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Sitework & Earthworkaka: erosion and sediment controlaka: ESCaka: SWPPP

Erosion Control

In Plain English

Methods used on construction sites to prevent rain from washing loose soil into storm drains and waterways.

Definition

Measures implemented on a construction site to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation of waterways, storm drains, and adjacent properties. Erosion control includes both temporary measures (silt fences, sediment basins, hydroseeding) and permanent measures (seeding, sodding, bioswales, riprap). Most jurisdictions require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that documents erosion control measures.

Why It Matters in Bidding

Erosion control is a line item estimators frequently underprice or omit, yet regulators can halt a job and levy fines for noncompliance, exposing the GC to schedule and cost risk. Because measures must be installed before earthwork begins and maintained through closeout, the cost spans the full project duration rather than a single mobilization.

Example

An estimator reviewing the SWPPP on a 12-acre site adds line items for 4,000 linear feet of silt fence, a sediment basin, weekly inspections, and final hydroseeding, then carries an allowance for replacing fence damaged after heavy storms.

Related Terms

Silt FenceSediment ControlRiprapSwale

Related Tools & Templates

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

Frequently Asked Questions

They quantify temporary measures from the SWPPP and grading plan by unit, such as linear feet of silt fence or square yards of hydroseed, then add recurring costs for inspections, maintenance, and rain-event repairs across the project duration. Permanent stabilization like sod or riprap is taken off separately and often subbed out.
The general contractor typically holds responsibility as the permittee, even when a sitework sub installs and maintains the measures. Scope language should clearly assign who pulls permits, performs inspections, files reports, and bears the cost of fines, since regulatory liability stays with the GC during the active disturbance period.
Drawings often show only initial measures while the SWPPP requires ongoing maintenance, replacement, and inspection logging that span months. Subs may bid the installation but exclude maintenance, leaving the GC exposed. Reading the SWPPP narrative and noting maintenance duration prevents an underbid that erodes margin during a wet schedule.

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