Erosion & Sediment Control During Construction
Natural erosion by wind, water and moving ice has been occurring at slower rates since the formation of Earth. However, human interference with land such as construction activities and earth moving projects accelerates this process. The sediment laden run off from construction sites due to accelerated erosion is detrimental to aquatic habitat and can cause damage to downstream areas and infrastructure.
The measures taken to control erosion and sedimentation on construction sites are known as Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESC). In this regard, Greater Golden Horseshoe Conservation Authorities and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have prepared two guidelines below. Credit Valley Conservation staff review development plans, inspect constuction sites and educate as per above mentioned guidelines.
On site monitoring inspectors are required on most construction sites to ensure the objective of the ESC is met.
Discharge of sediment or sediment laden runoff to watercourse falls under the broad category of spills and should be reported to the Ministry of Environment Spills Action Centre (SAC). SAC is staffed on a 24-hour basis and can be reached with a province-wide, toll-free telephone number (1-800-268-6060).
