Erosion & Sedimentation

Definition

Erosion is the effect of the removal of soil and rock by natural processes including wind and water. Erosion is most likely to occur in non-vegetated areas like agricultural land, timbered land, mined land, and construction sites. Eroded sediment that has washed into streams is the most common pollutant in Ohio.¹

Why it’s a problem

Erosion introduces high volumes of sediment into a stream, which can lead to sedimentation in streams. When particles settle in the stream, they can have smothering effects on stream life. Sediment that is suspended, rather than settled, in the stream has similarly negative effects on stream life by raising turbidity, which prevents light from passing through the water.¹

Planned Actions

Action in Ohio being planned and implemented according to Watershed Action Plans found at ODNR’s action plan website:²

• Using economic mechanisms to affect change in the percent of land used for agriculture in the watershed
• Providing economic incentives to promote erosion-reducing planting by farmers
• Cover crop planting
• Stabilizing stream banks with ditch design, bio-engineering, re-sloping of stream banks
• Wetland or retention pond installation/management to facilitate settling of sediment
• Regulation of construction sites and their wastewater systems
• Prescribed grazing
• Education of land owners and farmers about erosion’s effects, preventive measures, and best management practices
• Preservation of natural areas

1. Guide to Ohio’s Streams. Ed. Randall E. Sanders. Stream Chapter of the Ohio Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, 2001.
2. ODNR’s action plan website. http://www2.dnr.state.oh.us/website/dswr/Watershed%20Action%20Plans/.