Erosion & Sediment Control
Sediment Control
Sediment control is the layer of protection that captures soil already in motion before it leaves a site or reaches a water body — sediment basins, traps, check dams, and sediment tubes or wattles, working alongside perimeter controls rather than replacing them. LES designs and installs sediment control measures sized to each site's drainage area and disturbed acreage.
What’s Included
- Sediment basin and trap design and installation sized to drainage area
- Check dam installation in channels and swales
- Sediment tube and wattle placement at flow concentration points
- Coordination of sediment control with perimeter BMPs and grading phasing
- Maintenance scheduling and sediment removal
Technical Notes
Sediment basin and trap sizing is tied directly to the contributing drainage area; undersized sediment control is a common reason sites pass routine inspection but still discharge visible sediment during larger storm events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a sediment basin and a sediment trap?
Sediment basins are larger, engineered impoundments typically required for bigger drainage areas, while sediment traps are smaller, simpler structures used for limited drainage areas or as a supplemental measure alongside other BMPs.
How is sediment control different from erosion control?
Erosion control prevents soil from becoming dislodged in the first place — stabilization, blankets, vegetation. Sediment control captures soil that's already moving before it leaves the site. A complete BMP plan uses both together.
Request a proposal for sediment control
Tell us about your site and timeline — we'll follow up with scope and next steps.