Behind the Curb: A Comparison of Back-of-curb Sediment Control Practices

Runoff and tracking from disturbed individual lots are major focuses of many inspectors. Back of curb sediment control practices may include best management practices, such as silt fence, logs or wattles, and curb cutbacks. This presentation will compare these practices and look at how these practices work in the field. The comparison will lead to recommendations about when a certain practice may be more advantageous or practical.

Full Abstract: Runoff and tracking from disturbed individual residential and commercial lots present significant environmental challenges and are key concerns for regulatory inspectors. Effective sediment control practices are critical in mitigating these impacts, particularly in urban and suburban development areas. This presentation focuses on back-of-curb sediment control measures, examining a range of best management practices (BMPs) including silt fences, logs or wattles, vegetated buffers, and curb cutbacks. By comparing the effectiveness, practicality, and situational suitability of these methods, the presentation aims to provide comprehensive recommendations for their optimal application.

While no single back-of-curb practice may be universally superior, situationally one practice may be preferable over another. For example, silt fence may be preferred for short-term use as a sediment barrier, while also acting as a construction boundary to keep equipment out of certain areas. Logs and wattles similarly will be used in short-term situations, and since they are easily moveable, they may be placed in areas, so that they can be moved to allow for equipment or material access and replaced afterwards. A curb cutback may be ideal when coordination with the installation of infrastructure is feasible, such as in a residential development after streets and curbs are installed and before house construction begins. The curb cutback is also ideal when a sediment barrier is needed for a longer period of time as it will not deteriorate, which greatly reduces waste.

In conclusion, the presentation underscores the importance of selecting appropriate BMPs based on site-specific factors and project requirements. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each sediment control practice, inspectors and construction managers can make informed decisions to effectively manage runoff and tracking from disturbed lots, thereby reducing environmental impacts and ensuring regulatory compliance.