What should be done before upslope land disturbance takes place?

Before any upslope land disturbance occurs, establishing perimeter controls is essential. This is because perimeter controls serve as a first line of defense against sediment runoff and erosion resulting from the land disturbance activities. These controls help to prevent sediment from entering nearby water bodies or adversely impacting the quality of the surrounding environment.

Having perimeter controls in place ensures that any runoff from the disturbed area is effectively managed and contained. These measures can include silt fences, sediment traps, or other physical barriers positioned to intercept sediment-laden water before it leaves the construction site. This proactive approach mitigates potential environmental damage, satisfying regulatory requirements and safeguarding both water quality and local ecosystems.

While site clearing, surveying, and securing permits are all important steps in the overall land disturbance process, they do not address the immediate concern of preventing sedimentation effectively like perimeter controls do prior to initiating any land disturbance. Thus, implementing perimeter controls is crucial before any land disturbance begins.