Part 2.2 Landscaping and Site Management to Control Runoff

You can control some stormwater riskes by making changes to buildings, paved surfaces, the landscapte and soil surfaces. This section reviews some easily addressed problems, as well as major landscape alterations you might want to consider.

Are there areas of bare soil around your home?
Areas of bare soil often exist in vegetable and flower gardens, on newly seeded lawns and around construction projects. Wven on gentle slopes, water from rain and snow can remove large amounts of soil and carry it to wetlands, rivers and lakes. Planting grass or other ground covers is the best way to stop erosion. Putting a straw or chip mulch over gardens or newly seeded areas will slow erosion. Straw bales, diversion ditches and commercially available silt fences around construction sites can help slow runoff and trap sediment on-site. If you are working with a contractor, insist that precautions are taken to control runoff and erosion during construction. Sediment fences or traps are generally required for construction near lakes, streams and reservoirs.

Can you eliminate paved surfaces or install alternatives?
Concrete and asphalt roads, drivewats and walkways prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. When you have the choice, consider alternative materials such as gravel or wood chips for walkways. Avoid paving areas such as patios. Where you need a more solid surface, consider using a "porous pavement" made from bricks, interlocking cement blocks or rubber mats that allow spaces for reinwater to seep into the ground. If you must pour concrete, keep the paved area as short and narrow as possible.