Erosion control measures are most useful in preserving the diverse landscape of Alberta against degradation caused by wind, water, and wildlife. These control methods are particularly beneficial in the following situations:

1. Ensuring structural integrity: Construction projects may disrupt the natural landscape, making it more susceptible to erosion. Implementing erosion control techniques can help maintain the stability of structures and prevent land loss or damage.
2. Protecting water bodies: Erosion can cause sediment and contaminants to enter nearby water sources, potentially harming aquatic life and affecting water quality. By employing erosion control measures, we can prevent pollutants from entering water bodies, thereby preserving their unique ecosystems.
3. Safeguarding against natural elements: Erosion control products are essential for mitigating the impact of natural elements, such as wind and water, on the landscape. They can help prevent soil displacement, reduce the risk of landslides, and maintain the overall ecological balance.
4. Preserving habitats: Wildlife habitats can be disrupted by erosion, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Implementing erosion control techniques can help protect these habitats and ensure the continued existence of native species.

In summary, erosion control is most useful when it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of construction projects, protecting water sources from contamination, mitigating the impact of natural elements on the landscape, and preserving wildlife habitats.

Erosion control plays a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impacts of sedimentation and runoff from construction sites. Here’s an elaboration on the negative effects and how erosion controls can help prevent them: Negative impacts of sedimentation and runoff: In Alberta, all water runoff, whether from construction sites or riverbanks, eventually reaches a water body. This runoff can carry contaminants that adversely affect the local environment. Even minor alterations to a water body’s biochemistry can cause lasting harm to the habitats of native plants and animals. The most prevalent carriers of these contaminants are soils displaced by water or wind erosion. How erosion controls prevent negative impacts: Erosion and Sediment Controls (ESC) help protect ground cover from elements like wind and water by securing materials in place and providing a protective barrier. When installed correctly, erosion control products effectively prevent soil loss and surface erosion while allowing surface water to drain naturally. By employing ESC methods, construction sites can reduce the amount of sediment and contaminants entering water bodies. This preservation of water quality is essential for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, which in turn supports the well-being of local flora and fauna. Additionally, erosion controls help preserve the landscape’s stability, reducing the risk of landslides and other environmental hazards. In summary, implementing erosion control measures contributes significantly to the protection and preservation of the natural environment.

By understanding the pros and cons of each technique, you can choose the most suitable solution for your specific needs. Consider factors such as location, slope, and desired longevity when making your decision, and consult with our experts by requesting a quote.

Technique	Description	Pros	Cons
Surface Protection Textiles	Barrier between ground cover and elements, protecting soils, sands, and aggregates from wind and water erosion. Examples: Coco matting, bento matting, erosion blankets.	Wide variety of products, biodegradable & conventional options	Challenging to install in windy conditions
Ground Cover Armouring	Shield ground cover using large diameter rock, poured or precast concrete, and steel, particularly against water.	Effective long-term protection for high-flow drainage systems	Difficult to install in remote areas due to material logistics
Surface Water Flow Diversion & Deceleration	Slow water flow by extending drainage route and converting straight paths into S-shapes, reducing erosion risk. Examples: Silt fencing, berm construction, check dams.	Effective long-term solution for surface flow deceleration	Silt fence installation on steep slopes is labor-intensive
Soil Containment & Water Filtration	Allow water to pass through at varying rates while collecting soils and other ground cover. Examples: Straw wattles, silt fence, geotextiles, rock, specialty products like “multi-flow”.	Economical solution for soil containment	Natural products like straw wattles deteriorate over time
Vegetation Establishment	Secure soil in place using native plant root structures, including trees, grasses, and other plants. Seeding can be done using methods like hydroseeding, broadcast seeding, and seed drilling.	Revegetation provides a long-term solution without man-made products	Seasonal plant life cycle in Alberta is short, limiting the time frame for using this technique

 

Pros	Cons
Wide variety of products, biodegradable & conventional options	Challenging to install in windy conditions
Effective long-term protection for high-flow drainage systems	Difficult to install in remote areas due to material logistics
Effective long-term solution for surface flow deceleration	Silt fence installation on steep slopes is labor-intensive
Economical solution for soil containment	Natural products like straw wattles deteriorate over time
Revegetation provides a long-term solution without man-made products	Seasonal plant life cycle in Alberta is short, limiting the time frame for using this technique

 

Surface Protection Textiles Description: Barrier between ground cover and elements, protecting soils, sands, and aggregates from wind and water erosion. Examples: Coco matting, bento matting, erosion blankets. Pros: Wide variety of products, biodegradable & conventional options Cons: Challenging to install in windy conditions

Ground Cover Armouring Description: Shield ground cover using large diameter rock, poured or precast concrete, and steel, particularly against water. Pros: Effective long-term protection for high-flow drainage systems Cons: Difficult to install in remote areas due to material logistics

Surface Water Flow Diversion & Deceleration Description: Slow water flow by extending drainage route and converting straight paths into S-shapes, reducing erosion risk. Examples: Silt fencing, berm construction, check dams. Pros: Effective long-term solution for surface flow deceleration Cons: Silt fence installation on steep slopes is labor-intensive

Soil Containment & Water Filtration Description: Allow water to pass through at varying rates while collecting soils and other ground cover. Examples: Straw wattles, silt fence, geotextiles, rock, specialty products like “multi-flow”. Pros: Economical solution for soil containment Cons: Natural products like straw wattles deteriorate over time

Vegetation Establishment Description: Secure soil in place using native plant root structures, including trees, grasses, and other plants. Seeding can be done using methods like hydroseeding, broadcast seeding, and seed drilling. Pros: Revegetation provides a long-term solution without man-made products Cons: Seasonal plant life cycle in Alberta is short, limiting the time frame for using this technique

 

The cost of an erosion control project can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of erosion control method, project size and complexity, site location, materials, labor, and local regulations. Here is a detailed breakdown of these factors and their impact on project costs:

1. Erosion control method: Different erosion control techniques have varying costs. For instance, installing surface protection textiles like coco matting may be less expensive than ground cover armoring with rock or concrete. Vegetation establishment might have lower material costs but may require more maintenance over time.
2. Project size and complexity: Larger projects covering more area or involving multiple erosion control measures will typically have higher costs. Additionally, complex projects with challenging terrain, steep slopes, or difficult access may require specialized equipment and expertise, increasing the overall cost.
3. Site location: Remote or hard-to-reach locations can result in higher transportation and labor costs for materials and workers. Also, regional differences in material and labor costs can affect the overall project cost.
4. Materials: The choice of materials can greatly impact the cost of an erosion control project. Biodegradable materials like straw wattles or coco matting may be less expensive than synthetic materials like geotextiles. However, the longevity and effectiveness of the materials should also be considered when comparing costs.
5. Labor: The cost of labor for installing and maintaining erosion control measures can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the local labor market. Projects requiring specialized skills or certifications may have higher labor costs.
6. Local regulations and permitting: Depending on the region, erosion control projects may require permits, inspections, or compliance with local regulations. These requirements can add to the overall project cost.

Given the range of factors influencing the cost of an erosion control project, it is difficult to provide a specific price range. However, the cost can range from a few thousand dollars for small-scale projects to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more for large-scale, complex projects.

It is essential to consult with erosion control professionals, gather multiple quotes, and consider the long-term effectiveness and maintenance costs when estimating the total cost of an erosion control project.