Erosion Control

Erosion control refers to best practices to prevent sediment fromwashing into the storm drain system. Toxic materials, such as mercury, bond to soil particles and are carried into local streams. Mercury is then ingested by fish which can make eating too much fish hazardous to human health.

The City of Willamina is in the process of creating an erosion control program, required by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The program will include an ordinance and enforcement process.

Prevent Spills

• Use an absorbant pad to clean up chemical spills such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze
• Sweep walkways and driveways instead of using a hose
• Contact recycling centers for where to take construction debris
• Never pour washwater down storm drains
• Never pour unused chemicals down storm drains

Construction Practices

• Install barriers to prevent soil from leaving the site, such as a sediment fence
• Keep a spill kit on the project site and in your vehicle
• Do not remove vegetation anywhere you will not dig. Even weeds prevent soil from moving
• Protect catch basins on the street
• Never stockpile in the street
• Dedicate space to store materials on the building site, not on the street
• Make certain that the site is stable each day before leaving
• Develop an erosion and sediment control pla