DES MOINES – As we enter the busy summer construction season, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today highlighted assistance available to help contractors, developers and land owners install practices that help minimize erosion on construction sites and reduce sediment and pollutants from entering the state’s waterways.
“It’s important that everyone is working to minimize erosion and reduce sediment delivery to receiving waters, both on the farm and in town,” Northey said. “We have made great progress in reducing construction site erosion, but there is always more that can be done.”
The Department now has five urban conservationists whose focus includes construction site erosion and sediment control. They provide training and technical assistance to help land development professionals, city officials, government agencies and private landowners take steps to minimize construction site erosion and contain sediment on site to protect Iowa’s water quality.
Erosion can be minimized by using temporary seeding, mulching, minimal disturbance practices, erosion control blankets and polymers. Sediment can be kept on site by installing sediment basins, silt fences, filter strips and other practices.
Construction activities that disturb an acre or more of land are subject to regulation under federal Clean Water Act regulations. Contractors and developers must get a permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that requires them to develop, implement, and maintain a storm water pollution prevention plan. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Urban Conservationists can assist in developing a plan or addressing other concerns about construction site erosion and sediment control challenges.
Assistance from an Urban Conservationist can be received through local Soil and Water Conservation District Offices. While DNR is responsible for enforcement of Clean Water Act regulations, Urban Conservationist can help keep sites in compliance with regulations and thereby eliminate the need for enforcement activities.
“Exposed, bare soil is a necessary part of construction, but there are a wide variety of practices available to minimize erosion and keep sediment and other pollutants from leaving construction sites and entering our state’s waterways,” Northey said.
More information about urban conservation and how to contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District Office can be found on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov.
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