Why is it Important and What Do We Do?
- Soil erosion and the resulting sediment deposition have a direct affect on our community.
- Sediment that is tracked or carried by stormwater runoff into the drainage system is considered a pollutant.
- It has a significant impact on water quality and the integrity of our streams and lakes.
- Cumulatively, these impacts can result in large public costs like millions of dollars spent on dredging operations.
- The correction and cleanup of other erosion problems, like mud in the streets and plugged storm drains, also cost time and money.
- Aesthetics, convenience, and safety play a role as the public comes in contact with mud in the streets.
- Localized flooding may occur due to plugged storm drains, or other effects of sedimentation.
- Keeping your site clean makes it more sellable.
The City of Lincoln Public Works and Utilities Department, Watershed Management Division and the Lower Platte South NRD enforce the City's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit requirements. This includes the review and approval of erosion and sediment control plans for sites where one (1) acre or more of ground is disturbed. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans must be submitted to the Lower Platte South NRD for review and approval prior to construction. Erosion and sediment control measures for disturbed areas one (1) acre or larger must be maintained even as individual lots within the overall permitted area are sold.
Keep Mud Out of Your Streets... It's the Law
City of Lincoln has ordinances, 26.31.030 Penalty, and 26.31.040 
Sediment in Public Right-Of-Way; Notice to Remove; Penalty; that require any sediment in the public right-of-way to be removed or cleaned up in a timely manner.. Of course, prevention is the best way to keep our streets clean.
Examples of Soil Erosion
Use Best Management Practices to Limit Erosion and Sediment
 Properly located and installed silt fences can greatly reduce the amount of sediment that leaves a construction site. |
 Combinations of BMPs can be very effective. |
 Early prevention, like quickly establishing ground cover, is vital. |
 Areas reserved for future construction activities should be protected as well. |
 Innovative means and measures can keep soils on-site and provide protection for facilities. |
 Ground covers can slow the flow of water reducing erosion and allowing sediment to settle out. |
 |
 Sometimes the best BMP is just cleaning it up yourself! |
For Questions and Assistance
Please contact: Watershed Management at 441-4957
