Engineering geomorphology at the cutting edge of land disturbance: erosion and sediment control on construction sites

doi:10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00107-5

Geomorphology

Volume 31, Issues 1–4, December 1999, Pages 247-263

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00107-5 Get rights and content

Abstract

Construction site management, traditionally dominated by professional engineers, provides an important opportunity for engineers and geomorphologists to work together in minimizing the environmental impacts of land disturbance. Areas disturbed for construction activity have soil erosion rates from 2 to 40,000 times greater than pre-construction conditions, and are important components of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution that degrades surface water quality. Despite significant local-to-watershed-scale environmental and economic impacts, the lack of an individual economic incentive for land developers to control erosion has limited voluntary adoption of erosion and sediment control measures. However, increased regulatory requirements, combined with efforts to identify and publicize the benefits of erosion control, are increasing the number of construction sites on which erosion control efforts are being implemented. Geomorphologists have the opportunity to play an active role in erosion and sediment control by implementing knowledge of erosion and sedimentation processes and of the variables that effect these processes. Pre-project geomorphological site assessments allow project designers to work around areas with high erosion potential, and to stage and schedule land disturbing activities to minimize erosion potential. Combined engineering and geomorphological analyses can increase the likelihood that streams and drainage channels are stable under altered hydrologic conditions, both during and after land use change, and can be used to design a drainage plan that minimizes surface water flow through disturbed areas. A variety of temporary measures to reduce erosion and to trap sediment on site can be designed and implemented, such as temporary surface covers, silt fence, and sedimentation basins. However, design and implementation of these measures require an understanding of erosion and sedimentation processes, and in many cases incorrect installation and maintenance limit their effectiveness. Regular on-site inspections and training by geomorphologists specializing in erosion control can ensure that measures are being installed and maintained correctly, and allow the inspector to modify the erosion control plan to deal with changing conditions and unanticipated problems. In addition, geomorphologists and engineers can use their combined understanding of erosion processes and construction site realities to develop innovative and practical measures to improve erosion control. Construction site erosion control is a field that relatively few academic geomorphologists have shown an interest in, yet has great potential both in terms of job opportunities and research. It is an area in which morphologists and engineers can work together using their complementary knowledge, both for the development and implementation of erosion control plans; as the basis for developing innovative practices; and for undertaking research on the effectiveness of traditional and new approaches to erosion control.

Introduction

Construction site erosion and sediment control is a challenging area for geomorphologists interested in real-world environmental management issues at the interface between geomorphology and engineering. Work in this field requires not only an understanding of soil erosion processes and sedimentation, but also the ability to manage the impacts that land use change has on the magnitude and frequency of runoff events, and thus stream and river erosion and sediment transport dynamics. However, to make contributions in this field also requires an understanding of engineering principles that guide development and construction practices, an understanding of the development process, and the ability to apply geomorphic knowledge to arrive at practical, effective approaches that are applicable in the dynamic environment of a construction site. Having developed such approaches, implementation of new ideas requires the ability to work with practicing engineers to persuade them of the value of new approaches, and the ability and willingness to train those directly involved in construction and in the implementation of these practices.

In this paper, I review both the underlying motivation for this field and some of the main techniques used in construction site erosion and sediment control. My focus is on the US context, not because the US is unique in having construction site problems, but primarily because my own experience in this field has been largely based in the US. Similar challenges exist in all parts of the world where there is significant land disturbance related to construction activity (see photos 1 and 2).

Section snippets

Impacts and regulations

In the US, nonpoint source (NPS) pollution has been identified as the leading cause of degraded water quality for surface waters, and construction activity is an important contributor to NPS in urbanizing areas (Novotny and Olem, 1994). Land disturbance for construction activity exposes large areas of bare soil to water and wind erosion (Fig. 1), increasing soil erosion rates to 2–40,000 times preconstruction and agricultural rates Wolman and Schick, 1967, Holberger and Truett, 1976, US

The 10 commandments of construction site erosion control

Construction site erosion control includes a wide range of tasks and techniques that involve a working knowledge of geomorphic processes and conditions. Following the structure of Goldman et al. (1986), these can be grouped together under 10 guiding principles that cover the main elements of construction site erosion control. These 10 principles provide an overall context that motivates the discussion of more specific research in to the geomorphology of construction site erosion control.

Geomorphologists in construction site erosion control

There have been many significant contributions by geomorphologists in establishing and understanding the impacts of high sediment yields and altered flow regimes from construction sites on downstream sedimentation and channel changes, and in developing texts that focus on applying geomorphology to practical management problems (reviewed, for example, in Cooke and Doornkamp, 1990). However, applied, management-oriented research and teaching is far from being a mainstream component of the

Conclusion

Construction site erosion control is an important component of reducing NPS pollution from urban areas, and should involve collaboration between design engineers, site engineers and geomorphologists. Ideally, project design taking into account geomorphological site assessments produces site layouts that avoid disturbing areas with high erosion potential, and construction timetables that stage and schedule land disturbing activities to minimize erosion potential. Combined engineering and

Acknowledgements

My interest in construction site erosion control was first inspired by coursework with Tom Dunne at the University of Washington. Employment with Ebasco Environmental provided my real-world introduction to day-to-day construction site erosion control, under the supervision of Bruce Stoker, a unique individual in many ways, including having degrees in both engineering and geomorphology. The Summit Soil and Water Conservation District in Ohio provided subsequent opportunities to stay closely

References (27)

R.G. Arendt
Conservation Design for Subdivisions, A Practical Guide to Creating Open Space Networks
(1996)
B.L. Bhaduri et al.
Chemical trap efficiency of a construction site stormwater retention basin
Phys. Geogr.
(1995)
B.L. Bhaduri et al.
Chemical load fractionation and trap efficiency of a construction site stormwater management basin
Environ. Eng. Geosci.
(1997)
B. Carlson et al.
Multi-storm and seasonal pollutant trap efficiency of a stormwater basin
EOS
(1997)
R.U. Cooke et al.
Geomorphology in Environmental Management
(1990)
T. Dillaha et al.
Using the ANSWERS model to estimate sediment yield on construction sites
J. Soil Water Conserv.
(1982)
T. Dunne et al.
Water in Environmental Planning
(1978)
S.J. Goldman et al.
Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook
(1986)
C.T. Haan et al.
Design Hydrology and Sedimentology for Small Catchments
(1994)
J. Harbor et al.
Teaching applied geomorphology with an exercise in urban storm-water management and erosion control
J. Geol. Educ.
(1993)

J. Harbor et al.

Reducing nonpoint source pollution from construction sites using rapid seeding and mulching

Phys. Geogr.

(1995)

M. Herzog et al.

Reducing erosion problems from land development: an economic incentive for erosion control

EOS

(1997)

R.L. Holberger et al.

Sediment yield from construction sites

Cited by (66)

Urbanizing River Channels
2022, Treatise on Geomorphology
Urbanization changes fluvial systems more drastically than any other single human activity. This chapter outlines approaches to the study of urbanization in river channels, including the nature of the urbanization process, alterations of the surface land cover, changes in hydrologic and sediment regimes, and resulting responses and adjustments in channel morphology. Morphological adjustments can produce urban channels up to 15 times larger than their natural counterparts. These responses and their management vary with climate regimes and areas. Increasing application of the range of techniques of urban storm water management focuses on the channel in the context of the entire basin. Opportunities for fluvial geomorphology involving a holistic multidisciplinary approach, with restoration where feasible, are compatible with a sustainable urban future.
Primary environmental factors controlling gully distribution at the local and regional scale: An example from Northeastern China
2021, International Soil and Water Conservation Research
Gully erosion is the main cause of global land degradation. The factors controlling gully erosion at watershed scale have been extensively studied, but the spatial pattern of gullies and their primary environmental factors are unclear. In order to explore the primary factors at the regional scale of over thousands of square kilometers, 34 sample areas were selected in northeastern China and 10 environmental factors were proposed. Based on gully interpretations from high-resolution Google Earth images and spatial analysis, kernel density estimation (with polyline features), and correlation analysis, the results show that the maximum kernel density (KD) of the 34 sample areas ranged from 0.11 to 87.16, and there were significant positive correlations between the average KD and the maximum value and standard deviation. At the regional scale, topography (relief amplitude, slope, surface roughness, surface incision, and elevation with correlation coefficients (ρ) of 0.60, 0.59, 0.57, 0.48, and 0.41 respectively) was the primary environmental factor, with a significant positive correlation with KD. The correlation coefficients of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (ρ = 0.32), annual precipitation (ρ = 0.19), and soil (silt, sand, and clay content with ρ of 0.139, −0.117, and 0.085, respectively) decreased successively with the KD. At sample area scale, there were six areas with weak correlations between environmental factors and KD, 20 areas with topographic factors, six areas with annual precipitation, and two areas with NDVI as the primary factor. The correlation between soil texture and KD was low. There were different positive or negative correlations between the environmental factors and KD. The spatial distribution of gullies in northeastern China is heterogeneous, and the primary environmental factors were diverse. This study will help to understand the spatial pattern and formation mechanism of gullies at large scale.
Linkages between land cover change, lake shrinkage, and sublacustrine influence determined from remote sensing of select Rift Valley Lakes in Kenya
2020, Science of the Total Environment
The Great Rift Valley system is home to many volcanic and tectonic lakes including some of the world's oldest and deepest lakes. These lakes host a rich heritage of biodiversity that is endangered by recent drastic hydrologic changes due to multiple natural and anthropogenic stressors in the catchment areas of some of the lakes. This study utilized Landsat TM, ETM+, and OLI data to conduct a systematic investigation of the relationship between hydrological dynamics in the basins of four Rift Valley lakes (Nakuru, Baringo, Bogoria, and Elementaita) and recent land cover and land-use change. The Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) proved to be more accurate and robust for delineating water surface areas when compared to the output of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and classification algorithms. NDVI was successful when delineating water surface at Lake Baringo but not in Lakes Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elementaita, whose surfaces were dominated by algae. All the lakes expanded substantially after 2010 submerging surrounding areas leading to disruption of livelihoods, property damage, and displacement of thousands of people. The recent drastic hydrologic changes have multiple causations including land cover and land use change, increase in rainfall, and possible change in geogenic water input due to tectonic activity. The rapid rise in water levels appears to have altered the biogeochemical balance of the hypersaline lakes with severe ramifications on the rich biodiversity that is supported by the lakes.
Impact of rock fragment size on erosion process and micro-topography evolution of cone-shaped spoil heaps
2020, Geomorphology
Spoil heaps in sites disturbed by construction cause severe acceleration of erosion, threatening environment quality and personal safety. Rock fragments (RFs) are a common component of spoil heaps; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different size classes of RFs on cone-shaped spoil heap erosion. A 3D laser scanner was used to capture the surface micro-topography evolution. A multi-day rainfall simulation experiment at 1.5 mm min⁻¹ rainfall intensity was conducted with 30 mass percent of RFs of different diameters (1–3.5, 3.5–7, 7–10, 10–15 cm). The results showed that RFs reduced runoff by 13.0% relative to the bare soil spoil heap, among which the RFs of the 7–10 cm size class performed best. Only the initial surface micro-topography factors increased with RF size. The stable micro-topography factors of 1–3.5 cm RF treatment were 59.2% larger than those for other RF treatments on average because of the slope slump. Spoil heaps containing small size (1–3.5) RFs more easily slumped with an area of 0.895 m² and showed obvious changes in micro-topography. RFs in different size classes influenced soil loss of spoil heaps via runoff yield and effects on slope stability. Larger roughness increment and runoff rate were associated with greater soil loss rate (R² = 0.828), but time-varying roughness had no effect on runoff. Overall, the results of this study provide a better understanding of the impact of RFs on spoil heap erosion.
Sources of stream bed sediment in an urbanized watershed
2020, Catena
Citation Excerpt :
Furthermore, streams in urban watersheds typically experience large sediment loads from construction sites because the clearing of land during the process of building results in high erosion rates, particularly during storm events (Pitt et al., 2007). Because of inputs of large quantities of sediment, a stream channel undergoes a variety of physical and biological changes, such as, deposition of channel bars, shifting configuration of the channel bottom, and smothering of bottom dwelling flora and fauna (Harbor, 1999; Wolman and Schick, 1967). Information on the sources of sediment can help target best management practices (BMPs) at areas contributing disproportionately high amounts of sediment to streams (Collins et al., 2017).
Excessive delivery of fine-grained sediment and sediment-bound nutrients to surface waters results in water quality impairment. Information on the relative contribution of different sources contributing sediment to river systems is a prerequisite to target management practices. The overall goal of this study was to determine the sources of stream bed sediment at a subwatershed scale using sediment fingerprinting approach in an urbanized, 31 km² Moore's Mill Creek watershed in Southern Piedmont region in Alabama, USA. The relative source contribution from construction sites and stream banks was quantified for two different particle size fractions, 63–212 μm (fine sand) and <63 μm (silt and clay). Results of this study showed that both construction sites and stream banks were important sources of stream bed sediment. The stream bed sediment in the upstream reaches originated largely from channel bank sources, and in the lower reach (watershed outlet), construction sites were the dominant sources of stream bed sediment. The results of this study showed that the relative source contribution from different sources is dependent on the particle size of the sediment, time and location of sampling within a watershed, riparian buffers, and areas of construction activities in proximity to the sampling sites. Conservation practices in this watershed should be targeted to stream banks or construction sites depending upon the dominant source of stream bed sediment within a subwatershed. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering the spatial and temporal variability of sediment sources as a function of sediment particle size for targeted implementation of best management practices.
Urban sediment supply to streams from hillslope sources
2019, Science of the Total Environment
Coarse-grained sediments supplied to a stream, in concert with the flow regime, play an important role in channel form and functioning, but are poorly understood in urban catchments. Improved knowledge of coarse-grained (>0.5 mm) sediment sources and supply rates will underpin strategies to mitigate impacts of urbanization on streams. We quantified key hillslope (i.e. non-channel) sources of sediment in urban areas by monitoring coarse-grained sediment yields from nine street-scale stormwater catchments over one year. From our observations, we developed a suburban hillslope sediment budget and a conceptual model of the response of hillslope coarse-grained sediment supply to different levels of urbanization. Coarse-grained sediment supply from the urban land surface was substantial. The highest unit-area yields came from infill construction sites (2800 kg/ha/yr), followed by gravel surfaces (740 kg/ha/yr), grass/mulch surfaces (84 kg/ha/yr), then impervious surfaces (21 kg/ha/yr), with the latter still producing yields far above background conditions. In typical suburban catchments grass and mulch surfaces and construction areas were key sources, with gravel and impervious surfaces making smaller contributions. Small source areas were important, for example construction produced 32% of sediment from 0.5% of the area. Connectivity of sediment sources to impervious surfaces, and hence to drainage systems, was important in driving sediment yields. Our conceptual model indicates that hillslope coarse-grained sediment supply increases with urbanization from natural to suburban conditions as connectivity increases, then declines with higher levels of urbanization as sources become scarcer. Impervious surfaces provide sources and supply pathways of coarse sediment, but also increase sediment transport capacity, causing severely supply-limited conditions and reducing the persistence of bed sediments in streams. When reducing hydrological connectivity to address the urban flow regime, consideration should be given to maintaining coarse-grained sediment supply through bypass or replenishment arrangements, to help reduce stream degradation and maintain form and functioning.

View all citing articles on Scopus

View full text

Engineering geomorphology at the cutting edge of land disturbance: erosion and sediment control on construction sites

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Impacts and regulations

The 10 commandments of construction site erosion control

Geomorphologists in construction site erosion control

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Conservation Design for Subdivisions, A Practical Guide to Creating Open Space Networks

Chemical trap efficiency of a construction site stormwater retention basin

Phys. Geogr.

Chemical load fractionation and trap efficiency of a construction site stormwater management basin

Environ. Eng. Geosci.

Multi-storm and seasonal pollutant trap efficiency of a stormwater basin

EOS

Geomorphology in Environmental Management

Using the ANSWERS model to estimate sediment yield on construction sites

J. Soil Water Conserv.

Water in Environmental Planning

Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook

Design Hydrology and Sedimentology for Small Catchments

Teaching applied geomorphology with an exercise in urban storm-water management and erosion control

J. Geol. Educ.

Reducing nonpoint source pollution from construction sites using rapid seeding and mulching

Phys. Geogr.

Reducing erosion problems from land development: an economic incentive for erosion control

EOS

Sediment yield from construction sites