Since March 1, 2003, federal law has required that landowners of construction sites with one-acre or more of land disturbance obtain construction site storm water permit coverage to address erosion control and storm water management.

In Sumner, Davidson and Williamson Counties, every builder, developer or excavating contractor must have erosion control in place before obtaining a building or grading permit. Womble Erosion Control has the resources and expertise to meet and exceed these guidelines using the most modern and cost-effective techniques.

The erosion control plan details what practices will be used on the site (sediment ponds, tracking pads, silt fences, temporary seeding, mulching, etc.) The stormwater management plan includes practices such as wet detention basins, infiltration devices and areas, grass swales, vegetative buffers and manufactured devices.

Because every site is unique, erosion control and stormwater management plans must be customized for the site. Runoff from rainstorms and snowmelt picks up pollutants like sediment, oil and grease, nitrogen and phosphorus, and other chemicals and carries them into storm sewers or directly into waterbodies. Preventing contamination of stormwater is critically important or polluted runoff will be discharged - untreated- into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and drinking.

Most storm sewer systems do not provide significant treatment of the stormwater discharges they receive. Sediment can cloud water and make it difficult or impossible for aquatic plants to receive the sunlight they need to grow. Excess sediment also smothers aquatic habitat, clogs fish gills, and impedes navigation in our waterways, which can lead to expensive dredging.

The science and practice of erosion control has improved dramatically over the past years. The state of the art today means better protection at lower costs. While many techniques are well known by contractors, they may actually be more expensive and less effective. Modern methodologies mean greater savings, faster results, and more efficiency.

Because residential developments are often built by inexpereinced or careless contractors, or are faced with inadequate resources, erosion can have a serious impact on not only the short-term costs, but the long-term health of the property. While standards are important, they are only as good as their enforcement. And even with standards in place, they may not be up-to-date or effective in foreseeing long term health of a site.

When you use Womble, you can rest assured that your property or job site will be throughly and professionally reviewed by the erosion experts so you can focus on what you do best. If you are a property owner and are experiencing problems with erosion, we can consult with you on your options so you can help protect your investment, the environment, and avoid possible penalties.

Womble Erosion Control is located at 184-D Molly Walton Dr. in Hendersonville, open 8am-5pm Monday-Friday. For more information call 615-822-3944 or click here.