
- Compliance incentive and recognition
- Monitoring
