If your business is construction or landscaping, you already know the importance of erosion and sediment control. ("Erosion control" or "soil erosion control" generally refers to preventing soil from being displaced; "sediment erosion control" is putting an end to that process once it has begun.) Business owners and government inspectors alike will be watching to see that the products you use are effective and appropriate.

Current products fit into a variety of erosion control methods. In order to stop erosion, you might need to install a wall—or perhaps simple geotextiles (erosion control fabric) will do the trick. There's also the option of using plants for erosion control, or any number of man-made products. But before you decide which product to use, consider the following:

1. Do you need soil erosion control or sediment erosion control products?

2. If you'll be using soil erosion control products, should they be eco-friendly and temporary?

3. Would the job be better done with permanent erosion control products?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stop erosion with temporary sediment control measures

If you're working with a sediment control problem, the products available to you are temporary in nature. (For permanent solutions, turn to permanent soil erosion control products.) A slit fence, an erosion control mat or a biodegradable blanket are just a few of the products available to you.

I recommend: Geo-Synthetics, Inc. carries a good line of temporary sediment control products, including slit fences, floating barriers, sediment bags, filters and more. CONTECH Construction Products Inc. sells temporary mats for sediment control, including those made of eco-friendly products like coconut and jute. Terrafix Geosynthetics also offers a variety of temporary sediment control products.

Tread lightly with temporary erosion control products

Some locations and situations are best handled with temporary erosion control measures. For example, eco-sensitive sites require biodegradable options. In addition, there may be times when all you really need is a temporary solution--during the construction phase, for example, before landscaping is in place. Popular options for temporary erosion control include biodegradable blankets and mats.

I recommend: U.S. Fabrics Inc. offers just about any sort of geotextile you could want for erosion control, including blankets, geogrids and filter bags. TerraFirm Enterprises sells unique ecogrids. Kale Enterprises, Inc. offers erosion blankets of straw, excelsior and coconut. Ground Service Technology, Inc. provides a wide range of erosion control products, including those that are temporary.

Find permanent solutions for erosion control

Perhaps the simplest form of permanent erosion control is the use of hydoseed (seed, fiber and a product to help it all stick in place). Permanent erosion control matting made of synthetic fibers, nets, wire mesh and the like are also a good option. In addition, erosion control blankets are widely used.

I recommend: K & M Products offers a variety of grass seeds and blankets used for permanent erosion control. Volm Companies Inc. also sells permanent erosion blankets, plus erosion control matting. Triumph Geosynthetics Inc. provides blankets, mats and other turf reinforcement materials.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have your employees (or other workers who may be on the site) be especially careful if mowing around an erosion control blanket. It's easy enough to catch mower blade in a permanent blanket's netting or accidentally remove the devices used to hold the blanket in place.