Erosion Control

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Breadcrumb: Erosion Control

Source: Erosion Control ↗ Last modified: Fri, 17 Apr 2026 19:59:25 GMT

What is erosion control?

Erosion control is an important part of any construction project. Sediments from disturbed soils can move onto neighboring properties and streets and into sewer systems and other bodies of water. Excessive sediment is a pollutant and damages the functions of both sewer systems and natural watersheds.

It is important for maintaining water quality and nutrients in the soil. It is also important for protecting nearby streams and the fish and wildlife that inhabit them.

Why is erosion control required?

The Federal Clean Water Act requires state and local governments to minimize the potential for soil discharges and runoff to pollute nearby waters. Oregon law prohibits the discharge or placement of wastes into waters of the state and the discharge of waste that causes violations of water quality standards.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality grants the City of Portland a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The City must comply with all conditions of this permit. The permit requires the City to implement a program to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff from construction activity.

As part of this responsibility, the City establishes requirements for construction managers to submit erosion prevention and control site plans and to implement and maintain effective erosion and sediment control practices through Portland City Code Title 10: Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations ↗.