Erosion is the wearing away of the land surface due to geological, natural, or manmade agents. Soil erosion weakens the drainage ways and increases maintenance costs for the roadways and sewer. There is a continuous degradation of land surfaces and streams due to soil erosion, flooding and dusty conditions. It is very essential to control erosion and prevent sediment transport. This is where soil erosion control officer steps in and investigates the land disturbing activities. Erosion is the wearing away of the land surface due to geological, natural, or manmade agents.
Who Is an Erosion Control Officer?
An erosion control officer is a certified professional for soil erosion and sediment control. He is a specialist of the field of soil erosion and sediment control. The authorized officer carries the proper credentials for inspection, observation and measurement of the affected site. The erosion control officer issues comments after making a complete initial review. The soil erosion control is the technique of controlling the water or wind erosion on land. The strategies or systems prevent the expulsion of the upper layer of soil and avert water contamination.
There are various approaches to control soil erosion and there are simpler ways to do so. For example, planting increasing number of trees in the eroded area is a good way to strengthen the soil. Another strategy is to make natural mulch that regulates the temperature of the soil. The climatic conditions, soil surface and size of the land will dictate the kind of erosion control techniques to be followed.
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
The erosion control officer must have palm in place to meet the objective of the project and prevent erosion. He should identify potential problems related to soil types, drainage patterns and slopes and develop an effective erosion control plan.
The professional soil erosion control specialist shall prepare the erosion and sediment control plan that should include:
- Prevention of erosion of unstable or denuded areas.
- Plan for construction staging.
- Construction of stabilized areas.
- Proper containment for construction materials.
- Effective disposal of waste.
- Maintain erosion and sediment control measures.
- Accurate contours showing the topography.
- Check for location, width, direction of flow.
- Existing drainage patterns and direction of flow.
- Sites susceptible to erosion problems.
What Is Expected from An Erosion Control Officer?
A job opening for an Erosion Control Officer defines certain expectations from him that can help enforce erosion control in a particular area. The officer should be able to answer any questions related to soil erosion and concerns from the general public, stakeholders and construction personnel. Performing site inspections during construction so as to ensure that plans and specifications are in compliance is one of his jobs.
He should ensure that land management central permitting system and departmental information systems are UpToDate. He should carry knowledge on latest practices and procedures regarding erosion control and stormwater management. He should be expertise in geology, hydrogeology, civil engineering principle, drafting techniques and methods. Besides technical skills, he should be good with interpersonal relations and communication skills.
Other duties include issuing land disturbance permits with provisions of state and local laws for proposed changes near lakes, rivers, streams and other water bodies. He is to make regular inspections at work sites to ensure that adequate erosion control practices are being employed. He has to discuss violations and corrective actions as needed and prepare letters and citations. He has to maintain databases, files, records and correspondence to create statistical and operational reports. Plus, he has to respond to any inquiries and complaints from property owners.
